Biological information measurement device, control method of biological information measurement device, and computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon

Abstract

A biological information measurement device includes a first electrode to a third electrode, and measures biological information of a measurement object based on a potential difference between the first electrode and the third electrode. The device has: an electrode contact state sensing unit including a first contact sensing circuit connected to the first electrode or the second electrode among the respective electrodes, a second contact sensing circuit connected to the third electrode, and a contact state determination unit that determines a contact state of which of the respective electrodes is in contact with the surface of the measurement object based on a first signal output from the first contact sensing circuit and a second signal output from the second contact sensing circuit; and an input reception unit that receives the contact of the electrode with the surface of the measurement object as an input of a prescribed operation corresponding to the contact state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field related to health care, and particularly relates to a biological information measuring device, a control method for the biological information measuring device, and a program. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, it has become popular to measure information related to an individual's body and health, such as blood pressure values and electrocardiogram waveforms (hereinafter also referred to as biological information) using a measuring device, and to record and analyze the measurement results using an information terminal for health management.

[0003] As an example of the above-mentioned measuring device, a portable electrocardiogram measuring device for immediately measuring an electrocardiogram waveform (so-called emergency electrocardiogram examination) when abnormalities such as chest pain and palpitations occur in daily life has been proposed, and it is expected to contribute to the early detection and appropriate treatment of heart diseases (for example, Patent Document 1, etc.).

[0004] However, there is a demand that when confirming the measured electrocardiogram waveform, only the electrocardiogram waveform measured at the timing when the subject feels certain symptoms is to be confirmed. Regarding this point, in Patent Document 1, a portable electrocardiogram measuring device is proposed, which includes a liquid crystal display and operation buttons, and can input the subject's conscious symptoms during electrocardiogram measurement and record them together with the electrocardiogram waveform measured at that time.

[0005] In the case of the electrocardiogram measuring device described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to effectively confirm the biological waveform corresponding to the state of the subject at the time of measurement, such as the electrocardiogram waveform measured at the timing when the subject feels certain symptoms.

[0006] Prior Art Documents

[0007] Patent Documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-28153 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to provide a display device such as a liquid crystal display and an operation unit, so the size of the measuring device increases accordingly. This causes problems that the holding of the device becomes unstable during measurement and the measurement accuracy decreases. In addition, there is originally a problem of reducing portability in a portable electrocardiogram measuring device.

[0011] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide the following technology: in a portable biological information measuring device having electrodes, it is possible to input specified information, and miniaturization can be achieved by arranging an operation unit for information input and a display screen according to the configuration of the device.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] To solve the above problems, a biological information measuring device of the present invention is a biological information measuring device that includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode and measures biological information of a measurement object based on a potential difference between the first electrode and the third electrode, and has: an electrode contact state sensing unit, including a first contact sensing circuit, a second contact sensing circuit, and a contact state determination unit, the first contact sensing circuit is connected to the first electrode or the second electrode among the respective electrodes, the second contact sensing circuit is connected to the third electrode, and the contact state determination unit determines, based on a first signal output from the first contact sensing circuit and a second signal output from the second contact sensing circuit, which of the respective electrodes is in contact with the surface of the measurement object; and an input reception unit that receives the contact of the electrode with the surface of the measurement object as an input of a specified operation corresponding to the contact state.

[0014] According to the above configuration, it is possible to use the electrodes for measuring biological information and input operations corresponding to the respective contact states to the device according to the different contact states of the electrodes with the body (which electrode is in contact). Therefore, it is possible to input specified information to the device without additionally providing an operation unit for input operations and without increasing the size of the device.

[0015] In addition, the biological information measuring device of the present invention may also have: a contact sensing electrode switching unit that switches the electrode connected to the first contact sensing circuit between the first electrode and the second electrode. In addition, it may be that the contact sensing electrode switching unit connects the electrode of the first electrode and the second electrode that is not connected to the first contact sensing circuit to the ground wire.

[0016] When the configuration is like this, even when input is performed using electrodes that are optimally configured for measuring biological information, the circuit of the electrode contact state sensing unit that determines the input during the input of the operation can be switched to be connected to an electrode that is not restricted by the input operation, which can improve the convenience for the user.

[0017] In addition, it may also be set that: according to the difference in the electrodes connected to the first contact sensing circuit, the contact state determination unit switches and executes the determination of the contact state between the measurement determination when measuring the biological information of the measurement object and the operation input determination when accepting the input of the specified operation.

[0018] When the contact state determination unit executes the operation input determination, the input acceptance unit accepts the contact of each electrode with the surface of the measurement object as the input of the specified operation corresponding to the contact state.

[0019] With such a configuration, it is possible to distinguish and use the contact determination of the electrodes in the case of measuring biological information and in the case of inputting information, and it is possible to prevent incorrect information input or the reverse situation from occurring during the measurement of biological information.

[0020] In addition, it may also be that the specified operation corresponding to the contact state at least includes the selection of specified items. When configured like this, it is possible to input the intended information related to the pre-specified items only by intentionally changing the contact state of the electrodes.

[0021] In addition, it may also be that the specified items are items related to the physical condition or exercise load state during the measurement of the biological information of the measurement object. Here, the physical condition refers to the condition that the measurement object (hereinafter also referred to as the user) feels during the measurement of biological information, and may include items such as chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, palpitations, shortness of breath, confusion, and no abnormality. In addition, the exercise load state refers to the amount of exercise that the user feels during the measurement of biological information, and may include items such as a lot, normal, little, and rest state.

