Measuring device

Abstract

To provide a measuring device capable of pairing with an intended information terminal.SOLUTION: A sphygmomanometer 10 includes a communication unit 12 that communicates by a communication method that enables pairing, a processor 11, and a housing 17 that accommodates the processor 11 and the communication unit 12. An antenna 12A of the communication unit 12 has a directivity in a first direction that is greater than a directivity in a second direction, which is other than the first direction, and is the maximum. An information display unit 17E that can acquire first information by imaging is provided on a side 17C on the outer surface of the housing 17, including an intersection P with a virtual line extending in the first direction from the antenna 12A. The processor 11 starts processing required for pairing when a signal including information based on the first information is received and the receiving strength of the signal is equal to or greater than a threshold value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a measurement device. [Background technology]

[0002] The measuring device described in this specification includes a biological information measuring device that measures biological information such as body weight, body composition, blood pressure, pulse rate, heart rate, body temperature, blood glucose, or blood oxygen saturation, and an activity measuring device that measures activity such as the number of steps, walking distance, or calories burned. The measuring device includes a measurement sensor for measuring a measurement target amount. The measurement target amount of the measurement sensor includes biological information such as body weight, body fat percentage, blood pressure value, pulse rate, heart rate, body temperature, blood glucose value, or blood oxygen saturation, and activity such as the number of steps, running distance, or calories burned, depending on the measuring device. The measurement results of such measuring devices are recorded and analyzed by information terminals such as smartphones, tablet terminals, notebook computers, and desktop computers.

[0003] When recording and analyzing such measurement results, it is desirable that the information terminal automatically acquires the measurement results from the measuring device, rather than the user inputting the measurement results into the information terminal each time. Specifically, for example, a method of transferring the measurement results from the measuring device to the information terminal using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) is conceivable.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a wearable device that can measure biological information and transmit it wirelessly to an external device.

[0005] Patent document 2 describes a bioinformation measuring device that communicates with an external terminal via ultrasound, and that is equipped with a communication means for communicating information including measurement information with the external terminal, and a light-projecting means for visualizing information regarding where the external terminal should be placed by irradiating light. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 04665904 [Patent Document 2] JP 2020-156600 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In order to perform secure short-distance wireless communication between a measurement device and an information terminal, a process of pairing the measurement device and the information terminal is required. Pairing refers to a process of sharing encrypted information used for short-distance wireless communication between the measurement device and the information terminal. When performing pairing, it is necessary to prevent pairing with an unintended information terminal.

[0008] The technology disclosed herein has an object to provide a measurement device that is capable of pairing with an intended information terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The technology of the present disclosure is described below. Note that, in parentheses, corresponding components in the following embodiments are shown, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0010] (1) A short-range wireless communication unit (communication unit 12) that performs communication using a communication method that enables pairing; A processor (processor 11); a housing (housing 17) that houses the processor and the short-range wireless communication unit, The antenna (antenna 12A) of the short-range wireless communication unit has a directivity in a first direction that is greater than and maximum than a directivity in a second direction other than the first direction, an information display unit (information display unit 17E) capable of acquiring first information by imaging is provided on a surface (side surface 17C) of the outer surface of the housing that includes an intersection (intersection P) with a virtual line extending from the antenna in the first direction; The processor receives a signal including information based on the first information and starts a process required for pairing when the reception strength of the signal is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0011] According to (1), when pairing between an information terminal and a measurement device, the information terminal is used to capture an image of the information display unit to obtain first information, and a signal including information based on the first information is transmitted from the information terminal to the measurement device. In this way, the measurement device receives the signal from the information terminal when the information terminal is located in a direction in which the antenna has high directivity and in a position close to the measurement device. As a result, the signal reception strength becomes sufficiently large in the measurement device, so that the information terminal that is the source of the signal can be identified as the pairing partner. In this way, an information terminal that is close to the measurement device and in a position where information can be obtained from the information display unit can be identified as the pairing partner, so that pairing with the intended information terminal can be realized.

[0012] (2) The measuring device according to (1), When the processor receives the signal and the receiving strength of the signal is greater than or equal to the threshold, it starts transmitting a broadcast signal including information necessary for establishing a communication connection via short-range wireless communication (step S14), establishes a connection with an information terminal that responds to the broadcast signal (step S20), and performs pairing with the measuring device.

