JP2675371B2 - Electronic thermometer - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an electronic thermometer that processes temperature information from a thermometer probe to measure a body temperature.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, in this type of thermometer, a probe for temperature measurement is separable, and various probes according to a measurement site and a main body can be connected and used. For example, when the probe and the main body are connected to each other, temperature measurement is performed for several hours in that state, so that the probe is generally used as a body temperature monitor.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the above-described conventional example, when the temperature measurement time for each measurement site is different, such as rectum, mouth, and armpit, how much temperature the user should measure the temperature. There is a problem that I do not know if it should be implemented.

In addition, when a nurse measures the body temperature of a plurality of patients in a hospital or the like, the time required for the temperature measurement becomes extremely long, resulting in a decrease in work efficiency.

The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional example, and can shorten the time required for temperature measurement, interrupt the temperature measurement process when the temperature measurement probe is detached, and continue the temperature measurement process when reattached. The purpose is to provide.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the electronic thermometer of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, an electronic thermometer for measuring a temperature using a temperature measuring probe, a connecting means for connecting the temperature measuring probe in an exchangeable manner, a detecting means for detecting a connection state of the temperature measuring probe in the connecting means, and the temperature measuring probe. Designating means for designating the measurement mode used, and when the high-speed measurement mode is set by the designating means,
The connection of the temperature probe is detected by the detection unit, and a determination unit that determines whether the temperature probe is preheated, and the temperature probe is connected by the determination unit, and the temperature probe is Temperature measuring means for performing temperature measurement processing in the high-speed temperature measurement mode when preheated, and during the temperature measurement processing by the temperature measurement means, when the detection means detects that the temperature detection probe is attached or detached. The temperature measurement process is interrupted, and a control unit that controls to continue the temperature measurement process when the detection unit detects that the temperature measurement probe is attached is provided with the temperature measurement probe and a measurement site. It is characterized by being flat and having a side surface formed into a substantially V-shape for facilitating contact.

[Operation] With the above configuration, when the high-speed measurement mode is set,
When a flat and side-shaped thermometer probe is connected, and the temperature probe is preheated, the temperature measurement processing is performed in the high-speed temperature measurement mode, and during the temperature measurement processing, The temperature measurement process is interrupted when it is detected that the temperature detection probe is attached and detached, and the temperature measurement process is controlled to be continued when it is detected that the temperature detection probe is attached.

Embodiments Embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

2 (A) to (C) relate to an external view of an electronic thermometer main body (hereinafter referred to as a main body) of an embodiment, FIG. 2 (A) is a front view, FIG. 2 (B) is a left side view, FIG. 2 (C) is a rear view. In FIG. 2 (A), the electronic thermometer of the present embodiment is a replaceable temperature measuring probe 1-1, 1-2, 1-3 described later, and connector parts 2-1 and 2- of the temperature measuring probe. 2,2
-3 and a connector part 2-4 connected to these connector parts
It is composed of the attached cable 3 and the main body (measuring unit) 100. On the front of the main body 100, a liquid crystal display 5 and a power switch 7
And lock mechanism type designated switch for exclusive use in quick mode 10
Are provided. Also, in FIG. 2 (C), the main body
A winding mechanism portion 9 for the cable 3 is provided on the back surface of the cable 100.

