MEASURING DEVICE, INFORMATION END DEVICE, CONTROL METHOD AND CONTROL PROGRAM

Abstract

A measuring device, an information terminal, a control method, and a control program are provided which can reduce energy consumption. A measuring device (1) according to one aspect of the present invention is a measuring device that can measure biological information. The measuring device (1) includes a wireless communication unit (14) and a controller (18). The wireless communication unit (14) is configured to transmit the measurement data of the biological information to an information terminal (5a, 5b).Prior to issuing an instruction to measure the biological information, the control unit (18) performs a control operation to wirelessly transmit an announcement signal and establish a wireless connection with the information terminal (5a) which has made a connection request in response to the announcement signal, and at a time of measurement of the biological information, in a case where a subject is other than a user a of the information terminal (5a), the control unit (18) controls the wireless communication unit (14) so ​​that the connection to the information terminal (5a) is disconnected and a wireless connection to the subject's information terminal (5b) is established.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device, an information terminal device, a control method and a control program. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A known system includes a smartphone and an electronic terminal connected via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark) (Patent Document 1). Another known information processing system includes an information processing device, e.g., a smartphone or the like, and a health device, e.g., a pedometer, an activity tracker, a heart rate monitor, or the like, and establishes a communication link by exchanging an address, an authentication key, an encryption key, or the like, and acquires measurement data via Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like (Patent Document 2). LITERATURE LIST Patent literature Patent Document 1: JP 2019-136136 A Patent Document 2: JP 2015-159979 A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

[0003] According to the system described in patent document 1, an electronic terminal on the announcement transmission side and a smartphone on the announcement reception side establish a communication connection four times a day at predetermined times, transmit information measured by the electronic terminal to the smartphone, and then terminate the communication. 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.

[0004] According to the information processing system of patent document 2, in which a normal operating mode and an energy-saving mode are set, such that the power consumption for the announcement in energy-saving mode is lower than the power consumption in normal operating mode, the cycle and time for the announcement as well as the cycle and time for the measurement time can be set as timing information for each mode.

[0005] Although it is possible to reduce power consumption by limiting the transmission time for the announcement, limiting the time also restricts the possibility of connection. However, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 do not describe any processing to restrict the possibility of connection. Thus, there is room for further improvements in announcement transmission and power consumption reduction.

[0006] The present invention was made in one aspect with regard to such circumstances and one object of it is to provide a measuring device, an information terminal device, a control method and a control program that can reduce energy consumption. Solution to the problem

[0007] The present invention employs the following configurations to solve the problems described above. (1) A measuring device capable of measuring biological information, including: a wireless communication unit configured to transmit measurement data of biological information to an information terminal; and a control unit configured to control the wireless communication unit, wherein Prior to an instruction to measure the biological information, the control unit executes a control to wirelessly transmit an announcement signal and establish a wireless connection to a first information terminal that has made a connection request in response to the announcement signal, and At the time of measuring the biological information, in a case where a subject is different from a user of the first information terminal, the control unit performs a control to disconnect the connection to the first information terminal and establish a wireless connection to a second information terminal of the subject.

[0008] According to (1), by transmitting the announcement signal and wirelessly connecting to the information terminal that initiated the connection request before receiving the instruction to measure the biological information, it is possible to reduce energy consumption by stopping the transmission of an announcement signal with a transmission interval that, according to the specifications, must not be too long. Although it is necessary here to transmit and receive packets at intervals corresponding to the connection interval in order to maintain the wireless connection, the connection interval can be made longer than the announcement signal, thereby reducing the overall energy consumption.Additionally, if the user of the information terminal that was wirelessly connected before receiving the instruction to measure biological information begins the measurement, the measurement data can be transmitted via the wireless connection, thus improving the user experience. If a different user than the user of the information terminal that was wirelessly connected before receiving the instruction to measure biological information begins the measurement, the wireless connection is re-established with the information terminal of the user who started the measurement, and the measurement data can be transmitted. This makes it possible to prevent any negative impact on the user experience caused by the wireless connection.

[0009] (2) The measuring device according to (1), wherein At the time of wireless connection to the second information terminal, the control unit wirelessly transmits an announcement signal which includes information indicating the subject.

[0010] According to (2), the information terminal of the user, who is other than the subject, can recognize from the announcement signal that the user, who is other than the user of the information terminal, is being measured and can thus execute a control action to refrain from making a connection request, even if an announcement signal is detected. This makes it possible to suppress competition between the information terminal of the subject and the information terminal of the user, who is other than the subject.

[0011] (3) The measuring device according to (1) or (2), wherein, if a wireless connection is established with the first information terminal prior to the measurement of the biological information, the control unit sets a signal transmission interval with the first information terminal to a first interval, and At a time when measurement data of the biological information is being wirelessly transmitted to an information terminal of the subject, the control unit sets a signal transmission interval with an information terminal of the subject to a second interval that is shorter than the first interval.

[0012] According to (3), the first interval for transmitting the signal to the wirelessly connected first information terminal before measuring the biological information is set longer than the second interval for transmitting the signal when the measurement data of the biological information is wirelessly transmitted to the subject's information terminal, so that the number of signal transmissions can be reduced and energy consumption lowered.

[0013] (4) An information terminal device capable of wireless communication with a measuring device capable of measuring biological information, including: a wireless communication unit configured to receive measurement data of the biological information from the measuring device; and a control unit configured to control the wireless communication unit, wherein In a case where an announcement signal wirelessly transmitted by the measuring device has been received, the control unit makes a connection request to the measuring device, depending on whether the announcement signal contains information indicating a user who is different from a user of the information terminal.

