END DEVICE DEVICE

Abstract

An end-device device (200) includes: a blood pressure information acquisition unit (250) configured to acquire blood pressure information about a subject as measured using a blood pressure monitor; a factor information acquisition unit (260) configured to acquire a variety of factor information elements that influence a subject's blood pressure fluctuation; an input unit (270) configured to receive an input of a named time unit, which is selected from a variety of time units; a selection unit (280) configured to select from the variety of factor information elements the first factor information associated with the named time unit;and a display control unit (290) configured to display the blood pressure information and the initial factor information on a display screen along a time axis based on the named time unit.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to an end-device device. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In the prior art, it was desirable to repeatedly measure blood pressure values ​​for health management purposes. The measured blood pressure values ​​are used, for example, as a trend graph of blood pressure values ​​to monitor changes. An automatic blood pressure measuring device disclosed in JP H10-286241 A (Patent Document 1) is configured to output a trend graph that displays lifestyle-related information and blood pressure values ​​along a predefined time axis. LITERATURE LIST PATENT LITERATURE

[0003] Patent Document 1: JP H10-286241 A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONAL PROBLEM

[0004] Patent document 1 uses the aforementioned configuration to investigate the detection of the relationship between changes in lifestyle-related information, such as the amount of physical activity, and weight and blood pressure values. Factors influencing blood pressure fluctuations include not only the aforementioned weight and amount of physical activity, but also various other factors such as room temperature, ambient temperature, sleep, stress, and medication use. However, not all of these factors affect short-term (e.g., one day, one week) blood pressure fluctuations, and many also affect long-term (e.g., one month, one year) blood pressure fluctuations. Therefore, if, for example, short-term blood pressure fluctuations are displayed together with factors that affect long-term blood pressure fluctuations (e.g.,(Outside air temperature, weight), there is a possibility that the relevance between blood pressure fluctuations and these factors may be misunderstood.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an end-device device that can improve usability by displaying a relationship between blood pressure fluctuations during a specified period and factors that influence blood pressure fluctuations during that period. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0006] In an example from the present disclosure, an end-device includes: a blood pressure information acquisition unit configured to acquire blood pressure information about a subject as measured using a blood pressure monitor; a factor information acquisition unit configured to acquire a variety of factor information elements that influence a subject's blood pressure fluctuation; an input unit configured to receive input of a named time unit, which is chosen from a variety of time units; a selection unit configured to select, from the variety of factor information elements, initial factor information associated with the named time unit;and a display control unit configured to display blood pressure information and initial factor information on a display screen along a time axis based on the named time unit.

[0007] According to the above configuration, usability can be improved by showing the relevance between blood pressure fluctuations during a named period and factors that influence blood pressure fluctuations during that period.

[0008] In another example from the present disclosure, the selection unit selects second factor information that is not associated with the named time unit. The display control unit shows the blood pressure information, the first factor information, and the second factor information on the display screen along a time axis based on the named time unit. Both the blood pressure information and the first factor information are displayed with priority over the second factor information.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the user can easily check the first factor information that requires attention and can also check the second factor information as reference information.

[0010] In another example from the present disclosure, the display control unit shows each of the blood pressure information and the first factor information with priority over the second factor information by displaying the second factor information in gray.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the user can clearly distinguish between the first factor information and the second factor information.

[0012] In another example of the present disclosure, the display control unit controls a display sequence of the blood pressure information, the first factor information and the second factor information such that both the blood pressure information and the first factor information are displayed with priority over the second factor information.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the user can clearly distinguish between the first factor information and the second factor information.

[0014] In another example from the present disclosure, the multitude of factor information elements includes room temperature and outside air temperature at the time of blood pressure measurement, as well as weight, information about physical activity, sleep information, stress information, information about medication intake, information about smoking habits and the subject's salt intake.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the user can identify specific examples of a variety of factor information elements that influence the subject's blood pressure fluctuation.

[0016] In another example from the present disclosure, the plurality of time units includes a yearly unit, a monthly unit, a weekly unit, and a daily unit. If the named time unit is the yearly unit or the monthly unit, the selection unit selects, as at least one element of the first factor information, at least one of the outdoor air temperature, weight, information about physical activity, information about medication intake, and salt intake.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the user can determine factor information that is highly relevant to blood pressure fluctuations over a long period of time.

[0018] In another example from the present disclosure, the plurality of time units includes a yearly unit, a monthly unit, a weekly unit, and a daily unit. If the named time unit is the weekly unit or the daily unit, the selection unit selects, as at least one element of the first factor information, at least one of the room temperature information, the sleep information, the stress information, the medication intake information, and the smoking habits information.

