JP2002306601A - Home medical apparatus maintenance and inspection system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate human judgment mistake by automating judgment on the existence/absence of necessity of replacing parts and the existence/absence of a defect in maintenance and inspection for an oxygen concentrator. SOLUTION: A machine number of the oxygen concentrator and the flow and oxygen concentration of the oxygen concentrator 1 measured by a blow meter 21 and concentration meter 22 are input as data to a terminal device 2. The data is transmitted from the terminal device 2 through a communication network 4 to a host computer 3. The host computer 3 determines normality/ defect of the oxygen concentrator 1 according to the data, and transmits the determination result through the communication network 4 to the terminal device 2. The terminal device 2 displays the received determination result on a display part. The terminal device 2 receives the state/performance data stored in operation by the oxygen concentrator 1 from the oxygen concentrator 1, determines normality/defect of the oxygen concentrator 1 according to the state/performance data, and displays the determination result on the display part.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a home medical equipment maintenance / inspection system for performing maintenance / inspection of home medical equipment provided to home patients undergoing treatment or medical treatment at home.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Home medical devices are sometimes provided to home patients who receive treatment or medical treatment at home. For example, an oxygen concentrator that delivers air containing a higher concentration of oxygen than the atmosphere to a tube or nasal mask attached to the patient's nose. Such home medical devices
Normally, since the device is installed and used at the patient's house, periodic maintenance and inspection is performed at the patient's house by a maintenance and inspection person who visits the patient's house.

[0003] Conventionally, maintenance and inspection of such home medical equipment is performed by a maintenance and inspection staff who disassemble and maintain the home medical equipment and bring their own experience and bring information on whether or not parts need to be replaced and whether or not there is a defect. This was done by making a decision based on the data on the oxygen concentrator.

[0004] For example, regarding an oxygen concentrator, a maintenance and inspection person has examined the necessity of replacing the filter and the necessity of overhaul by examining the usage time of the oxygen concentrator. Also, the presence or absence of a defect is determined by a maintenance shop inspector by examining the oxygen concentration, flow rate, and the like, and comparing the inspected values with normal values.

[0005]

As described above, in the conventional maintenance and inspection, there is a possibility that an error may occur in the judgment since a human judges whether or not the parts need to be replaced, whether or not there is a defect, and the like.

In addition, the conventional maintenance inspection requires a lot of time since human judgment is required. Thus, during this maintenance, the patient was unable to use the home medical device. However, for patients who need to continue using home medical devices, especially those who use oxygen concentrators,
It is not preferable that the unusable time becomes long. For this reason, it is necessary to shorten the time for maintenance and inspection as much as possible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to automate the determination of the necessity of component replacement and the presence or absence of a defect in maintenance and inspection of home medical equipment, and to make a judgment by a human. The goal is to eliminate mistakes.

Another object of the present invention is to reduce the time required for maintenance and inspection.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, a home medical equipment maintenance and inspection system according to the present invention is provided to a home patient who performs medical treatment or recuperation at home. A home medical device maintenance and inspection system that performs maintenance and inspection of home medical devices that sample and store status / performance data representing the state / performance data, wherein the status / performance data stored in the home medical device is read out from the home medical device. Performance data reading means, reference data storage means for storing reference data, which is compared with the state / performance data, and which is used as a reference for determining whether the home medical device is normal or defective, and the state read by the reading means. / Performance data is compared with the reference data stored in the reference data storage means, and based on the result of the comparison, It comprises a first determination means for determining a normal or defect of home medical equipment, and a display means for displaying a result of determination by the determination means.

The home medical device maintenance and inspection system according to the present invention comprises: first input means for inputting an identifier for uniquely identifying the home medical device provided to the home medical device; Defect data storage means for storing defect data indicating presence or absence of a defect in association with the identifier; and defect data corresponding to the identifier input by the first input means from the defect data storage means. It is preferable that the apparatus further comprises a defect data reading means for displaying on the display means.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A home medical equipment maintenance and inspection system for performing maintenance and inspection of an oxygen concentrator will be described below as an example of a home medical equipment.

1. Configuration of Home Medical Device Maintenance Inspection System FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a home medical device maintenance and inspection system according to the present invention.

In this home medical equipment maintenance / inspection system, a maintenance / inspection staff (sales clerk, support staff, etc.) visits a patient's home receiving home medical care, and sets n (n: n) installed in the patient's home. (Positive integer) for the maintenance and inspection of the oxygen concentrators ₁₁ to 1 _n .

The home medical equipment maintenance / inspection system includes a host computer (server) 3 connected to a communication network 4 and a maintenance / inspection staff, and is connected to the communication network 4 when communicating with the host computer 3.
(N is a positive integer) has a terminal device 2 ₁ to 2 _n of maintenance personnel to carry the flow meter 21 ₁ through 21 _n and densitometer (oximeter) and 22 ₁ through 22 _n.

The communication network 4 can be configured by a wired or wireless communication network, for example, a public telephone line network, a mobile communication network, the Internet, or the like.