[0014] According to (4), since it is possible to recognize that the user, who is different from the user of the information terminal, is currently being measured based on the information indicating the user contained in the received announcement signal, it is possible to execute a control such that no connection request is made by capturing the announcement signal. This can reduce unnecessary processing and lower energy consumption.

[0015] (5) A control method for a measuring device capable of measuring biological information and a wireless communication unit configured to transmit measurement data of the biological information to an information terminal device, and including a processor configured to control the wireless communication unit, wherein prior to an instruction to measure the biological information, the processor executes a control to wirelessly transmit an announcement signal and establish a wireless connection to a first information terminal that has made a connection request in response to the announcement signal; and At the time of measuring the biological information, in a case where a subject is other than a user of the first information terminal, the control unit performs a control to disconnect the connection to the first information terminal and establish a wireless connection to a second information terminal of the subject.

[0016] According to (5), by transmitting the announcement signal and wirelessly connecting to the information terminal that initiated the connection request before receiving the instruction to measure the biological information, it is possible to reduce energy consumption by stopping the transmission of an announcement signal with a transmission interval that, according to the specifications, must not be too long. Although it is necessary here to transmit and receive packets at intervals corresponding to the connection interval in order to maintain the wireless connection, the connection interval can be made longer than the announcement signal, thereby reducing the overall energy consumption.Additionally, if the user of the information terminal, which was wirelessly connected before receiving the instruction to measure biological information, begins the measurement, the measurement data can be transmitted via the wireless connection, thus improving the user experience. If a different user begins the measurement than the user of the information terminal that was wirelessly connected before receiving the instruction to measure biological information, the wireless connection is re-established with the information terminal of the user who started the measurement, and the measurement data can be transmitted. This makes it possible to prevent any impairment of the user experience caused by the wireless connection.

[0017] (6) Control program for a measuring device capable of measuring biological information and a wireless communication unit configured to transmit measurement data of the biological information to an information terminal device, and including a processor configured to control the wireless communication unit, wherein the control program causes the processor to perform processing, wherein prior to an instruction to measure the biological information, a control is executed to wirelessly transmit an announcement signal and establish a wireless connection to a first information terminal that has made a connection request in response to the announcement signal; and At the time of measuring the biological information, in a case where a subject is other than a user of the first information terminal, a control is executed to disconnect the connection to the first information terminal and establish a wireless connection to a second information terminal of the subject.

[0018] According to (6), by transmitting the announcement signal and wirelessly connecting to the information terminal that initiated the connection request before receiving the instruction to measure the biological information, it is possible to reduce energy consumption by stopping the transmission of an announcement signal with a transmission interval that, according to the specifications, must not be too long. Although it is necessary here to transmit and receive packets at intervals corresponding to the connection interval in order to maintain the wireless connection, the connection interval can be made longer than the announcement signal, thereby reducing energy consumption.Additionally, if the user of the information terminal, which was wirelessly connected before receiving the instruction to measure biological information, begins the measurement, the measurement data can be transmitted via the wireless connection, thus improving the user experience. If a different user begins the measurement than the user of the information terminal that was wirelessly connected before receiving the instruction to measure biological information, the wireless connection is re-established with the information terminal of the user who started the measurement, and the measurement data can be transmitted. This makes it possible to prevent any impairment of the user experience caused by the wireless connection.

[0019] (7) A control method for an information terminal device which includes a wireless communication unit configured to receive measurement data of biological information from a measuring device configured to measure the biological information, and a processor configured to control the wireless communication unit, whereby In a case where an announcement signal wirelessly transmitted by the measuring device was received, the processor a The connection request to the measuring device depends on whether the announcement signal contains information indicating a user other than a user of the information terminal.

[0020] According to (7), since it is possible to recognize that the user, who is different from the user of the information, is currently being measured based on the fact that the information terminal device displays the user contained in the received announcement signal, it is possible to implement a control such that no connection request is made by capturing the announcement signal. This can reduce unnecessary processing and lower energy consumption.

[0021] (8) A control program for an information terminal device which includes a wireless communication unit configured to receive measurement data of biological information from a measuring device configured to measure the biological information, and a processor configured to control the wireless communication unit, wherein the control program causes the processor to perform a processing operation, wherein In a case where an announcement signal wirelessly transmitted by the measuring device has been received, a connection request is made to the measuring device, depending on whether the announcement signal contains information indicating a user who is different from a user of the information terminal.

[0022] According to (8), since it is possible to recognize that the user, who is different from the user of the information terminal, is currently being measured based on the information indicating the user contained in the received announcement signal, it is possible to execute a control such that no connection request is made by capturing the announcement signal. This can reduce unnecessary processing and lower energy consumption. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a measuring device, an information terminal device, a control method and a control program which can reduce energy consumption. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an information management system 100 that includes a measuring device 1 of the present invention and the information terminal devices 5a and 5b that perform wireless communication with the measuring device 1. Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a blood pressure measuring device 1A, which is an example of the measuring device 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example where the information terminals 5a and 5b are connected to a network. Fig. Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the measuring device 1. Fig. Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the information terminal device 5. Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart which illustrates an example of the operations of the measuring device 1 and the information terminals 5a, 5b in the information management system 100. Fig. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the operations of the measuring device 1 and the information terminals 5a, 5b in the information management system 100. Fig. Figure 8 is a flowchart that illustrates an example of the operations of measuring device 1. Fig. Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the connection switchover. Fig. 10 is a flowchart which illustrates an example of an operation in the information terminals 5a, 5b. DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION FORMS

[0024] Based on the drawings, embodiments according to one aspect of the present invention are described below. §1 Application Example The information management system using the present invention 100

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an information management system 100 which includes a measuring device 1 of the present invention and information terminal devices 5a and 5b which perform wireless communication with the measuring device 1.

