JP2024072968A - Pulse oximeter, program and bioinformation measuring system - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a pulse oximeter, a program, and a biological information measurement system that can more easily perform measurements in tests. [Solution] A pulse oximeter 100 includes a measurement unit (probe 160) that measures the blood oxygen saturation of a subject, a clock unit 140 that keeps time, and a first control unit (control unit 150) that controls the sleep state of the device based on user operation, and the first control unit continues to operate the clock unit 140 even when the device transitions from a sleep release state to a sleep state. [Selected Figure] Figure 2A

Description

The present invention relates to a pulse oximeter, a program, and a bioinformation measuring system.

Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS), a condition in which breathing temporarily stops during sleep, has been attracting attention as a disease that can lead to high blood pressure and sleep disorders. Sleep apnea syndrome not only worsens lifestyle-related diseases, but also causes problems such as dozing off and reduced concentration during the day when people are normally active because they cannot get enough sleep at night. This condition can also increase the chances of the subject (patient) having an accident, so it is necessary to conduct an examination and receive treatment as soon as possible.

Generally, sleep apnea syndrome is examined by a subject at home or in a hospital, by monitoring the sleep state by a polysomnograph, and calculating the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) from the number of apneas and hypopneas. In addition, as a screening method for sleep apnea syndrome, there is a method of measuring the change in the oxygen saturation of the arterial blood (hereinafter referred to as blood oxygen saturation: SpO ₂ ) during the subject's sleep using a pulse oximeter. In addition, in order to further improve the accuracy of diagnosing sleep apnea syndrome, in addition to the index of blood oxygen saturation measured by the pulse oximeter, a breathing sensor may be used to measure the breathing state of the subject to diagnose apnea and hypopnea.

In this regard, Patent Document 1 describes a sleep apnea testing device that includes a temperature sensor that measures the amount of nasal breathing and the amount of mouth breathing, an optical sensor that measures the blood oxygen concentration, and a parent unit, etc.
In such a sleep apnea testing device, the clock of each sensor is set by the parent unit before it is lent to the subject. The subject uses each sensor to perform measurements and returns the sensor after the measurements are completed. The measurement results of each sensor are then collected by the tabulating device via the parent unit.

JP 2006-320731 A

However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, due to power consumption issues, the pulse oximeter and respiratory sensor are installed in a charger and lent to the patient in a charged state, which makes preparation work for lending and inspection cumbersome.

The present invention was made in consideration of the problems with the conventional technology described above, and aims to provide a pulse oximeter, program, and bioinformation measurement system that can more easily perform measurements during testing.

In order to solve the above problem, the pulse oximeter according to claim 1 comprises:
A measurement unit that measures the blood oxygen saturation of a subject;
A clock unit that measures time;
A first control unit that controls a sleep state of the device itself based on a user operation;
Equipped with
The first control unit continues to operate the clock unit even when the sleep state is changed from the sleep release state.

The invention according to claim 2 is the pulse oximeter according to claim 1,
The device is equipped with a built-in battery as a power source.

The program according to claim 3,
A measurement unit that measures the blood oxygen saturation of a subject;
A clock unit that measures time;
A computer of a pulse oximeter comprising:
functioning as a first control unit that controls a sleep state of the device itself based on a user operation;
The first control unit continues to operate the clock unit even when the sleep state is changed from the sleep release state.

The biological information measuring system according to claim 4,
A pulse oximeter according to claim 1 or 2;
A respiratory sensor that measures respiratory data indicating a respiratory state of a subject;
Equipped with
The pulse oximeter includes a communication unit that performs wireless communication with the respiratory sensor, and a time adjustment unit that adjusts the time between the respiratory sensor and the communication unit.

The invention according to claim 5 provides the biological information measuring system according to claim 4,
The respiratory sensor includes:
A second control unit that releases the sleep state of the device at predetermined intervals;
a receiving unit that receives an electrical signal when the sleep state is released by the second control unit;
an acquisition unit that acquires the respiratory data after the receiving unit receives the electrical signal;
a transmitting unit that transmits the respiratory data acquired by the acquiring unit;
Equipped with.

The present invention relates to a biological information measuring system, comprising:
The receiving unit wirelessly receives the electrical signal,
The transmitting unit wirelessly transmits the respiratory data.

The invention described in claim 7 is the biological information measuring system described in claim 5,
The acquisition unit acquires the respiratory data based on a respiratory sound of the subject.

The invention described in claim 8 is the biological information measuring system described in claim 5,
The electrical signal includes information for a predetermined measurement period,
The second control unit does not transition the own device to a sleep state during the predetermined measurement period,
The acquisition unit acquires the respiratory data during the predetermined measurement period.

The present invention relates to a biological information measuring system, comprising:
The second control unit transitions the device to a sleep state after the transmission unit transmits the respiratory data.