[0022] By establishing a correspondence between the physical condition or exercise load state during the measurement of such biological information and the measurement data, it is possible to contribute to the effective confirmation of measurement data, the improvement of the analysis accuracy of measurement data, etc.

[0023] In addition, the biological information measurement device further includes a notification unit, and the notification unit may be a unit that notifies information related to the measurement of the biological information of the measurement object when measuring the biological information of the measurement object, and notifies information related to the content of the specified items when accepting the input of the specified operation. When there is a notification unit, various information can be notified, and the convenience of the user can be improved. In addition, if a component that does not occupy space, such as an LED, is used as the notification unit, the adverse effect of increasing the device size can also be minimized. It should be noted that the notification unit is not limited to an LED, and may also be a liquid crystal display, a speaker, etc.

[0024] In addition, the biological information may be an electrocardiogram waveform. For such a device, the present invention is preferred.

[0025] In addition, a control method for a biological information measuring device according to the present invention is a method for controlling a biological information measuring device, the biological information measuring device including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode, and measuring biological information of a measurement object based on a potential difference between the first electrode and the third electrode. The control method for the biological information measuring device is characterized by including the following steps: a measurement step of measuring the biological information of the measurement object; and an input reception step of receiving an input of a specified operation. In the input reception step, a contact state of each electrode with the surface of the measurement object is determined, and based on the determination result, the contact of each electrode with the surface of the measurement object is received as an input of a specified operation corresponding to the contact state.

[0026] In addition, the present invention can also be regarded as a program for causing a biological information measuring device to execute the above method, and a computer-readable recording medium non-temporarily recording such a program.

[0027] It should be noted that as long as there is no technical contradiction among the above components and processes, they can be combined with each other to constitute the present invention.

[0028] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0029] According to the present invention, a technology can be provided in which in a portable biological information measuring device including electrodes, a specified information can be input, and miniaturization can be achieved by arranging an operation unit for information input and a display screen according to the configuration of the device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 are six views showing the configuration of a portable electrocardiograph according to Embodiment 1. Figure 1 (A) thereof is a front view showing the configuration of a portable electrocardiograph according to Embodiment 1. Figure 1 (B) thereof is a rear view showing the configuration of a portable electrocardiograph according to Embodiment 1. Figure 1 (C) thereof is a left view showing the configuration of a portable electrocardiograph according to Embodiment 1. Figure 1 (D) thereof is a right view showing the configuration of a portable electrocardiograph according to Embodiment 1. Figure 1 (E) thereof is a top view showing the configuration of a portable electrocardiograph according to Embodiment 1. Figure 1 (F) thereof is a bottom view showing the configuration of a portable electrocardiograph according to Embodiment 1.

[0031] Figure 2(A) is a first explanatory diagram showing an example of a method for holding a device when input is performed through the electrodes of the portable electrocardiograph of Embodiment 1. Figure 2 (B) is a second explanatory diagram showing an example of a method for holding a device when input is performed through the electrodes of the portable electrocardiograph of Embodiment 1.

[0032] Figure 3 is a block diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the portable electrocardiograph of Embodiment 1.

[0033] Figure 4 is a circuit diagram showing a part of the electrical circuit configuration of the portable electrocardiograph of Embodiment 1.

[0034] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the contact sensing electrode switching unit of the portable electrocardiograph of Embodiment 1.

[0035] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the sequence of processes when performing electrocardiogram measurement using the portable electrocardiograph of Embodiment 1.

[0036] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine during electrocardiogram waveform measurement of the portable electrocardiograph of Embodiment 1.

[0037] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine related to the electrode contact sensing process before electrocardiogram waveform measurement in the portable electrocardiograph of Embodiment 1.

[0038] Figure 9 is a first flowchart showing a subroutine related to the process after electrocardiogram waveform measurement in the portable electrocardiograph of Embodiment 1.

[0039] Figure 10 is a second flowchart showing a subroutine related to the process after electrocardiogram waveform measurement in the portable electrocardiograph of Embodiment 1.

[0040] Figure 11 is a six-view diagram showing the configuration of the portable electrocardiograph of Embodiment 2. Figure 11 (A) is a front view showing the configuration of the portable electrocardiograph of Embodiment 2. Figure 11 (B) is a rear view showing the configuration of the portable electrocardiograph of Embodiment 2. Figure 11 (C) is a left view showing the configuration of the portable electrocardiograph of Embodiment 2. Figure 11 (D) is a right view showing the configuration of the portable electrocardiograph of Embodiment 2. Figure 11 (E) is a top view showing the configuration of the portable electrocardiograph of Embodiment 2. Figure 11(F) is a bottom view showing the configuration of the portable electrocardiograph of Embodiment 2.

[0041] Figure 12 is a block diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the portable electrocardiograph of Embodiment 2.

[0042] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine during electrocardiogram waveform measurement in the portable electrocardiograph of Embodiment 2.

[0043] Figure 14 (A) is the first explanatory diagram related to the LED display of the portable electrocardiograph of Embodiment 2. Figure 14 (B) is the second explanatory diagram related to the LED display of the portable electrocardiograph of Embodiment 2. Specific Embodiments

[0044] <Embodiment 1>

[0045] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. Among them, regarding the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative configurations, etc. of the components described in this embodiment, unless otherwise specifically stated, it does not mean that the scope of the present invention is limited only to these.

[0046] (Device Configuration)

[0047] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the portable electrocardiograph 1 in this embodiment. Figure 1 (A) is a front view showing the front of the main body. Similarly, Figure 1 (B) is a rear view, Figure 1 (C) is a left view, Figure 1 (D) is a right view, Figure 1 (E) is a top view, Figure 1 (F) is a bottom view.