[0026] Measuring device 1 includes a device for measuring biological information, which measures biological information such as body weight, body composition, blood pressure, pulse, heart rate, body temperature, blood glucose, or blood oxygen saturation. Measuring device 1 includes a sensor for measuring a target variable. The target variable of the sensor includes biological information such as body weight, body fat percentage, blood pressure, pulse rate, heart rate, body temperature, blood glucose level, or blood oxygen saturation as measured by measuring device 1. Measuring device 1 is a non-portable measuring device. A non-portable measuring device is a measuring device that is not portable. A portable measuring device is a measuring device (e.g., an activity tracker) that is worn on a user's body.Measuring device 1 (a non-portable measuring device) is, for example, a measuring device such as a scale, a body composition meter, a body weight composition meter, or a blood pressure meter, which is used in a floor- or table-mounted state. Measuring device 1 transmits measured biological information as user measurement data via wireless communication to information terminals 5a and 5b.

[0027] Information terminals 5a and 5b store the biological measurement data received from measuring device 1 in a data storage unit within the information terminals 5a and 5b. Information terminals 5a and 5b can also communicate wirelessly with an external device other than measuring device 1 and store the information acquired from such an external device in the data storage unit within the information terminals 5a and 5b. Information terminals 5a and 5b are each information processing devices that analyze various types of information acquired from measuring device 1 and other external devices. Information terminals 5a and 5b are each terminal devices with a display device, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer, or portable device.The information terminals 5a and 5b can be configured to acquire measurement data from a specific measuring device 1. The specific measuring device 1, from which the biological measurement data is acquired, can be pre-registered in the data storage unit of the information terminals 5a and 5b. Although this example shows two information terminals, the number is not limited to this and can include two or more.

[0028] Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a blood pressure monitor 1A, which is an example of the measuring device 1. The blood pressure monitor 1A is an example of a device for measuring biological information; it measures the user's blood pressure (pressure pulse wave data) and outputs a measurement result to the user. The blood pressure monitor 1A transmits the measurement result as user measurement data via wireless communication to the information terminals 5a and 5b. For example, the blood pressure monitor 1A includes a main unit 21, a cuff 22 that can be wrapped around the user's upper arm, and an air tube 23 that connects the main unit 21 and the cuff 22. In the example of Fig. 2 the cuff 22 and the main part 21 are separate from each other, but the cuff 22 can also be integrated into the main part 21.

[0029] Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example where information terminals 5a and 5b are connected to a network. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the information terminals 5a and 5b can be connected to a cloud server 90 via a wide area network N, such as the internet. The information terminals 5a and 5b can transmit the biological measurement data stored in the information terminal 5 to the cloud server 90 via the wide area network N, and the cloud server 90 can manage the user's biological measurement data as a database. The information terminals 5a and 5b can acquire the measurement data managed in the cloud server 90 via the wide area network N and use the acquired measurement data. §2 Configuration Example: Configuration of the measuring device 1

[0030] Fig. Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the measuring device 1. The measuring device 1 includes a display unit 11, which displays various information; an operating unit 12, which is operated by a user; a measuring unit 13, which measures biological information and the like; and a wireless communication unit 14, which communicates with an external device. The measuring device 1 further includes a RAM 16, which temporarily stores information; a data storage unit 17, which stores information and programs; and a control unit 18, which controls the overall operation. The control unit 18 is an example of a "control unit" in the present invention.

[0031] The display unit 11 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescent display (EL display). The operating unit 12 is a user interface that receives user input, for example via a button or a touch panel. The button includes a button that is physically located on the measuring device 1 or a virtual button that is displayed on the display unit 11.

[0032] The measuring unit 13 measures biological information such as body weight, body composition, blood pressure, pulse, heart rate, body temperature, blood glucose, and blood oxygen saturation. What is to be measured depends on the measurement objective of the measuring device 1.

[0033] The wireless communication unit 14 is a communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication, for example, a circuit (a module) for performing communication according to the Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark) standard (BLE standard). The wireless communication unit 14 transmits an announcement signal to an indefinite number of external devices via broadcast communication in a predetermined transmission cycle. The wireless communication unit 14 sends an announcement signal that includes, for example, the name and attribute information of the measuring device 1. The wireless communication (BLE communication) performed by the wireless communication unit 14 is, for example, communication in the 2.4 GHz frequency range.The wireless communication unit 14 transmits measurement data such as biological information measured by the measurement unit 13 to the information terminals 5 via BLE communication.

[0034] The RAM 16, for example, includes a semiconductor device such as a DRAM or an SRAM and temporarily stores information and acts as a workspace for the control 18.

[0035] The data storage unit 17 is a recording medium that stores parameters, a control program, measurement data, and the like, which are necessary to implement a predefined function. The data storage unit 17 includes, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD).

[0036] The controller 18 is a processor that implements a predefined function by executing the control program. In the present embodiment, for example, healthcare management application software for the measuring device is pre-installed as a control program in the data storage unit 17, and the controller 18 implements the predefined function by executing the healthcare management application software.

[0037] For example, the controller 18 controls the wireless communication unit 14 to transmit a wireless communication (BLE communication) announcement signal in a predetermined transmission cycle. In particular, when the measuring device 1 is activated, the controller 18 performs a control action to transmit an announcement signal. For example, when the power button of the main part 21 in the Fig. When the blood pressure monitor 1A shown in illustration 2 is switched on, the control unit 18 controls the wireless communication unit 14 so that it begins transmitting the announcement signal.

[0038] Before the controller 18 receives an instruction from the user to measure biological information, it causes the wireless communication unit 14 to transmit an announcement signal wirelessly and performs a control operation to establish a wireless connection to the first information terminal (for example, information terminal 5a) that has made a connection request in response to the announcement signal. The controller 18 controls the wireless communication unit 14 such that the transmission of the announcement signal is interrupted for a period during which the wireless communication connection between the measuring device 1 and the first information terminal is established.