FIGS. 3 (A) to (C) relate to external views of various temperature probe of the embodiment, 1-1 in FIG. 3 (A) is an axillary temperature probe, and 1-2 in FIG. 3 (B) is Oral thermometric probe, 1-3 in FIG. 3 (C) is a rectal thermometric probe.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the electronic thermometer of this embodiment. In the figure, the temperature measuring probe 1-1 (or 1-2 or 1-3) has a temperature sensing circuit (thermistor) inside.
TH) and a standard resistance circuit (resistors R and VR whose resistance values do not change with temperature). The value of the variable resistor VR is adjusted, for example, so that the resistance value of the standard resistance circuit becomes the resistance value of the thermistor TH at 37 ° C. The connector 2-4 connects the temperature sensitive circuit, the standard resistance circuit, and a circuit common to them to the cable 3. Reference numeral 4 is a control unit that performs main control of the electronic thermometer. Details will be described later. A liquid crystal display unit (LCD) 5 has two display areas. The area 51 is a portion for displaying a three-digit number or symbol, and displays temperature measurement data during measurement and information at the time of measurement completion (final temperature measurement data or error information, etc.). The area 52 is composed of three marks (segments) 5-0, 5-1 and 5-2, and informs the user of the measurement progress state by the change of these mark display states. Reference numeral 6 denotes a buzzer circuit, which produces a constant sound only while the transistor Tr is being pulsed by the signal B from the control unit 4. An operation switch 7 returns the processing of the program to the initial state. Reference numeral 8 is a selection switch, and the user selects the switch 8 according to the temperature in the mouth, underarm or rectum. The switch 8 is required when the machine is configured as a combined device for the mouth, armpit and rectum. However, it is not necessary when configured as a dedicated device for the mouth, axilla or rectum.

The control unit 4 is composed of a one-chip IC. This one-chip IC consists of a CPU circuit, a ROM circuit, a RAM circuit and various peripheral circuits. The control unit 4 shows various functions realized by these circuits in a block form.

Reference numeral 41 is a temperature measuring means, which samples the temperature sensitive resistance value of the thermistor TH and outputs the temperature measurement data T corresponding to the resistance value. That is, although not shown, the temperature measuring means 41 is provided with a digital oscillation circuit composed of an inverter circuit and a capacitor, and switches the temperature sensing (thermistor) circuit and the reference resistance circuit in the probe for a predetermined time to form an oscillation circuit. By connecting, a ratio of the obtained oscillation frequencies (count value of a predetermined time) is obtained, the ratio is referred to a temperature table, and converted into temperature measurement data T.

Reference numeral 42 denotes a measurement control means, which controls the measurement sequence of this device. That is, the processing of the program is returned to the initial state by the interrupt input of the switch signal SW. At that time, the temperature quick mode or the normal measurement mode is executed in accordance with the way of operating the power switch 7 and the quick mode-dedicated switch 10. In quick mode, multiple temperature probes are attached to the measurement site of each subject in advance, and after a certain period of time (for example, 70 seconds in the rectum, 4 minutes in the mouth, 8 minutes in the armpit), the connector of each temperature probe This is a measurement mode in which the cables 3 are sequentially connected to the parts to measure the temperature at a plurality of places for a large number of people or one person in a short time. This is a measurement mode in which the temperature of the temperature measurement site is transmitted to the thermistor and the thermistor preheated by this is used. The normal mode is a measurement mode in which the temperature probe is connected to the main body 100 from the beginning and the temperature is measured by a thermistor that is cold, that is, not preheated.

For example, in order to perform temperature measurement by the electronic thermometer exclusively in the quick mode, the switch for exclusive use in the quick mode 10
Press to lock half. Further, when the switch 10 dedicated to the quick mode is not half-locked, that is, when the half-lock is released, the electronic thermometer is used as a dual mode in which the temperature can be measured in both the normal mode and the quick mode. The configuration of the switch 10 for exclusive use of the quick mode is applicable to the present embodiment regardless of whether it is a lock mechanism type, a seesaw type, a slide type or the like. Further, the measurement control means 42 is in the idle state when the device is not used for a certain period of time.

Further, the measurement control means 42 is equipped with a register necessary for temperature measurement and recognition of the progress state of the measurement. Register Δt
Holds the measurement elapsed time Δt from a certain point during temperature measurement,
This point in time is updated accordingly. Register σ is the latest moving average value (peak value) for temperature measurement data T
Hold σ. The register σ'holds the moving average value σ'at a certain point in time.