[0019] According to the above configuration, the user can determine factor information that is highly relevant to blood pressure fluctuations over a short-term time unit. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0020] According to the present disclosure, user-friendliness can be improved by illustrating the relevance between blood pressure fluctuations during a specified period and factors that influence blood pressure fluctuations during that period. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an information processing system according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration for a blood pressure monitor. Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration for an end-device device. Fig. Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the terminal device. Fig. Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a display screen for the terminal device. Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of the display screen of the terminal device. Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram that illustrates yet another example of the display screen of the terminal device. Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram describing an example of a display procedure for the priority of factor information. Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram describing another example of a display procedure for the priority of factor information. Fig. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow for the blood pressure monitor. Fig. Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow of the terminal device. DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION FORMS

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, identical components are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, the detailed description of these components is not repeated. Application example

[0022] An application example of the present invention is described. Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an information processing system 1000 according to the present embodiment.

[0023] With reference to Fig. 1. The information processing system 1000 includes a blood pressure monitor 100, which measures the blood pressure of a subject, and an end-device 200 configured to communicate with the blood pressure monitor 100. Specifically, the blood pressure monitor 100 is an upper arm blood pressure monitor that measures the blood pressure of a user, who is a subject. The blood pressure monitor 100 includes as its main components a main body and a cuff (wristband). The blood pressure monitor 100 can also be a wrist blood pressure monitor, in which a main body and a cuff (wristband) are integrated. For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the subject (user) of the blood pressure monitor 100 is the user of the end-device 200.

[0024] In Fig. 1. A scene is assumed in which a user measures their own blood pressure using the Blood Pressure Monitor 100. After receiving the blood pressure measurement instruction, the Blood Pressure Monitor 100 starts the blood pressure measurement (according to (1) in Fig. 1) For example, the Blood Pressure Monitor 100 extracts a pulse wave signal (fluctuation component) superimposed on a cuff pressure, which indicates the internal pressure of a cuff attached to a user's arm (e.g., the arm), and calculates a blood pressure reading based on the pulse wave signal using an oscillometric method. The Blood Pressure Monitor 100 stores blood pressure information, such as blood pressure readings, in internal memory. This information includes the date and time of the measurement, the systolic blood pressure (maximum blood pressure), the diastolic blood pressure (minimum blood pressure), and similar data. The blood pressure information can be stored in association with the user's identification information (e.g., user ID).

[0025] The terminal device 200 captures (receives) the user's blood pressure information transmitted by the blood pressure monitor 100 and stores the blood pressure information in its internal memory (according to (2) in Fig. 1) The terminal device 200 activates a management application that manages biological information such as blood pressure, captures factor information that influences blood pressure fluctuations, and stores the information in internal memory (according to (3) in Fig. 1) Factor information includes, for example, room temperature at the time of blood pressure measurement, outside temperature, user weight, information on physical activity, sleep, stress, medication use, smoking habits, and salt intake. A procedure for capturing each factor information element is described later. Factor information is associated with date and time information such as the date and time of measurement, the date and time of recording, etc.

[0026] The terminal device 200 receives from the user a naming input of a unit for a period of time (hereinafter also referred to as a “time unit”) for displaying blood pressure values ​​and the like (according to (4) in Fig. 1) The unit of time includes a unit of day, a unit of week, a unit of month, or a unit of year. In particular, the “unit of day” refers to a day as a unit of time, the “unit of week” refers to a week as a unit of time, the “unit of month” refers to a month as a unit of time, and the “unit of year” refers to a year as a unit of time. Hereinafter, the named unit of time (hereinafter also referred to as the “named unit of time”) is assumed to be a “unit of week”.

[0027] The terminal device 200 selects one or more factor information elements, which are assigned to a named time unit (here “week unit”), from the multitude of factor information stored in the internal memory (according to (5) in Fig. 1) For example, room temperature, stress information, sleep information and information about medication intake are assigned to the “weekly unit”.

[0028] The terminal device 200 displays the blood pressure information and the selected factor information on the display screen along the time axis based on the named time unit (according to (6) in Fig. 1) In the example of Fig. 1. Blood pressure values ​​from one week and a variety of factor information elements (room temperature, stress information, sleep information and information about medication intake) are displayed in parallel along the time axis.

[0029] According to the preceding application example, the terminal device selects 200 factor information points suitable for a user-defined time unit and displays the factor information in time series along with blood pressure information. Therefore, the user can simultaneously review their own blood pressure fluctuations and factor information likely to influence those fluctuations, thus clearly identifying the relationship between blood pressure fluctuations and factor information.

