INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEVICE REGISTRATION OF A MEASURING DEVICE AND AN INFORMATION END DEVICE

Abstract

Information management system comprising one or more measuring devices and one or more information terminal devices, wherein the measuring device includes the following: a first means of communication for transmitting identification information that identifies the measuring device; a first output means for outputting a unique pattern in a human-perceivable manner, at least when the identification information is transmitted; and a first means of control for controlling the first means of communication and the first means of expenditure, The information terminal includes the following: a second means of communication for receiving the identification information; a second output means for outputting a pattern identical to the unique pattern in a manner perceptible to humans, wherein the second output means includes a display means for displaying information relating to the measuring device which transmitted the identification information; a storage device capable of storing the identification information; an input device for receiving input from a user; and a second control means for controlling the second means of communication, the second means of output, the storage means and the input means, The second control means receives an input via the input means indicating that the pattern output by the measuring device, which is displayed on the display means, is identical to the pattern output by the second output means, and The storage device is instructed to store the identification information regarding the measuring device for which the input was provided, indicating that the pattern output by the measuring device is identical to the pattern output by the second output device.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to an information management system including a measuring device and an information terminal device and a method for device registration of the measuring device and the information terminal device. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In recent years, it has become widespread to implement health management by measuring personal health-related information (hereinafter also referred to as "health information"), such as weight, blood pressure readings and activity levels, using a measuring device; and recording and analyzing the measurement results using an information terminal device, such as a smartphone.

[0003] When such health management is implemented, the measuring device and the information terminal are preferably interconnected, and the result of a measurement by the measuring device can be automatically recorded by the information terminal without requiring a user to enter the result into the information terminal each time. In particular, for example, a method may be considered in which an information terminal receives measurement information from a measuring device via wireless near-field communication. However, in situations where a large number of measuring devices of the same type are used, it is necessary to prevent erroneous reception of information from measuring devices other than the one that actually performed the measurement.

[0004] To solve such problems, a predetermined measuring device can be registered in a predetermined information terminal, and the information can be accessed exclusively by the registered measuring device. Device registration is achieved, for example, by registering identification symbols that identify individual measuring devices in an information terminal, and a procedure is typically used in which identification information printed on a device housing or on a seal affixed to the housing is manually entered into the information terminal.

[0005] In such a method, the task for the user is complex and can lead to erroneous input. In contrast, patent document 1 proposes that serial information provided on a measuring device be captured by a receiving device by taking an image or scanning a code, and that the captured serial information be used for device registration.

[0006] Furthermore, pairing (mutual authentication of devices) has become widespread, using wireless communication based on Bluetooth (trade name) (for example, patent document 2). In a specific authentication procedure, pairing is carried out by one of the devices transmitting information by announcement, indicating that the device is ready for pairing, and the other device receiving this information and identifying the first device.

[0007] Patent document 3 discloses a system for the visual authentication and authorization of a user for mobile touch devices, wherein the system comprises: a login display on a mobile touch device that displays a visual pattern; a data acquisition engine that determines touch attributes from a variety of user touch events on the mobile touch device with reference to the visual pattern, wherein the touch attributes include measured touch attributes and derived touch attributes calculated from the measured touch attributes; an authentication engine that compares the touch attributes with projected user touch attributes derived from the user touch attribute values ​​determined in previous successful applications.

[0008] The method described in patent document 4 serves to confirm the function of a separate vibrator, which is provided separately by a mobile phone and controlled by a control signal from the mobile phone. It includes a device with which functions such as entering an identification number and a vibration pattern of the separate vibrator can be set via the mobile phone. After the function has been set via the device, the function is confirmed by the corresponding vibrator vibrating with the set function in response to a control signal from the mobile phone. LITERATURE LIST Patent literature Patent Document 1: JP 2016-512965 T Patent Document 2: JP 2017-170108 A Patent document 3: US 2012 / 0 304 269 A1 Patent document 4: JP H10 - 42 024 A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Technical Task

[0009] Nevertheless, even with the technology set forth in Patent Document 1, as described above, the user must capture (or scan) an image of the identification information, thus creating a complex task similar to the prior art in this respect. Furthermore, in the technology described in Patent Document 2, in a situation where a large number of devices of the same type transmit announcement information indicating that the devices are ready for pairing, a user cannot determine which of the candidates displayed on an information terminal should be paired and cannot achieve a suitable pairing.