The present invention relates to a biological information measuring system, comprising:
The pulse oximeter includes an instruction unit that repeatedly transmits, to the respiratory sensor, an electrical signal instructing the sensor to acquire the respiratory data for a period longer than the predetermined cycle.

The present invention makes it easier to perform measurements during testing.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a biological information measuring system. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a pulse oximeter. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a biological information display screen displayed on a display unit of a pulse oximeter. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a respiration sensor. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a charger. 1 is a ladder chart showing an example of use of the biological information measuring system. 1 is a ladder chart showing the flow of a measurement process. 10 is a timing chart for transmitting an electrical signal including a measurement instruction.

[Example of configuration of biological information measuring system 10]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a biological information measuring system 10 according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the bio-information measurement system 10 includes a pulse oximeter 100 that measures the subject's blood oxygen saturation, etc., a respiratory sensor 200 that measures the subject's respiratory condition, and a charger 300 that charges the pulse oximeter 100 and the respiratory sensor 200.
The pulse oximeter 100 and the respiratory sensor 200 are connected by short-distance wireless communication, and a one-to-one communication link is established by pairing (including bonding) between the pulse oximeter 100 and the respiratory sensor 200. An example of a short-distance wireless communication standard is Bluetooth (registered trademark). In addition, a short-distance wireless communication standard such as ZigBee (registered trademark) can also be used.

The pulse oximeter 100 includes a probe 160 as a measuring unit and a main body 110 .
The probe 160 and the main body 110 are connected via a connection cable 170 .
The probe 160 can be attached to a measurement site such as a fingertip of the subject, and measures the blood oxygen saturation, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and the like of the subject while sleeping.
The main body 110 is configured, for example, in the form of a wristwatch that can be worn on the subject's wrist, and stores first measurement data corresponding to the subject's blood oxygen saturation level, etc. measured by the probe 160, and second measurement data (respiratory data) corresponding to the subject's respiratory sounds measured by the paired respiratory sensor 200, etc. The first measurement data and the second measurement data are examples of biological information.

The respiratory sensor 200 is attached to a measurement site such as near the nose, throat, or chest of the subject, and measures the respiratory condition of the subject while sleeping.
The respiratory sensor 200 transmits second measurement data corresponding to the measured respiratory state of the subject to the pulse oximeter 100 via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).
Examples of the respiratory sensor 200 include a nasal respiratory sensor that measures the nasal respiratory rate of the subject, a peripheral arterial wave sensor that measures the peripheral arterial wave of the subject, and an airway sound sensor that measures the airway sound of the subject.

In this embodiment, a charger 300 is used to charge the pulse oximeter 100 and the respiration sensor 200 .
Furthermore, the charger 300 is used when pairing the pulse oximeter 100 with the respiratory sensor 200 and setting the time.
Before a test for sleep apnea syndrome, it is necessary to charge the pulse oximeter 100 and the respiratory sensor 200 in advance, and to pair and synchronize the time between the pulse oximeter 100 and the respiratory sensor 200. At this time, the pulse oximeter 100 and the respiratory sensor 200 are placed near the charger 300 and connected to the charger 300 by wire or wirelessly.

The charger 300 has a concave mounting portion 302 to which the respiratory sensor 200 is detachably attached.
When the respiratory sensor 200 is attached to the attachment portion 302, the charger 300 charges the respiratory sensor 200 and also pairs it with the pulse oximeter 100 based on an instruction from the user.
The pulse oximeter 100 can be connected to the charger 300 via a charging cable 20. When the pulse oximeter 100 is connected to the charger 300, the charger 300 charges the pulse oximeter 100 and performs pairing with the respiration sensor 200 based on an instruction from a user.
When pairing between the pulse oximeter 100 and the respiratory sensor 200 is completed, the pulse oximeter 100 synchronizes the time with the respiratory sensor 200 .

In addition, the pulse oximeter 100 can be connected to a computer 400 via a communication cable 30 .
The computer 400 reads out and analyzes first measurement data corresponding to the subject's blood oxygen saturation, etc. measured by the pulse oximeter 100, and second measurement data corresponding to the subject's respiratory sounds measured by the respiratory sensor 200 via the communication cable 30.
The computer 400 is pre-installed with dedicated software for analyzing the first measurement data, the second measurement data, and the like.
The pulse oximeter 100 and the computer 400 may be connected via the above-mentioned short-range wireless communication.

