JP2024046460A - Electronic clinical thermometer, thermometry method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an electronic clinical thermometer, a thermometry method, and a program that improve usefulness of a technique for measuring body temperature using an electronic clinical thermometer.SOLUTION: An electronic clinical thermometer comprises a temperature measuring unit, an output unit, and a control unit. The control unit determines whether or not a sheath is attached to the electronic clinical thermometer, and the temperature measuring unit measures temperature, and generates at least one of a sheath attached body temperature or a sheath non-attached body temperature, on the basis of the measured temperature. In the electronic clinical thermometer, the output unit outputs the sheath attached body temperature if the sheath is determined to be attached to the electronic clinical thermometer, but the output unit outputs the sheath non-attached body temperature if the sheath is determined to be not attached to the electronic clinical thermometer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present disclosure relates to an electronic thermometer, a temperature measuring method, and a program.

From the perspective of infection prevention, when taking a temperature in the mouth or rectum, a replaceable sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sheath for an electronic thermometer.

Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 3-52637

However, the degree of heat transfer from the subject to the electronic thermometer varies depending on whether or not a sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer, so it may be difficult to accurately measure body temperature with some electronic thermometers equipped with a sheath. There was a case. Therefore, there is a need to make the electronic thermometer compatible with both when the sheath is attached and when the sheath is not attached, and to improve the usefulness of the technology of measuring body temperature with the electronic thermometer.

In light of these circumstances, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an electronic thermometer, a temperature measurement method, and a program that improve the usefulness of the technology for measuring body temperature using an electronic thermometer.

[1] An electronic thermometer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a temperature measurement section, an output section, and a control section, and the control section includes a sheath attached to the electronic thermometer. determining whether or not the sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer, measuring the temperature by the temperature measurement unit, generating at least one of body temperature with sheath attached or body temperature without sheath attached based on the measured temperature, and determining whether the sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer. If it is determined that the electronic thermometer is attached, the output unit outputs the body temperature with the sheath attached, and if it is determined that the sheath is not attached to the electronic thermometer, the output unit outputs the body temperature with the sheath attached. It is configured to output body temperature.

[2] An electronic thermometer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the electronic thermometer described in [1] above, further comprising a detection unit, and the control unit is preferably configured to determine whether or not the sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer by detecting the sheath attached to the electronic thermometer using the detection unit.

[3] An electronic thermometer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the electronic thermometer described in [2] above, in which the detection unit includes a light-emitting element configured to emit light rays, and a light-receiving element configured to receive light of the light rays reflected by the sheath, and the control unit is preferably configured to determine that the sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer when a predetermined amount or more of the reflected light is received by the light-receiving element.

[4] The electronic thermometer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the electronic thermometer described in [2] above, in which the detection section includes a transmitting element configured to transmit a transmission wave, and a transmitting element configured to transmit a transmission wave. The controller includes a receiving element configured to receive a reflected wave reflected by the sheath, and when the receiving element receives a predetermined amount or more of the reflected wave, the control unit causes the electronic thermometer to receive the reflected wave from the sheath. Preferably, the device is configured to determine that the device is worn.

[5] An electronic thermometer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the electronic thermometer described in [2] above, wherein the sheath includes a magnetic material, the detection unit includes a magnetic sensor, and the control unit is preferably configured to determine that the sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer when the magnetic sensor detects a magnetic field of a predetermined strength or greater.

[6] The electronic thermometer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the electronic thermometer according to [5] above, in which the control unit is configured to control the intensity of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor from a first threshold range. If it comes off, the electronic thermometer is activated, and if the intensity of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor is within a second threshold range, it is determined that the sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer. It is preferable that

[7] An electronic thermometer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the electronic thermometer described in any one of [1] to [6] above, further comprising an input unit, and the control unit is preferably configured to determine whether the sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer by receiving an input operation indicating whether the sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer via the input unit.