[0010] In view of the prior art described above, an objective of the present invention is to provide a technology that reduces the burden on a user when the user registers a measuring device in an information terminal device. Solution to the problem

[0011] To achieve the above-described objective, an information management system according to the present invention includes one or more measuring devices and one or more information terminal devices, wherein the measuring device includes: a first communication means for transmitting identification information identifying the measuring device; a first output means for outputting a unique pattern in a human-perceivable manner, at least when the identification information is transmitted; and a first control means for controlling the first communication means and the first output means, wherein the information terminal device includes a second communication means for receiving the identification information;a second output means for outputting a pattern identical to the unique pattern in a human-perceivable manner, the second output means including a display means for displaying information relating to the measuring device which transmitted the identification information; a storage means capable of storing the identification information; an input means for receiving input from a user;and a second control means for controlling the second communication means, the second output means, the storage means and the input means, wherein the second control means receives, via the input means, an input indicating that the pattern output by the measuring device, which is displayed on the display means, is identical to the pattern output by the second output means, and the storage means is caused to store the identification information relating to the measuring device for which the input indicating that the pattern output by the measuring device is identical to the pattern output by the second output means was provided.

[0012] It should be noted that "unique," as described above, means not only that a pattern specific to each device is predefined, but also that the device can be distinguished from the other devices at the time the pattern is output. Thus, the pattern may be a random pattern generated each time from an individual seed value, a unique random number table, and the like for each device. Furthermore, the term "pattern," as used herein, includes a meaning that incorporates timing for the output and is not synonymous with frequency. Fig. Figure 11 illustrates a pictorial diagram of a “sample” of the present patent specification. The horizontal axis of Fig. Figure 11 represents the timeline. Black squares indicate the presence of an output, and empty sections without a black square indicate the absence of an output.

[0013] Furthermore, the measuring device described above includes various measuring devices, such as: body information measuring devices like a scale, a body composition meter, a blood pressure monitor, a heart rate monitor, and a thermometer; activity measuring devices like a pedometer and an activity tracker provided in various fitness devices; and environmental information measuring devices like a temperature and humidity meter, a sound level meter, and a light level meter. In addition, the "information terminal" described above may include stationary information terminals in addition to mobile information terminals, such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, and a laptop computer.

[0014] Furthermore, the "first means of communication" described above can be a transmission device that performs only transmission, or a transmission and reception device that is also capable of receiving. Similarly, the "second means of communication" described above can be a reception device that performs only reception, or a transmission and reception device that is also capable of transmission.

[0015] According to the system configuration described above, the human-perceivable, predetermined pattern is simultaneously output by both the measuring device and the information terminal, and thus device registration can be achieved by simply determining whether the device to be registered by the user matches the device specified in the information terminal as a device registration target.

[0016] Furthermore, the first communication device can transmit information about a measurement taken by the measuring device, and the second communication device can receive information about the measurement taken by the measuring device. Such a configuration allows the information terminal to easily acquire and manage the measurement taken by the measuring device.

[0017] Furthermore, the first communication device transmits the identification information via a signal, for which transmission and interruption are repeated in the unique pattern, and the second output device provides a pattern indicating whether the second communication device has received the signal sent by the first. Thus, the pattern, which is identical to the unique pattern, can be output in a human-perceivable way. In this context, "providing, as a pattern, an output indicating whether the signal is received" refers, for example, to providing the output when the signal is received and interrupting the output when the signal is not received, thereby outputting the pattern based on the presence or absence of the output in the time series.It should be noted that the presence or absence of signal reception may be the opposite of the presence or absence of output.

[0018] Furthermore, the first communication device can transmit pattern specification information that specifies the unique pattern, the second communication device can receive the pattern specification information, and based on the pattern specification information, the second output device can output a pattern that is identical to the unique pattern in a way perceptible to humans.

[0019] The configuration described above eliminates the need for the information terminal to store information about the pattern associated with the identification information, and even in a case where the measuring device generates a unique pattern each time the identification information is transmitted, the information terminal can output the pattern that is identical to the pattern output by the measuring device.

[0020] Additionally, the first output means can include a first sound wave generation means, and the first sound wave generation means can output tones of the unique pattern using a sound wave in an audible range. Such a configuration allows the user to audibly verify the pattern output by the measuring device even without looking at the measuring device, enabling the user to perform a device registration process where the focus is solely on the information terminal. This reduces the complexity for the user.

[0021] Additionally, the first output means can include a first image display means, and the first image display means can output a display that varies in the unique pattern. Such a configuration allows the user to perform the device registration process by viewing both the measuring device and the information terminal, thus enabling the user to perform device registration even in a situation where generating noise is inappropriate.

[0022] Furthermore, the first output means can include a first light-emitting means, and the first light-emitting means can emit light that flashes in a unique pattern. It should be noted that the flashing, as used here, does not only mean a change in the light between being switched on and off, but also includes a change in brightness. Such a configuration allows the user to recognize the pattern emitted by the measuring device, as long as the flashing light is visible, without looking at the measuring device itself, so that the user can perform the operation with their gaze directed towards the information terminal. This allows the user to perform a device registration even in a situation where generating noise is inappropriate.

[0023] Additionally, the second output device can include a second sound wave generation device, and this second sound wave generation device can output tones in a pattern identical to the unique pattern by using a sound wave in an audible range. Such a configuration allows the user to verify the pattern output by the information terminal even without having to look at the information terminal.