A memory (ROM, RAM) 43 stores various data, parameters, and the like. That is, the temperature table defines the relationship between the oscillation frequency ratio in the temperature measuring means 41 and the temperature measurement data T. Parameters Δσ ₁ to Δσ ₃ and Δt ₁ to Δt ₃
Each pair in pairs to define three predetermined slopes for the temperature measurement curve. The index counter n is Δσ ₁
To Indetsukusu the read address of the ~ △ sigma ₃ or △ t ₁ ~ △ t _3. Then, the timer TM counts the duration of this thermometer in a constant state. The RAM has a normal temperature detection flag.

In addition, from the silver oxide battery BA, the main power source (-1.55
V) is supplied. Since this power source is constantly supplied, the final temperature measurement data (σ) in the previous measurement is held.

Although not shown, the battery voltage is always detected by the voltage detector, and when the battery voltage drops, the display value in the area 51 of the liquid crystal display unit 5 blinks.

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the operation principle of the measurement progress status display of this embodiment. In the figure, the vertical axis is the temperature T (° C) or the moving average value σ (° C), and the horizontal axis is the measurement elapsed time t (se
c). Generally, the normal temperature measurement curve rises as shown. That is, the temperature rises sharply at the start of measurement, and after a lapse of a substantially constant time, starts to rise gradually, and thereafter gradually approaches the thermal equilibrium temperature of the probe. The three characteristic parts (predetermined gradient and the time of occurrence thereof) differ depending on individual differences, especially on different measurement sites. However, the three characteristic parts are always present in any measurement as showing the temperature rising process during the measurement. Therefore, for example, it is extremely useful to detect these three characteristic portions and show the state change to the user as an intermediate process. Therefore, in the present embodiment, for example, a predetermined gradient at the time of a sudden rise to a gradual rise is defined by the condition = Δσ ₁ / Δt ₁ , and the gradient at the time of a gradual rise to a gradual increase next is defined. Condition = △ σ
₂ / Δt ₂ and then the gradient when gradually increasing from the gradual increase toward the thermal equilibrium temperature is specified by the condition = Δσ ₃ / Δt ₃ .
Then, when each of the conditions 1 to 3 is detected, for example, the state of mark display is changed to notify the user of the measurement progress state.

As described above, the appearance of the three characteristic parts is different especially in the rectum, the mouth, and the axillary temperature. However, if different gradients are defined depending on the rectal, oral, and axillary temperature measurements, each of the three gradients has a characteristic part that has the same meaning (measurement progress state) for any of the temperature measurements. Become.

An example of each of the rectal temperature measurement, the oral temperature measurement, and the axillary temperature measurement in this example is shown below.

"Rectal thermometry" condition = 0.1 ℃ / 4 seconds condition = 0.05 ℃ / 8 seconds condition = 0.03 ℃ / 16 seconds "oral thermometry" condition = 0.1 ℃ / 6 seconds condition = 0.05 ℃ / 12 seconds condition = 0.03 ℃ / 24 seconds “Axillary temperature measurement” condition = 0.1 ° C./8 sec condition = 0.05 ° C./16 sec condition = 0.03 ° C./32 sec FIGS. 5 (A) to (D) relate to the flow chart of the temperature measurement processing procedure of the embodiment, FIG. 5 (A) is a flow chart when the power switch is turned on. When the power switch 7 is pressed, this process is entered. At step S1, all segments of LCD5 are lit for 1 second. At step S2, a predetermined initial setting is performed. For example, timer TM = 0, index counter n
= 0, register Δt = 0, and register σ ′ = 0.
In step S3 and step S4, the voltage condition of the battery is detected,
If it is falling, the displayed value blinks.