[8] A temperature measurement method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a temperature measurement method performed by an electronic thermometer, including a temperature measurement section, an output section, and a control section, wherein the control section controls the temperature measurement method of the electronic thermometer. determining whether or not a sheath is attached to the body; measuring the temperature by the temperature measuring section; and determining, based on the measured temperature, the body temperature with the sheath attached or without the sheath attached, by the control section. generating at least one of body temperature; and if it is determined that the sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer, the output unit outputs the body temperature with the sheath attached; and the sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer. If it is determined that the sheath is not attached, the output unit outputs the body temperature without the sheath attached.

[9] The program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a temperature measuring section, an output section, and a control section, and the control section determines whether or not a sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer. measuring the temperature by the temperature measuring section; and generating at least one of a body temperature with a sheath attached or a body temperature without a sheath based on the measured temperature by the control section. and when it is determined that the sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer, the output unit outputs the body temperature with the sheath attached, and when it is determined that the sheath is not attached to the electronic thermometer. In this case, the output unit performs an operation including outputting the body temperature without the sheath attached.

The present disclosure provides an electronic thermometer, a temperature measurement method, and a program that improve the usefulness of the technology for measuring body temperature using an electronic thermometer.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an electronic thermometer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the electronic thermometer illustrated in FIG. 1 . 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electronic thermometer shown in FIG. 1 . 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display on the display of the electronic thermometer shown in FIG. 1 .

The electronic thermometer 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals. However, please note that the drawings are schematic and the ratios of dimensions may differ from the actual ones.

With reference to FIG. 1, an overview of an electronic thermometer 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view when a sheath 8 is attached to an electronic thermometer 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic thermometer 1 is composed of a main housing 2, a base housing 3, and an end cap 4. A display 5 and a sensor 6 are provided on one side (surface) of the main housing 2. In addition, a button 7 is provided on one side (surface) of the base housing 3.

The main body housing 2 covers the internal structure of the electronic thermometer 1. The main body housing 2 may be made of a thermoplastic resin having impact resistance, such as butylene/styrene resin, for example. The main body housing 2 is provided with a proximal housing 3 at the proximal end in the longitudinal direction of the main body housing 2, and an end cap 4 at the distal end.

The base housing 3, together with the main housing 2, covers the internal structure of the electronic thermometer 1. The base housing 3 seals the opening on the base side of the main housing 2. The base housing 3 may be made of an impact-resistant thermoplastic resin, such as high-impact polystyrene resin. The base housing 3 is attached to the main housing 2 by ultrasonic fusion or adhesive. However, the base housing 3 may also be attached to the main housing 2 by fastening members such as bolts or screws.

The end cap 4 is placed on the area of the subject's body to be measured when taking the temperature. The area of the subject's body to be measured may be, for example, the armpit, inside the mouth, or the rectum, but is not limited to these. The end cap 4 may be made of a metal material such as stainless steel so that the body heat of the subject can be easily conducted.

The display 5 displays information such as the measured body temperature. The sensor 6 detects the sheath 8 attached to the electronic thermometer 1. In the illustrated example, the sensor 6 is arranged on the main body housing 2 so as to be exposed from the outer surface of the main body housing 2, but it does not have to be exposed from the outer surface of the main body housing 2. The button 7 is used to turn the electronic thermometer 1 on and off, etc.

However, the shape and configuration of the electronic thermometer 1 are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, the electronic thermometer 1 may be configured so that the internal structure of the electronic thermometer 1 is covered by a front side housing and a back side housing that face each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electronic thermometer 1. Also, while FIG. 1 shows one each of a display 5, a sensor 6, and a button 7, the electronic thermometer 1 may have any number of displays 5, sensors 6, and buttons 7, or may not have a display 5, a sensor 6, or a button 7.

The sheath 8 is a bag-shaped member that is attached to the electronic thermometer 1. The sheath 8 may be attached to the electronic thermometer 1, for example, when the electronic thermometer 1 measures the temperature of the subject's mouth or rectum. The sheath 8 may be attached to and removed from the electronic thermometer 1 every time the temperature of the person to be measured is measured. The sheath 8 may be made of synthetic resin such as polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride. In this embodiment, the sheath 8 has a longitudinal shape with a closed distal end and an open proximal end so that the entire electronic thermometer 1 can be received from the proximal end side. However, the sheath 8 is not limited to the illustrated example, and may have any shape capable of covering at least the end cap 4 and sensor 6 of the electronic thermometer 1.