[0013] According to (2), the measuring device can be switched to a state in which it transmits a broadcast signal simply by capturing an image of the information display unit with the information terminal and transmitting a signal from the information terminal to the measuring device. This makes it possible to prevent the measuring device from being in a state in which it constantly transmits a broadcast signal, thereby reducing the power consumption of the measuring device. In addition, the user of the measuring device can pair the measuring device with the information terminal without any hesitation.

[0014] (3) The measuring device according to (2), The processor, when receiving the signal and the reception strength of the signal is equal to or greater than the threshold, reduces the radio wave strength of the antenna below the radio wave strength at a time before the signal is received.

[0015] According to (3), when there is another information terminal located some distance away from the measuring device and on the virtual line, the radio wave strength from the measuring device is weak in the other information terminal, so that it is possible to prevent the establishment of a connection between the other information terminal and the measuring device, thereby realizing pairing with the intended information terminal located near the measuring device.

[0016] (4) A measuring device according to any one of (1) to (3), the information display unit is a display (display unit 15) capable of displaying the first information, The measurement device is configured so that the display can display measurement results.

[0017] According to (4), the display that displays the measurement results and the information display unit can be shared, so there is no need to add a dedicated information display unit, which reduces the cost of the device and improves its design. Also, as long as the display is working, information can be read from the information display unit, so information loss can be prevented. Also, security can be improved because the information display unit cannot be easily checked by others. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the technology of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a measurement device capable of pairing with an intended information terminal. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a management system 100. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the sphygmomanometer 10 shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of communication unit 12, and is a schematic diagram of housing 17 as viewed from rear surface 17A side. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of communication unit 12, and is a schematic diagram of housing 17 as viewed from top surface 17B side. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram of the housing 17 of the sphygmomanometer 10 as viewed from the side surface 17C on which the information display unit 17E is provided. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence chart for explaining a pairing method between the sphygmomanometer 10 and the smartphone 20. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] (Overview of the measuring device of the disclosed technology) The measurement device of the disclosed technique includes a short-range wireless communication unit that communicates by a communication method (e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark)) that allows pairing, a processor, and a housing that accommodates the processor and the short-range wireless communication unit, and the antenna of the short-range wireless communication unit has a directivity in a first direction that is greater than and is greatest than a directivity in a second direction other than the first direction, and an information display unit that can acquire first information by imaging is provided in an area on the outer surface of the housing that includes an intersection with a virtual line extending from the antenna in the first direction, and the processor starts processing required for pairing when it receives a signal including information based on the first information and the received radio wave intensity of the signal is equal to or greater than a threshold. According to this configuration, when pairing is performed between an information terminal and a measurement device, the information terminal is used to image the information display unit to acquire the first information, and a signal including the information based on the first information is transmitted from the information terminal to the measurement device, whereby the measurement device receives a signal from the information terminal in a state in which the information terminal is located in a direction in which the antenna has a high directivity and in a position close to the measurement device. As a result, the signal's received radio wave strength becomes sufficiently strong in the measuring device, so that the information terminal that sent the signal can be identified as the pairing partner. In this way, an information terminal that is close to the measuring device and in a position where information can be obtained from the information display unit can be identified as the pairing partner, so pairing with the intended information terminal can be realized.

[0021] An example of the configuration of a management system 100 including the measurement device of this embodiment will be described below.

[0022] (System Configuration) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a management system 100. The management system 100 includes a blood pressure monitor 10, which is an example of a measurement device, and a smartphone 20, which is an example of an information terminal, and is a system for managing measurement data and programs of the blood pressure monitor 10 on the smartphone 20. The blood pressure monitor 10 and the smartphone 20 are configured to be capable of communicating with each other via short-range wireless communication. The short-range wireless communication method may be a method that allows pairing. In the following, the short-range wireless communication method will be described as Bluetooth (registered trademark). An owner of both the blood pressure monitor 10 and the smartphone 20 will be referred to as a user in the following.

[0023] (Measuring Equipment) The sphygmomanometer 10 includes a processor 11, a communication unit 12, a memory unit 13, an operation unit 14, a display unit 15, and a sensor unit 16.

[0024] The sensor unit 16 includes a pressure sensor disposed in the cuff of the blood pressure monitor 10 as a measurement sensor, and this pressure sensor detects a pulse wave from the user's blood vessel under an appropriate cuff pressure. The blood pressure monitor 10 can calculate blood pressure information including the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and pulse rate based on the pulse wave detected by the sensor unit 16.

[0025] The communication unit 12 is a communication interface for performing short-range wireless communication, and includes an antenna for communication and various circuits.