In step S5, the designated switch for quick mode is 10
Depending on the setting state of, it is determined whether the quick mode only is designated or the dual mode is designated. If the quick mode only is designated by this determination, the process is executed as the quick mode thereafter. If the dual mode is designated by the determination in step S5, the buzzer 6 sounds three times in succession (step S6). At step S7, it is determined whether the mode is the quick mode or the normal mode. That is, if the user keeps pressing the power switch 7 until the buzzer finishes ringing three times, the quick measurement mode is set. If the power switch 7 is released before the buzzer sounds three times, the normal mode is set.
Before the processing shifts to the normal mode, the display information (for example, the final moving average value σ) saved at the time of the last idle is displayed, and the signature (mark segment 5-0-5-3 of the display area 52) is displayed. Turns off (step S8).

FIG. 5B is a quick mode flow chart of this embodiment. At step S9, the normal temperature detection flag is reset. In step S10, the numeral display (display area 51) is turned off. This confirms that the measurement has started in the quick mode. Then, in step S11, the sign (mark segments 5-0 to 5-3 in the display area 52) blinks. In step S12, the temperature T is sampled, for example, once every two seconds.

Next, in step S13, the temperature probe (1-1, 1-2, 1
-3) is detected.
Whether or not the temperature probe is attached can be detected by, for example, not obtaining the temperature data T or showing an abnormal value. When the temperature probe is not attached, the process proceeds to step S14, and the content of the timer TM is incremented by one. At step S15, it is determined whether TM = 20 minutes. If 20 minutes have not passed, the process returns to step S9.
When 20 minutes have passed, the process proceeds to step S16, where the auto power is turned off, that is, the idle state is entered. This is because the sign flashes while the temperature probe is not attached,
This means that after a lapse of minutes, it will be in an idle state.

If it is determined in step S13 that the temperature measuring probe is attached, the process proceeds to step S17 to calculate the moving average value σ of the temperature measuring data T. This is to obtain a stable transition of the temperature measurement curve.

In step S18, the moving average value σ calculated in step S17
If σ <30 ° C., proceed to step S19 to display the underrange error display “E_U”. If σ> 43 ° C, proceed to step S20 and display the overrange error "E_
In this way, the error buzzer sounds 4 times at step S21 at the abnormal end, and the sign is turned off at step S26. When the abnormal end continues, the process proceeds to step S14, the timer TM is accumulated, and the step TM is accumulated. It is checked in S15 whether the count value of the timer TM, that is, the time has exceeded 20 minutes, according to the above description.

If the determination in step S18 is 30 ° C. ≦ σ ≦ 43 ° C., the peak value is normal, and the process proceeds to step S23 to display the peak value σ of the moving average value. At step S24, the normal temperature detection flag is read, and at the normal end of the first time, the normal temperature detection flag is in the reset state, so the buzzer is sounded eight times, and then the normal temperature detection flag is set. Since the normal temperature detection flag is in the set state after the second time, the buzzer is not sounded. This guarantees that the display temperature data T at the normal end is correctly sampled. Then, the sign is turned off in step S26, and the timer TM is cleared in step S27.

In the above process, when the temperature probe separation state or range error occurs continuously, the timer TM is continuously converted and the idle state is reached at time intervals of 20 minutes. It is possible to deal with

FIG. 5 (C) shows a normal mode flow chart of this embodiment. Input in this mode with all lights displayed. At step S24, the temperature T is sampled at intervals of 2 seconds, and the process goes to step S24 to check the connection state of the temperature probe. If the temperature probe is not connected, the connection error display "E_C" is displayed and the process proceeds to step S32.

If a temperature probe is connected, step S2
At 7, the moving average value σ of the temperature measurement data T is calculated. This is to obtain a stable transition of the temperature measurement curve. In step S28, check whether σ ≧ 30 ° C. If it does not exceed 30 ° C, step S2
At 9, the content of timer TM is incremented by 1. In step S30, it is determined whether or not two minutes have elapsed, and if two minutes have not elapsed, the process returns to step S24. If the temperature does not exceed 30 ° C even after 2 minutes, the process proceeds to step S31 and the underrange error display "E_U" is displayed. In step S32, turn off all the signs (measurement completed),
Step S33 produces an error buzzer.

