Measurement device, information terminal, control method, and control program

Abstract

The invention provides a measurement device capable of suppressing power consumption, an information terminal, a control method, and a control program. A measurement device (1) according to one aspect of the present invention is a measurement device capable of measuring biological information. A measurement device (1) is provided with a wireless communication unit (14) and a controller (18). The wireless communication unit (14) can transmit measurement data of biological information to the information terminals (5a, 5b). The controller (18) controls the wireless communication unit (14) so as to wirelessly transmit an announcement signal and to wirelessly connect to an information terminal (5a) that has made a connection request in response to the announcement signal prior to instructing measurement of biological information, and so as to wirelessly transmit the announcement signal and to wirelessly connect to the information terminal (5a) that has made a connection request in response to the announcement signal when the biological information is measured, and to wirelessly transmit the announcement signal to the wireless communication unit (14) when the subject is different from the user (a) of the information terminal (5a). And a control for cutting off the connection to the information terminal (5a) and wirelessly connecting to the information terminal (5b) of the subject.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a measuring device, an information terminal, a control method, and a control program. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, systems were known to allow smartphones and electronic terminals to communicate via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (Patent Document 1). Furthermore, information processing systems are known to include information processing devices such as smartphones and health devices such as pedometers, activity meters, and heart rate monitors, which establish communication connections by exchanging addresses, authentication keys, and encryption keys, and acquire measurement data via Bluetooth (Patent Document 2).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-136136

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-159979 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] According to the system in Patent Document 1, an electronic terminal, acting as the sender of a notification, and a smartphone, acting as the receiver of the notification, establish communication connections four times a day at predetermined times. The information measured by the electronic terminal is sent to the smartphone, and then the communication is terminated. The number of synchronizations between the two is not limited to four times a day, and the trigger for synchronization is not limited to a specific time.

[0009] According to the information processing system of Patent Document 2, a normal operation mode and a power-saving operation mode can be set so that the power consumed for notification in the power-saving operation mode is reduced compared with the power consumed in the normal operation mode. In each mode, the notification period and time, and the measurement data period and time are set as timing control information.

[0010] However, while limiting the timing of notification transmission can suppress power consumption, the opportunity for connection is limited by that limited amount. However, neither Patent Document 1 nor Patent Document 2 describes a method to address this limitation of connection opportunities. Therefore, there is room for further improvement in both notification transmission and power consumption suppression.

[0011] The present invention was made in view of the following actual situation, and its object is to provide a power consumption measuring device, an information terminal, a control method, and a control program that can suppress power consumption.

[0012] Solution for solving the problem

[0013] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention adopts the following configuration. (1)

[0015] A measuring device capable of measuring information of a living organism, the measuring device comprising:

[0016] The wireless communication unit is capable of transmitting measurement data of the biological information to the information terminal; and

[0017] The control unit controls the wireless communication unit.

[0018] Before instructing the measurement of the organism's information, the control unit wirelessly transmits a notification signal and wirelessly connects with a first information terminal that requests a connection in response to the notification signal.

[0019] When measuring the biological information, the control unit controls the connection to the first information terminal to be cut off and wirelessly connected to the second information terminal of the subject if the subject being measured is different from the user of the first information terminal.

[0020] According to (1), by sending a notification signal in advance before the instruction to receive biometric information measurement and establishing a wireless connection with the information terminal that has made a connection request, the transmission of notification signals, which cannot be sent at excessively long intervals according to specifications, can be stopped, thereby suppressing power consumption. Here, in order to maintain the wireless connection, it is necessary to transmit and receive packets at intervals of connection interval, but since the connection interval can be longer than the notification signal, overall power consumption can be suppressed. Furthermore, when a user of an information terminal that has established a wireless connection before the instruction to receive biometric information measurement begins measurement, measurement data can be transmitted through this wireless connection, thus improving convenience. If a different user begins measurement than the user of an information terminal that has established a wireless connection before the instruction to receive biometric information measurement, a new wireless connection can be established to the information terminal of the user who began measurement to transmit measurement data, thus suppressing the reduction in convenience caused by prior wireless connection. (2)

[0022] According to the measuring device described in (1), wherein,

[0023] When the control unit is wirelessly connected to the second information terminal, it wirelessly transmits a notification signal including information about the person being measured.

[0024] According to (2), the information terminal of a user different from the subject can identify that a user different from that user is conducting the measurement based on the notification signal, and therefore can control the connection request not to be made even if the notification signal is sensed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the competition between the subject's information terminal and the information terminal of a user different from the subject. (3)

[0026] According to the measuring device described in (1) or (2), wherein,

[0027] When the control unit wirelessly connects to the first information terminal before measuring the organism information, it sets the signal transmission interval with the first information terminal to a first interval.

[0028] When the control unit wirelessly transmits the measurement data of the biological information to the information terminal of the subject, it sets the signal transmission interval with the information terminal of the subject to a second interval that is shorter than the first interval.

[0029] According to (3), by setting the first interval for transmitting signals to the first information terminal that has wirelessly connected before the measurement of biological information to be longer than the second interval for transmitting signals when wirelessly transmitting measurement data of biological information to the information terminal of the subject, the number of signal transmissions can be reduced and power consumption can be suppressed. (4)

[0031] An information terminal is capable of wirelessly communicating with a measuring device that can measure information about a living organism, the information terminal comprising:

[0032] The wireless communication unit is capable of receiving measurement data of the organism information from the measuring device; and

[0033] The control unit controls the wireless communication unit.

[0034] Upon receiving a notification signal wirelessly transmitted from the measuring device, the control unit requests a connection to the measuring device based on whether the notification signal includes information indicating a user different from the user of the information terminal.

