JP7045832B2 - Biometric information measuring device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a biometric information measuring device, and more particularly to a battery-powered biometric information measuring device.

Conventionally, various devices that can be driven by batteries have become widespread. As a battery-powerable device, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 is known as a configuration for determining the type of battery. Patent Document 1 discloses that the type of a battery is determined by measuring the internal resistance of the battery when the apparatus is started.

Japanese Patent No. 4671590

However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the battery type is not determined until the device is stopped after the battery type is once determined after the device is started. Therefore, when the configuration described in Patent Document 1 is applied to a biological information measuring device, if the device incorrectly determines the type of battery or the user makes a mistake in setting the battery level display, the battery is correct until the device is stopped. It becomes impossible to set the remaining amount display. That is, the configuration has a certain limit in improving the determination accuracy of the battery type. Further, conventionally, it has not been proposed to apply a configuration for determining a battery type to a battery-powerable biological information measuring device.

An object of the present invention is to provide a biometric information measuring device capable of accurately determining the type of battery.

The biological information measuring device according to the present invention is
It is a battery-powered biometric information measuring device.
A storage unit that houses batteries and
A measuring unit that receives power from the battery and measures biological information,
A determination unit for determining the type of the battery at the start of measurement of biological information and at the time of measurement abnormality,
Have.

According to the present invention, the type of battery can be accurately determined.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the medical telemetry system in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the display screen example of the transmission side display part of a biological information measuring apparatus. It is a figure which shows the display screen example of the transmission side display part of a biological information measuring apparatus. It is a figure which shows the display screen example of the transmission side display part of a biological information measuring apparatus. It is a figure which shows the display screen example of the transmission side display part of a biological information measuring apparatus. It is a figure which shows the display screen example of the receiving side display part of a receiver. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the battery determination control in a biological information measuring apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a medical telemeter system 1 including a biological information measuring device according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the medical telemeter system 1 is used, for example, for continuously monitoring the living body of a patient (subject), and includes a biological information measuring device 100 and a receiver 10.

The biological information measuring device 100 is a transmitter for measuring biological information (for example, electrocardiogram, heart rate, SpO2 (oxygen saturation), etc.) from a patient and wirelessly transmitting the measurement result to the receiver 10. The biological information measuring device 100 can be driven by a battery such as an alkaline dry battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery, and has an accommodating unit 110, a measuring unit 120, a transmitting side display unit 130, a transmitting unit 140, and a control unit 150. ..

The accommodating unit 110 is a portion that accommodates a battery capable of supplying electric power for operating the biometric information measuring device 100, and when the power switch (not shown) provided in the biometric information measuring apparatus 100 is pressed, the battery is released. It discharges and supplies electric power to each block in the biometric information measuring device 100. The power switch does not have to be provided in the biometric information measuring device 100. In that case, when the battery is housed in the accommodating portion 110, the battery is discharged and power is supplied to each block in the biometric information measuring device 100. Supply.

The measuring unit 120 receives power from a battery housed in the housing unit 110 and measures biometric information from the patient. The measuring unit 120 is connected to a sensor or the like (not shown) arranged in a portion to be measured by the patient. The measuring unit 120 outputs the measured biometric information to the biometric information processing unit 154 of the control unit 150. The biometric information processing unit 154 processes the acquired biometric information to generate display data suitable for the display mode of the transmitting side display unit 130 and outputs the display data to the transmitting side display unit 130. Further, the biometric information processing unit 154 generates transmission data suitable for wireless transmission from the transmission unit 140 to the receiver 10 by processing the acquired biometric information and outputs the transmission data to the transmission unit 140.

The transmission side display unit 130 is, for example, a display that displays a display screen as shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D, and displays biological information acquired from the measurement unit 120. Further, the transmitting side display unit 130 acquires the information of the battery remaining amount display R in the accommodating unit 110 via the control unit 150, and displays the information.

As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D, the battery remaining amount display R represents the remaining battery level based on the output voltage of the battery in three stages. The remaining amount level shown in FIG. 2A is level 3 indicating a state in which the remaining amount of the battery is sufficiently high. The remaining amount level shown in FIG. 2B is a state in which the remaining amount of the battery is less than that of the level 3, but is a level 2 indicating a state in which there is a relative margin for the dead battery state.

The remaining amount level shown in FIG. 2C is a state in which the remaining amount of the battery is less than that of the level 2, and is a level 1 indicating a state in which there is relatively little margin for the dead battery state. When the battery is exhausted from the level 1 state, the battery remaining amount display R is not lit as shown in FIG. 2D.