The oxygen concentrators 1 ₁ to 1 _n (hereinafter collectively referred to as “oxygen concentrator 1”) contain air containing more oxygen than air (air) based on the principle of selective adsorption of nitrogen in air.
And is delivered to a tube or nasal mask attached to the patient. Therefore, oxygen concentrator 1
Is installed near each patient receiving home medical care (for example, near the bed of a patient at the patient's home). Each of these oxygen concentrators 1 is provided with a board (machine) number (machine number (machine number)) as a unique identifier in advance.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the oxygen concentrator 1. In the present embodiment, an oxygen concentrator of a type called a single tower type is shown.

The oxygen concentrator 1 includes an intake filter 10
0, switching valve 101, compressor 102, adsorption tower 1
03, flow path opening / closing valves 104, 105, surge tank 10
6, pressure regulating valve 107, filter 108, flow setting device 10
9 and a humidifier 110. In addition, oxygen concentrator 1
Is a temperature sensor that has a control device 11, an interface device 12, a storage device 18, a display device 19, and an input device 20, and detects / measures status / performance data indicating the status or performance of the oxygen concentrator 1 during operation. 13, a current sensor 14, a pressure sensor 15, a flow rate sensor 16, and an oxygen concentration sensor 17.

In the figure, the solid line indicates the flow of electric signals, and the dashed line indicates the flow of air (including compressed air and air containing high-concentration oxygen).

The compressor 102 operates under the control of the control device 11. By operating the compressor 102, the raw material air used for oxygen concentration is taken into the oxygen concentrator 1 from the outside of the oxygen concentrator 1 (that is, around the oxygen concentrator 1) via the intake filter 100. At the time of this air intake, the intake filter 100
The dust of the raw air is removed from the raw air.

The raw air taken in is supplied to the compressor 1
02 and is supplied to the adsorption tower 103 via the switching valve 101. By the compression by the compressor 102, the partial pressure of nitrogen of the raw material air supplied to the adsorption tower 103 is increased, and efficient adsorption / desorption of nitrogen is performed.

The switching valve 101 changes the flow of the raw air from the intake filter 100 to the compressor 102 side or the adsorption tower 103 side under the control of the control device 11. The switching of the switching valve 101 is repeated in a time-sharing manner, so that the adsorption (supply of high-pressure air) and the desorption regeneration (depressurized nitrogen desorption) in the adsorption tower 103 are repeated.

The adsorption tower 103 is filled with a nitrogen adsorbent, and the nitrogen contained in the compressed air from the compressor 102 is adsorbed by the adsorbent. Thereby, most of the air inside the adsorption tower 103 becomes oxygen, and this oxygen is
The gas is sent from the adsorption tower 103 to the surge tank 106 via the flow path opening / closing valve 104 and stored therein.

Thereafter, the adsorption tower 103 is operated by the compressor 1
The pressure is reduced by 02 and the nitrogen adsorbed by the adsorbent is exhausted to the outside via the switching valve 101 and the compressor 102. Thus, the adsorption tower 103 (adsorbent) is desorbed and regenerated (reduced pressure nitrogen).

The nitrogen adsorption by the supply of high-pressure air from the compressor 102 and the decompression nitrogen desorption by the compressor 102 are repeated in a time cycle.

The air stored in the surge tank 106 is
When the oxygen concentration reaches a certain level, it is supplied to the pressure regulating valve 107 via the flow path switching valve 105. The pressure regulating valve 107 is provided with air containing high-concentration oxygen (hereinafter, “high-concentration oxygen air”).
That. ) Is adjusted to a set constant pressure and applied to the filter 108. The adjustment pressure of the pressure control valve 107 is
It is set using an input device (operation panel, buttons, switches, dials, etc.) 20.

The filter 108 removes dust contained in the supplied high-concentration oxygen air. The flow rate of the high-concentration oxygen air that has passed through the filter 108 is adjusted by a flow rate setting device 109, and is supplied to a humidifier 110. The flow rate of the flow rate setting unit 109 is set via the input device 20 by a doctor, a nurse receiving instructions from the doctor, or the like. Humidifier 110
Adjusts the humidity of the high-concentration oxygen air, and sends the adjusted high-concentration oxygen air to the outside (for example, a tube to which a patient is attached, a nasal mask, or the like).

The temperature sensor 13 detects / measures the temperature of the compressor 102 (hereinafter referred to as “compressor temperature”), and supplies the measured temperature to the control device 11. As the compressor temperature, the internal temperature or the surface temperature of the compressor 102 is measured. The internal temperature and the surface temperature are almost the same.

The current sensor (ammeter) 14 is a current of the compressor 102 (hereinafter referred to as "compressor current").
Is detected / measured, and the value of the measured compressor current is supplied to the control device 11.

The pressure sensor 15 detects / measures the pressure inside the adsorption tower 103 (hereinafter, referred to as “adsorption tower pressure”).
The measured pressure is given to the control device 11.

The flow rate sensor 16 is constituted by, for example, a differential pressure type flow meter, detects / measures the flow rate of the high-concentration oxygen air flowing through the flow rate setting device 109, and controls the measured flow rate to the controller 1.
Give to 1.