[0035] According to (4), based on the user information included in the received notification signal, it is possible to identify a user different from the user of this information terminal who is conducting the measurement, and therefore, by sensing the notification signal, it is possible to control the non-processing of connection requests. As a result, unnecessary processing can be reduced and power consumption can be suppressed. (5)

[0037] A control method is provided for a measuring device capable of measuring biological information, the measuring device comprising: a wireless communication unit capable of transmitting measurement data of the biological information to an information terminal; and a processor for controlling the wireless communication unit.

[0038] Before instructing the measurement of the organism information, the processor wirelessly transmits a notification signal and controls the wireless connection with a first information terminal that initiates a connection request in response to the notification signal.

[0039] When measuring the biological information, the processor controls the connection to the first information terminal to be cut off and to wirelessly connect to the second information terminal of the person being measured if the user of the measured person is different from the user of the first information terminal.

[0040] According to (5), by sending a notification signal in advance before the instruction to receive biometric information measurement and establishing a wireless connection with the information terminal that has made a connection request, the transmission of notification signals, which cannot be sent at excessively long intervals according to the specifications, can be stopped, thereby suppressing power consumption. Here, in order to maintain the wireless connection, it is necessary to transmit and receive packets at intervals of connection interval, but since the connection interval can be longer than the notification signal, power consumption can be suppressed overall. In addition, when a user of an information terminal that has established a wireless connection before the instruction to receive biometric information measurement begins measurement, measurement data can be transmitted through this wireless connection, thus improving convenience. If a different user begins measurement than the user of an information terminal that has established a wireless connection before the instruction to receive biometric information measurement, a new wireless connection can be established to the information terminal of the user who began measurement to transmit measurement data, thus suppressing the reduction in convenience caused by prior wireless connection. (6)

[0042] A control program is provided for a measuring device capable of measuring biological information and comprising: a wireless communication unit capable of transmitting measurement data of the biological information to an information terminal; and a processor for controlling the wireless communication unit. The control program is used to cause the processor to perform the following processing:

[0043] Control is performed to wirelessly transmit a notification signal and wirelessly connect with a first information terminal that has initiated a connection request in response to the notification signal, prior to the measurement of the organism's information.

[0044] When measuring the biological information, if the person being measured is different from the user of the first information terminal, the connection with the first information terminal is cut off, and a wireless connection is made with the second information terminal of the person being measured.

[0045] According to (6), by sending a notification signal in advance before receiving the instruction to measure biometric information and establishing a wireless connection with the information terminal that has made a connection request, the transmission of notification signals, which cannot be sent at excessively long intervals according to the specifications, can be stopped, thereby suppressing power consumption. Here, in order to maintain the wireless connection, it is necessary to transmit and receive packets at intervals of connection interval, but since the connection interval can be longer than the notification signal, power consumption can be suppressed overall. Furthermore, if a user of an information terminal who has established a wireless connection before receiving the instruction to measure biometric information begins the measurement, the measurement data can be transmitted through this wireless connection, thus improving convenience. If a different user begins the measurement than the user of the information terminal who has established a wireless connection before receiving the instruction to measure biometric information, a new wireless connection can be established to the information terminal of the user who began the measurement to transmit the measurement data, thus suppressing the reduction in convenience caused by prior wireless connection. (7)

[0047] A control method is provided for an information terminal, the information terminal comprising: a wireless communication unit capable of receiving measurement data of biological information from a measuring device capable of measuring biological information; and a processor for controlling the wireless communication unit.

[0048] Upon receiving a notification signal wirelessly transmitted from the measuring device, the processor requests a connection to the measuring device based on whether the notification signal includes information indicating a user different from the user of the information terminal.

[0049] According to (7), based on the user information included in the received notification signal, it is possible to identify a user different from the user of this information terminal who is conducting the measurement, and therefore, by sensing the notification signal, it is possible to control the non-processing of connection requests. As a result, unnecessary processing can be reduced and power consumption can be suppressed. (8)

[0051] A control program is provided for an information terminal, the information terminal comprising: a wireless communication unit capable of receiving measurement data of biological information from a measuring device capable of measuring biological information; and a processor for controlling the wireless communication unit, the control program being configured to cause the processor to perform the following processing:

[0052] Upon receiving a notification signal wirelessly transmitted from the measuring device, a connection request is made to the measuring device based on whether the notification signal includes information indicating a user different from the user of the information terminal.

[0053] According to (8), based on the user information included in the received notification signal, it is possible to identify a user different from the user of this information terminal who is conducting the measurement, and therefore, by sensing the notification signal, it is possible to control the non-processing of connection requests. As a result, unnecessary processing can be reduced and power consumption can be suppressed.

[0054] Invention Effects

[0055] According to the present invention, a power consumption measuring device, an information terminal, a control method, and a control program can be provided to suppress power consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0056] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an information management system 100 that includes the measuring device 1 of the present invention and information terminals 5a and 5b that communicate wirelessly with the measuring device 1.

[0057] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a blood pressure monitor 1A as an example of a measuring device 1.

[0058] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of information terminals 5a and 5b being connected to a network.

[0059] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of measuring device 1.

[0060] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing the structure of information terminal 5.

[0061] Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the measuring device 1 and information terminals 5a and 5b in the information management system 100.

[0062] Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram showing a modified example of the operation of the measuring device 1 and information terminals 5a and 5b in the information management system 100.

[0063] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of measuring device 1.

[0064] Figure 9 This is a flowchart representing the connection switching process.