[Configuration example of pulse oximeter 100]
FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a pulse oximeter 100 according to this embodiment.
FIG. 2B shows an example of a biological information display screen displayed on the display unit 118 of the pulse oximeter 100.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the probe 160 includes a light emitting section 162 and a light receiving section 164 .
The light emitting unit 162 has an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and emits red light and infrared light toward a measurement site on the subject.
The light receiving unit 164 has a photodiode and receives transmitted light (or reflected light) that is emitted from the light emitting unit 162 and passes through the measurement site and corresponds to the arterial blood flow, and outputs analog first measurement data corresponding to the received transmitted light to the AD conversion unit 114.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the main body 110 includes an AD conversion unit 114, an operation reception unit 116, a display unit 118, a memory unit 120, a wireless communication unit 122 as a communication unit, a power supply unit 124, an interface 130, a clock unit 140, and a control unit 150.

The AD conversion section 114 converts the analog first measurement data output from the light receiving section 164 of the probe 160 into digital first measurement data and outputs it to the control section 150 or the like.
A circuit for removing noise from the analog first measurement data or amplifying the signal may be provided between the light receiving unit 164 and the AD conversion unit 114 .

The operation reception unit 116 includes, for example, a pairing button 116a and a sleep control button 116b provided on the main body 110 shown in FIG.
When a user presses a button or touches the touch panel, the operation reception unit 116 generates an instruction signal corresponding to the pressing operation or touch operation and outputs the signal to the control unit 150 .
The operation reception unit 116 receives an instruction operation to perform pairing with the breathing sensor 200 in response to, for example, a user pressing the pairing button 116a.
The operation receiving unit 116 also receives an instruction to switch the pulse oximeter 100 to a sleep mode or an instruction to cancel the sleep mode in response to, for example, a user pressing the sleep control button 116b.

The display unit 118 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.
The display unit 118 is provided on the surface of the main body 110, and displays biological information 118a (first measurement data) such as the blood oxygen saturation of the subject measured by the probe 160 based on the display control of the control unit 150. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2B, the biological information display screen of the display unit 118 displays _SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation), pulse rate, etc. as the biological information 118a of the subject.

The storage unit 120 includes, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or an optical disk.
The storage unit 120 stores various programs such as pairing control and mode control executed by the control unit 150, and parameters required for executing processes by the programs.
In addition, the memory unit 120 stores first measurement data corresponding to the subject's blood oxygen saturation, etc. measured by the pulse oximeter 100, and second measurement data corresponding to the subject's respiratory condition measured by the respiratory sensor 200.
Furthermore, information on a first cycle is stored in the storage unit 120. The first cycle is a cycle in which the sleep state of the breathing sensor 200 is released.

The wireless communication unit 122 transmits and receives various signals and data to and from the respiratory sensor 200 via short-range wireless communication based on the communication control of the control unit 150. For example, the wireless communication unit 122 receives second measurement data corresponding to the subject's respiratory state measured by the paired respiratory sensor 200.

The power supply unit 124 supplies each part of the pulse oximeter 100 with power corresponding to the operating voltage of each part.
The power supply unit 124 has an internal battery 125, such as a rechargeable battery, as a power supply source for the device itself.
The built-in battery 125 may be charged, for example, by connecting a charging cable 20 to the first interface 330 of the charger 300, or by connecting a cable to the interface of an information device such as a computer 400. Alternatively, the built-in battery 125 may be charged by connecting one end of a separately prepared cable to the interface 130 and inserting an outlet plug provided at the other end into an outlet.
The inclusion of the internal battery 125 allows the pulse oximeter 100 to operate without changing the battery.

The interface 130 is a connection unit that can connect the pulse oximeter 100 to a charger 300 and a computer 400 .
The interface 130 transmits and receives data to and from the charger 300 and information devices such as the computer 400 , and receives power supplied from the charger 300 .
The interface 130 may be, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port or a LAN port.

The clock unit 140 has a timing circuit (RTC: Real Time Clock) that measures the current date and time and outputs it to the control unit 150.

The control unit 150 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), and a memory.
The CPU is a hardware processor that reads out various programs stored in the memory, loads them into the RAM, and executes various processes according to the loaded programs, thereby centrally controlling the operations of each part of the pulse oximeter 100. The CPU may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors.
In addition, the control unit 150 performs pairing with the breathing sensor 200 capable of wireless communication via the wireless communication unit 122.

The control unit 150 also performs mode control in the pulse oximeter 100 .
The pulse oximeter 100 has a normal mode (sleep release state) and a sleep mode (sleep state).
The normal mode is a mode in which all components of the pulse oximeter 100 are operational.
The sleep mode is a mode in which some of the parts of the pulse oximeter 100, except for the clock unit 140 and the control unit 150, are stopped (suspended).

[Configuration example of the breathing sensor 200]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the breathing sensor 200 according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3 , the respiratory sensor 200 includes a microphone 212, an AD conversion unit 214, a memory unit 220, a wireless communication unit 222, a power supply unit 224, an interface 230, an alarm unit 240, a control unit 250, and a clock unit 260.