In this way, by displaying the remaining battery level in a plurality of stages, the user can easily grasp the remaining battery level.

As shown in FIG. 1, the transmission unit 140 transmits the biometric information acquired from the measurement unit 120 to the receiver 10 under the control of the control unit 150.

The control unit 150 has, for example, a processing unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit), and controls the operation in each unit of the biometric information measuring device 100 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 152. The details of the control of the control unit 150 will be described later.

The receiver 10 has a receiving unit 11 and a receiving side display unit 12. The receiving unit 11 outputs the biometric information received from the transmitting unit 140 to the receiving side display unit 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the receiving side display unit 12 displays the received biometric information. As a result, the operator who monitors the biological information measured by the biological information measuring device 100 can quickly grasp the biological information.

Further, the receiving side display unit 12 displays a warning display W when a warning command to be described later is acquired from the receiving unit 11 when the remaining battery level reaches level 1. As a result, the operator can quickly grasp the state of the battery of the biological information measuring device 100.

Next, the details of the control in the biological information measuring device 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 150 controls each unit as well as a control for determining the type of the battery accommodated in the accommodating unit 110. The control unit 150 includes a voltage measurement unit 151, a storage unit 152, and a determination unit 153.

The voltage measuring unit 151 measures the output voltage of the battery housed in the housing unit 110. Further, the biological information measuring device 100 has a load (not shown) that can be electrically connected / disconnected to the circuit connection portion (not shown) of the accommodating portion 110.

When the voltage measuring unit 151 controls to determine the type of the battery of the accommodating unit 110, the first voltage which is the open circuit voltage of the battery when the load is separated from the accommodating unit 110 and the load are transferred to the accommodating unit 110. The second voltage, which is the output voltage of the battery in the connected state, is measured. The voltage measuring unit 151 outputs the measured first voltage value and the second voltage value to the storage unit 152.

The storage unit 152 acquires and stores the first voltage and the second voltage output from the voltage measuring unit 151. The storage unit 152 may be configured not to be incorporated in the control unit 150.

The determination unit 153 acquires the value of the first voltage and the value of the second voltage stored in the storage unit 152, and calculates the internal resistance of the battery from the value of the first voltage and the value of the second voltage. The determination unit 153 determines the type of battery from the calculated internal resistance.

It is known that batteries have different internal resistances depending on the type. For example, among alkaline batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries, the nickel-metal hydride batteries have a smaller internal resistance than the alkaline batteries.

By the way, when measuring biological information continuously for a long time so as to continuously monitor the living body, it is necessary that the battery runs out during the measurement so that the measurement is not interrupted due to the dead battery. You need to avoid it. However, the driving time of the biometric information measuring device 100 from the full tank state to the dead battery state differs depending on the type of battery. Therefore, it is necessary for the user to accurately grasp the type of the battery and set the biological information measuring device 100 so that the battery remaining amount display R corresponding to the battery is displayed.

In the present embodiment, the type of the battery can be determined by calculating the internal resistance of the battery housed in the housing unit 110, so that the user can accurately grasp the type of the battery.

The control unit 150 determines the battery type by the determination unit 153 at the start of measurement of biological information or at the time of measurement abnormality. At the start of measurement, a series of periods before the start of measurement of biometric information, such as the timing at which the power switch of the biometric information measuring device 100 is pressed and the timing immediately before the actual start of measurement, are included. Further, at the start of measurement, for example, when the remaining amount of the battery remaining amount display R is level 1 at the start of measurement, a period for allowing the user to select whether to replace the battery is provided immediately after the start of measurement. If any suspension period may be provided, such period is also included. Further, at the start of measurement, if a period such as showing a waveform display example is provided on the transmission side display unit 130 immediately after the start of measurement, such a period is also included.

For example, in the case where the biological information measuring device 100 is a device that measures biological information using an attached object worn on the subject, the “measurement abnormality” includes the timing at which the attached object is removed. Specifically, in the case where the biological information measuring device 100 is a device that measures an electrocardiogram using an electrocardiogram electrode attached to a subject, the attached object is an electrocardiogram electrode, and the timing at which the attached object is removed is a so-called electrode. This is the timing when the deviation occurred. Electrode detachment means that the electrocardiogram electrode comes off from the body surface of the subject, or the lead wire of the electrocardiogram electrode comes off from the main body of the biometric information measuring device 100 and the electrical connection with the measuring unit 120 is cut off. .. When the biological information measuring device 100 is a device such as a pulse oximeter that measures SpO ₂ , the attached object is a pulse oximeter probe that is attached to the finger, ear, or the like of the subject, and the attached object is. The off-timing is the timing when the pulse oximeter is out of the subject. A known technique or the like is used as a method for detecting that the attached object has come off. Further, the attachment may be any attachment as long as it is attached to the subject and used for measuring biological information.