[0026] The storage unit 13 includes a work memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a non-transitory storage medium such as a flash memory. Various types of information such as measured blood pressure information are stored in this storage medium.

[0027] The operation unit 14 is an input means such as a button or a touch panel that accepts input from the user, and accepts various operations from the user, such as turning the power on / off, starting the measurement of blood pressure information, and selecting an item. The operation unit 14 includes a measurement start button 14A for instructing the start of measurement of blood pressure information, and a communication button 14B for activating the communication unit 12 (enabling short-range wireless communication). The measurement start button 14A and the communication button 14B may be hardware buttons, or may be software buttons displayed on a display unit 15 equipped with a touch panel.

[0028] The display unit 15 is configured with a display such as an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display or a liquid crystal display, and displays measured blood pressure information and the like.

[0029] The processor 11 controls each part of the sphygmomanometer 10. The processor 11 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) to perform various functions, a programmable logic device (PLD) which is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a dedicated electric circuit which is a processor having a circuit configuration designed exclusively for executing specific processing such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The processor 11 may be composed of one processor, or may be composed of a combination of two or more processors of the same type or different types (for example, a plurality of FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). More specifically, the hardware structure of the processor 11 is an electric circuit (circuitry) which combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0030] When the processor 11 detects pressing of the measurement start button 14A included in the operation unit 14, the processor 11 accepts an instruction to start measurement, supplies air to the cuff, and calculates blood pressure information based on the pulse wave detected by the sensor unit 16 under an appropriate cuff pressure. Then, the processor 11 causes the display unit 15 to display the calculated blood pressure information. The processor 11 controls each component of the sphygmomanometer 10 so as to execute a process according to the user's operation performed via the operation unit 14. The act of pressing the measurement start button 14A constitutes an operation to start the operation of the sensor unit 16. The measurement start button 14A can be input to the processor 11 by pressing it once in a short time (performing a so-called short press operation) instead of continuing to press it for a predetermined time (performing a so-called long press operation).

[0031] When the processor 11 detects pressing of the communication button 14B included in the operation unit 14, it starts the communication unit 12. The pressing operation of the communication button 14B required to start the communication unit 12 is, for example, a short press operation.

[0032] In FIG. 1, a blood pressure monitor 10 is illustrated as an example of a measuring device, but the blood pressure monitor 10 can be replaced with a weight scale, a body composition monitor, a pulse monitor, a heart rate monitor, a thermometer, a blood glucose meter, a pulse oximeter, an activity monitor, or the like. In any of these measuring devices, the sensor unit 16 includes various measuring sensors (pressure sensor, pulse wave sensor, blood glucose sensor, photoelectric sensor, temperature sensor, acceleration sensor, or the like) for measuring the physical quantity of the measurement target. When the measuring device is a biological information measuring device, the processor 11, upon detecting the pressing of the measurement start button 14A included in the operation unit 14, activates the measuring sensor (pressure sensor, pulse wave sensor, blood glucose sensor, photoelectric sensor, temperature sensor, or the like) included in the sensor unit 16 to measure biological information. When the measuring device is an activity amount measuring device, the processor 11, upon detecting the pressing of the power button for turning on the device instead of the measurement start button 14A, activates the measuring sensor (acceleration sensor or angular velocity sensor, or the like) included in the sensor unit 16 to measure the amount of activity.

[0033] (Information terminal) The smartphone 20 includes a processor 21, a communication unit 22, a storage unit 23, an operation unit 24, a display unit 25, and an imaging unit 26.

[0034] The communication unit 22 is a communication interface for performing short-range wireless communication, and includes a communication antenna and various circuits.

[0035] The storage unit 23 includes a work memory such as a RAM, and a non-transitory storage medium such as a flash memory. Various types of information including application programs (operation programs of the information terminal, management applications described later) are stored in the storage medium.

[0036] The operation unit 24 is an input unit such as a button or a touch panel that receives input from the user, and receives various operations from the user.

[0037] The display unit 25 is configured by a display such as an organic EL display or a liquid crystal display.

[0038] The imaging unit 26 includes an imaging element and an image processing unit, and captures an image of a subject using the imaging element to generate captured image data.

[0039] The processor 21 controls each unit of the smartphone 20. The processor 21 is composed of one or more processors, similar to the processor 11. The processor 21 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 23 to perform processes according to these programs.