[0039] During the measurement, in which the control unit 18 receives an instruction from the user to start the measurement of the biological information and performs the measurement, if the subject that gave the instruction to start the measurement of the biological information is other than a user a of the first information terminal (e.g., information terminal 5a) with which a controller 58 is currently wirelessly connected, the control unit 18 performs a control to disconnect the wireless connection with the first information terminal and establish a wireless connection with the second information terminal (e.g., information terminal 5b) of the subject (e.g., a user b) that gave the instruction to start the measurement of the biological information.After the wireless connection with the first information terminal is disconnected and the wireless connection with the second information terminal is established, the controller 18 performs a control action to wirelessly transmit an announcement signal that includes information indicating the subject (user b) (for example, "measurement user" information). The controller 58 can further include in the announcement signal information indicating that a measurement is currently being performed (for example, "measurement flag" information) and transmit the announcement signal.

[0040] Controller 18 performs a control operation to set the signal transmission interval with the first information terminal to a first interval after a wireless connection with the first information terminal has been established, before an instruction to measure biological information is received from the user, and to set the signal transmission interval with the subject's information terminal to a second interval, which is shorter than the first interval, when measurement data of biological information is wirelessly transmitted to the subject's information terminal. The "signal transmission interval" is the interval in which a data packet is transmitted, that is, a connection interval. The "second interval" is an interval for normal communication and is, for example, an interval of 7.5 ms.The "first interval" is longer than the second interval, is the longest interval that can be set, and is an interval of, for example, 10 seconds. Configuration of the information terminal 5 (5a, 5b)

[0041] Fig. Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the information terminal device 5 (5a, 5b). The information terminal device 5 includes a display unit 51, which displays various types of information; an operator unit 52, which is operated by the user; a GPS sensor 53 (Global Positioning System sensor) for determining a position; and a first wireless communication unit 54 and a second wireless communication unit 55, which perform communication with an external device. The information terminal device 5 includes a RAM 56, which temporarily stores information; a data storage unit 57, which stores information and programs; and a controller 58, which controls the overall operation.

[0042] The display unit 51 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescent display (EL display). The control unit 52 is a user interface that receives user input, for example, via a button or a touch panel. The button includes a physical button located on the information terminal 5 or a virtual button displayed on the display unit 51. The GPS sensor 53 is a sensor for detecting the current position of the information terminal 5.

[0043] The first wireless communication unit 54 is a communication unit that performs cellular communication, for example, a circuit (a module) capable of communication according to a standard such as 4G, 5G, or Long Term Evolution (LTE: registered trademark). The first wireless communication unit 54 is also a communication unit that performs wireless LAN communication, for example, a circuit (module) capable of communication according to a standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The second wireless communication unit 55 is a communication unit that performs wireless short-range communication, for example, a circuit (a module) for communication according to the BLE standard.

[0044] The second wireless communication unit 55 acquires the user's measurement data measured by the measuring device 1, for example, by performing BLE communication with the wireless communication unit 14 of the measuring device 1. The second wireless communication unit 55 receives the announcement signal transmitted by the wireless communication unit 14 of the measuring device 1 by scanning. The second wireless communication unit 55 recognizes the measuring device 1 based on the received announcement signal and sends a connection request to the measuring device 1 if a communication link is desired.It should be noted that after transmitting the announcement signal, the measuring device 1 waits for a predetermined time for a connection request, stops sending the announcement signal when the connection request is received within the predetermined time and switches to one-to-one connection communication with a person requesting the connection.

[0045] The RAM 56, for example, includes a semiconductor device such as a DRAM or an SRAM and temporarily stores information and acts as a workspace for the control 58.

[0046] The data storage unit 57 is a recording medium that stores a parameter required for the implementation of a predetermined function, a control program, measurement data acquired by the measuring device 1, and the like. The data storage unit 57 includes, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD).

[0047] The controller 58 is a processor that implements a predefined function by executing the control program. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, for example, healthcare management application software for an information terminal is pre-installed as a control program in the data storage unit 57, and the controller 58 implements the predefined function by executing this healthcare management application software.

[0048] For example, when the health management application software for the information terminal is started, the controller 58 controls the second wireless communication unit 55 to receive the announcement signal by scanning. When the announcement signal is received by the measuring device 1, the controller 58 controls the second wireless communication unit 55 to send a connection request to the measuring device 1. When the connection request is received by the measuring device 1, the communication of the measuring device 1 switches to one-to-one connection communication with the information terminal 5, and the information terminal 5 and the measuring device 1 are placed in a state where they are connected via BLE.

[0049] When the control unit 58 receives an announcement signal wirelessly transmitted from the measuring device 1, the control unit 58 determines whether or not to transmit a connection request to the measuring device 1, depending on whether or not the announcement signal contains information indicating a user other than the user of the information terminal 5 (for example, “measuring user” information). §3 Operating Example: Operation of the Information Management System 100

[0050] Next, with reference to Fig. 6. The operation of the information management system 100 is described. Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operations of measuring device 1 and information terminal 5 (5a, 5b) in information management system 100. It is assumed that information terminal 5a is owned by user a, and that information terminal 5b is owned by user b. It is further assumed that information terminals 5a and 5b have been paired with measuring device 1.

[0051] First, when measuring device 1 is switched on, it executes, for example, a health management application and begins transmitting an announcement signal for wireless communication (BLE communication) (step S11). Measuring device 1 transmits the announcement signal in a predetermined cycle and transmits the announcement signal, which includes, for example, "Measurement Flag = OFF", indicating that the measurement in measuring device 1 has not yet started.