[0030] Furthermore, the user can simply specify a desired time unit, and factor information highly relevant to blood pressure fluctuations during that period will be automatically displayed, enabling the user to manage their own blood pressure easily and appropriately. Moreover, the user is not misled, as factor information less relevant to blood pressure fluctuations during that time unit will not be displayed. Configuration example: Hardware configuration

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration for the Blood Pressure Monitor 100. Referring to Fig. Figure 2 of the blood pressure monitor 100 includes a main body 10 and a cuff 20 as its main components. A fluid bag 22 is contained within the cuff 20. The main body 10 includes a processor 110, an air system component 30 for blood pressure measurement, an A / D converter circuit 310, a pump drive circuit 320, a valve drive circuit 330, a display 50, a memory 51, an operating unit 52, a communication interface 53, a temperature sensor 54, and a power supply unit 55.

[0032] The processor 110 is an arithmetic processing unit, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a multiprocessor unit (MPU). The processor 110 reads and executes the program stored in memory 51, thereby implementing each of the processes (steps) of the blood pressure monitor 100 described below. For example, the processor 110 performs a control operation to drive a pump 32 and a valve 33 according to an operating signal from the control unit 52. Additionally, the processor 110 calculates a blood pressure value using an oscillometric blood pressure calculation algorithm and displays the blood pressure value on the display 50.

[0033] Memory 51 is implemented as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, or similar. Memory 51 stores a program for controlling the blood pressure monitor 100, data used to control the blood pressure monitor 100, setting data for adjusting various functions of the blood pressure monitor 100, data from measurement results such as blood pressure values, pulse rates, pulse wave signals, and the like. Memory 51 is used as working memory for executing a program.

[0034] The air system component 30 supplies air to or extracts air from the fluid bag 22, which is contained inside the cuff 20, via an air line. The air system component 30 includes a pressure sensor 31 for detecting pressure in the fluid bag 22, and the pump 32 and valve 33, which function as an expansion / contraction mechanism section for expanding / contracting the fluid bag 22.

[0035] The pressure sensor 31 detects the pressure (cuff pressure) in the fluid bag 22 and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected pressure (cuff pressure signal) to the A / D converter circuit 310. The pressure sensor 31 is, for example, a piezoresistive pressure sensor and is connected via the air line to the pump 32, the valve 33, and the fluid bag 22 contained inside the cuff 20. The pump 32 supplies air as a fluid to the fluid bag 22 via the air line to increase the cuff pressure. The valve 33 opens and closes to control the cuff pressure by releasing air through the air line into the fluid bag 22 or by filling the fluid bag 22 with air.

[0036] The analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuit 310 converts an output value from the pressure sensor 31 (e.g., a voltage value corresponding to a change in electrical resistance due to a piezoresistive effect) from an analog signal to a digital signal and outputs the converted signal to the processor 110. The processor 110 receives a signal representing the cuff pressure according to the output value of the ADC circuit 310. The pump drive circuit 320 controls the operation of the pump 32 based on a control signal provided by the processor 110. The valve drive circuit 330 controls the opening and closing of the valve 33 based on a control signal provided by the processor 110.

[0037] Based on a control signal from the processor 110, the display 50 shows various types of information, including the result of a blood pressure measurement. This information includes the current date and time, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, room temperature, and similar data. The control unit 52 inputs an operating signal, corresponding to an instruction from the subject, into the processor 110. The control unit 52 includes, for example, a measuring switch for receiving an instruction to take a blood pressure measurement. The communication interface 53 exchanges various types of information with an external device (e.g., the terminal device 200). Communication methods include, for example, wireless communication methods such as Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark) (BLE) or a wireless local area network (LAN).The temperature sensor 54 measures the ambient temperature (room temperature). The power supply unit 55 provides power to the processor 110 and the individual hardware components.

[0038] Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration for the terminal device 200. Referring to Fig. 3 includes as main components the terminal device 200 a processor 202, a memory 204, an input device 206, a display 208 and a communication interface 210.