[0048] As Figure 1 shown, a power switch 16 is provided on the left side of the portable electrocardiograph 1, and a battery housing port and a battery cover 15 are arranged on the back of the portable electrocardiograph 1.

[0049] In addition, a left electrode 12a that contacts the left side of the body during electrocardiogram measurement is provided on the bottom surface of the portable electrocardiograph 1, and a first right electrode 12b that contacts the middle phalanx of the right index finger and a second right electrode 12c that contacts the proximal phalanx of the right index finger are provided on the upper surface side of the opposite side. It should be noted that the left electrode 12a in this embodiment corresponds to the first electrode of the present invention. Similarly, the first right electrode 12b corresponds to the second electrode, and the second right electrode 12c corresponds to the third electrode.

[0050] When performing electrocardiogram measurement, hold the portable electrocardiograph 1 with the right hand, and arrange the right index finger on the upper surface portion of the portable electrocardiograph 1 in a manner that it is in correct contact with the first right electrode 12b and the second right electrode 12c. On this basis, bring the left electrode 12a into contact with the skin at a position corresponding to the desired measurement method. For example, when measuring through the so-called lead I, press the left electrode 12a firmly against the palm of the left hand. When measuring through the so-called lead V4, bring the left electrode 12a into contact with the skin slightly to the left of the xiphoid process / under the nipple on the left chest.

[0051] In addition, as will be described in detail later, the portable electrocardiograph 1 can perform an input operation using the electrodes. When performing this input operation, regardless of the above-described electrode contact method, as long as the portable electrocardiograph 1 is held in a manner that it is easy to contact the electrodes for the purpose of performing the input operation. In Figure 2 shows an example of the holding method of the portable electrocardiograph 1 when performing an input operation. As Figure 2 shown, for example, it can be set as follows: bring the left electrode 12a into contact with the right thumb and / or the left thumb, bring the left index finger into contact with the first right electrode 12b, and bring the right index finger into contact with the second right electrode 12c, thereby performing the input operation.

[0052] In Figure 3 a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the portable electrocardiograph 1 is described. As Figure 3 shown, the portable electrocardiograph 1 has the following configuration: it includes functional units such as a control unit 101, an electrode unit 12, an amplification unit 102, an AD (Analog to Digital) conversion unit 103, a timing unit 104, a storage unit 105, an operation unit 107, a power supply unit 108, a contact sensing circuit 90, and a contact state determination unit 110.

[0053] The control unit 101 is a unit responsible for controlling the portable electrocardiograph 1 and is configured to include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like. When receiving an operation from the user via the operation unit 107, the control unit 101 controls each component of the portable electrocardiograph 1 in such a way as to execute various processes such as electrocardiogram measurement and operation input reception according to a predetermined program. It should be noted that the predetermined program is stored in the storage unit 105 described later and read out from it.

[0054] In addition, the control unit 101 includes a contact state determination unit 110 as a functional module. The contact state determination unit 110 determines the contact state of which of the above-described electrodes is in contact with the user based on the output signal from the contact sensing circuit 90 described later. That is, the contact sensing circuit 90 and the contact state determination unit 110 in the present embodiment correspond to the electrode contact state sensing unit of the present invention.

[0055] The electrode unit 12 is composed of a left electrode 12a, a first right electrode 12b, and a second right electrode 12c, functions as a sensor for detecting an electrocardiogram waveform, and as will be described later, also functions as an operation unit 107. The amplifying unit 102 has a function of amplifying a signal representing an electrocardiogram waveform output from the electrode unit 12 as will be described later. The AD conversion unit 103 has a function of converting an analog signal amplified by the amplifying unit 102 into a digital signal and transmitting it to the control unit 101.

[0056] The timing unit 104 has a function of measuring time with reference to an RTC (Real Time Clock). For example, before the start of electrocardiogram measurement, it counts the time when all electrodes are in contact with the user, the time from the start of measurement to the end of measurement, the elapsed time after the end of measurement, and the like.

[0057] The storage unit 105 is configured to include a main storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores various information such as application programs, measured electrocardiogram waveforms, electrocardiogram waveform analysis results, physical conditions during electrocardiogram measurement input through operations described later, and exercise loads. In addition, it may be configured to include, in addition to the RAM, a long-term storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0058] The operation unit 107 is composed of a power switch 16 and the above-mentioned electrode unit 12, etc., accepts input operations from the user, and has a function of causing the control unit 101 to execute processing corresponding to the operations.

[0059] The power supply unit 108 is configured to include a battery that supplies power required for the operation of the device. The battery may be a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, or a primary battery may be used.

[0060] The contact sensing circuit 90 is an electrical circuit connected to each of the electrodes such as the left electrode 12a, the first right electrode 12b, and the second right electrode 12c, and has a function of outputting whether these electrodes are in contact with the user. Hereinafter, based on Figure 4 , the contact sensing circuit 90 will be described in detail. Figure 4 It is a circuit diagram for explaining the electrical circuit constituting the contact sensing circuit 90.

[0061] The contact sensing circuit 90 generally includes a first sensing circuit 91 connected to the left electrode 12a or the first right electrode 12b and a second sensing circuit 92 connected to the second right electrode 12c. The contact sensing circuit 90 is configured as follows: It further includes a contact sensing electrode switching unit 93 that switches the electrode connected to the first sensing circuit 91 between the left electrode 12a and the first right electrode 12b under the control of the control unit 101.