Furthermore, the sheath 8 may contain a magnetic material. More specifically, the magnetic material may be magnetic powder such as iron sand scattered throughout the sheath 8. Alternatively, the magnetic material may be a magnet attached to the sheath 8 at a position where it can be close to the sensor 6 when the sheath 8 is attached to the electronic thermometer 1. However, the sheath 8 does not have to contain a magnetic material.

Next, the configuration of the electronic thermometer 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram that shows a schematic configuration of the electronic thermometer 1 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic thermometer 1 includes a temperature measurement unit 11, a communication unit 12, a display unit 13, an output unit 14, a detection unit 15, an input unit 16, a power supply unit 17, a memory unit 18, and a control unit 19. In the electronic thermometer 1, the temperature measurement unit 11, the communication unit 12, the display unit 13, the output unit 14, the detection unit 15, the input unit 16, the power supply unit 17, the memory unit 18, and the control unit 19 are connected to each other via wire or wirelessly so as to be able to communicate with each other.

The temperature measurement unit 11 includes one or more temperature sensors. In this embodiment, the temperature measurement unit 11 is disposed near the end cap 4 and configured to measure the temperature of the end cap 4. However, the temperature measurement unit 11 may have a configuration similar to that of a temperature measurement unit in a known electronic thermometer.

Communication unit 12 includes one or more communication modules. The communication module is, for example, a wireless communication module compatible with communication standards such as wireless LAN (local area network), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (near field communication), or short-range wireless communication standards such as infrared communication. Good too. Alternatively, the communication module may be a wireless communication module compatible with mobile communication standards such as 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation). The communication unit 12 may include a wired communication module such as a wired LAN communication module instead of/in addition to the wireless communication module.

Display unit 13 includes one or more display devices. The display unit 13 displays information in the form of images, text, or the like. The display device is, for example, a display. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the display unit 13 may be the display 5.

The communication section 12 and the display section 13 are also collectively referred to as the output section 14 from the viewpoint of outputting information. That is, in the present disclosure, outputting information via the output unit 14 may include transmitting information via the communication unit 12 and displaying the information via the display unit 13.

The detection unit 15 includes one or more sensors. The sensors are configured to detect the sheath 8 attached to the electronic thermometer 1.

For example, the detection unit 15 may include a sensor configured to detect the sheath 8 attached to the electronic thermometer 1 using light rays. Specifically, the detection unit 15 may include a light-emitting element configured to emit light rays, and a light-receiving element configured to receive light reflected by the sheath 8 from the emitted light rays. The light rays may be, for example, infrared rays, but are not limited to this.

For example, the detection unit 15 may include a sensor configured to detect the sheath 8 attached to the electronic thermometer 1 using elastic waves. Specifically, the detection unit 15 may include a transmitting element configured to transmit a transmission wave, and a receiving element configured to receive a reflected wave of the transmission wave reflected by the sheath 8. The elastic wave may be, for example, an ultrasonic wave, but is not limited to this.

Alternatively, when the sheath 8 includes a magnetic material, the detection unit 15 may include a sensor configured to detect the sheath 8 attached to the electronic thermometer 1 based on changes in the magnetic field caused by the magnetic material. . Specifically, the detection unit 15 may include a magnetic sensor such as a Hall sensor or an MR sensor.

However, the detection unit 15 is not limited to the example described above, and may include any sensor configured to detect the sheath 8 attached to the electronic thermometer 1. In addition to the sheath 8, the detection unit 15 may be configured to be able to detect something other than the sheath 9, such as a case housing the electronic thermometer 1, for example. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the sensor 6 may be sufficient as the detection part 15.

The input unit 16 includes one or more input devices. The input devices included in the input unit 16 are, for example, a button, a touch panel, a camera, and a microphone. The input unit 16 accepts input operations by a user of the electronic thermometer 1. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the input unit 16 may be a button 7. The display unit 13 and the input unit 16 may be formed as an integrated unit, for example, a touch panel.