[0039] The processor 202 reads the program stored in the memory 204 and executes it to implement each of the processes (steps) of the terminal device 200 described below. The memory 204 is implemented as RAM, ROM, flash memory, or the like. The input device 206 receives an operator input for the terminal device 200. Typically, the input device 206 is implemented as a button, a touch panel provided on the display 208, or the like. The communication interface 210 is a communication interface for exchanging various types of data between the terminal device 200 and the blood pressure monitor 100. Functional configuration

[0040] Fig. Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the terminal device 200. Referring to Fig. Section 4 includes the terminal device 200 as its main functional configurations a blood pressure information acquisition unit 250, a factor information acquisition unit 260, a time input unit 270, a selection unit 280, and an output control unit 290. Each of these functions is implemented, for example, by the processor 202 of the terminal device 200, which executes a program stored in the working memory 204. It should be noted that one or all of these functions may be configured to be implemented by hardware.

[0041] The Blood Pressure Information Acquisition Unit 250 acquires (receives) blood pressure information about the subject (user) measured using the Blood Pressure Monitor 100. The Blood Pressure Information Acquisition Unit 250 receives the blood pressure information transmitted by the Blood Pressure Monitor 100 by requesting the blood pressure information from the Blood Pressure Monitor 100. Alternatively, the Blood Pressure Information Acquisition Unit 250 determines the time limit for transmission by the Blood Pressure Monitor 100 and receives the blood pressure information transmitted by the Blood Pressure Monitor 100 at the time the time limit is reached.

[0042] The Factor Information Capture Unit 260 captures a variety of factor information elements that influence the subject's blood pressure fluctuations. These elements include the room and outdoor air temperature at the time of blood pressure measurement, weight, information on physical activity, sleep patterns, stress levels, medication use, smoking habits, and salt intake. An example of the procedure for capturing each factor information element is described.

[0043] The Factor Information Acquisition Unit 260 acquires (receives) the room temperature measured using the Blood Pressure Monitor 100, as well as the date and time of the measurement from the Blood Pressure Monitor 100. The Factor Information Acquisition Unit 260 also periodically acquires (receives) the outdoor air temperature from a server that provides weather information. The acquired outdoor air temperature is typically the outdoor air temperature in the area where the subject lives.

[0044] The Factor Information Acquisition Unit 260 acquires (receives) the subject's weight from a scale with communication capability that has measured the subject's weight. The scale's measurement data includes the weight (measured value) and the date and time of the measurement. The Factor Information Acquisition Unit 260 acquires (receives), for example, the number of steps measured using a predefined pedometer as information about physical activity. The pedometer's measurement data includes the number of steps (measured value) and the date and time of the measurement. The Factor Information Acquisition Unit 260 can also acquire, as information about physical activity, the number of steps measured using a step-counting application installed on the terminal device 200.

[0045] The Factor Information Acquisition Unit 260 acquires (receives) sleep information measured using a specified sleep measurement device. The sleep measurement device is a wearable device worn on the user's body, such as a wristwatch, ring, or eye mask. The sleep information includes a score obtained by evaluating the user's sleep quality (for example, "good," "poor," etc.), as well as the date and time of the measurement. The Factor Information Acquisition Unit 260 can acquire sleep information measured by a sleep measurement application installed on the terminal device 200.

[0046] The factor information acquisition unit 260 receives input of the user's stress information, medication intake information, and smoking habits via input device 206. Medication intake information includes whether medication was taken and the date and time it was taken. Stress information includes whether stress is present and the date and time the stress information input was received. Smoking habits information includes whether the user smokes and the date and time of smoking.

[0047] The Factor Information Acquisition Unit 260 receives input of the user's salt intake via the input device 206. The salt intake is the amount of salt in the user's diet, measured using a predefined salt meter. Furthermore, the Factor Information Acquisition Unit 260 can acquire the salt intake calculated by a known dietary management application installed on the terminal device 200. The dietary management application calculates the salt intake by analyzing the dietary details entered by the user. The Factor Information Acquisition Unit 260 calculates the user's daily salt intake based on the acquired salt intake.

[0048] The factor information capture unit 260 merely needs to be able to capture each factor information element described above, and the capture procedure is not limited to the capture procedure mentioned above.

[0049] The time input unit 270 receives an input of a user-specified time unit via the input device 206. In particular, the user uses the input device 206 to select a desired time unit (for example, a week unit) from a variety of time units (for example, a day unit, a week unit, a month unit, and a year unit).

[0050] Selection unit 280 selects factor information X, which is associated with the named time unit, from a variety of factor information elements. If the named time unit is set to a year or a month, selection unit 280 selects the following factor information elements X from the variety of factors: outside air temperature, weight, information about physical activity, information about medication use, and salt intake. Selection unit 280 can select at least one factor information element X (that is, at least one of the following: outside air temperature, weight, information about physical activity, information about medication use, and salt intake).