The oxygen concentration sensor 17 detects / measures the oxygen concentration in the air from the pressure regulating valve 107 (that is, the air sent from the humidifier 110 to the outside), and supplies the measured oxygen concentration to the control device 11.

The control device 11 controls the switching valve 101, the compressor 102, the flow opening / closing valves 104 and 105, etc., and also controls the temperature sensor 13, the current sensor 14, the pressure sensor 15, the flow rate sensor 16, and the oxygen concentration sensor 17
To make these sensors sample the measurement data. The sampled measurement data is stored in the storage device 18 by the control device 11 and, in response to a transmission request from the terminal device 2, the interface device 1
2 to the terminal device 2.

The sampling is performed at regular time intervals (for example, every 12 hours (twice a day)) while the oxygen concentrator 1 is used.

The control device 11 has a timer (not shown) inside. The control device 11 measures the operating time (operating time) of the oxygen concentrator 1 using this timer, and stores the measured time in the storage device 18 as an integrated value obtained by adding the measured operating time to the past operating time. I do.

The storage device 18 stores the data shown in FIG. The “flow rate set value” shown in FIG.
This is the flow rate value of the high-concentration oxygen air sent from the air. This flow rate set value is set by the doctor or the like via the input device 20 as described above.

"Compressor temperature", "Compressor current", "Adsorption tower pressure", "Flow rate", and "Oxygen concentration"
Are data measured by the sensors 13 to 17 described above and stored by the control device 11. In these data, data for each sampling is stored in time series. For example, if maintenance and inspections are performed by the maintenance and inspection staff every six months, the data sampled during the six months since the last maintenance and inspection is chronologically (chronological order from the past to the present). It is remembered.

The “operating time after installation (integrated time)” (hereinafter referred to as “first operating time”) refers to the operation after the oxygen concentrator 1 is manufactured or after overhaul if the oxygen concentrator 1 is overhauled. This is an integrated value of time. This first operation time is reset to 0 when it is installed at the patient's house, and the subsequent operation times are accumulated. Therefore, when the same oxygen concentrator 1 is rented out by rental, the first operation time is reset to 0 each time the oxygen concentrator 1 is installed in each patient's house, and represents the operation time for each patient.

The “operating time after manufacturing (integrated time)” (hereinafter referred to as “second operating time”) is an integrated value of the operating time after the oxygen concentrator 1 was manufactured or after overhaul. It is. This second operating time, when manufactured,
Alternatively, it is reset to 0 when overhauled, and the subsequent operation time is accumulated.

The interface device 12 performs interface processing (communication protocol processing and the like) for communication with the terminal device 2.

There are various types of oxygen concentrators 1, and for example, the normal value of the adsorption tower pressure and the normal value of the compressor current differ depending on the type.

Returning to FIG. 1, at the time of maintenance and inspection of the oxygen concentrator 1, the person in charge of maintenance and inspection checks the flow meters 21 _{1 to} 21 _1.
n (hereinafter collectively referred to as “flow meter 21”) and concentration meter 2
2 _{1 to} 22 _n (hereinafter collectively referred to as “densitometer 22”) are used. The flow meter 21 measures the flow rate of the high-concentration oxygen air sent from the oxygen concentrator 1. Densitometer 22
Is for measuring the oxygen concentration of the high-concentration oxygen air sent from the oxygen concentrator 1.

The terminal devices 2 _{1 to} 2 _n (hereinafter collectively referred to as “terminal devices 2”) are computers (so-called notebook personal computers, etc.) used for maintenance and inspection of the oxygen concentrator 1 and information processing such as PDAs. Device.

The terminal device 2 stores the specification data for each of the table numbers of the oxygen concentrator 1 in its internal memory (semiconductor memory,
Hard disk). Fig. 4 shows the oxygen concentrator 1
The table shows the specification data for each instrument number.

The "basket number" is an identifier for uniquely identifying the oxygen concentrator 1 described above. "type"
Indicates each type of the plurality of types of oxygen concentrators 1 described above. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the oxygen concentrator of the vessel number 1 is the type T1, and the oxygen concentrator of the vessel number 2 is the type T2.

The "compressor temperature upper limit" is the allowable upper limit of the compressor temperature. If the compressor temperature measured by the temperature sensor 13 is equal to or higher than the upper limit, it is possible that the compressor 102 (or the temperature sensor 13) has some problem. The “compressor current upper limit value” is an allowable upper limit value of the compressor current. If the compressor current measured by the current sensor 14 is equal to or greater than this upper limit, the compressor 102
(Or the current sensor 14) may be defective.

"Adsorption tower pressure upper limit value / lower limit value" is the allowable upper limit value and allowable lower limit value of the adsorption tower pressure. When the pressure of the adsorption tower measured by the pressure sensor 15 is equal to or higher than the allowable upper limit or equal to or lower than the allowable lower limit, it is considered that the adsorption tower 103 (or the pressure sensor 15) has some problem.

The "flow rate upper limit value / lower limit value" is an allowable upper limit value and an allowable lower limit value of the flow rate of the high-concentration oxygen air. If the flow rate measured by the flow sensor 16 is equal to or higher than the allowable upper limit value or equal to or lower than the allowable lower limit value, the flow setting unit 109
(Or the flow sensor 16) or the like may have some problem.