[0040] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the sphygmomanometer 10 shown in Fig. 1. The sphygmomanometer 10 includes a housing 17 that houses at least the processor 11, the communication unit 12, and the storage unit 13 shown in Fig. 1, a cuff 19 that can be wrapped around a measurement site (e.g., the upper arm) of the user, and an air tube 18 that connects the housing 17 and the cuff 19.

[0041] 2, housing 17 is a five-sided shape, and is placed on a placement surface such as a desk or a floor when blood pressure monitor 10 is in use (when blood pressure information is measured). The outer surface of housing 17 has bottom surface 17D that faces the placement surface when blood pressure monitor 10 is in use, top surface 17B that forms a predetermined angle with bottom surface 17D, a pair of side surfaces 17C that are approximately perpendicular to bottom surface 17D, and a back surface 17A. Display unit 15 and operation unit 14 are provided on top surface 17B.

[0042] One side surface 17C of the housing 17 is provided with an information display section 17E capable of reading the first information by imaging. The information display section 17E is an area on which text such as numbers, letters, or symbols representing the first information, or a code image such as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code representing the first information, is printed or affixed with an affixing member such as a sticker. The first information is information unique to the sphygmomanometer 10, such as address information of the communication section 12 or individual identification information (such as a serial number) of the sphygmomanometer 10. The first information may be numbers, letters, or symbols randomly generated for each sphygmomanometer 10. The first information is also stored in the storage section 13.

[0043] In the management system 100, a management application for managing blood pressure information is pre-installed and stored in the storage unit 23 of the smartphone 20. This management application processes captured image data obtained by capturing an image of the information display unit 17E by the imaging unit 26 of the smartphone 20, and is capable of recognizing text included in the portion of the information display unit 17E in the captured image data to obtain the first information, or decoding a code image in the portion of the information display unit 17E in the captured image data to obtain the first information.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the communication unit 12, and is a schematic diagram of the housing 17 as viewed from the rear surface 17A side. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the communication unit 12, and is a schematic diagram of the housing 17 as viewed from the top surface 17B side. In FIG. 4, the display unit 15 and the operation unit 14 are omitted. The communication unit 12 is configured such that an antenna 12A is formed as a conductor pattern on the surface of a flat substrate 12B. In the example shown in the figure, the antenna 12A is configured as a Yagi antenna pattern.

[0045] In the example of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the surface of the substrate 12B of the communication unit 12 is parallel to the bottom surface 17D. Fig. 3 shows a virtual axis LZ passing through the power feeder of the antenna 12A and perpendicular to the surface of the substrate 12B, a virtual axis LX passing through the power feeder of the antenna 12A and parallel to the surface of the substrate 12B, and a virtual circle LC1 centered on the power feeder of the antenna 12A. Fig. 4 shows a virtual axis LY perpendicular to the virtual axis LX and the virtual axis LZ and passing through the power feeder of the antenna 12A, and a virtual circle LC2 centered on the power feeder of the antenna 12A. The radiation characteristic of the antenna 12A is represented by a radiation pattern DB1 in a plane including the virtual axis LX and the virtual axis LZ shown in Fig. 3, and a radiation pattern DB2 in a plane including the virtual axis LX and the virtual axis LY shown in Fig. 4. The radiation patterns DB1 and DB2 are shown diagrammatically. Imaginary circles LC1 and LC2 each indicate the position where the directivity (gain) is maximum.

[0046] In Fig. 3, the angle between a line connecting the power feed point of antenna 12A and a point on imaginary circle LC1 and a portion of imaginary axis LZ above the power feed point is defined as the direction with respect to antenna 12A. In Fig. 4, the angle between a line connecting the power feed point of antenna 12A and a point on imaginary circle LC2 and a portion of imaginary axis LY above the power feed point is defined as the direction with respect to antenna 12A.

[0047] 3 and 4, the directivity of the antenna 12A in a 90° direction (first direction) is greater than the directivity in directions other than 90° (second direction), and is maximum in all directions. The directivity of the antenna 12A in a direction of a main beam width of 90° and in nearby directions (e.g., directions at angles from 60° to 120°) is greater than the directivity in all directions other than these directions by a threshold value or more (e.g., more than twice as large). In other words, the antenna 12A has strong directivity in the first direction.

[0048] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, when a virtual line extending in a 90° direction from the power supply point of antenna 12A (corresponding to the portion to the left of virtual axis LZ of virtual axis LX in Figure 3 and the portion to the left of virtual axis LY of virtual axis LX shown in Figure 4) is set, this virtual line intersects with side 17C.