The microphone 212 is detachable from the measurement site such as the nose, throat, or chest of the subject.
The microphone 212 measures the respiratory condition of the subject, such as respiratory sounds and airway sounds, while the subject is sleeping, and outputs second measurement data corresponding to the measured respiratory condition to the AD conversion unit 214.

The AD conversion section 214 converts the analog second measurement data output from the microphone 212 into digital second measurement data and outputs it to the control section 250 and the like.
In addition, a circuit for removing noise and amplifying the signal of the analog second measurement data may be provided between the microphone 212 and the AD conversion unit 214.

The storage unit 220 is, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like.
The storage unit 220 stores various programs such as pairing control and mode control executed by the control unit 250, and parameters required for executing processes by the programs.
The storage unit 220 also stores second measurement data corresponding to the subject's respiratory sounds measured by the microphone 212 .

The wireless communication unit 222 transmits and receives various signals and data to and from the pulse oximeter 100 via short-range wireless communication based on the communication control of the control unit 250.

The power supply unit 224 supplies each part of the respiratory sensor 200 with power corresponding to the operating voltage of each part.
The power supply unit 224 has a battery such as a dry cell or a rechargeable battery. For example, if the power supply unit 224 has a rechargeable battery, charging may be performed by connecting the interface 230 to the second interface 332 of the charger 300 directly or via a cable.

The interface 230 has a connection portion (terminal) that can be connected to a second interface 332 of the charger 300 , and receives power supplied from the charger 300 and transmits and receives various signals and various data to and from the charger 300 .
The charging method may be, for example, a non-contact power supply, or a charging method in which charging is performed by connecting to the charger 300 using a cable.

The notification unit 240 includes, for example, a light-emitting unit that lights up, blinks, and goes out, or a speaker that outputs sound.

The clock unit 260 has a timing circuit (RTC: Real Time Clock) that measures the current date and time and outputs it to the control unit 250.

The control unit 250 includes a CPU, a RAM, a memory, and the like.
The CPU is a hardware processor that centrally controls the operation of each part of the respiratory sensor 200 by reading out various programs stored in the memory, expanding them into the RAM, and executing various processes according to the expanded programs.
The control unit 250 also controls pairing with other information devices (for example, the pulse oximeter 100).

In addition, the control unit 250 performs mode control in the respiration sensor 200 .
The respiratory sensor 200 has a normal mode (sleep release state) and a sleep mode (sleep state).
The normal mode is a mode in which all components of the respiratory sensor 200 are operational.
The sleep mode is a mode in which some of the components of the respiration sensor 200, except for the clock unit 260 and the control unit 250, are stopped (suspended).

[Configuration example of charger 300]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the charger 300 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4 , the charger 300 includes a power supply unit 310 , an operation receiving unit 316 , a first interface 330 , a second interface 332 , a notification unit 340 , and a control unit 350 .

The power supply unit 310 supplies a predetermined amount of power to each component of the charger 300 , the pulse oximeter 100 connected to the first interface 330 , and the respiratory sensor 200 connected to the second interface 332 .
The power supply unit 310 has a battery such as a dry cell or a rechargeable battery. For example, when the power supply unit 310 has a rechargeable battery, one end of a cable may be connected to the power supply unit 310 and the other end of the cable may be plugged into an electrical outlet to charge the battery.

The operation reception unit 316 includes, for example, buttons provided on the housing, a touch panel as a display device provided on the housing, or a microphone for inputting operations by voice.
When the operator presses a button, touches a touch panel, or inputs voice, the operation reception unit 316 generates an instruction signal corresponding to the operation or input and outputs it to the control unit 350 .

The notification unit 340 includes, for example, an LED that lights up, blinks, or goes out, and a speaker that outputs sound.
The notification unit 340 notifies the operator that charging of the pulse oximeter 100, the respiratory sensor 200, etc. is complete by, for example, turning on, blinking, turning off, or outputting a sound when charging of the pulse oximeter 100, the respiratory sensor 200, etc. is complete.

The first interface 330 has a connection portion that can be connected to the pulse oximeter 100 via the charging cable 20 .
The first interface 330 transmits and receives various signals and various data to and from the pulse oximeter 100, and supplies a predetermined amount of power to the pulse oximeter 100.
The first interface 330 may be, for example, a USB port or a LAN port.

The second interface 332 has a connection portion (terminal) that can be connected to the interface 230 of the respiratory sensor 200 .
The second interface 332 transmits and receives various signals and various data to and from the respiratory sensor 200, and supplies a predetermined amount of power to the respiratory sensor 200. For example, as shown in FIG 1, the second interface 332 is provided in the attachment portion 302 to which the respiratory sensor 200 is attached.
The charging method may be, for example, a non-contact power supply method or a charging method in which charging is performed by connecting a cable to the charger 300 .