[0052] Next, for example, it is assumed that the information terminal 5a has performed a sampling operation by running the health management application and has detected an announcement signal from the measuring device 1 (step S12). When the information terminal 5a detects the announcement signal from the measuring device 1, the information terminal 5a transmits a connection request signal to request a communication link with the measuring device 1 (step S13).

[0053] Next, when measuring device 1 receives the connection request from information terminal 5a, it stops transmitting the announcement signal and begins one-to-one communication with information terminal 5a. Accordingly, measuring device 1 and information terminal 5a are connected via BLE (step S14).

[0054] Next, for example, it is assumed that user b, who possesses the information terminal 5b, starts the measurement of user b's biological information using the measuring device 1. User b, for example, presses a measurement start button on the measuring device 1 to issue a command to start the measurement.

[0055] Next, measuring device 1 starts measuring the measurement data in response to the instruction to start the measurement and identifies the subject (step S15). Subject identification can be performed either by user selection via a key press by the subject or by identification based on a measured value (obtained in an initial phase). The term "based on a measured value" includes, for example, a case where the measured value is specified by comparison with a value stored as a previous measured value of the subject.

[0056] Next, the measuring device 1 determines whether the identified subject matches user a of the information terminal 5a, which is currently performing BLE communication, and if the subject is user b and is different from user a of the information terminal 5a, which is performing the BLE communication, as in this example, the measuring device 1 disconnects the BLE connection performed with the information terminal 5a (step S16).

[0057] Next, measuring device 1 begins transmitting a wireless communication (BLE communication) announcement signal (step S17). Measuring device 1 transmits the announcement signal in a predetermined cycle, transmitting, for example, "Measurement Flag = ON", indicating that measuring device 1 is currently measuring data, and "Measurement User = b", indicating that the measurer measuring biological information is user b, which is included in the announcement signal.

[0058] Next, it is assumed that the information terminal 5a performs a sampling operation by executing the health management application and detects an announcement signal from the measuring device 1 (step S18). Similarly, the information terminal 5b also detects an announcement signal from the measuring device 1 (step S19).

[0059] Information terminal 5b detects “measurement user = b”, which is contained in the announcement signal from measuring device 1, determines that user b, who is in possession of information terminal 5b, is measuring biological information, and transmits a connection request signal to request a communication link with measuring device 1 (step S20). On the other hand, information terminal 5a detects “measurement user = b”, which is contained in the announcement signal, determines that a user who is different from the owner of information terminal 5a is measuring biological information, and does not make a connection request to measuring device 1.

[0060] Next, the measuring device 1 receives the connection request from the information terminal 5b, stops transmitting the announcement signal, and begins one-to-one communication with the information terminal 5b. Accordingly, the measuring device 1 and the information terminal 5b are connected via BLE (step S21).

[0061] Next, when measuring device 1 has finished measuring the measurement data (step S22), the measured measurement data is transmitted to the information terminal 5b via BLE communication (step S23).

[0062] Next, the information terminal 5b displays the measurement data received from the measuring device 1 on the display unit 51 and stores the measurement data in the memory unit 57 (step S24). Afterwards, the BLE connection between the information terminal 5b and the measuring device 1 is maintained until, for example, the next measurement start instruction is issued and it is determined that the subject and the user b of the information terminal 5b, who is currently performing the BLE communication, are different from each other. Modified example of operations of the information management system 100

[0063] Next, with reference to Fig. 7 describes a modified example of operations of the information management system 100. Fig. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example for the measuring device 1 and the information terminal 5 (5a, 5b) in the information management system 100. As in the operating example of the Fig. 6 It is assumed that the information terminal 5a of user a and the information terminal 5b of user b have been paired with the measuring device 1.

[0064] The processing of step S31 to step S34 in the Fig. The modified example shown in Figure 7 is similar to the processing of steps S11 to S14 of the example in Fig. The operating example shown in section 6 illustrates the process. Therefore, a description of the processing steps is omitted.

[0065] Next, it is assumed, for example, that user a, who possesses the information terminal 5a, starts the measurement of user a's biological information using the measuring device 1. User a, for example, presses a measurement start button on the measuring device 1 to issue an instruction to start the measurement.

[0066] Next, measuring device 1 starts measuring the measurement data in response to the instruction to start the measurement and identifies the subject (step S35). As in the case of step S15 in the operating example described above. Fig. 6. The identification of the subject can be performed either by identification based on a user selection via a key press by the subject or by identification based on a measured value (obtained in an initial phase). The measuring device 1 determines whether the identified subject corresponds to user a of the information terminal 5a, which is currently performing BLE communication. If the subject is user a and corresponds to user a of the information terminal 5a performing the BLE communication, as in this example, the measuring device 1 maintains the state of the BLE connection established with the information terminal 5a.

[0067] Next, when measuring device 1 has finished measuring the measurement data (step S36), the measured measurement data is transmitted to the information terminal 5a via BLE communication (step S37).

[0068] Next, the information terminal 5a displays the measurement data received from the measuring device 1 on the display unit 51 and stores the measurement data in the memory unit 57 (step S38). Afterwards, the BLE connection between the information terminal 5a and the measuring device 1 is maintained until, for example, the next measurement start instruction is issued and it is determined that the subject and the user a of the information terminal 5a, who is currently performing the BLE communication, are different from each other. Operations of measuring device 1

[0069] Next, with reference to Fig. 8 operations of measuring device 1 are described. Fig. Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operations performed by measuring device 1. The processing of these operations is started, for example, when measuring device 1 is switched on.