[0049] 5 is a view of the housing 17 of the sphygmomanometer 10 viewed from the side surface 17C on which the information display unit 17E is provided. As shown in FIG. 5, an intersection point P with the virtual line is present on the side surface 17C. The information display unit 17E is provided in the vicinity of the intersection point P. As shown in FIG. 5, it is preferable that the information display unit 17E overlaps with the intersection point P, but it is not essential that the information display unit 17E overlaps with the intersection point P. In the example of FIG. 5, the information display unit 17E is rectangular and its center coincides with the intersection point P.

[0050] (How to pair your blood pressure monitor with your smartphone) Next, a description will be given of a pairing method between the sphygmomanometer 10 and the smartphone 20. FIG.

[0051] A user turns on the power supply of the blood pressure monitor 10 and operates the smartphone 20 to start the management application. The processor 11 of the started blood pressure monitor 10 starts scanning by the communication unit 12 (step S11). Scanning refers to the communication unit 12 entering a receiving state and acquiring information of surrounding devices. When the management application is started, the processor 21 of the smartphone 20 displays a device registration screen on the display unit 25 (step S1). In step S1, the processor 21 of the smartphone 20 includes information instructing to take an image of the information display unit 17E of the blood pressure monitor 10 in the device registration screen and displays it on the display unit 25. In addition, the processor 21 starts scanning by the communication unit 22 in parallel with step S1.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 6, the device registration screen displayed in step S1 displays a message such as "Please capture an image of the code of the blood pressure monitor." This message may be output by voice. When the user confirms this message, the user brings the imaging unit 26 of the smartphone 20 close to the information display unit 17E and performs an operation to capture an image of the information display unit 17E. In response to this operation, the processor 21 of the smartphone 20 executes imaging by the imaging unit 26 and acquires captured image data (denoted as "captured image" in the figure) (step S2).

[0053] The processor 21 of the smartphone 20 processes the acquired captured image data and acquires the first information from the image of the information display unit 17E included in the captured image data (step S3). Then, the processor 21 of the smartphone 20 generates an advertising packet including the second information based on the acquired first information, and starts advertising by the communication unit 22 (step S4). In step S4, the advertising packet including the second information is periodically broadcast. The second information may be the first information itself, or, if the first information is encrypted with a key managed by the management system 100, may be information obtained by decrypting the first information with this key.

[0054] While the processes from step S2 to step S3 are being performed, the processor 21 of the smartphone 20 controls the display unit 25 to display a live view of an image captured by the imaging unit 26. After step S3, the processor 21 of the smartphone 20 causes the display unit 25 to display information indicating the progress of pairing (step S5). For example, the display unit 25 displays a message such as "Pairing with the blood pressure monitor. Please hold your smartphone in the same position and wait."

[0055] When the processor 11 of the sphygmomanometer 10 receives a broadcast signal transmitted from the smartphone 20 in the process of step S4, if the broadcast signal contains the same first information as that stored in the storage unit 13 and the reception strength of the broadcast signal is equal to or greater than a threshold, the processor 11 stops scanning by the communication unit 12 (step S12) and transitions to a pairing mode (step S13). The pairing mode is a mode in which a process of sharing encrypted information for performing encrypted communication by short-range wireless communication with an information terminal can be executed. The sphygmomanometer 10 can be paired with the information terminal only when it is operating in the pairing mode. If the received broadcast signal does not contain the same information as that stored in the storage unit 13 or if the reception strength is less than a threshold, the processor 11 of the sphygmomanometer 10 continues scanning without transitioning to the pairing mode.

[0056] In addition, in a state where the processes from step S2 to step S4 are being performed, the smartphone 20 is located in a position substantially facing the side surface 17C of the sphygmomanometer 10, and is located in a position close enough to the information display unit 17E to be able to acquire the first information from the information display unit 17E. In other words, the smartphone 20 is located in a range where the directionality of the communication unit 12 of the sphygmomanometer 10 is strong. Therefore, even in this embodiment where the antenna 12A of the communication unit 12 has directionality, by capturing an image of the information display unit 17E with the smartphone 20 and maintaining that state, it is possible to transition the sphygmomanometer 10 to the pairing mode without performing any special operation on the sphygmomanometer 10.