The control unit 350 includes a CPU, a RAM, a memory, and the like.
The CPU is a hardware processor that centrally controls the operation of each part of the charger 300 by reading out various programs stored in the memory, expanding the programs in the RAM, and executing various processes in accordance with the expanded programs.
The control unit 350 also controls pairing between information devices.

[Example of use of the biological information measuring system 10]
Next, a flow of using the biological information measuring system 10 in a test for sleep apnea syndrome will be described with reference to FIG.
5, a business dealing in the biological information measurement system 10 lends a pulse oximeter 100 and a respiratory sensor 200 to a subject. The subject then performs measurement using the rented pulse oximeter 100 and respiratory sensor 200, and returns them to the business after the measurement is completed.

Specifically, a business operator that handles the biological information measuring system 10 connects the pulse oximeter 100 and the respiratory sensor 200 to be lent to a subject to a charger 300. Then, the charger 300 starts charging the pulse oximeter 100 and the respiratory sensor 200 (step S1).
At this time, it is assumed that the pulse oximeter 100 is in the normal mode.
The respiratory sensor 200 is in the sleep mode except during pairing operation, clock setting operation, the period during which an electrical signal is received from the pulse oximeter 100, and the second measurement period instructed by the pulse oximeter 100.

Next, the business operator presses the pairing button 116a of the pulse oximeter 100. Then, the pulse oximeter 100 cooperates with the respiratory sensor 200 and the charger 300 to perform a pairing operation with the respiratory sensor 200 (step S2). At this time, the respiratory sensor 200 is in normal mode.

When pairing is completed, the pulse oximeter 100 performs a time synchronization operation with the respiration sensor 200 (step S3).
Specifically, the control unit 150 of the pulse oximeter 100 transmits a time set command (time data) based on the time kept by the clock unit 140 to the breathing sensor 200 by short-range wireless communication via the wireless communication unit 122. The control unit 250 of the breathing sensor 200 receives the time set command transmitted from the pulse oximeter 100 via the wireless communication unit 222, and sets the time kept by the clock unit 260 based on the received time set command. This makes it possible to synchronize the time kept by the clock unit 260 of the breathing sensor 200 with the time kept by the clock unit 140 of the pulse oximeter 100.
That is, the control unit 150 synchronizes the time with the respiration sensor 200 that can communicate with the control unit 150 via the wireless communication unit 122 (communication unit). Here, the control unit 150 functions as a time synchronization unit.
After the time setting is completed, the respiration sensor 200 transitions to a sleep mode.

When charging of the pulse oximeter 100 and the respiratory sensor 200 is completed, the business operator removes the pulse oximeter 100 and the respiratory sensor 200 from the charger 300 .
Then, the business operator presses the sleep control button 116b of the pulse oximeter 100. Then, the control unit 150 of the pulse oximeter 100 switches the device to a sleep mode (step S4).
In other words, the control unit 150 controls the sleep state of the device itself based on a user operation. Here, the control unit 150 functions as a first control unit.

In the sleep mode, the control unit 150 of the pulse oximeter 100 does not stop the clock unit 140. In other words, the clock unit 140 continues to operate in the sleep mode.
That is, even when the control unit 150 transitions from the normal mode (sleep release state) to the sleep mode (sleep state), the clock unit 140 continues to operate.
Furthermore, in the sleep mode, the control unit 250 of the respiratory sensor 200 does not stop the clock unit 260. In other words, in the sleep mode, the clock unit 260 continues to operate.
Therefore, the time measured by the clock unit 140 of the pulse oximeter 100 and the time measured by the clock unit 260 of the respiratory sensor 200 remain synchronized even after the transition to the sleep mode.

Next, the business operator lends the subject a pulse oximeter 100 and a respiratory sensor 200 (step S5).

The subject receives the pulse oximeter 100 and the respiratory sensor 200 loaned from the business operator. Then, when the subject measures the first measurement data and the second measurement data, he or she presses the sleep control button 116b of the pulse oximeter 100. Then, the pulse oximeter 100 switches the device to normal mode (step S6).

Next, the pulse oximeter 100 and the respiration sensor 200 execute a measurement process (step S7).
FIG. 6 shows a ladder chart of the measurement process.

[Measurement processing]
In the measurement process, first, the control unit 250 of the respiration sensor 200 determines whether or not it is time to wake up from sleep in the first cycle, based on the time measured by the clock unit 260 (step B1).
If it is not time to cancel the sleep mode (step B1; NO), the control unit 250 returns the process to step B1, that is, waits until it is time to cancel the sleep mode.