[0062] In Figure 5 is shown the contact sensing electrode switching unit 93. The contact sensing electrode switching unit 93 includes a first selector (demultiplexer) 931 and a second selector 932, and switches each selector 931, 932 under the control of the control unit 101, thereby switching the circuit to which the left electrode 12a and the first right electrode 12b are connected.

[0063] In Figure 4 and Figure 5 when the left electrode 12a is connected to the first sensing circuit 91, the first right electrode 12b is connected to the ground. Conversely, when the first right electrode 12b is connected to the first sensing circuit 91, the left electrode 12a is connected to the ground. For example, during electrocardiogram measurement, as shown by the circuit connection example indicated by the dotted line in each of the selectors 931, 932 in Figure 5 , the left electrode 12a is connected to the first sensing circuit 91 and the first right electrode 12b is connected to the ground. On the other hand, during the operation input described later, as shown by the circuit connection example indicated by the solid line in each of the selectors 931, 932 in Figure 5 , the connection destinations of the left electrode 12a and the first right electrode 12b are switched.

[0064] The first sensing circuit 91 is configured to include a first comparator 910, a first bias power supply 911, a first switching element 912, a first pull-up resistor 913, a first RC (Resistance-Capacitance) filter 914, a first reference voltage power supply 915, first reference voltage resistors 916a, 916b, and first hysteresis resistors 917a, 917b.

[0065] The first bias power supply 911 applies a bias voltage (e.g., about 3V) such that the electrode connected to the first sensing circuit 91 has a higher potential than the electrode connected to the ground line. The first switching element 912 is composed of, for example, a field effect transistor (FET: Field Effect Transistor), etc., and is controlled by the control unit 101 to connect / disconnect the first bias power supply 911 and the first pull-up resistor 913. The first pull-up resistor 913 maintains the potential of the connected circuit at a high potential. The first RC filter 914 removes high-frequency components and inputs the voltage from the first bias power supply 911 to the - input terminal of the first comparator 910. Hereinafter, the potential input to the - input terminal of the first comparator 910 is referred to as the first bias potential.

[0066] A specified contact sensing reference voltage (e.g., about 1.5V) supplied from the first reference voltage power supply 915 and adjusted by the first reference voltage resistors 916a, 916b is input to the + input terminal of the first comparator 910. Hereinafter, the potential input to the + input terminal of the first comparator 910 is referred to as the first sensing reference potential.

[0067] The first comparator 910 is composed of, for example, an operational amplifier. When the first bias potential decreases by a specified hysteresis amount with respect to the first sensing reference potential, the first comparator 910 outputs a high signal. On the other hand, when the first bias potential is equal to or higher than the first sensing reference potential, the first comparator 910 outputs a low signal.

[0068] When both the left electrode 12a and the first right electrode 12b are in contact with the user's skin surface, current flows through the impedance of the human body to the first right electrode 12b, which has a lower potential than the left electrode 12a, a voltage drop is generated in the first pull-up resistor 913, and the first bias potential decreases. Then, the output of the first comparator 910 changes from low to high. It should be noted that the circuit 95 shown by the dashed line in the figure shows the path of the current flowing through the impedance of the human body.

[0069] The second sensing circuit 92 is configured to include a second comparator 920, a second bias power supply 921, a second switching element 922, a second pull-up resistor 923, a second RC filter 924, a second reference voltage power supply 925, second reference voltage resistors 926a, 926b, and second hysteresis resistors 927a, 927b.

[0070] The second bias power supply 921 applies a bias voltage to the second right electrode 12c such that the second right electrode 12c has a higher potential than the electrode connected to the ground line. Except for this, the configurations and functions of the respective elements of the second sensing circuit 92 are the same as those of the corresponding first sensing circuit 91, and therefore, detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0071] The output signals of the first comparator 910 and the second comparator 920 are sent to the CPU (control unit 101), and the contact state determination unit 110 determines which electrode is in contact with the body. For example, if the output of each comparator is high, the contact state determination unit 110 determines that all electrodes are in contact with the body.

[0072] It should be noted that, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, either the left electrode 12a or the first right electrode 12b is connected to the + input terminal of the differential amplifier 94, and the second right electrode 12c is connected to the - input terminal of the differential amplifier 94. In addition, the electrode that is not connected to the + input terminal of the differential amplifier 94 among the left electrode 12a or the first right electrode 12b is connected to the ground wire. For example, during electrocardiogram measurement, the left electrode 12a is connected to the + input terminal of the differential amplifier 94, and the differential amplifier 94 amplifies and outputs the potential difference between the left electrode 12a and the second right electrode 12c. This output is transmitted to the amplification unit 102 and the AD conversion unit 103 via a filter circuit (not shown), thereby performing electrocardiogram measurement.

[0073] (Flow of processing implemented by the portable electrocardiograph)

[0074] Next, based on Figures 6 to 10 the operation of the portable electrocardiograph 1 during electrocardiogram measurement will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the sequence of processing when performing electrocardiogram measurement using the portable electrocardiograph 1. In addition, Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the subroutine during electrocardiogram waveform measurement, Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the subroutine related to the electrode contact sensing process before electrocardiogram waveform measurement.