[0065] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the actions of information terminal 5a and information terminal 5b. Detailed Implementation

[0066] Hereinafter, an embodiment of one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] 1 Application Example

[0068] <Information Management System 100 Applying the Invention>

[0069] Figure 1 It is an information management system 100 that includes the measuring device 1 of the present invention and information terminals 5a and 5b that communicate wirelessly with the measuring device 1.

[0070] The measuring device 1 includes a biological information measuring device that measures biological information such as weight, body composition, blood pressure, pulse, heart rate, body temperature, blood glucose, or blood oxygen saturation. The measuring device 1 includes a measuring sensor for measuring the quantity of the measured object. The quantity of the measured object corresponding to the measuring device 1 includes biological information such as weight, body fat percentage, blood pressure, pulse rate, heart rate, body temperature, blood glucose, or blood oxygen saturation. Furthermore, the measuring device 1 is a non-wearable measuring device. A non-wearable measuring device refers to a measuring device that is not wearable. A wearable measuring device refers to a measuring device that is carried by wearing it on the user's body (e.g., an activity meter). For example, the measuring device 1 (non-wearable measuring device) is a measuring device such as a weighing scale, body composition analyzer, weight-body-composition analyzer, or blood pressure monitor, which is used when placed on the ground or a table. The measuring device 1 transmits the measured biological information as the user's measurement data to information terminals 5a and 5b via wireless communication.

[0071] Information terminals 5a and 5b store the measurement data received from the measuring device 1 in their respective data storage units. Furthermore, information terminals 5a and 5b can wirelessly communicate with external devices other than the measuring device 1, storing information obtained from these external devices in their respective data storage units. Information terminals 5a and 5b are information processing devices that analyze various information obtained from the measuring device 1 and other external devices. Information terminals 5a and 5b can be, for example, smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, wearable devices, or other terminals with displays. Information terminals 5a and 5b can also be configured to acquire measurement data from a specific measuring device 1. The specific measuring device 1 for acquiring the measurement data can also be pre-registered in the data storage units of information terminals 5a and 5b. This example shows two information terminals, but it is not limited to this; more than two information terminals may be included.

[0072] Figure 2This diagram shows a blood pressure monitor 1A, which is an example of a measuring device 1. The blood pressure monitor 1A is an example of a biometric information measuring device that measures a user's blood pressure (pressure pulse wave data) and outputs the measurement result to the user. Furthermore, the blood pressure monitor 1A transmits the measurement result as user measurement data to information terminals 5a and 5b via wireless communication. For example, the blood pressure monitor 1A includes: a main body 21; a cuff 22 that can be wrapped around the user's upper arm; and an air tube 23 that connects the main body 21 to the cuff 22. Figure 2 In the example, the cuff 22 and the main body 21 are separate parts, but the cuff 22 can also be integrated with the main body 21.

[0073] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of information terminals 5a and 5b being connected to a network. (Example:) Figure 3 As shown, information terminals 5a and 5b can connect to cloud server 90 via a wide area network (WAN) N, such as the Internet. Information terminals 5a and 5b can also send their stored measurement data to cloud server 90 via WAN N, where the cloud server 90 manages the user's measurement data in the form of a database. Furthermore, information terminals 5a and 5b can also obtain the measurement data managed in cloud server 90 via WAN N and utilize the obtained measurement data.

[0074] 2. Composition Example

[0075] <Composition of Measuring Apparatus 1>

[0076] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the measuring device 1. The measuring device 1 includes: a display unit 11 for displaying various information; an operation unit 12 for user operation; a measuring unit 13 for measuring biological information, etc.; and a wireless communication unit 14 for communicating with external devices. Furthermore, the measuring device 1 includes: a RAM (Random Access Memory) 16 for temporarily storing information; a data storage unit 17 for storing information and programs; and a controller 18 for controlling overall operation. The controller 18 is an example of the "control unit" of this invention.

[0077] The display unit 11 is, for example, composed of a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-luminescence) display. The operation unit 12 is a user interface that accepts user operations, such as buttons or a touch panel. Buttons include physical buttons located on the measuring device 1 and virtual buttons displayed on the display unit 11.

[0078] The measuring unit 13 measures biological information such as weight, body composition, blood pressure, pulse, heart rate, body temperature, blood glucose, and blood oxygen saturation. The measurement content varies depending on the object being measured by the measuring device 1.

[0079] Wireless communication unit 14 is a communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication, for example, a circuit (module) for communication according to the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) standard. Wireless communication unit 14 transmits a notification signal for wireless communication to multiple unspecified external devices at a predetermined transmission period via broadcast communication. Wireless communication unit 14 may, for example, include the name and attribute information of measuring device 1 in the notification signal. The wireless communication (BLE communication) performed by wireless communication unit 14 is, for example, communication using a 2.4 GHz frequency. Wireless communication unit 14 transmits measurement data, such as biological information measured by measuring unit 13, to information terminal 5 via BLE communication.

[0080] RAM 16 is composed of semiconductor devices such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), temporarily stores information, and also functions as the working area of ​​controller 18.

[0081] The data storage unit 17 is a recording medium that stores parameters, control programs, and measurement data required to perform the specified functions. The data storage unit 17 may be composed of, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a semiconductor storage device (SSD).

[0082] The controller 18 is a processor that performs the prescribed functions by executing a control program. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, for example, a health management application software for the measuring device is pre-installed in the data storage unit 17 as the control program, and the controller 18 performs the prescribed functions by executing this health management application software.

[0083] For example, controller 18 controls wireless communication unit 14 to transmit notification signals for wireless communication (BLE communication) at a predetermined transmission period. Specifically, controller 18 controls the transmission of notification signals when measuring device 1 is activated. For example, in Figure 2 In the blood pressure monitor 1A shown, if the power button of the main body 21 is turned on, the controller 18 controls the wireless communication unit 14 to start sending a notification signal.