"Oxygen concentration upper limit value / lower limit value" is an allowable upper limit value and an allowable lower limit value of the oxygen concentration of the high-concentration oxygen air. When the oxygen concentration measured by the oxygen concentration sensor 17 is equal to or higher than the allowable upper limit or equal to or lower than the allowable lower limit,
It is conceivable that the adsorption tower 103 (or the oxygen concentration sensor 17) has some problem.

The specification data held by each of the terminal devices 2 may be data relating to only the oxygen concentrator 1 in the range of each maintenance / inspection person carrying / carrying the terminal device 2, The specification data of all the oxygen concentrators 1 including the oxygen concentrator 1 and the oxygen concentrator 1 out of the assigned range may be used.

Returning to FIG. 1, the host computer 3
The data from the terminal device 2 is received, and based on the received data and the stored data stored therein, the oxygen concentrator 1
Is normal, defective, needs overhaul, needs to be replaced, etc. FIG. 5 shows the data held in the host computer 3 in a table format.

"Base number" and "type" shown in FIG.
Are the same as those shown in FIG. "Existence of exchange instructions"
Is data indicating whether the oxygen concentrator 1 needs to be replaced or not. This data is set to "None" as a default value, but is used for patients using oxygen concentrator 1.
If a defect is found / reported in the oxygen concentrator 1 by a family member, a maintenance / inspection person, a manufacturer, or the like, and the battery needs to be replaced, it is set to "Yes" by an administrator, an operator, or the like of the host computer 1. Although not shown in the figure, the detected / reported fault location may be stored together with the data of "whether there is an exchange instruction".

The "upper limit value / lower limit value of flow rate" and "upper limit value / lower limit value of oxygen concentration" have the same meaning as shown in FIG. However, the specific values may be different from those shown in FIG. The “overhaul time” is a time (time) serving as a reference for overhauling the oxygen concentrator 1. “Filter replacement time” is a time (time) that is a reference for replacing the filter. "Overhaul frequency"
This is the number of overhauls performed in the past, and is set to 0 as an initial value. When an overhaul is performed, the number is set by an operator or the like. "Second driving time"
Is the same as the second operation time shown in FIG. 2 described above. The second operation time is set to 0 as an initial value, and thereafter, the first operation time transmitted from the terminal device 2 is added (integrated) by the host computer 3 as described later. The second operation time is reset to 0 by an operator or the like during overhaul,
Thereafter, the first operation time transmitted from the terminal device 2 is added (integrated) by the host computer 3.

2. 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the processing flow of the home medical device maintenance / inspection system, and include the process by the terminal device 2 and the process by the host computer 3.

The processing by the terminal device 2 and the processing by the host computer 3 can be described by programs. In addition, these programs can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium (floppy disk, CD-ROM, hard disk, or the like).

The maintenance and inspection staff visits the patient's house where each oxygen concentrator 1 is installed on a regular basis (for example, once every six months), and carries the terminal device 2, the flow meter 21, and the concentration meter carried by the patient. The maintenance and inspection of the oxygen concentrator 1 is performed using 22.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 6, the maintenance and inspection staff operates the oxygen concentrator 1 in the visited patient's house for maintenance and inspection, and uses the flow meter 21 and the concentration meter 22 to operate the oxygen concentrator 1. The flow rate value and oxygen concentration value of the concentrated oxygen air of the oxygen concentrator 1 are measured (step S1).

Subsequently, the maintenance and inspection staff in charge of the oxygen concentrator 1
The device number, the measured flow rate value and the oxygen concentration value, the first operation time, and the flow rate set value set in the oxygen concentrator 1 are input to the portable terminal device 2 (step S).
2). The first operation time and the flow rate set value are read out from the storage device 18 by the maintenance and inspection staff operating the input device 20 (see FIG. 2), and those displayed on the display device 19 are input. .

The terminal device 2 transmits the input device number, flow rate value, oxygen concentration value, first operation time and flow rate set value to the host computer 3 via the communication network 4 (step S3).

The host computer 3 receives the table number, the flow rate value, the oxygen concentration value, the first operation time, and the flow rate set value. And the host computer 3
First, "existence of exchange instruction" (see FIG. 5) of the held data corresponding to the received device number is determined (step S).
4).

If "existence of exchange instruction" is present (YES in step S4), the host computer 3 issues an exchange instruction for the oxygen concentrator 1 and the reason for the exchange (for example, "a defect location is reported"). Is transmitted to the terminal device 2 (step S12). Then, the terminal device 2 displays the received exchange instruction of the oxygen concentrator 1 and the reason for the exchange on the display unit (step S12).

If "existence of exchange instruction" is not present (NO in step S4), the host computer 3 compares the received flow value with the "flow rate upper limit / lower limit value" of the retained data (step S4). S5). Since “flow rate upper limit value / lower limit value” is stored in percentage [%], the specific value is
It is determined by substituting the received flow rate set value into this percentage value.