The power supply section 17 supplies electric power used to operate the electronic thermometer 1. The power supply unit 17 is, for example, a storage battery, a button battery, a coin battery, a dry battery, or the like. However, the power supply unit 17 may be configured to include an adapter or the like for receiving power supply from an external power supply, and to receive power supply from the external power supply.

The memory unit 18 is, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, or an optical memory. The memory unit 18 functions, for example, as a main memory device, an auxiliary memory device, or a cache memory. The memory unit 18 stores any information used in the operation of the electronic thermometer 1. For example, the memory unit 18 stores a system program, an application program, embedded software, a database, or the like. The information stored in the memory unit 18 may be updatable, for example, with information obtained via the communication unit 12.

The storage unit 18 stores, for example, one or more body temperature prediction algorithms. The body temperature prediction algorithm is an algorithm for predicting the body temperature (equilibrium temperature) of the subject based on the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 11. In this embodiment, the body temperature prediction algorithm includes a body temperature prediction algorithm with a sheath attached, which is used to predict the body temperature of the subject with the sheath 8 attached to the electronic thermometer 1, and a body temperature prediction algorithm with a sheath attached, which is used to predict the body temperature of the subject with the sheath 8 attached to the electronic thermometer 1. A body temperature prediction algorithm with a sheath attached is included, which is used to predict the body temperature of the subject in a state where the sheath is not attached. The body temperature prediction algorithm with a sheath attached is based on the body temperature prediction algorithm without a sheath attached, and the presence of the sheath 8 between the subject's temperature area and the end cap 4 allows the body temperature to be measured from the subject to the temperature measurement unit 11. Modifications may be made to take into account that heat transfer is hindered. The parameters of the body temperature prediction algorithm with a sheath attached may be tuned depending on the material, thickness, etc. of the sheath 8 to which the electronic thermometer 1 is attached. Thereby, it is possible to improve the accuracy of predicting the body temperature of the person with the sheath 8 attached to the electronic thermometer 1.

The body temperature prediction algorithm may be set using statistical methods such as machine learning or deep learning. For example, the body temperature prediction algorithm may be set by a statistical method based on past measurement data by one or more temperature measurement units 11 and the actual body temperature of the subject. Thereby, the accuracy of predicting the body temperature of the person to be measured can be improved by accumulating measurement data. However, the body temperature prediction algorithm may be expressed by a predetermined relational expression that is not based on a statistical method.

Control unit 19 includes one or more processors. The processor may be, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. The control unit 19 is not limited to a processor, and may include one or more dedicated circuits. The dedicated circuit may be, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 19 includes the functions of the above-described components such as the temperature measurement unit 11, the communication unit 12, the display unit 13, the output unit 14, the detection unit 15, the input unit 16, the power supply unit 17, and the storage unit 18. In order to realize the functions of the electronic thermometer 1, each component is controlled.

Next, the operation of the electronic thermometer 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electronic thermometer 1. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing information displayed on the display 5 of the electronic thermometer 1. This operation corresponds to the temperature measurement method executed by the electronic thermometer 1 according to this embodiment.

In the description of this operation, the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 stores in the storage unit 18, as one or more body temperature prediction algorithms, a body temperature prediction algorithm with a sheath attached and a body temperature prediction algorithm without a sheath attached. shall be taken as a thing.

As shown in FIG. 3, in step S101, the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 activates the electronic thermometer 1.

Any method can be used to start the electronic thermometer 1. For example, starting the electronic thermometer 1 may be changing the operation mode of the electronic thermometer 1 from the power off mode to the power on mode. The control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 accepts an input operation to start the electronic thermometer 1 via the input unit 16. The input operation to start the electronic thermometer 1 may be pressing and holding the button 7 of the input unit 16 for one second or more when the electronic thermometer 1 is in the power off mode. When the control unit 19 accepts an input operation to start the electronic thermometer 1, the control unit 19 may control the power supply unit 17 to change the operation mode of the electronic thermometer 1 from the power off mode to the power on mode, thereby starting the electronic thermometer 1. Also, for example, when the control unit 19 detects that the electronic thermometer 1 has been taken out of the case by the detection unit 15, the control unit 19 may control the power supply unit 17 to start the electronic thermometer 1. For example, if the detection unit 15 is equipped with a magnetic sensor, the control unit 19 can determine whether the electronic thermometer 1 has been removed from the case based on the change in the strength of the magnetic field caused by a magnet provided in the case, detected by the detection unit 15.