[0070] First, when the measuring device 1 is switched on, it executes, for example, a health management application and begins transmitting an announcement signal for BLE communication (step S41). Measuring device 1 transmits the announcement signal, which includes, for example, "Measurement Flag = OFF," indicating that measurement has not yet started in measuring device 1. Measuring device 1 transmits the announcement signal repeatedly in a predetermined cycle.

[0071] Next, the measuring device 1 determines whether, for example, the paired information terminal 5a or 5b, or the like, has made a connection request in response to the transmitted announcement signal (step S42). If no connection request is received (step S42: No), the measuring device 1 repeats the processing of step S42.

[0072] In step S42, if a connection request exists (step S42: Yes), the measuring device 1 starts communication with the information terminal 5a or 5b or the like that made the connection request, via a BLE connection (step S43).

[0073] Next, measuring device 1 stops the transmission of the announcement signal started in step S41 (step S44).

[0074] Next, the measuring device 1 sets the communication interval with the information terminal 5a or 5b or the like, which initiated the BLE communication in step S43, to “I1” (step S45). I1 is a transmission interval of packets in the BLE communication with the information terminal 5a or 5b or the like, which is executed when the measuring device 1 has not yet started measuring data (when the measurement flag is 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.

[0075] Next, measuring device 1 determines whether or not it has received an instruction from the user to start measuring biological information (step S46). If no instruction to start the measurement has been received from the user (step S46: No), measuring device 1 repeats processing step S46.

[0076] In step S46, if a user instruction to start the measurement has been received (step S46: Yes), measuring device 1 starts the measurement of the measurement data and identifies the user who instructed the start of the measurement, i.e., the subject of the current measurement (step S47). As in the case described above in step S15 of the Fig. 6. The identification of the subject can be carried out by identification based on a user selection via a key press by the subject or by identification based on a measured value (obtained in an initial phase).

[0077] Next, the measuring device 1 determines whether the subject identified in step S47 is user a or b or the like of the information terminal 5a or 5b or the like currently connected via BLE (step S48).

[0078] In step S48, in a case where the subject is not the user of the information terminal currently connected via BLE (step S48: No), the measuring device 1 moves with the in Fig. The illustrated “connection switching processing” continues and switches the information terminal to be connected via BLE (step S49). Then, the measuring device 1 switches the connection and sets the connection interval with the information terminal 5a or 5b or the like, which initiated the BLE communication, to “I2” (step S50). I2 is a transmission interval of packets in the BLE communication with the information terminal 5a or 5b or the like, which is carried out when the measuring device 1 is currently measuring data (when the measure flag = ON). For example, I2 is a transmission interval used in normal BLE communication. I2 is an example of the “second interval” of the present invention.

[0079] On the other hand, in step S48, if the subject is the user of the information terminal currently connected via BLE (step S48: Yes), the measuring device 1 sets the connection interval with the information terminal 5a or 5b or the like connected via BLE to “I2” while the current BLE connection is maintained (step S50).

[0080] Next, measuring device 1 determines whether the data measurement started in step S46 has finished (step S51). If the measurement is not yet finished (step S51: No), measuring device 1 repeats processing step S51.

[0081] In step S51, if the measurement is complete (step S51: Yes), the measuring device 1 transmits the measurement data to the information terminals connected via BLE (step S52). After the measurement data has been transmitted to the information terminals, the measuring device 1 returns to step S45, sets the connection interval with the information terminal 5a or 5b or the like connected via BLE to “I1”, and repeats each processing step.

[0082] In the processing example described above, measuring device 1 performs the processing to set the connection interval to “I2” before determining whether the measurement is complete or not (step 51), but this restriction is not intended. For example, measuring device 1 can perform the processing to set the connection interval to “I2” after determining whether the measurement is complete or not. Connection switching processing

[0083] Fig. 9 is a flowchart which describes the "connection switching processing" in step S49 of the Fig. Figure 8 illustrates. In a case where the subject and the user of the information terminal currently connected via BLE are different, the measuring device 1 first disconnects the current BLE connection with the information terminal 5a or 5b or the like (step S61).

[0084] Next, measuring device 1 begins transmitting an announcement signal for BLE communication (step S62). In this case, measuring device 1 transmits, for example, the information "Measurement Flag = ON", indicating that measuring device 1 is currently measuring data, as well as information about the "Measurement User", indicating the user measuring biological information contained in the announcement signal.

[0085] Next, the measuring device 1 determines whether a connection request has been received from the information terminal 5a or 5b or the like in response to the announcement signal sent in step 62 (step S63). If no connection request has been received (step S63: No), the measuring device 1 repeats the processing of step S63.

[0086] If a connection request exists in step S63 (step S63: Yes), the measuring device 1 determines whether the source of the connection request is the subject's information terminal 5a or 5b or the like (step S64).

[0087] In step S64, if the source of the connection request is not the subject's information terminal device 5a or 5b or the like (step S64: No), measuring device 1 returns to step S63 and repeats each processing step. In step S64, if the source of the connection request is the subject's information terminal device 5a or 5b or the like (step S64: Yes), measuring device 1 initiates communication with the information terminal device 5a or 5b or the like that made the connection request via a BLE connection (step S65).

[0088] Next, measuring device 1 stops the transmission of the announcement signal started in step S62 (step S66) and terminates the connection switching processing.