[0051] Furthermore, if the named time unit is a week or a day, selection unit 280 selects the following factor information elements X: room temperature, sleep information, stress information, medication intake information, and smoking habits information. Selection unit 280 can select at least one factor information element X (that is, at least one of room temperature, sleep information, stress information, medication intake information, and smoking habits information).

[0052] Factor information considered to influence long-term blood pressure fluctuations is assigned to a long-term time unit (e.g., a year or a month), and factor information considered to influence short-term blood pressure fluctuations is assigned to a short-term time unit (e.g., a week or a day). The time units assigned to each factor information element are described in detail below.

[0053] When the outside air temperature is low, as in winter, blood vessels constrict and blood pressure tends to rise, while at high outside air temperatures, as in summer, blood vessels dilate and blood pressure tends to fall. Generally, blood pressure is measured indoors, and therefore the outside air temperature is unlikely to have an immediate effect on blood pressure. For this reason, outside air temperature is associated with longer timeframes.

[0054] It is known that weight gain increases blood pressure and weight loss lowers blood pressure. Generally, weight does not fluctuate suddenly, but rather gradually over a longer period. Therefore, weight is associated with long-term timeframes.

[0055] It is known that continuous aerobic exercise (e.g., walking) lowers blood pressure. Therefore, information about physical activity (e.g., number of steps) is assigned to long-term time units.

[0056] It is known that increased salt intake raises blood pressure and decreased salt intake lowers blood pressure. For example, measures such as limiting daily salt intake are taken in the treatment of hypertension. It is generally assumed that a reduction in blood pressure occurs through continued long-term salt restriction. Therefore, salt intake is associated with long-term timeframes.

[0057] Generally, blood pressure is measured in a room, and therefore the temperature of the room in which the blood pressure is measured (i.e., the room temperature) directly affects the blood pressure. Therefore, room temperature is associated with short-term time units.

[0058] It is known that short sleep duration and poor sleep quality activate the sympathetic nervous system and increase blood pressure. Therefore, sleep information is assigned to short-term time units. Blood pressure can rise sharply due to physical or mental exertion. Therefore, stress information is assigned to short-term time units. It is known that smoking causes blood vessels to constrict, and therefore blood pressure rises after smoking. Therefore, information about smoking habits is assigned to short-term time units.

[0059] Antihypertensive drugs can be taken to treat high blood pressure and lower it. Typically, antihypertensives are prescribed to lower blood pressure gradually, not suddenly. Therefore, information about medication use is associated with long-term time units. On the other hand, the user may want to see how their blood pressure changed between days they took antihypertensives and days they did not. Therefore, information about medication use is also associated with short-term time units.

[0060] The display control unit 290 displays blood pressure information and factor information X on the display screen along the time axis based on the named time unit. For example, if the named time unit is a week, the display control unit 290 displays blood pressure information and factor information X selected by the selection unit 280 (e.g., room temperature, sleep information, stress information, medication intake information, and smoking habits information) on the display screen along the time axis.

[0061] In another aspect, the selection unit 280 selects factor information Y that is not assigned to the named time unit. The display control unit 290 displays the blood pressure information, factor information X, and factor information Y on the display screen along the time axis based on the named time unit. In this case, the blood pressure information and factor information X are each displayed with priority over factor information Y.

[0062] In particular, the display control unit 290 prioritizes both blood pressure information and factor information X over factor information Y by displaying factor information Y in gray. Furthermore, the display control unit 290 controls the display sequence of blood pressure information, factor information X, and factor information Y such that each is displayed with priority over factor information Y. Specific display examples by the display control unit 290 are described later. Display examples

[0063] Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the terminal device 200. Referring to Fig. 5 is a display screen 510, an example of a screen that appears on display 208 when the named time unit is a day. Display screen 510 shows blood pressure information and factor information X (here room temperature, stress information, sleep information, and medication intake information) associated with the day in time series. Specifically, the blood pressure information and factor information X for a day (24 hours) are displayed in parallel along the time axis (for example, hourly).

[0064] The 510 display screen includes a bar graph showing blood pressure readings, a line graph showing the room temperature at the time of measurement, an indicator of stress, a sleep quality indicator (good or poor), and a medication indicator. The upper and lower portions of the bar graph displaying blood pressure readings show the systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively.

[0065] The display screen 510 shows that there was no stress at around 8 a.m. and that the patient's sleep was good. This suggests that stress may have caused the blood pressure to rise around 11 a.m. It also shows that the medication was taken at around noon.