In step S102, the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 determines whether or not to start the temperature measurement process.

Any method can be used to determine whether or not to start the temperature measurement process. For example, the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 uses the temperature measurement unit 11 to measure the temperature at predetermined sampling intervals (for example, at 0.5 second intervals). If the measured temperature satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit 19 may determine that the end cap 4 has been placed at the temperature measurement site of the subject, and may determine to start the temperature measurement process. For example, the predetermined conditions include that the measured temperature is at least a predetermined value (e.g., 30°C), and the temperature increase rate of the measured temperature is at least a predetermined value (e.g., 0.03°C/0.5 seconds). The condition may be that However, the predetermined conditions are not limited to this, and may be arbitrarily determined.

If the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 determines not to start the temperature measurement process in step S102 (step S102-NO), it may repeat the process of step S102.

When the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 determines to start the temperature measurement process in step S102 (step S102-YES), the process proceeds to step S103 and starts the temperature measurement process.

In steps S103 and S104, the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 determines whether or not the sheath 8 is attached to the electronic thermometer 1.

Specifically, in step S103, the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 determines whether the sheath 8 is attached to the electronic thermometer 1 by using the detection unit 15 to detect the sheath 8 attached to the electronic thermometer 1. Determine whether

Any method can be used to determine whether the sheath 8 is attached using the detection unit 15. As an example, when the detection unit 15 includes a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element as described above, the control unit 19 may determine that the sheath 8 is attached to the electronic thermometer 1 when the light-emitting element emits light (infrared rays in this embodiment) and the light-receiving element receives a predetermined amount or more of reflected light. As another example, when the detection unit 15 includes a transmission element and a reception element, the control unit 19 may determine that the sheath 8 is attached to the electronic thermometer 1 when the transmission element transmits a transmission wave (ultrasound waves in this embodiment) and the reception element receives a predetermined amount or more of reflected waves. In this way, the convenience of the electronic thermometer 1 is improved by automatically determining whether the sheath 8 is attached to the electronic thermometer 1. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned "predetermined amount or more" is set to 0 or more, but the predetermined amount may be arbitrarily determined depending on the material or thickness of the sheath 8. In addition, the portion of the sheath 8 that comes into contact with or is close to the detection unit 15 when the sheath 8 is attached may be processed to generate a predetermined amount of reflection or more.

As yet another example, when the sheath 8 contains a magnetic material and the detection unit 15 of the electronic thermometer 1 is equipped with a magnetic sensor, the control unit 19 may determine that the sheath 8 is attached to the electronic thermometer 1 when the magnetic sensor detects a magnetic field of a predetermined strength or more. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned "predetermined strength or more" is set to 0 or more, but the predetermined strength may be arbitrarily determined depending on the material and thickness of the sheath 8, or the amount of magnetic material contained in the sheath 8. Furthermore, the control unit 19 may start the electronic thermometer when the strength of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor falls outside the first threshold range, and determine that the sheath 8 is attached to the electronic thermometer 1 when the strength of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor is within the second threshold range. Here, the first threshold range and the second threshold range are different ranges of magnetic field strength. The first threshold range is a range of magnetic field strength indicating that the electronic thermometer 1 is housed in a case equipped with a magnet, and the second threshold range is a range of magnetic field strength indicating that the sheath 8 is attached to the electronic thermometer 1. In this way, by realizing multiple controls in the electronic thermometer 1 using a single detection unit 15, it is possible to improve the convenience of the electronic thermometer 1 while suppressing increases in the weight and cost of the electronic thermometer 1.

In step S104, the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 determines whether or not the sheath 8 is attached to the electronic thermometer 1 by receiving an input operation from the input unit 16 indicating whether or not the sheath 8 is attached to the electronic thermometer 1.