[0084] Before receiving instructions from the user to measure biological information, the controller 18 performs the following control: wirelessly transmits a notification signal from the wireless communication unit 14 and wirelessly connects with a first information terminal (e.g., information terminal 5a) that has made a connection request in response to the notification signal. While the wireless communication between the measuring device 1 and the first information terminal is connected, the controller 18 controls the wireless communication unit 14 to stop transmitting the notification signal.

[0085] When performing a measurement based on an instruction from a user to begin measuring biological information, controller 18 performs the following control: if the subject who gave the instruction to begin the measurement is different from user a of the first information terminal (e.g., information terminal 5a) currently wirelessly connected to controller 58, the controller disconnects the wireless connection with the first information terminal and wirelessly connects to the second information terminal (e.g., information terminal 5b) of the subject who gave the instruction to begin the measurement (e.g., user b). When establishing a wireless connection with the second information terminal after disconnecting the wireless connection with the first information terminal, controller 18 performs the following control: wirelessly transmits an announcement signal containing information indicating the subject (user b) (e.g., "measurement user" information). Controller 58 may also include information indicating that a measurement is in progress (e.g., "measurement flag" information) in the announcement signal during transmission.

[0086] Furthermore, the controller 18 performs the following control: when a wireless connection is established with the first information terminal before receiving an instruction from the user to measure biometric information, the signal transmission interval with the first information terminal is set to a first interval; when wirelessly transmitting biometric information measurement data to the subject's information terminal, the signal transmission interval with the subject's information terminal is set to a second interval shorter than the first interval. The "signal transmission interval" refers to the interval between data packets, i.e., the connection interval. The "second interval" is a typical communication interval, such as a 7.5ms interval. The "first interval" is a longer interval than the second interval and can be set to the longest possible interval, such as a 10sec interval.

[0087] <Composition of Information Terminal 5 (5a, 5b)>

[0088] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of information terminal 5 (5a, 5b). Information terminal 5 includes: a display unit 51 for displaying various information; an operation unit 52 for user operation; a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor 53 for detecting location; and a first wireless communication unit 54 and a second wireless communication unit 55 for communicating with external devices. Furthermore, information terminal 5 includes: a RAM 56 for temporarily storing information; a data storage unit 57 for storing information and programs; and a controller 58 for controlling overall operation.

[0089] The display unit 51 is, for example, composed of a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display. The operation unit 52 is a user interface that accepts user operations, such as buttons or a touch panel. Buttons include physical buttons located on the information terminal 5 and virtual buttons displayed on the display unit 51. The GPS sensor 53 is a sensor used to detect the current location of the information terminal 5.

[0090] The first wireless communication unit 54 is a communication unit that performs cellular communication, for example, a circuit (module) capable of communication according to standards such as 4G (4th Generation Mobile Communication Technology), 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology), and LTE (Long Term Evolution). Furthermore, the first wireless communication unit 54 is also a communication unit that performs wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication, for example, a circuit (module) capable of communication according to standards such as Wi-Fi. The second wireless communication unit 55 is a communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication, for example, a circuit (module) capable of communication according to the BLE standard.

[0091] The second wireless communication unit 55 acquires user measurement data measured by the measuring device 1, for example, through BLE communication with the wireless communication unit 14 of the measuring device 1. The second wireless communication unit 55 receives notification signals sent from the wireless communication unit 14 of the measuring device 1 by scanning. Based on the received notification signals, the second wireless communication unit 55 identifies the measuring device 1 and sends a connection request to the measuring device 1 if a communication connection is desired. It should be noted that after sending the notification signal, the measuring device 1 waits for a connection request for a predetermined time. When a connection request is received within the predetermined time, it stops sending notification signals and switches to one-to-one connection communication with the requesting party.

[0092] RAM56, for example, is composed of semiconductor devices such as DRAM and SRAM, temporarily stores information, and also functions as the working area of ​​controller 58.

[0093] The data storage unit 57 is a recording medium that stores parameters, control programs, and measurement data acquired from the measuring device 1 required to perform the specified functions. The data storage unit 57 may be, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a semiconductor storage device (SSD).

[0094] The controller 58 is a processor that performs the prescribed functions by executing a control program. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, for example, a health management application software for an information terminal is pre-installed in the data storage unit 57 as the control program, and the controller 58 performs the prescribed functions by executing this health management application software.

[0095] For example, controller 58 controls the second wireless communication unit 55 to receive notification signals by scanning when the health management application software for the information terminal is launched. Controller 58 also controls the second wireless communication unit 55 to send a connection request to the measuring device 1 upon receiving a notification signal from the measuring device 1. When the measuring device 1 receives the connection request, its communication is switched to a one-to-one connection with the information terminal 5, and the information terminal 5 and the measuring device 1 are in a BLE connection state.

[0096] Furthermore, when the controller 58 receives a notification signal wirelessly transmitted from the measuring device 1, it determines whether to send a connection request to the measuring device 1 based on whether the notification signal contains information indicating a user different from the user of the information terminal 5 (e.g., "measuring user" information).

[0097] 3 Action Examples

[0098] <Information Management System 100 Actions>

[0099] Next, refer to Figure 6 The operation of the information management system 100 is explained. Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the measuring device 1 and the information terminals 5 (5a, 5b) in the information management system 100. Let information terminal 5a be the information terminal owned by user a, and information terminal 5b be the information terminal owned by user b. Furthermore, let information terminals 5a and 5b be paired with the measuring device 1, respectively.