[0066] Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of the display screen of the terminal device 200. Referring to Fig. 6 is a display screen 520, an example of a screen that appears on display 208 when the named time unit is a week. Display screen 520 shows blood pressure information and factor information X for a week (here, room temperature, stress information, sleep information, and medication intake information) associated with that week in time series. Specifically, the blood pressure information and factor information X for a week (7 days) are displayed in parallel along the time axis (for example, daily).

[0067] Since the same factor information X is assigned to both the day and week units, the display content of screen 520 is similar to the display content of screen 510. The blood pressure value for a specific day (for example, the 8th) indicates the average blood pressure measured on the 8th. The upper and lower portions of the bar chart indicate the average systolic and diastolic blood pressure values ​​for the day, respectively. Room temperature indicates the average room temperature at the time of the blood pressure measurement during the day. Stress information indicates whether stress is present throughout the day. Sleep information indicates the sleep quality (good or poor) for that day. Medication intake information indicates whether any medication was taken that day.

[0068] The display screen 520 indicates that blood pressure is relatively high on the 9th due to lack of sleep, on the 11th due to a drop in room temperature, and on the 13th due to stress.

[0069] Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the display screen of the terminal device 200. Referring to Fig. 7 is a display screen 530, an example of a screen that appears on display 208 when the named time unit is a year. Display screen 530 shows blood pressure information and factor information X for one year (here temperature, weight, medication intake, and salt intake) associated with the year in time series. Specifically, the blood pressure information and factor information X for one year (12 months) are displayed in parallel along the time axis (for example, every month).

[0070] The 530 display screen includes a bar chart showing average blood pressure for the month, a line graph showing average temperature (outdoor air temperature) for the month, a line graph showing average weight for the month, an indicator showing whether medication is being taken for the month, and an indicator showing average salt intake for the month. The top and bottom of the bar charts show the average systolic and diastolic blood pressure values ​​for the month, respectively. The salt intake indicator appears darker as the average salt intake increases.

[0071] The display screen 530 indicates that blood pressure is trending downwards due to weight loss, medication treatment and reduced salt intake, corresponding to blood pressure fluctuations caused by changes in outside air temperature.

[0072] The same applies to the display screen shown on display 208 when the designated time unit is a month. The display screen shows the blood pressure information for one month and the factor information X associated with that month unit in parallel along the time axis (for example, each week).

[0073] The 510 display screen of Fig. 5 and the 520 display screen of Fig. 6, as described above, display only factor information X (e.g., room temperature, stress information, sleep information, and medication intake information) that is associated with a short-term time unit and do not display factor information Y that is not associated with the short-term time unit. Similarly, display screen 530 in Fig. 7 only displays factor information X (e.g., outside air temperature, weight, information about medication intake and salt intake) that is assigned to a long-term time unit, and does not display factor information Y that is not assigned to the long-term time unit.

[0074] However, as described below, the terminal device 200 can use a display method in which factor information X is displayed with priority over factor information Y.

[0075] Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display procedure for the priority of factor information. Referring to Fig. 8 is a display screen 540, a screen that appears on display 208 when the named time unit is a week unit. In addition to the blood pressure information and factor information X (here room temperature, stress information, sleep information, and medication intake information) displayed on display screen 520 in the week unit, which is shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 6, the display screen 540 also shows the factor information Y (here, outside air temperature, body weight, and salt intake).

[0076] Here, blood pressure information and factor X information are displayed in the upper part of the screen, while factor Y information is displayed in the lower part of the screen. Specifically, processor 202 (display control unit 290) controls the display order such that blood pressure information and factor X information are each displayed with priority over factor Y information.

[0077] Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating another example of a display procedure for the priority of factor information. Referring to Fig. 9 is a display screen 550, a screen that appears on display 208 when the named time unit is a week unit. Display screen 550 shows the same elements as those in Fig. 8 (that is, blood pressure information, factor X information and factor Y information).

[0078] However, the factor information Y is displayed in gray, making it visually more difficult to recognize than the blood pressure information and the factor information X. In this way, the processor 202 (display control unit 290) prioritizes both the blood pressure information and the factor information X over the factor information Y by displaying the factor information Y in gray.

[0079] According to display screens 540 and 550, factor information X with high relevance is displayed with priority over factor information Y with low relevance in the designated time unit. Therefore, the user can easily review the factor information X requiring attention and can also review factor information Y as reference information. Processing procedure

[0080] Fig. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow for the 100 blood pressure monitor. It assumes that the blood pressure measurement is performed using a reduced-pressure measurement method, but the blood pressure measurement can also be performed using a pressure measurement method.