Any method can be used to determine whether or not the sheath 8 is attached using the input unit 16. For example, the input operation indicating whether or not the sheath 8 is attached to the electronic thermometer 1 may be pressing the button 7, which is the input unit 16, for less than one second. When the electronic thermometer 1 is in the sheath-attached mode, the control unit 19 may switch to the no-sheath-attached mode upon receiving the input operation, and when the electronic thermometer 1 is in the no-sheath-attached mode, the control unit 19 may switch to the sheath-attached mode upon receiving the input operation. This allows the user of the electronic thermometer 1 to select an appropriate operating mode depending on the usage status of the electronic thermometer 1.

In this embodiment, in steps S103 to S104, the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 performs both the judgment using the detection unit 15 (step S103) and the judgment using the input unit 16 (step S104). As a result, for example, the convenience of the electronic thermometer 1 is improved by the judgment using the detection unit 15, and in the event of a false detection in the detection unit 15, the electronic thermometer 1 can be operated as intended by the user by the judgment using the input unit 16. However, the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 may be configured to perform only one of steps S103 and S104 as a judgment as to whether or not the sheath 8 is attached to the electronic thermometer 1. The processing of steps S103 to S104 may be provided immediately before the processing of step S102. In other words, the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 may perform the judgment of sheath attachment before the judgment of the start of the temperature measurement process. In such a case, the processes in steps S103 and S104 may be repeated until it is determined in step S102 that the temperature measurement process should begin.

In step S105, the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 measures the temperature using the temperature measurement unit 11. Specifically, the control unit 19 may measure the temperature using the temperature measurement unit 11 at a predetermined sampling interval (e.g., 0.5 second intervals). The control unit 19 may store the measured temperature in the memory unit 18.

In step S106, the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 generates at least one of a body temperature with a sheath attached or a body temperature without a sheath attached based on the measured temperature. The body temperature with a sheath attached is the body temperature predicted when the sheath 8 is attached to the electronic thermometer 1. The body temperature without a sheath attached is the body temperature predicted when the sheath 8 is not attached to the electronic thermometer 1.

Specifically, if the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 determines in steps S103 to S104 that the sheath 8 is attached to the electronic thermometer 1, the control unit 19 uses the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit 11 as an input to control the sheath 8. The body temperature with the sheath attached is generated by the body temperature prediction algorithm with the sheath attached. On the other hand, if it is determined in steps S103 to S104 that the sheath 8 is not attached to the electronic thermometer 1, the control section 19 inputs the temperature measured by the temperature measurement section 11 and uses the sheath-not-attached body temperature prediction algorithm. , generate body temperature without wearing a sheath. The control unit 19 may store the generated body temperature with the sheath attached or the body temperature without the sheath attached in the storage unit 18 .

In step S107, the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 determines whether to end the temperature measurement process.

Any method can be used to determine whether to end the temperature measurement process. For example, the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 may determine to end the temperature measurement process when the fluctuation of at least one of the body temperature with a sheath or the body temperature without a sheath after the temperature measurement process has started converges within a predetermined value (e.g., ±0.03°C/0.5 seconds). Also, for example, the control unit 19 may determine to end the temperature measurement process when a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) has passed since the start of the temperature measurement process.

If the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 determines in step S107 that the temperature measurement process should not be terminated (step S107-NO), it may repeat the process from step S105.

If the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 determines to end the temperature measurement process in step S107 (step S107-YES), it ends the temperature measurement process and proceeds to step S108. The control unit 19 may store at least one of the body temperature with the sheath attached or the body temperature without the sheath, which is finally generated in the processing of steps S105 to S106, in the storage unit 18 as a result of the temperature measurement process.

In step S108, the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 outputs the body temperature of the person being measured via the output unit 14. Specifically, if the control unit 19 determines in steps S103 to S104 that the sheath 8 is attached to the electronic thermometer 1, it outputs the body temperature with the sheath attached via the output unit 14. On the other hand, if the control unit 19 determines that the sheath 8 is not attached to the electronic thermometer 1, it outputs the body temperature without the sheath attached via the output unit 14.