[0100] First, for example, when the power to the measuring device 1 is turned on, the measuring device 1 executes a health management application and begins sending notification signals for wireless communication (BLE communication) (step S11). The measuring device 1 sends notification signals at a predetermined period, and includes, for example, a "measurement flag = OFF" indicating that measurement in the measuring device 1 has not yet started in the notification signals.

[0101] Next, for example, information terminal 5a scans and senses the notification signal from measuring device 1 by executing a health management application (step S12). When information terminal 5a senses the notification signal from measuring device 1, it sends a connection request signal to measuring device 1 requesting communication (step S13).

[0102] Next, upon receiving a connection request from information terminal 5a, measuring device 1 stops sending notification signals and begins one-to-one connection communication with information terminal 5a. Thus, measuring device 1 and information terminal 5a enter a BLE connection state (step S14).

[0103] Next, user b, for example, who is the owner of information terminal 5b, uses measuring device 1 to start measuring user b's biological information. User b presses, for example, the measurement start button on measuring device 1 to indicate the start of the measurement.

[0104] Next, the measuring device 1 begins measuring the measurement data in response to the measurement start instruction and determines the subject of measurement (step S15). The subject of measurement may be determined based on user selection made by the subject through button operation, or it may be determined based on the measured value (the value obtained in the initial stage). Determination based on the measured value may include, for example, comparing it with values ​​stored as past measured values ​​of the subject.

[0105] Next, the measuring device 1 determines whether the determined subject is the same as user a of the information terminal 5a currently conducting BLE communication. If, as in this example, the subject is user b and is different from user a of the information terminal 5a currently conducting BLE communication, the BLE connection with the information terminal 5a is cut off (step S16).

[0106] Next, the measuring device 1 begins to send notification signals for wireless communication (BLE communication) (step S17). The measuring device 1 sends notification signals at a predetermined period, and includes, for example, "measuring flag = ON" indicating that the measuring device 1 is measuring data and "measuring user = b" indicating that the measurer measuring the biological information is user b in the notification signals.

[0107] Next, information terminal 5a scans and senses the notification signal from measuring device 1 by executing the health management application (step S18). In addition, information terminal 5b also senses the notification signal from measuring device 1 in the same way (step S19).

[0108] Information terminal 5b senses "measurement user = b" included in the notification signal from measurement device 1, determines that user b, who is the owner of information terminal 5b, is measuring biological information, and sends a connection request signal to measurement device 1 requesting communication (step S20). On the other hand, information terminal 5a senses "measurement user = b" included in the notification signal, determines that a user different from the owner of information terminal 5a is measuring biological information, and does not make a connection request to measurement device 1.

[0109] Next, the measuring device 1 receives a connection request from the information terminal 5b, stops sending notification signals, and begins one-to-one connection communication with the information terminal 5b. Thus, the measuring device 1 and the information terminal 5b are in a BLE connected state (step S21).

[0110] Next, when the measuring device 1 finishes measuring the measurement data (step S22), it sends the measured measurement data to the information terminal 5b via BLE communication (step S23).

[0111] Next, the information terminal 5b displays the measurement data received from the measuring device 1 on the display unit 51 and saves it in the data storage unit 57 (step S24). Thereafter, for example, the BLE connection between the information terminal 5b and the measuring device 1 is maintained until a next measurement start instruction is given and it is determined that the person being measured is different from the user b of the information terminal 5b currently engaged in BLE communication.

[0112] <Example of the actions of Information Management System 100>

[0113] Next, refer to Figure 7 A variation of the operation of the information management system 100 will be explained. Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram illustrating a modified example of the operation of the measuring device 1 and the information terminal 5 (5a, 5b) in the information management system 100. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly refers to a different diagram.) Figure 6 Similarly, in the example of the operation, let's say that user a's information terminal 5a and user b's information terminal 5b are paired with the measuring device 1 respectively.

[0114] exist Figure 7 In the modified example shown, each of the processes in steps S31 to S34 is related to... Figure 6 The processes for steps S11 to S14 of the action example shown are the same. Therefore, the explanation of the processes for these steps is omitted.

[0115] Next, user a, for example, who is the owner of information terminal 5a, uses measuring device 1 to begin measuring user a's biological information. User a presses, for example, the measurement start button on measuring device 1 to indicate the start of the measurement.

[0116] Next, the measuring device 1 begins measuring the measurement data in response to the measurement start instruction, and determines the subject of measurement (step S35). The determination of the subject of measurement is the same as described above. Figure 6Similarly, step S15 in the action example can be determined, for example, based on user selection made by the subject through button operation, or based on the measured value (the value obtained in the initial stage). The measuring device 1 determines whether the determined subject is consistent with user a of the information terminal 5a currently conducting BLE communication. If, as in this example, the subject is user a and is consistent with user a of the information terminal 5a currently conducting BLE communication, the BLE connection between the subject and the information terminal 5a is maintained.

[0117] Next, when the measuring device 1 finishes measuring the measurement data (step S36), it sends the measured measurement data to the information terminal 5a via BLE communication (step S37).

[0118] Next, the information terminal 5a displays the measurement data received from the measuring device 1 on the display unit 51 and saves it in the data storage unit 57 (step S38). Thereafter, for example, the BLE connection between the information terminal 5a and the measuring device 1 is maintained until a next measurement start instruction is issued and it is determined that the person being measured is different from the user a of the information terminal 5a currently engaged in BLE communication.

[0119] <Operation of measuring device 1>

[0120] Next, refer to Figure 8 The operation of measuring device 1 will be explained. Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of measuring device 1. The process of this operation begins, for example, when the power supply to measuring device 1 is turned on.