[0024] Additionally, the second output means can include a second image display means, and this second image display means can output a display that varies in a pattern identical to the unique pattern. Such a configuration allows the user to check the display means of the information terminal for device registration while simultaneously verifying the output pattern of the information terminal. Furthermore, even in situations where generating noise is inappropriate, device registration can be performed without generating noise.

[0025] Additionally, the second output means can include a second light-emitting means, and this second light-emitting means can emit light that flashes in a pattern identical to the unique pattern. Such a configuration makes it possible to separate the display means of the information terminal for the device registration process from the display means for pattern output, so that the pattern can be visually verified without complicating the display content of the device registration display means.

[0026] Additionally, the second output device can include a vibrator, and the vibrator can cause the information terminal to vibrate in a pattern identical to the unique pattern. Such a configuration allows the user to verify the output pattern of the information terminal without looking at the device, even in situations where generating noise is inappropriate.

[0027] Additionally, the first communication device can include an oscillator capable of emitting ultrasonic waves, and the first communication device can transmit identification information using ultrasonic waves. The second communication device can include a microphone capable of detecting ultrasonic waves, and the second communication device can receive the identification information by detecting the ultrasonic waves. Such a configuration makes it possible to locate the target measuring device for device registration via ultrasonic communication.

[0028] Additionally, the first communication means and the second communication means can include a wireless communication means capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from each other, and pairing between the measuring device and the information terminal can be established by causing the storage means to store the identification information.

[0029] Additionally, a device registration method according to the present invention is a device registration method for a measuring device in an information terminal device, wherein the method comprises the following steps: the measuring device transmits identification information that identifies the measuring device; the measuring device outputs a unique pattern in a human-perceivable manner; the information terminal device receives and acquires the identification information; the information terminal device displays information about the measuring device that transmitted the acquired identification information; the information terminal device outputs a pattern in a human-perceivable manner that is identical to the pattern output by the measuring device for which the information is displayed on the information terminal device;The information terminal receives an input indicating that the pattern output by the measuring device, which is displayed on the display means, is identical to the pattern output by the information terminal; and the information terminal stores the identification information relating to the measuring device for which the input indicating that the pattern output by the measuring device is identical to the pattern output by the information terminal was provided. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0030] According to the present invention, the burden on a user can be reduced if the user registers a measuring device on an information terminal device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of a configuration example of an information management system according to a first embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a blood pressure monitor of the information management system according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the process of device registration in the information management system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4A is a first diagram illustrating an example of a change in the display of a smartphone in the information management system according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 4B is a second diagram illustrating an example of a change in the smartphone's display in the information management system according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the screen display of a smartphone in the information management system according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information management system according to a second embodiment. Fig. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the process of device registration in the information management system according to the second embodiment. Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a smartphone screen display in the information management system according to the second embodiment. Fig. Figure 9 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of a configuration example of an information management system according to a third embodiment. Fig. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the pairing processing process in the information management system according to the third embodiment. Fig. Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a picture of a sample of the present patent specification. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0031] Specific embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings. First embodiment

[0032] First, an example of the embodiments of the present invention will be given with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 described. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements and other properties of the components described in this embodiment shall not limit the scope of protection of this invention, unless otherwise specified. System configuration

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a health information management system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, the health information management system 1 includes a blood pressure monitor 10, used as an example of a measuring device, and a smartphone 20, used as an example of an information terminal. By registering measuring devices, including the blood pressure monitor 10, as described below, the smartphone 20 can subsequently identify and capture measurement information relating to the registered devices. Measuring device

[0034] The blood pressure monitor 10 of the present embodiment is a measuring device that measures the blood pressure of a user by means of a so-called oscillometric method and, as described in Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a sensor unit 110, a display unit 120, a measuring device loudspeaker 130, an input unit 140 and a measuring device control unit 150.

[0035] The sensor unit 110 includes a pressure sensor located in a cuff section of the blood pressure monitor 10, which detects a pulse wave from a blood vessel of the user under a suitable cuff pressure. In addition to systolic and diastolic blood pressure, the blood pressure monitor 10 of the present embodiment is capable of measuring a pulse based on the pulse wave detected by the sensor unit. The values ​​of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and pulse are collectively referred to as measured values.

[0036] The display unit 120 is, for example, formed by a liquid crystal display and shows the operating status of the device and the like, as well as calculated measured values. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the display unit 120 corresponds to a first image display means.

[0037] The measuring device loudspeaker 130 is an output means capable of generating sound waves and emitting both ultrasonic waves and sound waves in the audible range (hereinafter referred to as sound). As described below, by causing the measuring device loudspeaker 130 to intermittently generate ultrasonic waves in a unique pattern under the control of the measuring device control unit 150, identification information that identifies the blood pressure monitor 10 can be transmitted. In other words, in the present embodiment, the measuring device loudspeaker 130 is configured to function as both the first means of communication and the first means of generating sound waves (first output means).