[Lower flow rate limit] <[Received flow rate value] <
If it is not [flow rate upper limit] (N in step S5)
O), it is determined that the flow rate of the oxygen concentrator 1 is defective,
The host computer 3 transmits an exchange instruction of the oxygen concentrator 1 and an exchange reason (for example, “there is a problem in the flow rate value”) to the terminal device 2 (step S12). Then, the terminal device 2 displays the received exchange instruction of the oxygen concentrator 1 and the reason for the exchange on the display unit (step S12).

On the other hand, if [lower flow rate] <[received flow rate] <[upper flow rate] (YES in step S5), the flow rate of the oxygen concentrator 1 is determined to be normal. The host computer 3 receives the received oxygen concentration value,
The stored data is compared with “upper limit value / lower limit value of oxygen concentration” (step S6).

If [oxygen concentration lower limit value] <[received oxygen concentration value] <[oxygen concentration upper limit value] is not satisfied (step S
6; NO), it is determined that the oxygen concentration of the oxygen concentrator 1 is defective, and the host computer 3 sends an instruction to exchange the oxygen concentrator 1 and the reason for the exchange (for example, “there is a defect in the oxygen concentration”). (Step S12).
Then, the terminal device 2 displays the received exchange instruction of the oxygen concentrator 1 and the reason for the exchange on the display unit (Step S).
12).

On the other hand, when [oxygen concentration lower limit value] <[received oxygen concentration value] <[oxygen concentration upper limit value] (YES in step S6), it is determined that the oxygen concentration of oxygen concentrator 1 is normal. Next, the host computer 3 determines whether or not an overhaul is necessary based on the "overhaul time" and the "second operation time" of the retained data (step S7).

The determination as to whether or not overhaul is necessary is made by subtracting the second operation time from the overhaul time and comparing the subtracted value (difference) with 2000 hours. For example, if the overhaul time is 15000 hours, it is determined that overhaul is necessary if the difference between the 15000 hours and the second operation time is 2000 hours or less. The second operation time is determined by the terminal device 2
The value after the integration of the first operation time transmitted from is used. After receiving the first operation time from the terminal device 2, the host computer 3 performs a process of adding the received first operation time to the second operation time stored in the host computer 3.

If it is determined that overhaul is necessary (YES in step S7), the host computer 3
The exchange instruction of the oxygen concentrator 1 and the exchange reason (for example, "overhaul is necessary" etc.) are transmitted to the terminal device 2 (step S12). Then, the terminal device 2 displays the received exchange instruction of the oxygen concentrator 1 and the reason for the exchange on the display unit (step S12).

If the number of overhauls is limited, the "overhaul number" of the held data is also taken into consideration. For example, if the number of overhauls is limited to one, the number of overhauls is one,
If the difference is less than 2000 hours, overhaul cannot be performed, and the reason for replacement may be, for example, "need to replace a new oxygen concentrator".

If it is determined that there is no need for overhaul (NO in step S7), the host computer 3
Determines whether it is necessary to replace the filter based on the "filter replacement time" and "second operation time" of the held data (step S8).

The determination as to whether or not the filter needs to be replaced is made by comparing the filter replacement time with the second operation time. For example, if the filter replacement time is 8000 hours, it is determined that filter replacement is necessary when the 8000 hours is less than or equal to the second operation time. As the second operation time, the value after the integration of the first operation time transmitted from the terminal device 2 is used as described above.

When it is determined that the filter needs to be replaced (YES in step S8), the host computer 3
Replacement instruction and reason for replacement of filter 100 (108) (see FIG. 2)
Etc.) to the terminal device 2 (step S12). Then, the terminal device 2 displays the received filter replacement instruction and the replacement reason on the display unit (step S10).
In accordance with this display, the maintenance and inspection staff instructs filter 100
Exchange of (108) is performed (step S11).

On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no need to replace the filter (NO in step S8), the filter 100 (10
8), the host computer 3 transmits to the terminal device 2 that there is no abnormality in the oxygen concentrator 1 as a result of the inspection in steps S4 to S8, and the terminal device 2 has no abnormality. Is displayed on the display unit (step S9).

Turning to FIG. 7, if there is no abnormality as a result of the inspection by the host computer 3, the terminal device 2 executes the processing of step S13 following step S9.

That is, the maintenance person checks the terminal device 2 on the interface device 12 (see FIG. 2) of the oxygen concentrator 1.
And reads the flow rate, oxygen concentration, adsorption tower pressure, compressor temperature, and compressor current stored in the storage device 18 of the oxygen concentrator 1 into the terminal device 2 (step S13).

These data to be read are data accumulated from the last maintenance inspection to the current maintenance inspection. For example, when the maintenance and inspection are performed once every six months, the data to be read is data for the past six months. If each of these data is sampled twice a day, 6 months = 180
If it is a day, each data is 2 × 180 = 360 pieces.

Subsequently, the terminal device 2 displays the read data on its display unit (step S14). Next, the terminal device 2 makes a determination in steps S15 to S19. That is, first, the terminal device 2 compares each of the read flow rate values with the “flow rate upper limit value / lower limit value” of the specification data (see FIG. 4) held by the terminal device 2 (step S15).