[0089] As described above, prior to issuing an instruction to measure biological information, the measuring device 1 wirelessly transmits an announcement signal and performs a control action to wirelessly connect, for example, to the information terminal 5a, which has made a connection request in response to the announcement signal. Additionally, if the subject whose biological information is to be measured is different from the user of the information terminal 5a with which the measuring device 1 is wirelessly connected at the time of the biological information measurement, the measuring device 1 performs a control action to disconnect the wireless connection to the information terminal 5a with which it is wirelessly connected and to establish a wireless connection to the subject's information terminal 5b.According to this configuration, by transmitting the announcement signal and wirelessly connecting to the information terminal 5a, which initiated the connection request, before receiving the instruction to measure the biological information, it is possible to reduce energy consumption by stopping the transmission of an announcement signal with a transmission interval that, according to the specifications, must not be too long. In this case, although it is necessary to transmit and receive packets at intervals corresponding to the connection interval to maintain the wireless connection, the connection interval can be made longer than the transmission interval of the announcement signal, thereby reducing energy consumption.Additionally, if user a of information terminal 5a, which was wirelessly connected before receiving the instruction to measure biological information, begins measuring biological information, the measurement data can be transmitted wirelessly to user a's information terminal 5a, thus improving user perception. If user b, who is different from user a of information terminal 5a, which was wirelessly connected before receiving the instruction to measure biological information, begins measuring, the wireless connection is re-established with user b's information terminal 5b, who has started measuring, and the measurement data can be transmitted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent any impairment of user perception caused by the wireless connection.

[0090] When measuring device 1 is wirelessly connected to the information terminal 5b of user b, who has started measuring the biological information, measuring device 1 wirelessly transmits an announcement signal that includes information indicating user b, who is the subject (measuring user = b). According to this configuration, the information terminal 5a of user a, who is different from the subject, can recognize from the announcement signal that user b, who is different from user a of information terminal 5a, is being measured and can therefore take control to avoid making a connection request, even if an announcement signal is detected. Thus, it is possible to suppress the competition between the information terminal 5b of the subject (user b) and the information terminal 5a of user a, who is different from the subject.

[0091] For example, if the measuring device 1 is wirelessly connected to, for example, the information terminal 5a before measuring the biological information, the measuring device 1 sets the connection interval with the information terminal 5a to the first interval, and if the measuring device 1 wirelessly transmits the measurement data of the biological information to the subject's information terminal 5a or 5b, the measuring device 1 sets the connection interval with the subject's information terminal 5a or 5b to the second interval, which is shorter than the first interval.According to this configuration, the first interval for transmitting the signal to the wirelessly connected information terminal 5a before the measurement of the biological information is set longer than the second interval for transmitting the signal when the measurement data of the biological information is wirelessly transmitted to the subject's information terminal 5a or 5b, so that the number of signal transmissions can be reduced and energy consumption lowered. Operation of the information terminal 5 (5a, 5b)

[0092] Next, the operation of the information terminal 5 (5a, 5b) will be described with reference to Fig. 10 described. Fig. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation in the information terminal 5 (5a, 5b). The processing of this operation is started when the health management application of the information terminal 5 (5a, 5b) is executed.

[0093] First, the information terminal 5 determines whether an announcement signal has been detected by the measuring device 1 (step S71). If no announcement signal has been detected (step S71: No), the information terminal 5 repeats the processing of step S71.

[0094] In step S71, if the announcement signal has been detected (step S71: Yes), the information terminal 5 determines whether the information contained in the announcement signal is "Measurement Flag = ON" (step S72). The information "Measurement Flag = ON" indicates that the measuring device 1 is currently measuring data, as described above.

[0095] In step S72, if "Measurement flag = ON" is not the case, i.e., if the measuring device 1 is not currently measuring any data (step S72: No), the information terminal 5 transmits a connection request to the measuring device 1 (step S73).

[0096] In step S72, in a case where “measurement flag = ON” applies, that is, when the measuring device 1 is currently measuring (step S72: Yes), the information terminal 5 determines whether the information of the “measurement user” contained in the announcement signal is information that indicates the user of the information terminal 5 (step S74).

[0097] In step S74, if the "measurement user" information is information that identifies the user of information terminal 5 (step S74: Yes), information terminal 5 transmits a connection request to measuring device 1 (step S73). In step S74, if the "measurement user" information is not information that identifies the user of information terminal 5 (step S74: No), information terminal 5 returns to step S71 and repeats each processing step.

[0098] Next, the information terminal 5 determines whether a BLE connection has been established with the measuring device 1 (step S75). If no BLE connection has been established with the measuring device 1 (step S75: No), the information terminal 5 returns to step S71 and repeats each processing step.

[0099] In step S75, if a BLE connection has been established with measuring device 1 (step S75: Yes), the information terminal 5 determines whether the measurement data has been received from measuring device 1 or not (step S76). The measurement data is transmitted when the measurement in measuring device 1 is complete.

[0100] In step S76, if the measurement data was not received from the measuring device 1 (step S76: No), the information terminal 5 determines whether the BLE connection with the measuring device 1 was lost or not (step S77). If the BLE connection with the measuring device 1 was not lost (step S77: No), the information terminal 5 returns to step S76 and repeats each processing step. If the BLE connection with the measuring device 1 was lost (step S77: Yes), the information terminal 5 returns to step S71 and repeats each processing step.

[0101] In step S76, if the measurement data has been received from the measuring device 1 (step S76: Yes), the information terminal 5 displays the received measurement data on the display unit 51 and stores the measurement data in the data storage unit 57 (step S78). After displaying and storing the measurement data, the information terminal 5 returns to step S76 and repeats each processing step.

[0102] As described above, when the information terminal 5 receives the announcement signal wirelessly transmitted by the measuring device 1, it makes a connection request to the measuring device 1, depending on whether the announcement signal includes information indicating user b (measuring user = b), who is different from user a of the information terminal 5a. Since, according to this configuration, it is possible to recognize that user b, who is different from user a of the information terminal 5a, is currently being measured based on the information indicating user b (measuring user = b) contained in the received announcement signal, it is possible to implement a control mechanism such that no connection request is made upon detection of the announcement signal.This can reduce unnecessary control processing and lower energy consumption. §4 Modifications

[0103] While the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the foregoing description serves in every respect only to illustrate the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. For example, the following changes can be made. It should be noted that the same reference numerals for components are used below, corresponding to those of the embodiment described above, and descriptions of these components are omitted where appropriate. The following modified examples can be combined as appropriate.