[0075] As Figure 6 shown, when performing electrocardiogram measurement using the portable electrocardiograph 1 of the present embodiment, after the processing of electrocardiogram waveform measurement (S11), the switching process (S12) of the electrode connected to the first sensing circuit 91 implemented by the contact sensing electrode switching unit 93 is performed. After that, the process of inputting the physical condition (subjective symptoms) of the user during electrocardiogram measurement (S13) is performed, and then the process of inputting the exercise load of the user during electrocardiogram measurement (S14) is performed, ending a series of processes. Hereinafter, the details of each process regarding step S11 (processing of electrocardiogram waveform measurement), step S13 (input processing of physical condition), and step S14 (input processing of exercise load) will be described in sequence.

[0076] (Electrocardiogram measurement processing)

[0077] Refer to Figure 7, First, before electrocardiogram measurement, the user operates the power switch 16 to turn on the power of the portable electrocardiograph 1. Then, hold the portable electrocardiograph 1 with the right hand, make the right index finger contact the first right electrode 12b and the second right electrode 12c, and make the left electrode 12a contact the skin of the measurement site. Then, the control unit 101 detects the contact state of each electrode via the electrode unit 12 and the contact state determination unit 110 (S101).

[0078] Here, based on Figure 8 , the processing of the subroutine of step S101 will be described. First, when the power switch 16 is turned on, the control unit 101 turns on the first switching element 912 and the second switching element 922, and applies a bias voltage to the left electrode 12a and the second right electrode 12c (S201). It should be noted that at this time, in the contact sensing electrode switching unit 93, the state is as follows: the first selector 931 connects the left electrode 12a to the first sensing circuit 91, and the second selector 932 connects the first right electrode 12b to the ground wire.

[0079] Here, if the left electrode 12a, the first right electrode 12b, and the second right electrode 12c are all in contact with the body, both the first comparator 910 and the second comparator 920 output high, and this meaning is determined by the contact state determination unit 110. If the high signal is output continuously for a specified time (for example, three seconds), it can be set that each electrode is correctly in contact with the user and the preparation for electrocardiogram measurement is completed. Here, it is only necessary to refer to the timing unit 104 to determine whether the specified time has elapsed. In step S202, the control unit 101 resets (sets to 0) the timer count value (hereinafter referred to as the contact time count value) of the time when all the measurement electrodes are in the contact state.

[0080] Specifically, when the contact state determination unit 110 determines in step S203 that the left electrode 12a, the first right electrode 12b, and the second right electrode 12c are respectively in contact with the body, the control unit 101 proceeds to step S204 to determine whether the specified time has elapsed in this state. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S203 that not all the electrodes are correctly in contact with the body, it returns to step S202, resets the contact time count value, and repeats the subsequent processing.

[0081] When the control unit 101 determines in step S204 that the specified time has not elapsed, it returns to step S203 and repeats the subsequent processing. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S204 that the specified time has elapsed, the first switching element 912 and the second switching element 922 are turned off and the pull-up resistor is made ineffective (step S205), and the subroutine ends.

[0082] Return to Figure 7According to the description, after the subroutine in step S101 ends, the control unit 101 performs the actual electrocardiogram measurement process (step S102), and performs a process of determining whether the time for electrocardiogram measurement has passed a specified measurement time (for example, thirty seconds) (step S103). Here, if it is determined that the specified time has not passed, the process returns to step S102, and the subsequent processes are repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the specified measurement time has passed, the measurement ends and is saved in the storage unit 105 (long-term storage medium) (S104).

[0083] When the process of electrocardiogram waveform measurement ends, the user then inputs (and records) the physical condition and exercise load during electrocardiogram measurement. Therefore, when the electrocardiogram measurement process ends, the control unit 101 performs a process of switching the connection electrode to the first sensing circuit 91 in the contact sensing electrode switching unit 93 (S12). When the connection electrode to the first sensing circuit 91 is switched from the left electrode 12a to the first right electrode 12b, the left electrode 12a becomes the ground electrode, and the first comparator 910 outputs a signal for the presence or absence of contact with the first right electrode 12b. It should be noted that this switching process can be set to automatically perform after waiting for a certain period of time to pass since the measurement ends, but for example, it can also be set to double-click the power switch 16, etc., and accept the user's input to perform it.

[0084] In the input stage of the physical condition and exercise load during electrocardiogram measurement after step S13, the user holds the portable electrocardiograph 1 in the manner as Figure 2 exemplified, clicks (i.e., contacts) the first right electrode 12b and the second right electrode 12c, thereby selecting and determining items corresponding to each process. Specifically, the forward operation of a pre-specified item is performed by clicking only the second right electrode 12c, and the backward operation of the item is performed by clicking only the first right electrode 12b. In addition, the operation of determining the selected item is performed by clicking either the first right electrode 12b or the second right electrode 12c. Moreover, it can also be that other input operations can be performed by double-clicking (so-called double-click) both the first right electrode 12b and the second right electrode 12c within a specified time.

[0085] (Physical Condition Information Input Process)

[0086] Based on Figure 9 , the process of the process (S13) of inputting the physical condition of the user during electrocardiogram measurement will be described. First, the control unit 101 sets the item specified as the initial value among the items related to the physical condition (S301). Among the items related to the physical condition, for example, chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, palpitation, shortness of breath, unconsciousness, others (no abnormality, etc.) are pre-specified, and for the initial value, chest pain is set, for example.

[0087] Next, the control unit 101 determines, via the contact state determination unit 110, whether the user is in contact with both the first right electrode 12b and the second right electrode 12c simultaneously (i.e., whether both the first comparator 910 and the second comparator 920 output high simultaneously) (S302). Here, when it is determined that the user is in contact with both electrodes simultaneously, the process proceeds to step S303.