On the other hand, if it is time to cancel the sleep mode (step B1; YES), the control unit 250 switches the breathing sensor 200 to the normal mode, that is, cancels the sleep mode (step B2).
In other words, the control unit 250 releases the sleep state of the device at each first period (predetermined period). Here, the control unit 250 functions as a second control unit.

When the sleep state is released, the control unit 250 performs a reception operation for receiving an electrical signal via the wireless communication unit 222 for an electrical signal reception period. The electrical signal reception period is set in advance.
That is, the control unit 250 receives the electrical signal when the sleep state is released by the second control unit. Here, the control unit 250 functions as a receiving unit.

In the measurement process, the control unit 150 of the pulse oximeter 100 starts measuring the first measurement data by the probe 160 and stores the measurement result in the storage unit 120 (step A1). The first measurement data is time-series data in which a measurement value ( _SpO2 , etc.) is associated with the date and time when the measurement value was obtained (obtained from the clock unit 140).

Next, the control unit 150 transmits an electrical signal including a measurement instruction for the second measurement data (an electrical signal instructing the acquisition of the second measurement data) to the breathing sensor 200 based on the first period stored in the memory unit 120 (step A2). The measurement instruction for the second measurement data includes information on the second measurement period. The second measurement period is a period during which the second measurement data set in advance is measured.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a timing chart for transmitting an electrical signal including an instruction to measure the second measurement data.
7, the control unit 150 starts transmitting an electrical signal including an instruction to measure the second measurement data a predetermined period c before the sleep release timing of the respiration sensor 200. Then, the control unit 150 repeatedly transmits the electrical signal including an instruction to measure the second measurement data over a period (a+d) obtained by adding the first cycle d and the electrical signal reception period a.
In other words, the control unit 150 repeatedly transmits an electrical signal to the breathing sensor 200 to instruct the sensor 200 to acquire the second measurement data (breathing data) for a period longer than the first period (predetermined period). Here, the control unit 150 functions as an instruction unit.
This makes it possible to transmit an electrical signal including an instruction to measure the second measurement data during any of the electrical signal reception periods, thereby more reliably instructing the respiratory sensor 200 to measure the second measurement data.

During the electrical signal reception period, the respiratory sensor 200 receives the electrical signal including the measurement instruction for the second measurement data and measures the second measurement data of the subject.
Specifically, the microphone 212 measures the respiratory state of the subject, such as respiratory sounds and airway sounds, and outputs second measurement data corresponding to the measured respiratory state to the AD conversion unit 214. Then, the AD conversion unit 214 converts the analog second measurement data output from the microphone 212 into digital second measurement data and outputs it to the control unit 250.
That is, the control unit 250 acquires the second measurement data (respiratory data) after the receiving unit receives the electrical signal. Here, the control unit 250 functions as an acquisition unit.
The second measurement data is time-series data in which a measurement value is associated with the date and time (obtained from the clock unit 260) at which the measurement value was obtained.
Then, the control unit 250 transmits the second measurement data to the pulse oximeter 100 via the wireless communication unit 222 (step B3).
That is, the control unit 250 transmits the second measurement data (respiratory data) acquired by the acquisition unit. Here, the control unit 250 functions as a transmission unit.
If the electrical signal reception period expires without receiving an electrical signal from the pulse oximeter 100, the control unit 250 transitions the respiratory sensor 200 to a sleep state.

Next, the control unit 250 determines whether the second measurement period has expired (step B4).
If the second measurement period has not expired (step B4; NO), that is, within the second measurement period, the control unit 250 transitions the process to step B3.
In other words, the control unit 250 (second control unit) does not transition the device to a sleep state during the second measurement period (predetermined measurement period).Then, the control unit 250 (acquisition unit) acquires the second measurement data (respiratory data) during the second measurement period (predetermined measurement period) (measurement and transmission of the second measurement data are continued).

On the other hand, if the second measurement period has expired (step B4; YES), the control unit 250 stops measuring the second measurement data, switches the respiratory sensor 200 to a sleep state (step B5), and transitions the process to step B1.
That is, the control unit 250 (second control unit) causes the transmitting unit to transmit the second measurement data (respiratory data) and then transitions the device to a sleep state.

Furthermore, the control unit 150 of the pulse oximeter 100, which has received the second measurement data from the respiration sensor 200, starts storing the second measurement data in the storage unit 120 (step A3).
Here, the first measurement data stored in the memory unit 120 is time series data associated with time information acquired from the clock unit 140. Moreover, the second measurement data stored in the memory unit 120 is time series data associated with time information acquired from the clock unit 260. The time measured by the clock unit 140 and the time measured by the clock unit 260 remain synchronized even after transition to the sleep mode, so the time information in the first measurement data and the time information in the second measurement data are synchronized.