Further, in the case where the biological information measuring device 100 is a device that measures biological information affected by the body movement of the subject, for example, an electrocardiogram, the amplitude of the electrocardiogram becomes excessive due to the influence of the body movement during "measurement abnormality". It also includes the timing of the increase. Further, when the body movement or the like can be detected by the acceleration sensor or the like, the timing or the like when the acceleration sensor detects the excessive body movement may be set as “when the measurement is abnormal”. The method for detecting body movement is not limited to the method using an acceleration sensor, and any method may be used as long as the body movement can be detected.

Further, when the biometric information measuring device 100 and the receiver 10 perform wireless communication as in the present embodiment, for example, the biometric information measuring device 100 and the receiver 10 are far apart from each other in the "measurement abnormality". It also includes the timing when the communication quality of wireless communication deteriorates due to the above and a communication abnormality occurs. As a method for detecting a communication abnormality, a technique or the like generally used in the field of wireless communication is used.

For example, if the battery type is determined only once at the start of measurement, the battery type cannot be determined until the device is stopped, so that the device may misdetermine the battery type or the user may determine the remaining battery level. If the display R is set incorrectly, the battery level display R cannot be set to the correct setting until the device is stopped.

However, in the present embodiment, the type of the battery can be determined even when a measurement abnormality occurs, so that the probability that an erroneous determination of the battery will occur can be reduced. That is, the type of battery can be determined more accurately.

Further, the control unit 150 controls to change the remaining battery level threshold value according to the type of the battery determined by the determination unit 153. The remaining battery threshold is between the level 3 and level 2 states of the battery level, between the level 2 and level 1, and between the level 1 and dead battery states. It is a threshold value related to the remaining battery level, which is set for each type, and is set for each type of battery in the storage unit 152, for example. The level 1 which is the state immediately before the dead battery state corresponds to the "warning level" described later.

In particular, the control unit 150 controls the living body so that the driving time of the biological information measuring device 100 after the remaining amount of the battery is reduced to the warning level becomes a predetermined time (for example, 8 hours) or more in the battery whose type is determined. The setting of the remaining amount threshold between the level 2 state and the level 1 state in the information measuring device 100 is automatically changed, and according to this, between the level 3 state and the level 2 state and level 1 Adjust the remaining amount threshold between the state of and the state of dead battery. As a result, after the remaining battery level is reduced to the warning level, the time when the battery is exhausted can be set to the same time regardless of the battery type, so that the user can display the remaining battery level for each battery type. You can save the trouble of changing the settings of.

By the way, from the start of the measurement to the end of the measurement, it is preferable to prevent the battery from running out as described above. For example, when measuring biometric information during a time period such as at night when there is a shortage of manpower in the ward for a long period of time, it is necessary to prevent the battery from running out during that time period. .. However, if the remaining battery level reaches the warning level in the middle of such a time zone, the battery may run out during the time zone depending on the type of battery.

However, in the present embodiment, the time from when the remaining battery level reaches the warning level until the battery runs out can be set to the same time regardless of the type of battery. Therefore, even if the remaining battery level reaches the warning level in the middle of the time zone, the battery runs out during the time zone by setting the above-mentioned predetermined time to about the total time of the time zone. You can prevent it from happening.

Further, the control unit 150 controls to output an alarm when the remaining amount of the battery becomes equal to or less than the remaining amount threshold value corresponding to the warning level. Specifically, the control unit 150 controls the transmission unit 140 so as to transmit a warning command to the receiver 10 when the remaining battery level becomes equal to or less than the remaining amount threshold value.

As a result, the state of the remaining battery level can be quickly transmitted to the receiver 10. The control for outputting an alarm is a control for outputting a notification such as turning on a lamp or transmitting a warning sound so that the user can recognize the alarm around the biological information measuring device 100. Is included.

Next, an operation example when executing the battery determination control in the biological information measuring device 100 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation example of battery determination control in the biological information measuring device 100. The process in FIG. 4 is appropriately executed, for example, when the power of the biological information measuring device 100 is turned on.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 150 measures the first voltage of the battery in the accommodating unit 110 and stores the value in the storage unit 152 (step S101). Next, the control unit 150 controls to connect the load to the accommodating unit 110 (step S102). Next, the control unit 150 measures the second voltage of the battery in the accommodating unit 110, and stores the value in the storage unit 152 (step S103). Next, the control unit 150 controls to disconnect the load from the accommodating unit 110 (step S104).