[0088] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S302 that the user is not in contact with both the first right electrode 12b and the second right electrode 12c simultaneously, the process proceeds to step S305 to perform a process of determining whether the user is in contact with either the first right electrode 12b or the second right electrode 12c. Here, when it is determined that the user is not in contact with any electrode, the process returns to step S302, and the subsequent processes are repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S305 that the user is in contact with either the first right electrode 12b or the second right electrode 12c, the item is advanced or reversed (item switching) according to the contacted electrode (S306), and the process returns to step S302, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0089] In step S303, a process is performed to determine whether the user is in contact with both the first right electrode 12b and the second right electrode 12c simultaneously again within a specified time (i.e., whether it is double-clicked). Here, when it is determined that it is not double-clicked, the currently selected item is tentatively determined (S307), and the process returns to step S302, and the subsequent processes are repeated. That is, multiple items can be registered by repeating the processes of steps S302 to S307. The reason for performing such a process is to record multiple items accordingly assuming that there are multiple self-perceived symptoms regarding the physical condition (e.g., palpitation and dizziness).

[0090] On the other hand, when the control unit 101 determines in step S303 that both the first right electrode 12b and the second right electrode 12c are double-clicked, all the currently set items are registered in the storage unit 105 on the basis of determining the user's physical condition during electrocardiogram measurement (step S304), and the program of step S13 ends.

[0091] (Exercise load information input process)

[0092] Next, based on Figure 10 , the process flow of processing the exercise load of the user during electrocardiogram measurement (S14) will be described. First, the control unit 101 sets the item specified as the initial value among the items related to the exercise load (S401). Among the items related to the exercise load, for example, "a lot", "normal", "little", and "rest state" are specified, and for the initial value, for example, "normal" is set.

[0093] Next, the control unit 101 determines, via the contact state determination unit 110, whether the user is in contact with both the first right electrode 12b and the second right electrode 12c simultaneously (i.e., whether both the first comparator 910 and the second comparator 920 output high simultaneously) (S402).

[0094] Here, when it is determined that the user is not in contact with both the first right electrode 12b and the second right electrode 12c simultaneously, the process proceeds to step S404 to determine whether the user is in contact with any one of the first right electrode 12b and the second right electrode 12c. Here, when it is determined that the user is not in contact with any electrode, the process returns to step S402 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0095] On the other hand, in the case where it is determined in step S404 that the user is in contact with any one of the first right electrode 12b and the second right electrode 12c, the item is advanced or reversed (item switching) according to the contacted electrode (S405), and the process returns to step S402 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0096] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S402 that the user is in contact with both the first right electrode 12b and the second right electrode 12c simultaneously, the control unit 101 registers the currently set item in the storage unit 105 based on the exercise load of the user determined during electrocardiogram measurement (step S403), and ends the program of step S14.

[0097] According to the portable electrocardiograph 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, even in a small measurement device having only electrodes and a power source (and a power switch) for electrocardiogram measurement, it is possible to input desired information such as the physical condition and exercise load during electrocardiogram measurement in advance and store it together with the measurement data. It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the control unit 101 corresponds to the input reception unit in the present invention.

[0098] <Embodiment 2>

[0099] (Device Configuration)

[0100] Next, based on Figures 11 to 14 A portable electrocardiograph 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. The portable electrocardiograph 10 of the present embodiment shares many configurations and functions with the above-described portable electrocardiograph 1. Therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same configurations, functions, and processes, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0101] Figure 11 FIG. shows the configuration of the portable electrocardiograph 10 in the present embodiment. Figure 11(A) is the front view showing the front of the main body. Similarly, Figure 11 (B) of it is the rear view, Figure 11 (C) of it is the left view, Figure 11 (D) of it is the right view, Figure 11 (E) of it is the top view, Figure 11 (F) of it is the bottom view.

[0102] As Figure 11 shown, similar to the portable electrocardiograph 1 of Embodiment 1, the portable electrocardiograph 10 of the present embodiment is provided with electrodes such as a left electrode 12a, a first right electrode 12b, and a second right electrode 12c on the bottom surface and the upper surface.

[0103] In addition, various operation parts and indicators are arranged on the left side surface of the portable electrocardiograph 10. Specifically, it includes a power switch 16, a power LED 16a, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication button 17, a BLE communication LED 17a, a memory remaining display LED 18, a battery replacement LED 19, etc.

[0104] In addition, a first LED notification part 13 and a second LED notification part 14 are provided on the front of the portable electrocardiograph 10, and a battery accommodation port and a battery cover 15 are arranged on the back of the portable electrocardiograph 10.

[0105] In addition, in Figure 12 is described a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the portable electrocardiograph 10. As Figure 12 shown, the portable electrocardiograph 10 has the following configuration: it includes functional parts such as a control part 101, an electrode part 12, an amplification part 102, an AD conversion part 103, a timing part 104, a storage part 105, a display part 106, an operation part 107, a power supply part 108, a communication part 109, a contact sensing circuit 90, a contact state determination part 110, and an analysis part 111.

[0106] The basic configuration of the control part 101 is the same as that of the portable electrocardiograph 1, but in the portable electrocardiograph 10 of the present embodiment, it also has a functional module of the analysis part 111. The analysis part 111 analyzes the presence or absence of waveform disorders in the measured electrocardiogram waveform, etc., and at least outputs the result of whether the electrocardiogram waveform during measurement is normal.

[0107] The display unit 106 is configured to include a first LED notification unit 13, a second LED notification unit 14, a power LED 16a, a BLE communication LED 17a, a memory remaining display LED 18, a battery replacement LED 19, etc., and transmits various information to the user by lighting, flashing, etc. of the LEDs. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the display unit 106 (and the control unit 101) corresponds to the notification unit of the present invention. Details of the display unit will be described later.