Next, the control unit 150 judges whether or not the first measurement period has expired (step A4). The first measurement period is a period during which preset first measurement data is measured.
If the first measurement period has not expired (step A4; NO), that is, within the first measurement period, the control unit 150 transitions the process to step A4.

On the other hand, if the first measurement period has expired (step A4; YES), the control unit 150 stops measuring the first measurement data by the probe 160 (step A5) and ends this process.

Returning to FIG. 5, when the measurement process in step S7 is completed, the subject presses the sleep control button 116b of the pulse oximeter 100. Then, the pulse oximeter 100 switches the device to a sleep mode (step S8).

Next, the subject returns the pulse oximeter 100 and the respiratory sensor 200 to the business operator (step S9).

The business entity connects the pulse oximeter 100 returned by the subject to the computer 400. Then, the computer 400 reads out the first measurement data and the second measurement data stored in the pulse oximeter 100. Then, the computer 400 analyzes the first measurement data together with the second measurement data (step S10), and ends the test for sleep apnea syndrome.
For example, in step S10, the computer 400 extracts the apnea period, the number of apnea episodes, etc. based on the second measurement data.
The results of the analysis in step S10 can be viewed on a display unit or the like provided in the computer 400.

[effect]
As described above, the pulse oximeter 100 of this embodiment comprises a measuring unit (probe 160) that measures the blood oxygen saturation of the subject, a clock unit 140 that keeps track of the time, and a first control unit (control unit 150) that controls the sleep state of the device based on user operation, and the first control unit continues to operate the clock unit 140 even when the device transitions from a sleep release state to a sleep state.
Therefore, the time measured by the clock unit 140 of the pulse oximeter 100 and the time measured by the clock unit 260 of the respiratory sensor 200 remain synchronized even after the pulse oximeter 100 transitions to the sleep mode. Therefore, even when only the pulse oximeter 100 and the respiratory sensor 200 in the sleep mode are lent to a subject, the subject does not need to set the time on the pulse oximeter 100 and the respiratory sensor 200. Therefore, since only the pulse oximeter 100 and the respiratory sensor 200 can be lent without a charger, preparation work for lending and inspection can be easily performed, and measurement in the test can be performed more easily.

The pulse oximeter 100 of this embodiment also includes an internal battery 125 as a power supply source for the device itself.
Therefore, it is possible to operate the pulse oximeter 100 without replacing the battery, which means that it is possible to prevent the clock unit 140 from stopping its operation due to battery replacement.

In addition, the bio-information measuring system 10 of this embodiment includes a pulse oximeter 100 and a respiratory sensor 200 that measures respiratory data (second measurement data) indicating the respiratory condition of the subject, and the pulse oximeter 100 includes a communication unit (wireless communication unit 122) that performs wireless communication with the respiratory sensor 200, and a time adjustment unit (control unit 150) that adjusts the time between the respiratory sensor 200 and the communication unit.
Therefore, it is possible to acquire the first measurement data and the second measurement data whose time information is synchronized.

In addition, the respiratory sensor 200 provided in the bio-information measuring system 10 of this embodiment includes a second control unit (control unit 250) that cancels the sleep state of the device at a predetermined period (first period), a receiving unit (control unit 250) that receives an electrical signal when the sleep state is canceled by the second control unit, an acquisition unit (control unit 250) that acquires respiratory data after receiving the electrical signal by the receiving unit, and a transmission unit (control unit 250) that transmits the respiratory data acquired by the acquisition unit.
Therefore, when the electrical signal instructing acquisition of respiration data is not received, the respiration data is not acquired, and the sleep and wireless signal reception operations are merely repeated, so that it is possible to reduce power consumption. Thus, it is possible to realize a respiration sensor 200 that can further reduce power consumption.

In the respiratory sensor 200 of this embodiment, the receiving unit wirelessly receives an electrical signal, and the transmitting unit wirelessly transmits respiratory data.
Therefore, since signals can be transmitted and received wirelessly, it is possible to prevent the respiratory sensor 200 from shifting and becoming detached from the appropriate attachment site due to the subject turning over in his/her sleep, for example.

Moreover, in the respiration sensor 200 of this embodiment, the acquisition unit acquires respiration data based on the respiratory sounds of a living body.
Therefore, respiratory data can be easily obtained based on the subject's respiratory sounds.

Moreover, in the respiratory sensor 200 of this embodiment, the electrical signal includes information of a predetermined measurement period (second measurement period), the second control unit does not transition the device to a sleep state during the predetermined measurement period, and the acquisition unit acquires respiratory data during the predetermined measurement period.
Therefore, it is possible to continue acquiring respiratory data during the second measurement period.

In the respiratory sensor 200 of this embodiment, the second control unit causes the device to transition to a sleep state after the transmitting unit transmits the respiratory data.
Therefore, when the second measurement period expires and measurement ends, the device can transition to a sleep state, thereby reducing power consumption.