[0038] The input unit 140 is an input device such as a button or a touch panel display that receives input from the user and accepts various operations from the user, such as those for switching the power source on or off, starting the measurement, changing a mode and selecting an item.

[0039] The device control unit 150 is a means of controlling the blood pressure monitor 10 and includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). In response to the user's signal via the input unit 140 to execute the device information registration mode, the device control unit 150 causes the device speaker 130 to intermittently generate ultrasound waves in a unique pattern. The ultrasound waves emitted in this pattern include identification information relating to the blood pressure monitor 10. It should be noted that the identification information can be stored, for example, by a storage device or the like (not shown). Furthermore, the device control unit 150 causes the device speaker 130 to generate tones in the same output pattern as the ultrasound output during the execution of the device information registration mode.In particular, the signal tone can be generated according to an identical pattern.

[0040] Depending on the user's choice, the display unit 120 can be caused to output a display that varies in the same pattern as described above, either as an alternative to or simultaneously with sound generation. For example, a "P" character can be displayed or disappear in the pattern described above. Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a display example of the display unit 120 in a pairing mode.

[0041] Additionally, an LED (not shown) can flash either alternatively or simultaneously with the sound generation described above or a change in the display of unit 120. It should be noted that in this case, the LED corresponds to a first light-emitting device.

[0042] It should be noted that in the present embodiment the measuring device control unit 150 corresponds to a first control means and, in addition to carrying out the control described above, controls each component of the blood pressure monitor 10 in order to carry out the processing according to the operation of the user via the input unit 140. Information terminal device

[0043] The smartphone 20, used as an example of the information terminal device, includes a microphone 210, a touch panel display 220, a storage unit 230, an information terminal control unit 240 and an information terminal speaker 250.

[0044] The microphone 210 is one of the input devices and detects sound waves, including ultrasound waves.

[0045] As described below, in response to the acquisition of identification information regarding the blood pressure monitor 10 from the ultrasound waves detected by the microphone 210, the touch panel display 220 displays the information regarding the blood pressure monitor 10 that transmitted the identification information on the display means of the information terminal. Additionally, a display is output that varies in a pattern identical to the pattern of sound waves emitted by the blood pressure monitor 10 that transmitted the identification information. Furthermore, user operations are received via various input images. In other words, in the present embodiment, the touch panel display 220 is configured to function as a second image display means (second output means) and an input means.

[0046] The storage unit 230 includes, in addition to main memory such as direct access memory (RAM), for example a long-term storage medium such as flash memory and stores various types of information such as the identification information for measuring devices including the blood pressure monitor 10 to be registered as a device, application programs and measured values.

[0047] The information terminal loudspeaker 250 corresponds to a second sound wave generating means according to the present invention and outputs various types of tones in addition to outputting tones in the same pattern as the output provided by the blood pressure monitor 10 in a device registration mode.

[0048] The information terminal control unit 240 is a means for controlling the smartphone and includes, for example, a CPU and the like, and executes various programs stored in the memory unit 230 to provide functions corresponding to the programs. In the present embodiment, the information terminal control unit 240 corresponds to a second control means.

[0049] The information terminal control unit 240 acquires identification information that identifies the blood pressure monitor 10, for example, from the ultrasound waves detected by the microphone 210. Additionally, the information relating to the blood pressure monitor 10 for which the identification information was acquired is displayed on the touch panel display 220, and the display is output to the touch panel display 220, varying in the same pattern as the output provided by the blood pressure monitor 10 for which the identification information was acquired. It should be noted that alternatively or in addition to a variation in the display, other outputs can be provided, such as causing tones to be emitted from the information terminal speaker 250 in an identical pattern, causing the LED light (not shown) to flash, and activating the vibrator. Method for device registration of a measuring device in an information terminal device

[0050] Now a method for device registration of the blood pressure monitor 10 in the smartphone 20 is described. Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure that is used when the blood pressure monitor 10 is registered in the smartphone 20 device.

[0051] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the user first causes the smartphone 20 to be put into standby mode via the touch panel display 220 and the information terminal control unit 240 of the smartphone 20, so that the smartphone 20 is ready to receive measurement information (step S101). In particular, for example, an application program for managing health information can be executed, and the information terminal control unit 240 can be configured to run the application program continuously in the background.

[0052] The user then puts the blood pressure monitor 10 into device registration mode via the display unit 120 and the measuring device control unit 150 of the blood pressure monitor 10 (step S102). In device registration mode, the measuring device control unit 150 causes the measuring device speaker 130 to emit ultrasound waves in a unique pattern (step S103). It should be noted that, as described above, the ultrasound wave is emitted including identification information that makes it possible to identify the blood pressure monitor 10.

[0053] Furthermore, the measuring device control unit 150 causes the measuring device loudspeaker 130 to generate a signal tone with a beat linked to the pattern (step S104). It should be noted that in this case, the measuring device control unit 150 can cause the display unit to output a display that varies in the same pattern as described above. Additionally, the LED (not shown) can be caused to blink according to the pattern.