[0121] First, when the power is turned on, the measuring device 1 executes the health management application and begins sending notification signals for BLE communication (step S41). The measuring device 1, for example, includes a "measurement flag = OFF" indicating that measurement in the measuring device 1 has not yet started in the notification signal. The measuring device 1 repeatedly sends the notification signal at a predetermined period.

[0122] Next, the measuring device 1 determines whether there is a connection request, such as from paired information terminals 5a and 5b, in the sent notification signal (step S42). If there is no connection request (step S42: no), the measuring device 1 repeats the process of step S42.

[0123] In step S42, if there is a connection request (step S42: Yes), the measuring device 1 begins communication with the information terminal 5a, information terminal 5b, etc. that made the connection request (step S43).

[0124] Next, the measuring device 1 stops sending the notification signal that began in step S41 (step S44).

[0125] Next, the measuring device 1 sets the connection interval with the information terminals 5a, 5b, etc., which started BLE communication in step S43, to "I1" (step S45). I1 is the data packet transmission interval in BLE communication with the information terminals 5a, 5b, etc., when the measuring device 1 has not yet started data measurement (measurement flag = OFF). For example, I1 is the longest interval that can be set in the measuring device 1. I1 is an example of the "first interval" of the present invention.

[0126] Next, the measuring device 1 determines whether the user has accepted an instruction to start the measurement based on the biological information of the measuring device 1 (step S46). If the user has not accepted an instruction to start the measurement (step S46: no), the measuring device 1 repeats the process of step S46.

[0127] In step S46, if the user has accepted the instruction to start the measurement (step S46: Yes), the measuring device 1 begins measuring the measurement data, and determines the user who gave the instruction to start the measurement, i.e., the subject of this measurement (step S47). The determination of the subject of measurement is the same as described above. Figure 6 The same applies to step S15, which can be determined, for example, based on user selection made by the subject through button operation, or based on the measured value (the value obtained in the initial stage).

[0128] Next, the measuring device 1 determines whether the subject determined in step S47 is user a, user b, etc. of information terminal 5a, information terminal 5b, etc., which are currently making a BLE connection (step S48).

[0129] In step S48, if the subject of the measurement is not the user of the information terminal currently making a BLE connection (step S48: No), the measurement device 1 enters... Figure 9 The "connection switching process" shown switches the information terminals that are performing BLE connections (step S49). Then, the measuring device 1 sets the connection interval with the information terminals 5a, 5b, etc., that have started BLE communication due to the connection switch to "I2" (step S50). I2 is the transmission interval of data packets in BLE communication with information terminals 5a, 5b, etc., performed by the measuring device 1 during data measurement (when the measurement flag = ON). For example, I2 is the transmission interval used in normal BLE communication. I2 is an example of the "second interval" of the present invention.

[0130] On the other hand, in step S48, if the subject being measured is a user of an information terminal currently making a BLE connection (step S48: Yes), the measuring device 1 sets the connection interval with information terminals 5a, 5b, etc. that are making BLE communication to "I2" while maintaining the current BLE connection (step S50).

[0131] Next, the measuring device 1 determines whether the measurement of the data that started in step S46 has ended (step S51). If the measurement has not ended (step S51: no), the measuring device 1 repeats the process of step S51.

[0132] In step S51, if the measurement is completed (step S51: Yes), the measuring device 1 sends the measurement data to the information terminal that is currently making a BLE connection (step S52). After sending the measurement data to the information terminal, the measuring device 1 returns to step S45, sets the connection interval with the information terminal 5a, information terminal 5b, etc. that are currently making BLE communication to "I1", and repeats each process.

[0133] It should be noted that in the above processing example, the measuring device 1 performs the process of setting the connection interval to "I2" before determining whether the measurement has ended (step S51), but it is not limited to this. For example, the measuring device 1 may perform the process of setting the connection interval to "I2" after determining whether the measurement has ended.

[0134] <Connection Switching Processing>

[0135] Figure 9 This means the above Figure 8 The flowchart of the "connection switching process" in step S49. When the subject being measured is different from the user of the information terminal currently making a BLE connection, firstly, the measuring device 1 disconnects the currently ongoing BLE connection with information terminal 5a, information terminal 5b, etc. (step S61).

[0136] Next, the measuring device 1 begins to send a notification signal for BLE communication (step S62). In this case, the measuring device 1 sends, for example, information indicating that the measuring device 1 is measuring data "measuring flag = ON" and information indicating the "measuring user" of the person measuring the biological information being measured in the notification signal.

[0137] Next, the measuring device 1 determines whether there is a connection request from information terminal 5a, information terminal 5b, etc. in the notification signal sent in step S62 (step S63). If there is no connection request (step S63: no), the measuring device 1 repeats the process of step S63.

[0138] In step S63, if there is a connection request (step S63: Yes), the measuring device 1 determines whether the source of the connection request is the information terminal 5a, information terminal 5b, etc. of the subject being measured (step S64).

[0139] In step S64, if the source of the connection request is not the information terminal 5a, information terminal 5b, etc. of the subject being measured (step S64: No), the measuring device 1 returns to step S63 and repeats each process. In step S64, if the source of the connection request is the information terminal 5a, information terminal 5b, etc. of the subject being measured (step S64: Yes), the measuring device 1 begins communication with the information terminal 5a, information terminal 5b, etc. that made the connection request (step S65).

[0140] Next, the measuring device 1 stops sending the notification signal that started in step S62 (step S66) and ends the connection switching process.