In addition, the pulse oximeter 100 provided in the bio-information measuring system 10 of this embodiment has an instruction unit (control unit 150) that repeatedly transmits an electrical signal to the respiratory sensor 200 to instruct the sensor 200 to acquire respiratory data over a period longer than a predetermined cycle.
Therefore, during any one of the electrical signal receiving periods, an electrical signal including an instruction to measure the second measured data can be transmitted, so that the respiratory sensor 200 can be more reliably instructed to measure the second measured data.

The above description of the embodiment is an example of the bioinformation measurement system according to the present invention, and is not limited to this. The detailed configuration and operation of each device constituting the system can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, the pulse oximeter 100 measures biological information including SpO ₂ and pulse rate. However, the pulse oximeter 100 may not necessarily measure the pulse rate.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the computer 400 analyzes the first measurement data and the second measurement data together, but this is not limited to the above. The first measurement data and the second measurement data may be stored on the cloud, and the cloud server may analyze the first measurement data and the second measurement data together.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the memory unit 120 stores information about the first cycle in advance, but this is not limited to the above. When pairing is performed in step S2, the control unit 150 may obtain information about the first cycle from the breathing sensor 200.

The computer-readable medium for storing the programs for executing each process is not limited to the above examples, and a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM can also be used. A carrier wave can also be used as a medium for providing program data via a communication line.

10 Biometric information measuring system 20 Charging cable 30 Communication cable 100 Pulse oximeter 110 Main body 114 AD conversion unit 116 Operation reception unit 116a Pairing button 116b Sleep control button 118 Display unit 118a Biometric information 120 Storage unit 122 Wireless communication unit (communication unit)
124 Power supply unit 125 Built-in battery 130 Interface 140 Clock unit 150 Control unit (first control unit, time setting unit, indication unit)
160 Probe (measurement part)
162 Light emitting unit 164 Light receiving unit 170 Connection cable 200 Breathing sensor 212 Microphone 214 AD conversion unit 220 Storage unit 222 Wireless communication unit 224 Power supply unit 230 Interface 240 Notification unit 250 Control unit (second control unit, receiving unit, acquisition unit, transmission unit)
260 Clock unit 300 Charger 302 Mounting unit 310 Power supply unit 316 Operation reception unit 330 First interface 332 Second interface 340 Notification unit 350 Control unit 400 Computer

Claims (10)

A measurement unit that measures the blood oxygen saturation of a subject;
A clock unit that measures time;
A first control unit that controls a sleep state of the device itself based on a user operation;
Equipped with
The first control unit keeps the clock unit operating even when the pulse oximeter transitions from a sleep release state to a sleep state. The pulse oximeter of claim 1 has a built-in battery as a power supply source for the device. A measurement unit that measures the blood oxygen saturation of a subject;
A clock unit that measures time;
A computer of a pulse oximeter comprising:
functioning as a first control unit that controls a sleep state of the device itself based on a user operation;
The first control unit is a program for causing the clock unit to continue operating even when the device transitions from a sleep-wake state to a sleep state. A pulse oximeter according to claim 1 or 2;
A respiratory sensor that measures respiratory data indicating a respiratory state of a subject;
Equipped with
The pulse oximeter is a bioinformation measuring system comprising a communication unit that performs wireless communication with the respiratory sensor, and a time adjustment unit that adjusts the time between the respiratory sensor and the pulse oximeter and the respiratory sensor that can communicate via the communication unit. The respiratory sensor includes:
A second control unit that releases the sleep state of the device at predetermined intervals;
a receiving unit that receives an electrical signal when the sleep state is released by the second control unit;
an acquisition unit that acquires the respiratory data after the receiving unit receives the electrical signal;
a transmitting unit that transmits the respiratory data acquired by the acquiring unit;
The biological information measuring system according to claim 4 . The receiving unit wirelessly receives the electrical signal,
The biological information measuring system according to claim 5 , wherein the transmitting unit transmits the respiratory data wirelessly. The bioinformation measuring system according to claim 5, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the respiratory data based on the subject's respiratory sounds. The electrical signal includes information for a predetermined measurement period,
The second control unit does not transition the own device to a sleep state during the predetermined measurement period,
The biological information measuring system according to claim 5 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires the respiratory data during the predetermined measurement period. The biological information measuring system according to claim 5, wherein the second control unit transitions the device to a sleep state after the transmission unit transmits the respiratory data. The bioinformation measuring system according to claim 5, wherein the pulse oximeter includes an instruction unit that repeatedly transmits an electrical signal to the respiratory sensor to instruct the sensor to acquire the respiratory data for a period longer than the predetermined cycle.

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