[0054] Then, the microphone 210 of the smartphone 20, in an information waiting state, detects the ultrasound waves that are output in step S103 (step S105). Subsequently, the information terminal control unit 240 detects the identification information regarding the blood pressure monitor 10 that is included in the ultrasound waves detected in step S105 (step S106).

[0055] The information terminal control unit 240 then displays information on the touch panel display 220 regarding the blood pressure monitor 10 for which the identification information was acquired (step S107) and outputs a visual display to the touch panel display 220 that varies according to the same pattern as the sound output (and other outputs) of the blood pressure monitor 10 (step S108). It should be noted that at this point, the information terminal control unit 240 can cause the information terminal speaker 250 to output sound in the same pattern as described above, or it can cause another output device, not shown, to produce an output in the same pattern as described above. In particular, for example, it can cause the LED light to flash in the same pattern as described above, or it can cause the vibrator to vibrate in the same pattern as described above. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates an example of a case in which a variation in the animation, which has a pattern, is displayed on the touch panel display 220. Fig. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of a time-control display screen without output, and Fig. Figure 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a time-controlled display screen with output and demonstrating the simultaneous activation of the LED light in the touch panel display 220.

[0056] Furthermore, the information terminal control unit 240 prompts the user to provide an input indicating that the output pattern of the sound output of the blood pressure monitor 10 is identical to the variation pattern of the display of the touch panel display 220 of the smartphone 20 (and other outputs), if the match is confirmed (step S109). In particular, for example, the touch panel display 220 can be caused to display an operating button to provide an input indicating that the patterns match. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates an example of a display screen for receiving user input in step S109.

[0057] A message field of the in Fig. The screen shown in Figure 5 displays the following: “A device is displayed that is currently ready for device registration. If the displayed device and the smartphone provide the same output pattern, select ‘OK’. The device will be registered with the smartphone.” In other words, if an input is provided indicating that the output pattern of the blood pressure monitor 10 is identical to the output pattern of the smartphone 20, information will be provided indicating that the blood pressure monitor 10 is registered with the smartphone 20.

[0058] In step S109, after receiving the input indicating that the output pattern of the tone from the blood pressure monitor 10 is identical to the variation pattern of the display of the touch panel display 220 of the smartphone 20, the information terminal control unit 240 instructs the storage unit 230 to store the identification information acquired in step S106 (step S110) and the series of processing steps is completed.

[0059] By storing the identification information in step S110, the specific blood pressure monitor 10 is registered identifiably in the smartphone 20, thus completing the device registration. After successful device registration, the information terminal control unit 240 can only record measured values ​​transmitted by the blood pressure monitor 10, which transmits the identification information stored in the memory unit 230.

[0060] It should be noted that in the sequence of processes described above, the processing in step S103 and the processing in step S104 can be carried out in reverse order or simultaneously.

[0061] According to the system configuration described above, to register the measuring device with the information terminal, the user can simply put both the measuring device and the information terminal into device registration mode and check whether they output the same pattern. This results in very little user interference during device registration. Furthermore, the pattern is output in a human-perceivable way, allowing the user to determine whether the measuring device being registered via the information terminal is indeed the device they intend to register, thus eliminating any user anxiety.Furthermore, the identification information is transmitted using ultrasonic waves emitted by the loudspeaker, eliminating the need for a separate wireless near-field communication device. This reduces the cost of the components that make up the system. Second embodiment

[0062] Next, a further embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 8 described. In the following, components identical to those in the first embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0063] Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a health information management system 2 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 6, the health information management system 2 includes a variety of blood pressure monitors 10a, 10b, and 10c and the smartphone 20. It should be noted that the components of each of the blood pressure monitors 10a, 10b, and 10c, as well as the smartphone 20, are similar to those in the first embodiment, and therefore a description of the components is omitted.

[0064] In contrast to the first embodiment, the health information management system 2 in the present embodiment includes a plurality of blood pressure monitors, and thus the smartphone 20 can receive measurement information from a blood pressure monitor that differs from the blood pressure monitor that the user intends to register. Therefore, the processing that takes place when the blood pressure monitor 10 and the smartphone 20 are paired is different from that in the first embodiment.

[0065] Fig. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure that is executed in the health information management system 2 of the present embodiment when the blood pressure monitors 10 are device-registered in the smartphone 20. The processing from step S201 to step S206 is similar to the processing from step S101 to step S106 in the first embodiment. In other words, in step S201, the user puts the smartphone 20 into a ready state, and in step S202, the blood pressure monitor 10 is put into device registration mode. Then, in step S203, the measuring device control unit 150 causes the blood pressure monitor 10 to generate ultrasound waves in a unique pattern, and in step S204, the blood pressure monitor 10 produces a perceptible output with the same pattern as described above.Furthermore, in step S205, the information terminal control unit 240 instructs the microphone 210 to detect ultrasound waves, and in step S206 it detects the identification information contained in the detected ultrasound waves.