As a result of the comparison, if there are three or more data that satisfy [read flow rate value] ≧ [flow rate upper limit value] or [read flow rate value] ≦ [flow rate lower limit value] (step S
15 or more), the terminal 2
Displays the replacement instruction of the oxygen concentrator 1 and the reason for replacement (for example, "there is a defect in the flow rate value") on the display unit (step S23).

On the other hand, in other cases (step S1)
5 and less than 3), and assuming that there is no defect, the terminal device 2
Next, each of the read oxygen concentration values is compared with the specification data “oxygen concentration upper limit value / lower limit value” (step S16).

As a result of the comparison, [read oxygen concentration value] ≧
[Oxygen concentration upper limit] or [Read oxygen concentration] ≤
If there is one or more pieces of data that satisfy [lower limit of oxygen concentration] (one or more pieces in step S16), it is determined that there is a problem, and the terminal device 2 issues a replacement instruction for the oxygen concentrator 1 and a reason for replacement (for example, Is displayed on the display unit (step S23).

On the other hand, in other cases (step S1
6), determining that there is no failure, the terminal device 2 next compares each of the read adsorption tower pressures with the specification data “adsorption tower pressure upper limit value / lower limit value” (step S17). .

As a result of the comparison, [read adsorption tower pressure] ≦
[Adsorption tower pressure lower limit] or [Read adsorption tower pressure]
If there are two or more data satisfying ≧ [upper limit of adsorption tower pressure] (two or more in step S17), it is determined that there is a problem, and the terminal device 2 issues a replacement instruction and a replacement reason for the oxygen concentrator 1 (for example, "There is a defect in the adsorption tower pressure" is displayed on the display section (step S23).

On the other hand, in other cases (step S1
7, less than two), and assuming that there is no defect, the terminal device 2
Next, each of the read compressor temperatures is compared with the "compressor temperature upper limit value" of the specification data (step S18).

As a result of the comparison, if there is one or more data that satisfies [read compressor temperature] ≧ [compressor temperature upper limit value] (one or more in step S18), the terminal device 2 determines that there is a defect and The replacement instruction of the oxygen concentrator 1 and the reason for replacement (for example, "the compressor temperature is defective") are displayed on the display unit (step S2).
3).

On the other hand, in other cases (step S1
Then, the terminal device 2 compares each of the read compressor currents with the “compressor current upper limit value” of the specification data (step S19).

As a result of the comparison, if there is one or more data that satisfies [read compressor current] ≧ [compressor current upper limit] (one or more in step S19), it is determined that there is a defect, and the terminal device 2 The replacement instruction of the oxygen concentrator 1 and the reason for replacement (for example, "the compressor current has a problem") are displayed on the display unit (step S2).
3).

On the other hand, in other cases (step S1
9 (0 at 9), the terminal device 2 displays "no abnormality" on the display unit, assuming that there is no problem in the oxygen concentrator 1 (step S20).

Subsequently, the terminal device 2 transmits "no abnormality" to the host computer 3 together with the device number of the oxygen concentrator 1 (step S21). Thereafter, the terminal device 2 creates a report and prints the created report from an externally connected printer (step S22). The report will be signed, stamped, etc. by maintenance personnel.

On the other hand, if the replacement instruction and the reason for replacement are displayed in step S23, the maintenance and inspection staff replaces the oxygen concentrator 1 (step S24) and performs a test operation of the replaced oxygen concentrator. (Step S25). Then, after the test operation, the maintenance and inspection staff uses the terminal device 2 to transmit the fact that the oxygen concentrator 1 has been replaced, the test operation result, and the like to the host computer 3 (step S21).
Thereafter, a report is created (step S22). FIG.
Similar processing is performed after the processing of step S12 in.

After the processing in step S11 in FIG. 6, the maintenance and inspection staff sends a message indicating that the filter has been replaced to the host computer 3 using the terminal device 2 (step S2).
1). Thereafter, a report is created (step S2).
2). Thereby, the maintenance and inspection processing ends.

As described above, according to the home medical device maintenance / inspection system according to the present embodiment, whether or not there is a defect in the home medical device (oxygen concentrator in the present embodiment), and replacement of parts (filter in the present embodiment). The presence or absence of overhaul and the timing of overhaul are determined by the host computer 3 or the terminal device 2.
Is done automatically by

Therefore, human judgment errors can be eliminated. Also, because it is processed by computer,
Maintenance and inspection can be performed quickly, and as a result, the time during which use of the home medical device is interrupted can be reduced.

3. Other Embodiments In the above-described embodiment, the home medical device maintenance and inspection system is configured by the terminal device 2 and the host computer 3 connected to the communication network 4. The maintenance and inspection system may be configured as one computer. In this case, the processing of the terminal device 2 and the processing of the host computer 3 described above are executed by one computer without performing communication via the communication network 4.

Further, steps S5 to S8, S shown in FIG.
The terminal device 2 can also execute all or a part of the processing of 10 and S12. In this case, of the data shown in FIG.
Data necessary for all or a part of S5 to S8) is held by the terminal device 2 or transmitted from the host computer 3 to the terminal device 2.