If the temperature is 30 ° C or higher in the determination of step S28, step S34
Then, determine whether σ> 43 ° C. If it exceeds 43 ° C, the process proceeds to step S35, where the overrange error display "E_
Perform "O". Similarly, turn off all signs (measurement completed)
And sound the error buzzer.

If the temperature does not exceed 43 ° C. in step S34, the process proceeds to step S36, and the temperature measurement data is sequentially displayed and the measurement progress is displayed.

That is, the register .DELTA.t is cleared in step S36, and the current moving average value .sigma. Is stored in the register .sigma. 'In step S37. At step S38, the current moving average value σ is displayed, and at step S39, the next temperature T is sampled.
In step S40, the moving average value σ is obtained, and in step S41, 2 seconds are added to the register Δt. At step S42, Δt ≧
Check whether it is Δt (n). At first, since the index counter n = 0, Δt (n) = Δt ₁ . This △
If t ₁ is not exceeded, the process returns to step S38 to sample the next temperature T. Also, △ t proceeds to step S43 when it exceeds △ t _1, examine σ-σ '<△ σ whether a (n).
At first, since n = 0, Δσ (n) = Δσ ₁ . △
σ = σ-σ 'is △ sigma ₁ time larger is not Itaritsu below a predetermined gradient, the flow returns to step S36. As a result, the starting points of Δt and Δσ are newly updated, and the above processing is repeated. When Δσ is smaller than Δσ ₁ , it means that the condition is satisfied. Sign (segment) 5 in step S44
-(N), that is, the sign 5- (0) is initially turned off.
Thereby, the user knows that the measurement has passed the characteristic part of the condition. At step S45, the content of the counter n is incremented by one. This is because the following condition is determined. In step S46, it is checked whether or not n = 3, and if n is smaller than 3, the process returns to step S38. Note that the starting points of Δt and Δσ are not updated here. That is, the determination of the condition is started from the same starting point as the determination of the condition.
As a result, the apparatus does not overlook even if there is a temperature measurement curve that satisfies the conditions and the conditions at substantially the same point. Also, the judgment process for each condition is easy and quick. Note that this point is the same for the condition and the condition. When the condition is detected in this way, the sign 5- (1) is turned off, and the sign 5- (2) which detects the condition is turned off. As a result, the user can predict the end of measurement by proceeding with normal measurement and turning off all the signs. Eventually, if it is determined in step S46 that n = 3, the process proceeds to step S47, and the end buzzer sounds.

FIG. 5D is a flow chart of processing after the buzzer sounds in the normal mode of this embodiment. First, in step S48, the timer TM is cleared. At step S49, the content of the timer TM is incremented by 1. At step S50, it is checked here whether the timer TM has passed 20 minutes. If so, proceed to step S51 to enter the idle state.

On the other hand, if the timer TM has not passed 20 minutes, the process proceeds to step S52 to sample the temperature T. After sampling, check whether or not the temperature probe is connected, and if not connected, proceed to step S54,
Connect error display "E_C" is displayed. And step S5
In step 5, it is determined whether or not the error is the first time. If the error is the first time, the process proceeds to step S32 of the normal mode process described above, and the process is repeated thereafter. If the error is not the first one, the process returns to step S49 to repeat the process without clearing the timer TM. Therefore, if the connection error continues as it is, the timer TM exceeds 20 minutes and becomes idle.

If the connection state of the temperature measuring probe is confirmed by the determination in step S53, the process proceeds to step S56 to calculate the moving average value σ. Then, in step S65, the peak value σ
Determines whether σ ≦ 43 ° C. If σ ≦ 43 ° C,
In step S58 and step S55, the error display "E_O" of the range over is displayed, and it is determined whether it is the first error as in the case of the above-mentioned connect error. The determination of the number of errors in step S55 indicates the process of determining the number of errors for both the connect error and the range over error. If the error continues, the process returns to step S49 to repeat the addition of the timer TM. Therefore, the timer TM is 20
After a lapse of minutes, the idle state is entered as described above.