[0066] The information terminal control unit 240 then causes the touch panel display 220 to display a list of blood pressure monitors 10 that have transmitted the identification information acquired in step S206 and prompts the user to select one of the devices (step S207). Fig. Figure 8 is an example of a display screen of the Touchpanel display 220, which displays a list in response to the acquisition of identification information from a variety of blood pressure monitors 10. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 8, in a case where identification information is acquired by a multitude of measuring devices, the devices can be listed in order of the intensity of the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves through which the identification information is transmitted. The intensity of the sound pressure and the distance to the source of the ultrasonic waves are correlated, so that a higher sound pressure indicates a closer device, which can be used as a reference for device selection.

[0067] When the user selects any device from the listed blood pressure monitors 10 (step S208), the information terminal control unit 240 displays information regarding the selected device on the touch panel display 220 and outputs a visual display to the touch panel display 220 that varies in the same pattern as the output from the blood pressure monitor 10 (step S209). In this respect, a variation in the display output to the touch panel display 220 can be similar to that illustrated in the first embodiment.

[0068] The information terminal control unit 240 then prompts the user to provide input indicating whether the pattern output to the smartphone 20 in step S209 is identical to the output pattern of the blood pressure monitor 10 selected in step S208 (step S210). If so, the user may be prompted to provide input, for example, by using a sample display screen similar to the one shown in Fig. Figure 5 illustrated this. In step S210, if an input is provided indicating that the patterns are not identical, processing returns to step S208 and the subsequent processing is repeated. On the other hand, in step S210, if an input is provided indicating that the patterns are identical, the information terminal control unit 240 causes the memory unit 230 to store the identification information regarding the blood pressure monitor 10 (step S211), and the sequence of processing steps is terminated.

[0069] By storing the identification information in step S211, the specific blood pressure monitor 10 is registered identifiably in the smartphone 20, thus completing the device registration. After successful device registration, the information terminal control unit 240 can only record measured values ​​transmitted by the blood pressure monitor 10, which transmits the identification information stored in the memory unit 230.

[0070] According to the configuration described in the present embodiment, in an information management system where a large number of measuring devices of the same type are used, even if any measuring devices are simultaneously in device registration mode, one of the measuring devices can be selected based on the perceptible pattern. This prevents an incorrect measuring device from being registered. Modified example

[0071] It should be noted that in the second embodiment described above, in step S207, the blood pressure monitors 10 are listed in order of the intensity of the sound pressure of the ultrasound waves detected by the smartphone 20. However, this is not necessary, and the blood pressure monitors can, for example, be listed in the order in which the identification information is detected. Furthermore, it is not necessary to list the blood pressure monitors 10, and, for example, only the blood pressure monitor 10 with the highest sound pressure detected by the ultrasound waves can be displayed as the first candidate, with the same pattern as the output pattern of that blood pressure monitor 10 being displayed by the smartphone 20. In this case, the display screen can be, as in Fig. Figure 5 illustrates prompting the user to provide input indicating whether the patterns are identical, and in a case where input is provided indicating that the patterns are not identical, for example, "Cancel" is selected, the blood pressure monitor with the second strongest sound pressure may be displayed as the second candidate. Third embodiment

[0072] It should be noted that in the first and second embodiments described above, the identification information is transmitted using ultrasound waves, but that the identification information can also be transmitted without the use of ultrasound waves if device registration has been performed. A further embodiment of the present invention is now described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 described. In the following, components identical to those in the first embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a health information management system 3 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, the health information management system 3 includes a blood pressure monitor 30, which is used as an example of a measuring device, and a smartphone 40, which is used as an example of an information terminal device.

[0073] The blood pressure monitor 30 differs from the blood pressure monitor 10 according to the first embodiment in that the blood pressure monitor 30 includes a measuring device antenna 360 and is otherwise similar to the blood pressure monitor 10. Furthermore, the smartphone 40 also differs from the smartphone 20 of the first embodiment in that the smartphone 40 includes an information terminal antenna 460 and is otherwise similar to the smartphone 20.

[0074] The measuring device antenna 360 and the information terminal antenna 460 are each communication antennas for bidirectional wireless communication such as Bluetooth, and the blood pressure monitor 30 and the smartphone 40 are configured to enable wireless communication via their respective antennas. This configuration allows the blood pressure monitor 30 and the smartphone 40 to communicate wirelessly with each other and be paired in both directions.

[0075] In particular, in the present embodiment, the blood pressure monitor 30 and the smartphone 40 establish a pairing after it has been determined that the blood pressure monitor 30 is device-registered in the smartphone 40 using the following method. Fig. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure used in the health information management system 3 of the present embodiment when the blood pressure monitor 30 is registered in the smartphone 40 device.

[0076] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the user first causes the smartphone 40 to be put into standby mode via the touch panel display 220 and the information terminal control unit 240 of the smartphone 40 so that the smartphone 40 is ready to receive the measurement information (step S301).