[0108] The communication unit 109 includes an antenna for wireless communication and at least has a function of communicating with other devices such as an information processing terminal through BLE communication. In addition, terminals for wired communication may also be provided.

[0109] Regarding other configurations and functions of the portable electrocardiograph 10, since they are the same as those of the portable electrocardiograph 1 in Embodiment 1, the description is omitted.

[0110] (Process flow implemented by the portable electrocardiograph)

[0111] Next, the process flow of the portable electrocardiograph 10 during electrocardiogram measurement will be described. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the following process is also the same: after the process of measuring the electrocardiogram waveform, the electrodes are switched by the contact sensing electrode switching unit 93, and then, the input operations of the physical condition information and the exercise load information (hereinafter, collectively referred to as information input processing) are performed. Hereinafter, based on Figure 13 The operation of the portable electrocardiograph 10 during electrocardiogram measurement will be described. Figure 13 It is a flowchart showing a subroutine during electrocardiogram waveform measurement in the portable electrocardiograph 10 of this embodiment.

[0112] Referring to Figure 13 , first, before measurement, the user operates the power switch 16 to turn on the power of the portable electrocardiograph 10. Then, the power LED 16a lights up to indicate that the power is on. Then, hold the portable electrocardiograph 10 with the right hand, make the right index finger contact the first right electrode 12b and the second right electrode 12c, and make the left electrode 12a contact the skin of the measurement site. Then, the control unit 101 senses the contact state of each electrode via the electrode unit 12 and the contact state determination unit 110 (S101). It should be noted that the subroutine related to contact state sensing is omitted because it is the same as that in Embodiment 1.

[0113] After the subroutine of step S101 ends, the control unit 101 performs actual electrocardiogram measurement processing (step S102). During the electrocardiogram measurement, the control unit 101 saves the measurement values in the storage unit 105 at any time, and causes the first LED notification unit 13 on the front of the main body to blink at a prescribed rhythm, thereby indicating that electrocardiogram measurement is in progress (S111).

[0114] Next, the control unit 101 performs processing to determine whether the time for electrocardiogram measurement has elapsed for a prescribed measurement time (e.g., 30 seconds) (step S103). Here, if it is determined that the prescribed time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S102, and the subsequent processing is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the prescribed measurement time has elapsed, the measurement ends, and processing to end the blinking of the first LED notification unit 13 is performed (step S112).

[0115] Next, the control unit 101 analyzes the measurement data (electrocardiogram waveform) saved in the storage unit 105 through the analysis unit 111 (S113), and the analysis result is saved together with the electrocardiogram waveform in a long-term storage medium (S114). Then, the control unit 101 displays the analysis result through the second LED notification unit 14 (S115), and a series of processing ends. It should be noted that the display of the analysis result can be, for example, to light the LED only when the electrocardiogram waveform is abnormal, or it can be set to light the LED by a lighting / blinking method corresponding to the analysis result.

[0116] Regarding the point of performing information input processing later, although it is the same, since the portable electrocardiograph 10 of the present embodiment includes the display unit 106, the display unit 106 can also be effectively used when inputting physical condition information and exercise load information.

[0117] Figure 14 It is an explanatory diagram showing the states of the first LED notification unit 13 and the second LED notification unit 14 when performing information input processing. Figure 14 The (A) of shows the display modes of the first LED notification unit 13 and the second LED notification unit 14 when inputting physical condition information, Figure 14 The (B) of shows the display modes of the first LED notification unit 13 and the second LED notification unit 14 when inputting exercise load information.

[0118] The second LED notification unit 14 performs the following display: indicating the stage of which information of physical condition and exercise load is currently being input, that is, indicating whether it is currently Figure 6 step S13 or step S14 in. Specifically, as Figure 14As illustrated by way of example, if it is step S13, the second LED notification unit 14 lights up in red, and if it is step S14, the second LED notification unit 14 lights up in blue.

[0119] The first LED notification unit 13 lights up in a color corresponding to the item involved in the information in the current input, thereby performing a display indicating which item is being selected. Specifically, as Figure 14 illustrated by way of example, if it is step S13, when it lights up in red, it indicates that "chest pain" is being selected, and when it lights up in purple, it indicates that "dizziness" is being selected. Similarly, if it is step S14, if it lights up in red, it indicates that the exercise load is "high" being selected, and if it lights up in yellow, it indicates that the exercise load is "normal" being selected.

[0120] As a specific process, when inputting physical condition information, the control unit 101 sets an initial value item (for example, chest pain) in step S301, and lights up the first LED notification unit 13 in a color corresponding to this item (for example, red). Then, in step S306, the process of switching items is performed, and the lighting color is switched to a color corresponding to the switched item (for example, dizziness) (purple). The same process can be performed when inputting exercise load information.

[0121] According to the portable electrocardiograph 10 having such a configuration, various displays can be performed by space-saving LEDs, and when performing an input operation using electrodes, the user can also input based on confirming the item currently desired to be input. Thus, the convenience during the input operation can be greatly improved.

[0122] <Other>

[0123] The description of the above embodiment is merely illustrative of the present invention by way of example, and the present invention is not limited to the above specific manner. The present invention can be variously deformed and combined within the scope of its technical concept.