[0141] As explained above, before the instruction to measure biological information is received, the measuring device 1 performs the following control: wirelessly transmits a notification signal and wirelessly connects with, for example, an information terminal 5a that has made a connection request in response to the notification signal. Furthermore, when measuring biological information, the measuring device 1 performs the following control: if the subject of the biological information measurement is different from the user of the wirelessly connected information terminal 5a at this time, it disconnects the previously wirelessly connected information terminal 5a and wirelessly connects with the subject's information terminal 5b. According to this configuration, by sending a notification signal in advance before the instruction to receive biological information measurement and wirelessly connecting with the information terminal 5a that has made a connection request, the transmission of notification signals, which cannot be too long according to specifications, can be stopped, thereby suppressing power consumption. In this case, in order to maintain the wireless connection, it is necessary to transmit and receive packets at intervals equal to the connection interval, but since the connection interval can be longer than the transmission interval of the notification signal, overall power consumption can be suppressed. Furthermore, if user a, who has wirelessly connected to information terminal 5a prior to receiving the instruction to measure biometric information, begins measuring biometric information, the measurement data can be transmitted to user a's information terminal 5a via that wireless connection, thus improving convenience. If user b, who is different from user a, begins measuring biometric information, the measurement data can be transmitted to user b's information terminal 5b by re-establishing the wireless connection, thus suppressing the decrease in convenience caused by prior wireless connection.

[0142] Furthermore, when the measuring device 1 wirelessly connects to the information terminal 5b of user b who has started measuring biological information, it wirelessly transmits a notification signal including information indicating that user b is the subject of the measurement (measuring user = b). According to this configuration, the information terminal 5a of user a, which is different from the subject of the measurement, can identify that user b, which is different from user a of information terminal 5a, is conducting a measurement based on the notification signal. Therefore, it can control the connection request not to be made even if the notification signal is sensed. Thus, competition between the information terminal 5b of the subject (user b) and the information terminal 5a of user a, which is different from the subject of the measurement, can be suppressed.

[0143] Furthermore, for example, when the measuring device 1 wirelessly connects to the information terminal 5a before measuring biological information, it sets the connection interval with the information terminal 5a as a first interval. When the measuring device 1 wirelessly transmits the measurement data of biological information to the information terminals 5a and 5b of the subject, it sets the connection interval with the information terminals 5a and 5b of the subject to a second interval shorter than the first interval. According to this configuration, by setting the first interval for signal transmission to the information terminal 5a, which is wirelessly connected before measuring biological information, to be longer than the second interval for signal transmission when wirelessly transmitting the measurement data of biological information to the information terminals 5a and 5b of the subject, the number of signal transmissions can be reduced, and power consumption can be suppressed.

[0144] <Actions of Information Terminal 5 (5a, 5b)>

[0145] Next, refer to Figure 10 The operation of information terminal 5 (5a, 5b) is explained. Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the actions of information terminal 5 (5a, 5b). The processing of this action begins when the health management application of information terminal 5 (5a, 5b) is launched.

[0146] First, the information terminal 5 determines whether it has sensed a notification signal from the measuring device 1 (step S71). If no notification signal is sensed (step S71: no), the information terminal 5 repeatedly performs the process of step S71.

[0147] In step S71, if a notification signal is sensed (step S71: Yes), the information terminal 5 determines whether the information of the "measurement flag" included in the notification signal is "measurement flag = ON" (step S72). The information "measurement flag = ON" indicates that the measuring device 1 is measuring data as described above.

[0148] In step S72, if the measurement flag is not "on", that is, if the measuring device 1 is not measuring data (step S72: no), the information terminal 5 sends a connection request to the measuring device 1 (step S73).

[0149] In step S72, when "measurement flag = ON", that is, when the measuring device 1 is measuring data (step S72: Yes), the information terminal 5 determines whether the "measurement user" information included in the notification signal is information representing the user of this information terminal (step S74).

[0150] In step S74, if the information "measuring user" represents the user of this information terminal (step S74: Yes), the information terminal 5 sends a connection request to the measuring device 1 (step S73). In step S74, if the information "measuring user" does not represent the user of this information terminal (step S74: No), the information terminal 5 returns to step S71 and repeats each process.

[0151] Next, the information terminal 5 determines whether it can establish a BLE connection with the measuring device 1 (step S75). If it cannot establish a BLE connection with the measuring device 1 (step S75: no), the information terminal 5 returns to step S71 and repeats each process.

[0152] In step S75, if a BLE connection can be established with the measuring device 1 (step S75: Yes), the information terminal 5 determines whether it has received measurement data from the measuring device 1 (step S76). The measuring device 1 sends the measurement data when the measurement is completed.

[0153] In step S76, if no measurement data is received from the measuring device 1 (step S76: No), the information terminal 5 determines whether the BLE connection with the measuring device 1 has been severed (step S77). If the BLE connection with the measuring device 1 has not been severed (step S77: No), the information terminal 5 returns to step S76 and repeats each process. If the BLE connection with the measuring device 1 has been severed (step S77: Yes), the information terminal 5 returns to step S71 and repeats each process.

[0154] In step S76, if measurement data is received from the measuring device 1 (step S76: Yes), the information terminal 5 displays the received measurement data on the display unit 51 and saves it in the data storage unit 57 (step S78). After displaying / saving the measurement data, the information terminal 5 returns to step S76 and repeats each process.

[0155] As explained above, when information terminal 5 receives a notification signal wirelessly transmitted from measurement device 1, it makes a connection request to measurement device 1, for example, based on whether the notification signal includes information indicating that user b is different from user a of information terminal 5a (measurement user = b). According to this configuration, based on the information indicating user b included in the received notification signal (measurement user = b), it can identify that user b, different from user a of information terminal 5a, is performing measurement, and therefore, by sensing the notification signal, it can control the process to prevent a connection request from being made. This reduces unnecessary control processing and suppresses power consumption.