Any method can be used to output the body temperature of the person being measured. For example, the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 may display the body temperature of the person being measured on the display unit 13. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, when the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 determines that the sheath 8 is attached to the electronic thermometer 1, it displays the body temperature with the sheath attached on the display 5. On the other hand, when the control unit 19 determines that the sheath 8 is not attached to the electronic thermometer 1, it displays the body temperature without the sheath attached on the display 5. This allows the user of the electronic thermometer 1 to know the body temperature of the person being measured according to the attachment status of the sheath 8 of the electronic thermometer 1. The control unit 19 may display at least one of the body temperature with the sheath attached or the body temperature without the sheath attached on the display in association with a predetermined icon. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the body temperature with the sheath attached is displayed in association with the "S" icon. This makes it easier for the user of the electronic thermometer 1 to distinguish between the two body temperatures. However, the body temperature without the sheath attached may be displayed in association with an icon. Alternatively, different icons may be associated with both the sheathed and unsheathed temperatures.

Referring again to FIG. 3, in step S108, the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 sends the output of the body temperature of the subject to the electronic medical record system, for example, with the body temperature with the sheath attached or without the sheath attached. You may also send your body temperature. The body temperature with a sheath attached or the body temperature without a sheath attached may be transmitted in a distinguishable manner by being associated with identification information (for example, 1-bit information of "0" or "1") that can uniquely identify each body temperature. Thereby, the user of the electronic medical record can know the body temperature of the person to be measured according to the wearing condition of the sheath 8 of the electronic thermometer 1.

In step S109, the control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 suspends the electronic thermometer 1.

Any method can be used to suspend the electronic thermometer 1. For example, the suspension of the electronic thermometer 1 may be achieved by changing the operation mode of the electronic thermometer 1 from the power-on mode to the power-off mode. The control unit 19 of the electronic thermometer 1 accepts an input operation to suspend the electronic thermometer 1 via the input unit 16. For example, the input operation to suspend the electronic thermometer 1 may be to press and hold the button 7 of the input unit 16 for one second or more when the electronic thermometer 1 is in the power-on mode. When the control unit 19 accepts an input operation to suspend the electronic thermometer 1, the control unit 19 may suspend the electronic thermometer 1 by controlling the power supply unit 17 to change the operation mode of the electronic thermometer 1 from the power-on mode to the power-off mode. Alternatively, when the control unit 19 detects that the electronic thermometer 1 has been placed in the case by the detection unit 15, the control unit 19 may control the power supply unit 17 to suspend the electronic thermometer 1. For example, if the detection unit 15 is equipped with a magnetic sensor, the control unit 19 can determine whether the electronic thermometer 1 is stored in the case based on the change in the strength of the magnetic field caused by a magnet provided in the case, detected by the detection unit 15.

As described above, in this embodiment, the electronic thermometer 1 includes the temperature measurement section 11, the output section 14, and the control section 19. The control unit 19 determines whether the sheath 8 is attached to the electronic thermometer 1 or not. The control unit 19 measures the temperature using the temperature measurement unit 11. The control unit 19 generates at least one of a body temperature with a sheath attached and a body temperature without a sheath based on the measured temperature. When the control unit 19 determines that the sheath 8 is attached to the electronic thermometer 1, the output unit 14 outputs the body temperature with the sheath attached. On the other hand, when the control unit 19 determines that the sheath 8 is not attached to the electronic thermometer 1, the output unit 14 outputs the body temperature without the sheath attached.

According to this configuration, the electronic thermometer 1 can change the temperature measurement process depending on whether the sheath 8 is attached to the electronic thermometer 1, and output the appropriate body temperature, either with the sheath attached or without the sheath attached. This allows the user of the electronic thermometer 1 to measure the body temperature of the person being measured using the electronic thermometer 1 without being aware of whether the sheath 8 is attached to the electronic thermometer 1. As a result, according to this embodiment, the usefulness of the technology for measuring body temperature using the electronic thermometer 1 can be improved.