Further, steps S15 to S1 shown in FIG.
All or a part of the processing of Step 9
Can also be implemented. In this case, of the data shown in FIG. 4, the data necessary for the processing executed by the host computer 3 (all or part of steps S15 to S19) is held by the host computer 3 or the terminal device 2 To the host computer 3.

4. Appendix (Appendix 1) Home medical device maintenance that is provided to home patients who perform treatment or medical treatment at home and that samples and stores the status / performance data representing the status or performance at the time of operation and home medical device maintenance. An inspection system for reading status / performance data stored in the home medical device from the home medical device, and comparing the status / performance data with the status / performance data to determine whether the home medical device is normal or defective. Comparing the state / performance data read by the reading means with the reference data stored in the reference data storage means; First determining means for determining whether the home medical device is normal or defective based on the result; Home medical equipment maintenance and inspection systems and a display means for displaying.

(Supplementary Note 2) In the supplementary note 1, a first input means for inputting an identifier for uniquely identifying the home medical device provided to the home medical device; Defect data storage means for storing defect data indicating the following in association with the identifier;
A home medical device maintenance / inspection system, further comprising: malfunction data reading means for reading malfunction data corresponding to the identifier input by the first input means from the malfunction data storage means and displaying the malfunction data on the display means.

(Supplementary Note 3) In the supplementary note 1 or 2, the operating time indicating the operating time of the home medical device is measured and stored. Time storage means for storing one or both of the replacement times of the components requiring the operation, second input means for inputting the operation time, the operation time input by the second input means, and the time storage means. Second determining means for determining, based on the stored time, whether or not overhaul is necessary and whether or not the parts requiring replacement are required to be replaced, and displaying the determination result on the display means; And a home medical equipment maintenance and inspection system further comprising:

(Supplementary note 4) In any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 3, wherein the home medical device has a compressor for compressing air and an adsorption tower for adsorbing nitrogen in air, and has a higher oxygen concentration than air. An oxygen concentrator that generates high-pressure air, wherein the state / performance data includes: a temperature of the compressor, a current value supplied to the compressor, a pressure value in the adsorption tower, an air supply from the oxygen concentrator to the outside. A home medical device maintenance / inspection system including at least one of an oxygen concentration value of a gas to be supplied and a flow rate of the gas to be supplied.

(Supplementary Note 5) In the supplementary note 3 or 4, the home medical device is an oxygen concentrator having a filter for removing dust contained in air, and the component requiring replacement is the filter. Maintenance inspection system.

(Supplementary Note 6) In Supplementary Note 4 or 5, a concentration meter for measuring the concentration of oxygen contained in the gas sent from the oxygen concentrator to the outside and a flow meter for measuring the flow rate of the gas may be used. In addition, the reference data storage means includes:
The density value is compared with the density value measured by the densitometer, and is compared with the density reference data used as a criterion for judging whether the density value is normal or defective, and the flow rate value measured by the flow meter. Alternatively, flow rate reference data serving as a criterion for determining a defect is further stored, and the first determining means includes a density value measured by the density meter and a flow rate value measured by the flow meter, and the reference data storage means. Comparing the concentration reference data and the flow rate reference data stored in each of them, and determining whether the home medical device is normal or defective based on the result of the comparison.
Home medical equipment maintenance and inspection system.

(Supplementary Note 7) Home medical care that is provided to home patients who perform treatment or medical treatment at home and that at home operates and checks home medical equipment that samples and stores state / performance data indicating the state or performance during operation. A maintenance / inspection method for a device maintenance / inspection system, wherein status / performance data stored in the home medical device is read from the home medical device, and reference data serving as a criterion for determining whether the home medical device is normal or defective is stored. The reference data is read from the memory of the home medical device maintenance and inspection system, and the read state / performance data is compared with the reference data. Based on the comparison result, the home medical device Maintenance / inspection, judging normal or defective, and displaying the judgment result on display means of the home medical equipment maintenance shop system Method.

(Supplementary Note 8) A computer for maintenance and inspection of home medical equipment which is provided to a home patient who performs treatment or medical treatment at home, and which samples and stores state / performance data indicating a state or performance at the time of operation at the time of operation. A procedure for reading the state / performance data stored in the home medical device from the home medical device, and a reference data for determining whether the home medical device is normal or defective is stored in a memory of the computer. Reading the reference data, comparing the read state / performance data with the reference data, and determining whether the home medical device is normal or defective based on a result of the comparison; On the display means of the home medical equipment maintenance shop system.

(Supplementary Note 9) A measuring device connected to a home medical device provided to a home patient who performs treatment or medical treatment at home and measures status / performance data indicating the status or performance of the home medical device, and a communication network A home medical device maintenance and inspection system for maintaining and inspecting home medical devices, comprising: a terminal device connected to the communication network; and a host computer connected to the communication network, wherein the terminal device is measured by the measuring device. Input means for inputting state / performance data, and state / performance data input by the input means.
First transmitting means for transmitting performance data to the host computer via the communication network, first receiving means for receiving a result of the determination of normality or malfunction of the home medical device transmitted from the host computer, And a reference data storage means for storing reference data, which is compared with the status / performance data and serves as a reference for judging whether the home medical device is normal or faulty, and a status / status from the terminal device. Second receiving means for receiving performance data via the communication network; comparing the status / performance data received by the second receiving means with the reference data stored in the reference data storage means; Determining means for determining whether the home medical device is normal or defective based on a result of the comparison; Home medical equipment maintenance system comprising a second transmission means for transmitting the disconnection result to the terminal device via the communication network.