[0104] In the embodiments described above, a case was described in which the information of the "measurement flag," indicating that the measuring device 1 is currently measuring data, is included in and transmitted by the announcement signal, but this is not intended as a limitation. The measuring device 1 does not need to include the information of the "measurement flag" in the announcement signal. In this case, the information terminal receiving the announcement signal can determine whether the measuring device 1 is currently measuring data or not, for example, based on whether the "measurement user" is present in the announcement signal or not. §5 Program

[0105] It should be noted that the control method described above for the measuring device 1 or the information terminal 5 can be implemented by a computer executing a pre-defined control program. The control program is recorded on a computer-readable storage medium and is executed by reading it from the storage medium. The control program can be provided in a form in which it is stored on a non-volatile storage medium, such as flash memory, or it can be provided via a network, such as the Internet.The computer that executes the control program may be contained in the measuring device 1 or the information terminal 5, may be contained in an electronic device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal or a PC that can communicate with the measuring device 1 or the information terminal 5, or may be contained in a server device that can communicate with the measuring device 1, the information terminal 5 and the electronic device.

[0106] Although various embodiments have been described above, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that various modifications and adaptations can be made within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these are within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0107] Furthermore, components of the embodiments described above can be combined in any way without deviating from the spirit of the invention.

[0108] It should be noted that the present application is based on the Japanese patent application (Japanese patent application no. 2023-093847) filed on June 7, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. List of reference symbols 1 measuring device 1A blood pressure monitor 5, 5a, 5b information terminal 11, 51 Display unit 12, 52 Control unit 13 Unit of measurement 14 wireless communication units 16.56 RAM 17, 57 Data storage unit 18, 58 Control 21 Main body part 22 cuff 23 air hose 53 GPS sensor 54 First unit for wireless communication 55 Second unit for wireless communication 90 cloud servers 100 Information Management System QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2019-136136 A

[0002] JP 2015-159979 A

[0002] JP 2023-093847

[0108]

Claims

[1] Measuring device capable of measuring biological information, comprising: a wireless communication unit configured to transmit measurement data of biological information to an information terminal; and a control unit configured to control the wireless communication unit, wherein Before an instruction to measure the biological information, the control unit executes a control action to wirelessly transmit an announcement signal and establish a wireless connection to a first information terminal which has made a connection request in response to the announcement signal, and At the time of measuring the biological information, in a case where a subject is other than a user of the first information terminal, the control unit performs a control to disconnect the connection to the first information terminal and establish a wireless connection to a second information terminal of the subject. [2] Measuring device according to claim 1, wherein at the time of wireless connection to the second information terminal device the control unit wirelessly transmits an announcement signal which includes information indicating the subject. [3] Measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein if a wireless connection is established with the first information terminal before the biological information is measured, the control unit sets a signal transmission interval with the first information terminal to a first interval and At a time when measurement data of the biological information is being wirelessly transmitted to an information terminal of the subject, the control unit sets a signal transmission interval with an information terminal of the subject to a second interval that is shorter than the first interval. [4] Information terminal device which can communicate wirelessly with a measuring device which can measure biological information, comprising: a wireless communication unit configured to receive measurement data of the biological information from the measuring device; and a control unit configured to control the wireless communication unit, wherein In a case where an announcement signal wirelessly transmitted by the measuring device has been received, the control unit makes a connection request to the measuring device, depending on whether the announcement signal contains information indicating a user who is different from a user of the information terminal. [5] Control method for a measuring device capable of measuring biological information and including a wireless communication unit configured to transmit measurement data of the biological information to an information terminal device, and a processor configured to control the wireless communication unit, wherein prior to an instruction to measure the biological information, the processor executes a control to wirelessly transmit an announcement signal and establish a wireless connection with a first information terminal that has made a connection request in response to the announcement signal; and At the time of measuring the biological information, in a case where a subject is other than a user of the first information terminal, the control unit performs a control to disconnect the connection to the first information terminal and establish a wireless connection to a second information terminal of the subject. [6] Control program for a measuring device capable of measuring biological information and including a wireless communication unit configured to transmit measurement data of the biological information to an information terminal device, and a processor configured to control the wireless communication unit, wherein the control program causes the processor to perform processing, wherein prior to an instruction to measure the biological information, a control is executed to wirelessly transmit an announcement signal and establish a wireless connection to a first information terminal which has made a connection request in response to the announcement signal; and At the time of measuring the biological information, in a case where a subject is other than a user of the first information terminal, a control is executed to disconnect the connection to the first information terminal and establish a wireless connection to a second information terminal of the subject. [7] Control method for an information terminal device comprising a wireless communication unit configured to receive measurement data of biological information from a measuring device configured to measure the biological information and a processor configured to control the wireless communication unit, wherein, in a case where an announcement signal wirelessly transmitted from the measuring device has been received, the processor makes a connection request to the measuring device depending on whether the announcement signal contains information indicating a user other than a user of the information terminal device. [8] Control program for an information terminal device comprising a wireless communication unit configured to receive measurement data of biological information from a measuring device configured to measure the biological information, and a processor configured to control the wireless communication unit, wherein the control program causes the processor to perform processing, wherein, in a case where an announcement signal wirelessly transmitted from the measuring device has been received, a connection request is made to the measuring device, depending on whether the announcement signal contains information indicating a user other than a user of the information terminal device.

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