[0077] The user then puts the blood pressure monitor 30 into device registration mode (step S302) via the display unit 120 and the measuring device control unit 150 of the blood pressure monitor 30. In device registration mode, the measuring device control unit 150 transmits identification information via the measuring device antenna 360, which can be used to identify the blood pressure monitor 30, as well as information specifying a unique pattern associated with the identification information (hereinafter also referred to as pattern specification information). In other words, in the present embodiment, the measuring device antenna 360 corresponds to the first means of communication.

[0078] Furthermore, the measuring device control unit 150 causes the measuring device loudspeaker 130 to generate tones in a unique pattern (step S304). It should be noted that in this case, the measuring device control unit 150 can cause the display unit to output a display that varies in the same pattern as described above. Additionally, the LED (not shown) can be caused to blink according to the pattern.

[0079] Then, the identification information regarding the blood pressure monitor 30 is acquired by the information terminal antenna 460 of the smartphone 40 in the information waiting state by receiving the identification information and the pattern information (step S305). In other words, in the present embodiment, the information terminal antenna 460 corresponds to a second means of communication.

[0080] The information terminal control unit 240 then displays information on the touch panel display 220 regarding the blood pressure monitor 30 for which the identification information was acquired (step S306) and outputs an image to the touch panel display 220 that varies in the pattern specified by the pattern specification information (step S307). It should be noted that, since the blood pressure monitor 30 also emits tones from the measuring device speaker 130 in a pattern identical to the pattern specified by the pattern specification information, the output of the tones and the variation in the image displayed on the touch panel display 220 indicate an identical pattern.

[0081] Furthermore, the information terminal control unit 240 prompts the user to provide an input indicating that the output pattern of the sound output of the blood pressure monitor 30 is identical to the variation pattern of the display of the touch panel display 220 of the smartphone 40, if the match is confirmed (step S308). In particular, for example, the touch panel display 220 can be caused to display an operating button to provide an input indicating that the patterns match.

[0082] In step S308, after receiving the input indicating that the tone output pattern from the blood pressure monitor 30 is identical to the variation pattern of the touch panel display 220 of the smartphone 40, the information terminal control unit 240 instructs the storage unit 230 to store the identification information acquired in step S305 (step S309), and the sequence of processing steps is completed. It should be noted that in the sequence of operations described above, the processing in step S303 and the processing in step S304 can be performed in reverse order or simultaneously.

[0083] By storing the identification information in step S309, the pairing between the blood pressure monitor 30 and the smartphone 40 is established. In this way, after the pairing between the blood pressure monitor 30 and the smartphone 40 is established, bidirectional information communication between the blood pressure monitor 30 and the smartphone 40 is enabled via wireless communication using the measuring device antenna 360 and the information terminal antenna 460.

[0084] According to the configuration described in the present embodiment, the output of a human-perceivable pattern enables the confirmation of a target device to be paired prior to the determination of a pairing partner, thereby enabling the precise pairing of the measuring device and the information terminal. Miscellaneous

[0085] The description of each of the examples described above serves only to illustrate the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Various modifications and combinations are permissible within the scope of protection of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0086] For example, the measuring device could be a body information measuring device other than a blood pressure monitor, such as a scale, body composition analyzer, heart rate monitor, or thermometer. Alternatively, the measuring device could be an activity tracker that measures the amount of physical activity in a pedometer, treadmill, exercise bike, or similar device. In this case, the measurement displayed on the display unit could be the number of steps, distance traveled, or a value such as the estimated number of calories burned, or both. Additionally, the measuring device could be an environmental sensor device that measures environmental information such as room temperature, humidity, noise, and light intensity.It should be noted that, although in the example described above the system includes only one type of measuring device, namely the blood pressure monitor, the system can be configured to include a variety of different measuring devices.

[0087] Furthermore, the information terminal is not limited to a smartphone, but can also be another mobile information terminal, such as a tablet, or a stationary terminal.

[0088] Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the unique pattern is output in conjunction with the transmission of the identification information in device registration mode. However, the pattern output in the measuring device need not be limited to the pattern output described above. For example, the output is not limited to the time at which the identification information is transmitted and can also be released again by user instruction or the like after a certain period of time has elapsed since the transmission.

[0089] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the output of the sound pattern includes a signal tone. However, the output pattern of the tone is not limited to the signal tone and can also be expressed in a piece of music, a string of characters (words), or the like. In other words, if a piece of music or the like provided by the measuring device matches a piece of music or the like provided by the information terminal, the measuring device can be registered in the information terminal.

[0090] Furthermore, in the third embodiment described above, for example, in a case where the information terminal generates an output pattern in response to receiving the pattern specification information, a temporal deviation of the output pattern between the measuring device and the smartphone may occur. Thus, the effects of the temporal deviation can be suppressed by methods such as increasing the length of the pattern per period, complicating the pattern (e.g., playing a specified melody using an audible tone, etc.), or outputting specified colors to one another using color information. In other words, even in a case where a deviation occurs, a difference from another pattern (e.g.,(Output by another device) must be clarified to allow a temporal deviation between identical patterns to be distinguished from the deviation between different patterns. Alternatively, for example, time information can also be included in the pattern specification information to eliminate a temporal deviation between the measuring device side and the information terminal side.