Although the present disclosure has been described based on the drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and corrections based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and corrections are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the configurations or functions, etc. included in each embodiment can be rearranged so as not to cause logical inconsistencies. In addition, the configurations or functions, etc. included in each embodiment can be used in combination with other embodiments, and multiple configurations or functions, etc. can be combined into one, divided, or partially omitted.

For example, an embodiment in which a general-purpose electronic thermometer functions as the electronic thermometer 1 according to the embodiment described above is also possible. Specifically, a program that describes the processing contents for realizing each function of the electronic thermometer 1 according to the embodiment described above is stored in the memory of the general-purpose electronic thermometer, and the program is read and executed by the processor. Therefore, the present disclosure can be implemented as a program executable by the processor of the electronic thermometer, or as a non-temporary storage medium that stores the program. Non-temporary recording media include, for example, magnetic recording devices, optical disks, magneto-optical recording media, semiconductor memories, and the like.

The present disclosure relates to an electronic thermometer, a temperature measuring method, and a program.

1 Electronic thermometer 2 Body housing 3 Base end housing 4 End cap 5 Display 6 Sensor 7 Button 8 Sheath 11 Temperature measurement section 12 Communication section 13 Display section 14 Output section 15 Detection section 16 Input section 17 Power supply section 18 Storage section 19 Control section

Claims (9)

An electronic thermometer comprising a temperature measuring unit, an output unit, and a control unit,
The control unit is
Determining whether a sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer;
Measure the temperature by the temperature measuring unit;
generating at least one of a body temperature with a sheath attached and a body temperature without a sheath attached based on the measured temperature;
When it is determined that the sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer, the output unit outputs a body temperature with the sheath attached;
The electronic thermometer is configured to output the no-sheath body temperature by the output section when it is determined that the sheath is not attached to the electronic thermometer. Further comprising a detection part,
The control unit is configured to determine whether or not the sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer by detecting the sheath attached to the electronic thermometer using the detection unit. 1. The electronic thermometer according to 1. The detection unit includes a light emitting element configured to emit a light beam, and a light receiving element configured to receive reflected light reflected by the sheath among the light beams,
The electronic thermometer according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to determine that the sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer when a predetermined amount or more of the reflected light is received by the light receiving element. . The detection unit includes a transmitting element configured to transmit a transmission wave and a receiving element configured to receive a reflected wave of the transmission wave reflected by the sheath,
The electronic thermometer according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit is configured to determine that the sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer when a predetermined amount or more of the reflected waves are received by the receiving element. The sheath includes a magnetic material,
The detection unit includes a magnetic sensor,
The electronic thermometer according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to determine that the sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer when the magnetic sensor detects a magnetic field of a predetermined strength or higher. The control unit is
activating the electronic thermometer when the strength of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor falls outside a first threshold range;
The electronic thermometer according to claim 5 , configured to determine that the sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer when the strength of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor is within a second threshold range. Further comprising an input unit,
The electronic thermometer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit is configured to determine whether or not the sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer by accepting an input operation indicating whether or not the sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer via the input unit. A temperature measuring method performed by an electronic thermometer including a temperature measuring unit, an output unit, and a control unit,
determining by the control unit whether a sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer;
Measuring a temperature by the temperature measuring unit;
generating at least one of a body temperature with a sheath attached and a body temperature without a sheath attached based on the measured temperature by the control unit;
When it is determined that the sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer, outputting the body temperature with the sheath attached by the output unit;
When it is determined that the sheath is not attached to the electronic thermometer, outputting the body temperature without the sheath attached by the output unit;
A temperature measurement method, including: An electronic thermometer comprising a temperature measurement section, an output section, and a control section,
Determining, by the control unit, whether a sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer;
Measuring temperature by the temperature measuring section;
Generating at least one of a body temperature with a sheath attached or a body temperature without a sheath based on the measured temperature by the control unit;
If it is determined that the sheath is attached to the electronic thermometer, the output unit outputs the body temperature with the sheath attached;
If it is determined that the sheath is not attached to the electronic thermometer, the output unit outputs the body temperature without the sheath attached;
A program that executes operations including.

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