[0081] In relation to Fig. In step 10, the processor 110 of the blood pressure monitor 100 initializes the pressure sensor 31 (step S10). Specifically, the processor 110 initializes the processing memory area and performs a 0-mmHg setting (setting the atmospheric pressure to 0 mmHg) of the pressure sensor 31 in a state where the pump 32 is switched off (stopped) and the valve 33 is open.

[0082] The processor 110 closes the valve 33 via the valve actuator circuit 330 (step S12) and drives the pump 32 via the pump actuator circuit 320 to begin pressure build-up in the cuff 20 (fluid bag 22) (step S14). At this point, the processor 110 controls the pressure build-up rate of the cuff pressure, i.e., the pressure inside the fluid bag 22, based on the output of the pressure sensor 31, while air is supplied from the pump 32 to the fluid bag 22 via the air line.

[0083] The Processor 110 determines whether the cuff pressure reaches or exceeds a threshold value P (step S16). Typically, the threshold value P is set to a value 30 mmHg to 40 mmHg higher than the expected maximum blood pressure (systolic blood pressure).

[0084] If the cuff pressure is lower than the threshold value P (NO in step S16), processor 110 returns to step S14. If the cuff pressure is equal to or higher than the threshold value P (YES in step S16), processor 110 stops pump 32 (step S18) and controls valve 33 to open gradually (step S20). This causes the cuff pressure to gradually decrease from the pressurization process to the depressurization process.

[0085] During the pressure release process, the processor 110 extracts a pulse wave signal from the cuff pressure signal detected by the pressure sensor 31, attempts to calculate the systolic and diastolic blood pressures based on the pulse wave signal, and determines whether the blood pressure calculation is complete (step S22). If the blood pressure calculation is not complete (NO in step S22), the processor 110 repeats steps S20 and S22. If the blood pressure calculation is complete (YES in step S22), the processor 110 performs a control action to fully open the valve 33 (step S24) and rapidly release the air from inside the cuff 20.

[0086] The processor 110 measures the room temperature via the temperature sensor 54 (step S26) and displays the blood pressure reading and other data measured during the blood pressure measurement on the display 50 (step S28). The processor 110 transmits data such as blood pressure information and room temperature via the communication interface 53 to the terminal device 200 (step S30). Data such as blood pressure information and room temperature are stored in the memory 51 of the blood pressure monitor 100.

[0087] Fig. Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow for the terminal device 200. With reference to Fig.11. The processor 202 of the terminal device 200 receives data such as blood pressure information and room temperature via the communication interface 210 (step S50). The processor 202 stores the data in the memory 204 (step S52). The processor 202 receives an input to activate the management application via the input device 206 and activates the management application (step S54). The processor 202 acquires various types of factor information using the acquisition procedure described above (step S56).

[0088] Processor 202 receives a named time unit input via input device 206 (step S58). Processor 202 displays the blood pressure and factor information on display 208 along the time axis based on the named time unit (step S60). For example, Processor 202 displays screens 510 through 550 on display 208. Processor 202 determines whether an instruction to terminate the management application has been received via input device 206 (step S62). If the instruction to terminate has not been received (NO in step S62), Processor 202 returns to step S58. If the instruction to terminate has been received (YES in step S62), Processor 202 terminates the process. For example, Processor 202 enters background operation and performs steps S50, S52, and the like. Other embodiments (1) In the embodiments described above, a program can be provided that causes a computer to function and to execute controls such as those described in the flowcharts described above. This program can also be provided as a program product by storing it on a non-transitory, computer-readable recording medium, such as a floppy disk, a secondary storage device, a main storage device, or a memory card attached to a computer. Alternatively, a program can be provided by recording the program on a recording medium such as a hard disk installed in a computer. The program can also be provided by downloading it over a network. (2) The configuration shown as an example of the embodiments described above is an example of a configuration of the present invention, and the configuration can be combined with other known techniques, and part of the configuration can be omitted or modified without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Furthermore, the processes and configurations described in other embodiments can optionally be used in the embodiments described above. Additional remarks

[0089] As described above, the present embodiment includes the following disclosures. Configuration 1

[0090] A terminal device (200) comprising: a blood pressure information acquisition unit (250) configured to acquire blood pressure information about a subject as measured using a blood pressure monitor (100); a factor information acquisition unit (260) configured to acquire a variety of factor information elements that influence a subject's blood pressure fluctuation; an input unit (270) configured to receive an input of a named time unit, which is selected from a variety of time units; a selection unit (280) configured to select from the variety of factor information elements the first factor information associated with the named time unit;and a display control unit (290) configured to display the blood pressure information and the initial factor information on a display screen along a time axis based on the named time unit. Configuration 2