[0091] Additionally, the blood pressure monitor 30 and the smartphone 40 according to the third embodiment can be used with the information management system in the second embodiment. Furthermore, wireless communication in the third embodiment is not limited to Bluetooth communication and can also be carried out via other wireless communication methods, such as infrared communication. List of reference symbols 1, 2, 3 Information Management System 10, 30 Blood pressure monitor 110 sensor unit 120 display units 130 measuring device loudspeakers 140 input unit 150 measuring device control unit 20, 40 Smartphone 210 microphone 220 Touch Panel Display 230 storage unit 240 Information terminal control unit 250 information terminal loudspeakers 360° measuring device antenna 460 Information terminal antenna

Claims

[1] Information management system comprising one or more measuring devices and one or more information terminal devices, wherein the measuring device includes: a first means of communication for transmitting identification information that identifies the measuring device; a first output means for outputting a unique pattern in a human-perceivable manner, at least when the identification information is transmitted; and a first means of control for controlling the first means of communication and the first means of expenditure, The information terminal includes the following: a second means of communication for receiving the identification information; a second output means for outputting a pattern identical to the unique pattern in a manner perceptible to humans, wherein the second output means includes a display means for displaying information relating to the measuring device which transmitted the identification information; a storage device capable of storing the identification information; an input device for receiving input from a user; and a second control means for controlling the second means of communication, the second means of output, the storage means and the input means, The second control means receives an input via the input means indicating that the pattern output by the measuring device, which is displayed on the display means, is identical to the pattern output by the second output means, and The storage device is instructed to store the identification information regarding the measuring device for which the input was provided, indicating that the pattern output by the measuring device is identical to the pattern output by the second output device. [2] Information management system according to claim 1, wherein the first means of communication transmits information regarding a measured value measured by the measuring device, and the second means of communication receives the information regarding the measured value measured by the measuring device. [3] Information management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first means of communication transmits the identification information by means of a signal for which transmission and interruption are repeated in the unique pattern, and The second output means provides an output in the form of a pattern indicating whether the second communication means has received the signal transmitted by the first communication means, wherein the pattern is output in a human-perceivable manner, and wherein the pattern is identical to the unique pattern. [4] Information management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first means of communication transmits pattern information that specifies the unique pattern, the second means of communication receives the sample information, and Based on the pattern specification information, the second output device outputs a pattern that is identical to the unique pattern in a way perceptible to humans. [5] Information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first output means includes a first sound wave generating means, and The first sound wave generating device emits the tone of the unique pattern by using a sound wave in an audible range. [6] Information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first output device includes a first image display device, and The first image display device outputs a display that varies in the unique pattern. [7] Information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first output means includes a first light-emitting means, and the first light-emitting device emits light that flashes in the distinctive pattern. [8] Information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second output means includes a second sound wave generating means, and The second sound wave generating device outputs tone in a pattern identical to the unique pattern by using the sound wave in an audible range. [9] Information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second output device includes a second image display device, and The second image display device outputs a display that varies in a pattern identical to the unique pattern. [10] Information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second output device includes a second light-emitting device, and the second light-emitting device emits light that flashes in a pattern identical to the unique pattern. [11] Information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second output device includes a vibrator, and The vibrator vibrates the information terminal in a pattern that is identical to the unique pattern. [12] Information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first means of communication includes an oscillation device capable of emitting ultrasonic waves, and the first means of communication transmits the identification information using ultrasonic waves, and The second communication device includes a microphone capable of detecting ultrasound waves, and the second communication device receives the identification information by detecting the ultrasound waves. [13] Information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first communication means and the second communication means include a wireless communication means capable of sending and receiving information to each other, and the pairing between the measuring device and the information terminal device is established by causing the storage means to store the identification information. [14] Information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the measuring device is a scale, a body composition meter, a blood pressure monitor, a pulse meter, a thermometer or an activity meter. [15] Method for registering a measuring device in an information terminal device, the method comprising the following steps: The measuring device transmits identification information that identifies the measuring device; The measuring device outputs a unique pattern in a way that is perceptible to humans; the information terminal receives and records the identification information; The information terminal displays information regarding the measuring device that transmitted the captured identification information; The information terminal outputs a pattern perceptible to humans that is identical to the pattern output by the measuring device for which the information is displayed on the information terminal; The information terminal receives an input indicating that the pattern output by the measuring device, which is displayed on the information terminal, is identical to the pattern output by the information terminal; and the information terminal stores the identification information relating to the measuring device for which the input indicating that the pattern output by the measuring device is identical to the pattern output by the information terminal was provided.

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