Next, the control unit 150 compares the value of the first voltage stored in the storage unit 152 with the value of the second voltage to determine the type of the battery (step S105). Next, the control unit 150 sets the remaining amount threshold value according to the determined battery type (step S106). Next, the control unit 150 starts measuring the biological information of the patient (step S107).

Next, the control unit 150 determines whether or not there is a measurement abnormality in the measurement (step S108). As a result of the determination, if there is a measurement abnormality (step S108, YES), the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, when there is no measurement abnormality (step S108, NO), the control unit 150 determines whether or not the remaining battery level is equal to or less than the remaining battery level threshold value (step S109).

As a result of the determination, when the remaining battery level is higher than any remaining value threshold value (step S109, NO), the process proceeds to step S113. On the other hand, when the remaining battery level is lower than any remaining threshold value as compared with the previous threshold value determination (step S109, YES), the control unit 150 changes the battery remaining amount display R according to the determination result. The transmitting side display unit 130 is controlled so as to be performed (step S110).

Next, the control unit 150 determines whether or not the changed battery remaining amount display R is level 1 (step S111). As a result of the determination, when the battery remaining amount display R is not level 1 (step S111, NO), the process proceeds to step S113.

On the other hand, when the battery level display R is level 1 (step S111, YES), the control unit 150 controls the transmission unit 140 so as to transmit the warning command to the receiver 10 (step S112).

Next, the control unit 150 determines whether or not to end the measurement of biological information (step S113). As a result of the determination, if the measurement is not completed (step S113, NO), the process returns to step S108. On the other hand, when the measurement is terminated (step S113, YES), this control is terminated.

According to the present embodiment configured as described above, since the battery type is determined at the start of measurement and / or at the time of measurement abnormality, the probability that an erroneous determination of the battery type occurs is reduced, and the battery type is determined. It can be determined more accurately. In particular, by determining the battery type both at the start of measurement and at the time of measurement abnormality, the determination accuracy of the battery type can be reliably improved.

Further, since the battery remaining amount threshold value is changed according to the determined battery type, the time from when the battery remaining amount level becomes level 1 to when the battery is exhausted can be set to the same time. Therefore, since the user can save the trouble of changing the setting of the battery remaining amount display R for each battery type, it is possible to prevent the user from erroneously setting the battery remaining amount display R setting and the user. It is possible to easily grasp the time when the battery runs out.

Further, when the remaining battery level becomes equal to or less than the remaining battery level, the warning command is transmitted to the receiver 10, so that the battery shortage state can be quickly transmitted to the receiver 10. Therefore, the operator can quickly grasp the state of the battery of the biological information measuring device 100.

In the above embodiment, the determination unit 153 is incorporated in the control unit 150, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the determination unit operates on a CPU different from the control unit. It may be.

In addition, the above embodiments are merely examples of embodiment of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner by these. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its gist or its main features.

The biometric information measuring device according to the present invention is useful as a biometric information measuring device capable of accurately determining the type of battery.

1 Medical telemeter system 10 Receiver 11 Receiver 12 Receiving side display 100 Biological information measuring device 110 Accommodating unit 120 Measuring unit 130 Transmitting side display unit 140 Transmitting unit 150 Control unit 151 Voltage measuring unit 152 Storage unit 153 Judgment unit 154 Living body Information processing department

Claims (7)

It is a battery-powered biometric information measuring device.
A storage unit that houses batteries and
A measuring unit that receives power from the battery and measures biological information,
A determination unit for determining the type of the battery at the start of measurement of biological information and at the time of measurement abnormality,
Biometric information measuring device with. It has a control unit that controls to change the remaining amount threshold value of the battery according to the type of the battery determined by the determination unit.
The biometric information measuring device according to claim 1. The control unit sets the remaining amount threshold value so that the driving time of the biometric information measuring device after the remaining amount of the battery is reduced to the warning level becomes a predetermined time or more.
The biometric information measuring device according to claim 2. The control unit controls to output an alarm when the remaining amount of the battery becomes equal to or less than the remaining amount threshold value corresponding to the warning level.
The biometric information measuring device according to claim 3. The biometric information measuring device is a device that measures biometric information using an attached object worn by a subject.
The measurement abnormality is when the attached object comes off from the subject.
The biometric information measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The biological information measuring device is a device that measures the biological information that is affected by the body movement of the subject.
The measurement abnormality is when the subject's body movement becomes excessively large.
The biometric information measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. It has a transmitter that transmits the biometric information to the receiver.
The measurement abnormality is a communication abnormality between the transmitter and the receiver.
The biometric information measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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