[0091] The terminal device according to configuration 1, wherein the selection unit selects second factor information not associated with the named time unit, the display control unit displays the blood pressure information, the first factor information and the second factor information on the display screen along a time axis based on the named time unit, and both the blood pressure information and the first factor information are displayed with priority over the second factor information. Configuration 3

[0092] The terminal device according to configuration 2, wherein the display control unit displays each of the blood pressure information and the first factor information with priority over the second factor information by displaying the second factor information in gray. Configuration 4

[0093] The terminal device according to configuration 2, wherein the display control unit controls a display sequence of the blood pressure information, the first factor information and the second factor information such that both the blood pressure information and the first factor information are displayed with priority over the second factor information. Configuration 5

[0094] The terminal device according to one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the multitude of factor information elements include room temperature and outside air temperature at the time of blood pressure measurement, as well as weight, information on physical activity, sleep information, stress information, information on medication intake, information on smoking habits and the salt intake of the subject. Configuration 6

[0095] The terminal device according to configuration 5, wherein the plurality of time units includes a yearly unit, a monthly unit, a weekly unit and a daily unit, and where the named time unit is the yearly unit or the monthly unit, the selection unit selects as at least one element of the first factor information at least one of the outdoor air temperature, weight, information on physical activity, information on medication intake and salt intake. Configuration 7

[0096] The terminal device according to configuration 5, wherein the plurality of time units includes a yearly unit, a monthly unit, a weekly unit and a daily unit, and if the named time unit is the weekly unit or the daily unit, the selection unit selects as at least one element of the first factor information at least one of the room temperature, sleep information, stress information, medication intake information and smoking habits information.

[0097] The embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to constitute limitations. The scope of the present invention is not defined by the above descriptions but by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope that correspond to the scope of the claims. List of reference symbols

[0098] 10 Main body, 20 Cuff, 22 Fluid bag, 30 Air system component, 31 Pressure sensor, 32 Pump, 33 Valve, 50, 208 Display, 51, 204 Memory, 52 Control unit, 53, 210 Communication interface, 54 Temperature sensor, 55 Power supply unit, 100 Blood pressure monitor, 110, 202 Processor, 200 Terminal device, 206 Input device, 250 Blood pressure information acquisition unit, 260 Factor information acquisition unit, 270 Time input unit, 280 Selection unit, 290 Display control unit, 310 A / D converter circuit, 320 Pump drive circuit, 330 Valve drive circuit, 510 to 550 Display screen, 1000 Information processing 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 H10-286241 A [0002, 0003]

Claims

[1] Terminal device, comprising: a blood pressure information acquisition unit configured to acquire blood pressure information about a subject, measured using a blood pressure monitor; a factor information acquisition unit configured to capture a variety of factor information elements that influence a subject's blood pressure fluctuation; an input unit configured to receive input of a named time unit, which is named from a variety of time units; a selection unit configured to select initial factor information from the multitude of factor information elements associated with the named time unit; and a display control unit configured to display blood pressure information and initial factor information on a display screen along a time axis based on the named time unit. [2] Terminal device according to claim 1, where the selection unit selects second factor information that is not assigned to the named time unit, The display control unit displays the blood pressure information, the first factor information, and the second factor information on the display screen along a time axis based on the named time unit, and Both the blood pressure information and the first factor information are displayed with priority over the second factor information. [3] Terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit displays each of the blood pressure information and the first factor information with priority over the second factor information by displaying the second factor information in gray. [4] Terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit controls a display sequence of the blood pressure information, the first factor information and the second factor information such that both the blood pressure information and the first factor information are displayed with priority over the second factor information. [5] Terminal device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of factor information elements include room temperature and outside air temperature at the time of blood pressure measurement, as well as weight, information on physical activity, sleep information, stress information, information on medication intake, information on smoking habits and the salt intake of the subject. [6] Terminal device according to claim 5, where the multitude of time units includes a yearly unit, a monthly unit, a weekly unit, and a daily unit, and If the named time unit is the annual unit or the monthly unit, the selection unit selects at least one element of the first factor information from the outside air temperature, weight, information on physical activity, information on medication intake and salt intake. [7] Terminal device according to claim 5, where the multitude of time units includes a yearly unit, a monthly unit, a weekly unit, and a daily unit, and If the named time unit is the weekly unit or the daily unit, the selection unit selects at least one of the room temperature, sleep information, stress information, medication intake information, and smoking habits information as at least one of the first factor information.

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