If the peak value determined in step S57 is σ≤43 ° C, the flow advances to step S59 to display the moving average value σ (peak value). This processing means that even if the range error is once determined, if the subsequent timer TM falls within the predetermined range within 20 minutes, the moving average value σ is displayed. Further, even if the measurement ends normally, it means that more precise measurement can be continued within 20 minutes.

Then, in step S60, the stable state of the detected temperature is read, and once it becomes stable, in order to avoid unnecessary detection, step S49 advance timer TM until 20 minutes have elapsed, the peak value σ after step S49 The display process is repeated. When the stability of the detected temperature cannot be confirmed in step S60, the value of the timer TM is cleared and the process proceeds to step S24.

According to the present embodiment according to the above description, a switch operation is used to quickly select a plurality of temperature-measured probes that have been temperature-measured collectively and a device that measures the temperature-measurement progress in real time according to the application. Therefore, the usability for the user is improved.

In addition, when the temperature probe is not connected to the main unit or an error occurs in the moving average value while executing various modes, auto power off, that is, the idle state It is possible to deal with it.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, when the high-speed temperature measurement mode is set with the temperature detection probe connected to the main body and the temperature detection probe is preheated, the body temperature measurement in the high-speed temperature measurement mode starts. Thus, the desired body temperature can be measured in a short time.

Also, even if the temperature probe is accidentally removed during measurement, you can continue the measurement process by reattaching it, and this will extend the measurement time even if the temperature probe is accidentally removed. Disappears.

Furthermore, since this temperature measuring probe is flat and the side surface thereof is formed in a substantially V-shape, it has an effect of facilitating contact with the measurement site.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the electronic thermometer of this embodiment, FIGS. 2 (A) to (C) are external views of the electronic thermometer main body of this embodiment, and FIG. 3 (A). (C) is an external view of various temperature measuring probes of this embodiment, FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation principle of the measurement progress status display of this embodiment, and FIG. 5 (A) is when the switch of this embodiment is turned on. FIG. 5 (B) is a quick mode flow chart of this embodiment, FIG. 5 (C) is a normal mode flow chart of this embodiment, and FIG. 5 (D) is a normal mode of this embodiment. It is a flow chart of processing after ringing the buzzer. In the figure, 1-1, 1-2, 1-3 ... Temperature probe, 2-1, 2-
2,2-3,2-4 ... Connector part, 3 ... Cable, 4 ...
Control unit, 5 ... Liquid crystal display unit, 6 ... Buzzer circuit, 7 ...
Power switch, 8 ... Selection switch, 9 ... Winding mechanism section, 10 ... Switch designated only for quick mode, 41 ... Temperature measuring means, 42 ... Measurement control means, 43 ... Memory.

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. An electronic thermometer for measuring a temperature using a temperature measuring probe, comprising connecting means for connecting the temperature measuring probe in a replaceable manner, and detecting means for detecting a connection state of the temperature measuring probe in the connecting means, When the high-speed measurement mode is set by the designating means for designating the measurement mode using the temperature sensing probe, the connection of the temperature sensing probe is detected by the sensing means, and the temperature sensing probe is preheated. A determining means for determining whether or not the temperature measuring probe is connected by the determining means, and a temperature measuring means for performing a temperature measuring process in the high-speed temperature measuring mode when the temperature measuring probe is preheated; During the temperature measuring process by the temperature measuring unit, the temperature is measured when the detecting unit detects that the temperature measuring probe is attached or detached. And a control unit that controls the temperature measurement process to be continued when the detection unit detects that the temperature measurement probe is attached, and the temperature measurement probe contacts the measurement site. An electronic clinical thermometer characterized by being flat and having a side surface formed in a substantially V shape for the sake of simplicity.