[0124] For example, in the above-described embodiments, it may be configured such that the process of determining the determination content of the switching contact state determination unit 110 is performed together with the process of switching the connection electrodes in step S12. That is, in step S101, the contact state determination unit 110 performs the following process: only determines whether all the electrodes are in a contact state and outputs the determination result. On the other hand, it may be configured such that, at the time of inputting the physical condition and exercise load during electrocardiogram measurement after step S13, the contact state determination unit 110 separately determines and outputs the contact states of the first right electrode 12b and the second right electrode 12c. In this way, it is possible to distinguish and use the contact determination of the electrodes in the case of measuring biological information and in the case of inputting information, and it is possible to prevent incorrect information input or the reverse situation from occurring during the measurement of biological information.

[0125] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the processes of step S13 and step S14 (information input process) are performed after the measurement of the electrocardiogram waveform, but it is not necessarily limited to such a process, and it may be configured to perform the information input process before the measurement of the electrocardiogram waveform. In addition, the order of the processes of step S13 and step S14 may also be reversed.

[0126] In addition, the above-described embodiment 2 has a configuration in which an LED is provided as the notification unit, but the notification unit is not limited to an LED, and it may be configured to perform notification by display implemented by a liquid crystal display or the like and sound output implemented by a speaker.

[0127] In addition, although not described in detail in the above-described embodiments, it is also possible to effectively utilize the electrocardiograph in cooperation with other information terminal devices such as a smartphone through the BLE communication function of the communication unit 109. In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the present invention is applied to a portable electrocardiograph, but it may also be applied to other biological measurement devices such as a body composition analyzer.

[0128] Description of Reference Numerals

[0129] 10: Portable electrocardiograph

[0130] 12a: Left electrode

[0131] 12b: First right electrode

[0132] 12c: Second right electrode

[0133] 13: First LED notification unit

[0134] 14: Second LED notification unit

[0135] 15: Battery cover

[0136] 16: Power switch

[0137] 16a: Power LED

[0138] 17: Communication Button

[0139] 17a: BLE Communication LED

[0140] 18: Memory Remaining Display LED

[0141] 19: Battery Replacement LED

[0142] 91: First Sensing Unit

[0143] 910: First Comparator

[0144] 911: First Bias Power Supply

[0145] 912: First Switching Element

[0146] 913: First Pull-up Resistor

[0147] 914: First RC Filter

[0148] 915: First Reference Voltage Power Supply

[0149] 916a, 916b: First Reference Voltage Resistors

[0150] 917a, 917b: First Hysteresis Resistors

[0151] 92: Second Sensing Unit

[0152] 920: Second Comparator

[0153] 921: Second Bias Power Supply

[0154] 922: Second Switching Element

[0155] 923: Second Pull-up Resistor

[0156] 924: Second RC Filter

[0157] 925: Second Reference Voltage Power Supply

[0158] 926a, 926b: Second Reference Voltage Resistors

[0159] 927a, 927b: Second Hysteresis Resistors

[0160] 93: Contact Sensing Electrode Switching Unit

[0161] 931: First Selector

[0162] 932: Second Selector

[0163] 94: Differential Amplifier

Claims

1. A biological information measuring device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode, and measures biological information of a measurement object based on a potential difference between the first electrode and the third electrode, characterized in that comprising: an electrode contact state sensing unit including a first contact sensing circuit, a second contact sensing circuit, and a contact state determination unit, wherein the first contact sensing circuit is connected to a first electrode or a second electrode of each electrode, the second contact sensing circuit is connected to the third electrode, and the contact state determination unit determines the contact state of which of the electrodes is in contact with the surface of the measurement object based on a first signal output from the first contact sensing circuit and a second signal output from the second contact sensing circuit; and an input reception unit that receives the contact of each electrode with the surface of the measurement object as an input of a predetermined operation corresponding to the contact state.

2. The biological information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein It further comprises: a contact sensing electrode switching unit that switches the electrode connected to the first contact sensing circuit between the first electrode and the second electrode.

3. The biological information measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the contact sensing electrode switching unit connects the electrode of the first electrode and the second electrode that is not connected to the first contact sensing circuit to the ground wire.

4. The biological information measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the contact state determination unit switches and executes the determination of the contact state between the measurement determination when measuring the biological information of the measurement object and the operation input determination when receiving the input of the predetermined operation according to the difference of the electrode connected to the first contact sensing circuit, and the input reception unit receives the contact of each electrode with the surface of the measurement object as an input of a predetermined operation corresponding to the contact state when the contact state determination unit executes the operation input determination.

5. The biological information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation corresponding to the contact state includes at least the selection of a predetermined item.

6. The biological information measuring device according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined item is an item related to the physical condition or exercise load state during the measurement of the biological information of the measurement object.

7. The biological information measuring device according to claim 5, wherein it further comprises a notification unit, and the notification unit notifies information related to the measurement of the biological information when measuring the biological information of the measurement object, and notifies information related to the content of the predetermined item when receiving the input of the predetermined operation.

8. The biological information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the biological information is an electrocardiogram waveform.

9. A control method for a biological information measuring device, which is a method for controlling a biological information measuring device. The biological information measuring device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode, and measures the biological information of a measurement object based on the potential difference between the first electrode and the third electrode. The control method for the biological information measuring device is characterized by the following steps: a measurement step of measuring the biological information of the measurement object; and Input reception step, receiving an input of an operation specified by the regulation, In the input reception step, the contact state of each electrode with respect to the surface of the measurement object is determined, and based on the determination result, the contact of each electrode with the surface of the measurement object is received as an input of a specified operation corresponding to the contact state.

10. A computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon, the program causing the biological information measuring device to execute each step according to claim 9.

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