(Supplementary Note 10) A measuring device connected to a home medical device provided to a home patient who performs treatment or medical treatment at home and measures status / performance data indicating the status or performance of the home medical device, and a communication network A home medical device maintenance / inspection method for a home medical device maintenance / inspection system for maintaining and inspecting home medical devices, comprising: a terminal device connected to the terminal device; and a host computer connected to the communication network. Inputs status / performance data measured by the measuring device, which is input by an operator of the terminal device operating input means of the terminal device, and stores the input status / performance data in the communication network Normal or malfunction of the home medical device transmitted from the host computer via the host computer Receiving the result of the determination, the host computer stores in advance in the storage means of the host computer reference data which is compared with the status / performance data and serves as a reference for determining whether the home medical device is normal or defective. Receiving the status / performance data from the terminal device via the communication network, comparing the received status / performance data with the reference data stored in the storage unit, and based on a result of the comparison. hand,
A maintenance / inspection method for determining whether the home medical device is normal or defective, and transmitting the determination result to the terminal device via the communication network.

(Supplementary Note 11) A terminal device connected to a communication network and a host computer connected to the communication network, and perform maintenance and inspection of home medical devices provided to home patients who perform treatment or medical treatment at home. A home medical device maintenance / inspection system, wherein the terminal device is an input unit for inputting an identifier for uniquely identifying the home medical device, the input unit being provided in advance to the home medical device, and the terminal device being input by the input unit. First transmitting means for transmitting the identifier to the host computer via the communication network, and receiving defect data transmitted from the host computer and indicating the presence or absence of a defect in the home medical device corresponding to the identifier. First
And display means for displaying the defect data received by the first receiving means, wherein the host computer stores the defect data of the home medical device in association with the identifier. Storage means to
Second receiving means for receiving the identifier from the terminal device via the communication network, and reading the defect data corresponding to the identifier received by the second receiving means from the storage means; Second transmitting means for transmitting to the terminal device via a network;
Home medical equipment maintenance inspection system equipped with.

(Supplementary Note 12) A terminal device connected to a communication network, and a host computer connected to the communication network, for maintenance and inspection of home medical equipment provided to home patients who perform treatment or medical treatment at home. A maintenance and inspection method in a home medical device maintenance and inspection system, wherein the terminal device is provided in advance to the home medical device and is input by an operator of the terminal device operating input means of the terminal device. Inputting an identifier for uniquely identifying the home medical device, transmitting the input identifier to the host computer via the communication network, transmitting the home identifier corresponding to the identifier transmitted from the host computer. Receiving defect data indicating the presence or absence of a defect in the medical device, and Displaying on the display means of the terminal device, the host computer previously stores the defect data of the home medical device in the storage means of the host computer in association with the identifier,
Receiving the identifier from the terminal device via the communication network, reading the defect data corresponding to the received identifier from the storage means, and transmitting the data to the terminal device via the communication network; Method.

[0108]

According to the present invention, it is possible to eliminate human error in determining whether or not parts need to be replaced during maintenance and inspection of home medical contractors, and whether or not there is a defect. Further, the time for maintenance and inspection can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a home medical equipment maintenance / inspection system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the oxygen concentrator.

FIG. 3 is a table showing data stored in a storage device of the oxygen concentrator.

FIG. 4 is a table showing specification data of each oxygen concentrator by a base number;

FIG. 5 shows data held by a host computer in a table format.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the home medical device maintenance / inspection system.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of the home medical device maintenance / inspection system.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 oxygen concentrator 2 ₁ to 2 _n terminal device 3 host computer 4 communications network 21 ₁ through 21 _n flowmeter 22 ₁ through 22 _n oximeter

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A home medical device maintenance system that provides home patients performing medical treatment or medical treatment at home and, at the time of operation, performs maintenance and inspection of a home medical device that samples and stores state / performance data indicating a state or performance at the time of operation. An inspection system for reading status / performance data stored in the home medical device from the home medical device, and comparing the status / performance data with the status / performance data to determine whether the home medical device is normal or defective. Comparing the state / performance data read by the reading means with the reference data stored in the reference data storage means; A first determining means for determining whether the home medical device is normal or defective based on the result; A home medical device maintenance / inspection system comprising a display means for displaying. 2. The home medical device according to claim 1, further comprising: first input means for inputting an identifier for uniquely identifying the home medical device, the first input means being provided to the home medical device; Defect data storage means for storing the defect data indicated in association with the identifier;
Defect data reading means for reading defect data corresponding to the identifier input by the input means from the defect data storage means and displaying the defect data on the display means;
A home medical equipment maintenance and inspection system further comprising a.