[0156] 4 variations

[0157] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the above description is merely an example of the present invention in all respects. Various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the following changes can be made. It should be noted that, below, the same reference numerals are used for the same constituent elements as in the above embodiments, and descriptions of points that are the same as in the above embodiments are appropriately omitted. The following variations can be appropriately combined.

[0158] In the above embodiment, the case where the information indicating that the measuring device 1 is measuring data is included in the notification signal and transmitted has been described, but it is not limited to this. The measuring device 1 may also omit the information of the "measuring flag" from the notification signal. In this case, the information terminal receiving the notification signal can, for example, determine whether the measuring device 1 is measuring data based on the presence or absence of the "measuring user" included in the notification signal.

[0159] 5 Programs

[0160] It should be noted that the control method for the measuring device 1 or information terminal 5 described in the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer executing a pre-prepared control program. This control program is recorded in a computer-readable storage medium and is executed by being read from the storage medium. Furthermore, this control program can be provided either in the form of a non-transitory storage medium such as flash memory, or via a network such as the Internet. The computer executing this control program can be included in the measuring device 1 or information terminal 5, or in an electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer that can communicate with the measuring device 1 or information terminal 5, or in a server device that can communicate with these measuring devices 1, information terminals 5, and electronic devices.

[0161] The various embodiments have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the examples described above. Those skilled in the art will obviously conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it should be understood that these modifications or alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the constituent elements of the above embodiments can be arbitrarily combined without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0162] It should be noted that this application is based on Japanese patent application filed on June 7, 2023 (Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-093847), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0163] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0164] 1: Measuring device;

[0165] 1A: Blood pressure monitor;

[0166] 5, 5a, 5b: Information terminals;

[0167] 11, 51: Display section;

[0168] 12, 52: Operations section;

[0169] 13: Measurement Department;

[0170] 14: Wireless Communications Department;

[0171] 16, 56: RAM;

[0172] 17, 57: Data storage department;

[0173] 18, 58: Controller;

[0174] 21: Main body;

[0175] 22: Cuffs;

[0176] 23: Air pipe;

[0177] 53: GPS sensor;

[0178] 54: First Wireless Communication Division;

[0179] 55: Second Wireless Communication Unit;

[0180] 90: Cloud server;

[0181] 100: Information Management System.

Claims

1. A measuring device capable of measuring information of a living organism, said measuring device comprising: The wireless communication unit is capable of transmitting measurement data of the biological information to the information terminal; and The control unit controls the wireless communication unit. Before instructing the measurement of the organism's information, the control unit wirelessly transmits a notification signal and wirelessly connects with a first information terminal that requests a connection in response to the notification signal. When measuring the biological information, the control unit controls the connection to the first information terminal to be cut off and wirelessly connected to the second information terminal of the subject if the subject being measured is different from the user of the first information terminal.

2. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, When the control unit is wirelessly connected to the second information terminal, it wirelessly transmits a notification signal including information about the person being measured.

3. The measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the control unit wirelessly connects to the first information terminal before measuring the organism information, it sets the signal transmission interval with the first information terminal to a first interval. When the control unit wirelessly transmits the measurement data of the biological information to the information terminal of the subject, it sets the signal transmission interval with the information terminal of the subject to a second interval that is shorter than the first interval.

4. An information terminal capable of wirelessly communicating with a measuring device capable of measuring biological information, the information terminal comprising: The wireless communication unit is capable of receiving measurement data of the organism information from the measuring device; and The control unit controls the wireless communication unit. Upon receiving a notification signal wirelessly transmitted from the measuring device, the control unit requests a connection to the measuring device based on whether the notification signal includes information indicating a user different from the user of the information terminal.

5. A control method for a measuring device, the measuring device being capable of measuring biological information and comprising: a wireless communication unit capable of transmitting measurement data of the biological information to an information terminal; and a processor for controlling the wireless communication unit. Before instructing the measurement of the organism information, the processor wirelessly transmits a notification signal and controls the wireless connection with a first information terminal that initiates a connection request in response to the notification signal. When measuring the biological information, the processor controls the connection to the first information terminal to be cut off and to wirelessly connect to the second information terminal of the person being measured if the user of the measured person is different from the user of the first information terminal.

6. A control program for a measuring device capable of measuring biological information, comprising: a wireless communication unit capable of transmitting measurement data of the biological information to an information terminal; and a processor for controlling the wireless communication unit, the control program causing the processor to perform the following processing: Control is performed to wirelessly transmit a notification signal and wirelessly connect with a first information terminal that has initiated a connection request in response to the notification signal, prior to the measurement of the organism's information. When measuring the biological information, if the person being measured is different from the user of the first information terminal, the connection with the first information terminal is cut off, and a wireless connection is made with the second information terminal of the person being measured.

7. A control method for an information terminal, the information terminal comprising: a wireless communication unit capable of receiving measurement data of biological information from a measuring device capable of measuring biological information; and a processor for controlling the wireless communication unit. Upon receiving a notification signal wirelessly transmitted from the measuring device, the processor requests a connection to the measuring device based on whether the notification signal includes information indicating a user different from the user of the information terminal.

8. A control program for an information terminal, the information terminal comprising: a wireless communication unit capable of receiving measurement data of biological information from a measuring device capable of measuring biological information; and a processor for controlling the wireless communication unit, the control program being configured to cause the processor to perform the following processing: Upon receiving a notification signal wirelessly transmitted from the measuring device, a connection request is made to the measuring device based on whether the notification signal includes information indicating a user different from the user of the information terminal.

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