[0057] In addition, by arranging the information display unit 17E near the intersection point P so that the center of the information display unit 17E is within the range of the projection surface projected from the antenna 12A onto the side surface 17C with a main lobe 3 dB beam width (maximum 80 degrees), the smartphone 20 can be more accurately guided to a range with strong directivity of the communication unit 12, and the sphygmomanometer 10 can be more reliably shifted to the pairing mode. In addition, by setting the size of the information display unit 17E (the diameter of the circumscribed circle when the information display unit 17E is a polygonal shape having three or more sides, or the diameter when the information display unit 17E is a circle) to 1 cm or more and 5 cm or less, the distance between the information display unit 17E and the smartphone 20 (in other words, the distance between the communication unit 12 and the smartphone 20) when reading the first information from the information display unit 17E can be sufficiently small. As a result, the smartphone 20 present near the sphygmomanometer 10 can more reliably shift the sphygmomanometer 10 to the pairing mode.

[0058] When the processor 11 of the sphygmomanometer 10 transitions to the pairing mode, it starts advertising by the communication unit 12 (step S14). In step S14, a packet including information (e.g., individual identification information of the sphygmomanometer 10, etc.) required for establishing a communication connection by short-range wireless communication is periodically broadcast. This information may be shared with the first information.

[0059] When the processor 21 of the smartphone 20 acquires the broadcast signal transmitted from the sphygmomanometer 10 in the process of step S14, if the reception strength of the broadcast signal is equal to or greater than a threshold, the processor 21 makes a connection request to the sphygmomanometer 10 via the communication unit 22. When the processor 11 of the sphygmomanometer 10 responds to the connection request via the communication unit 12, a communication connection is established between the sphygmomanometer 10 and the smartphone 20 by short-range wireless communication (step S20). Here, since the sphygmomanometer 10 and the smartphone 20 are in close proximity to each other, a connection between them is established in step S20.

[0060] In addition, in a state where the processes of steps S2 to S5 and steps S12 to S14 are being performed, the smartphone 20 is in a position where it can capture an image of the information display unit 17E. Therefore, the smartphone 20 is located in a range where the directionality of the communication unit 12 of the sphygmomanometer 10 is strong. Therefore, even in this embodiment where the antenna 12A of the communication unit 12 has directionality, the communication between the sphygmomanometer 10 and the smartphone 20 can be stably performed.

[0061] When a communication connection between the smartphone 20 and the sphygmomanometer 10 is established, mutual authentication between the smartphone 20 and the sphygmomanometer 10 is performed by a predetermined method, and when the mutual authentication is completed, encrypted information (e.g., an encryption key, etc.) for performing encrypted communication by short-range wireless communication is shared between the smartphone 20 and the sphygmomanometer 10 (step S21). Sharing of encrypted information means that the processor 11 of the sphygmomanometer 10 generates encrypted information, stores the encrypted information in the storage unit 13 and transmits the encrypted information to the smartphone 20, and the smartphone 20 stores the encrypted information in the storage unit 23. Note that the processor 21 of the smartphone 20 may generate encrypted information, store the encrypted information in the storage unit 23 and transmit the encrypted information to the sphygmomanometer 10, and the sphygmomanometer 10 may store the encrypted information in the storage unit 13, thereby sharing the encrypted information.

[0062] After step S21, the processor 21 of the smartphone 20 displays, for example, a message indicating that pairing has been completed on the display unit 25. The processor 21 of the smartphone 20 then disconnects the communication connection with the sphygmomanometer 10. After that, secure communication using encrypted information is possible between the smartphone 20 and the sphygmomanometer 10. For example, when the measurement start button 14A is pressed with the cuff wrapped around the arm or wrist, blood pressure information is derived and stored in the storage unit 13. Then, the processor 11 of the sphygmomanometer 10 starts the communication unit 12 to establish a connection with the smartphone 20 with which the encrypted information has been shared, and encrypts and transmits the blood pressure information to the smartphone 20.

[0063] It is preferable that the processor 11 of the sphygmomanometer 10 sets the radio wave intensity of the communication unit 12 to a first intensity before the transition to the pairing mode in step S13, and sets the radio wave intensity of the communication unit 12 to a second intensity lower than the first intensity after the transition to the pairing mode. In this way, when there is another information terminal located somewhat away from the sphygmomanometer 10 and on the above virtual line, the radio wave intensity from the sphygmomanometer 10 is weakened in the other information terminal, so that it is possible to prevent the establishment of a connection between the other information terminal and the sphygmomanometer 10. This makes it possible to realize pairing with the intended smartphone 20 located near the sphygmomanometer 10.

[0064] As described above, according to the blood pressure monitor 10, only the smartphone 20 that can capture an image of the information display unit 17E near the blood pressure monitor 10 can transition the blood pressure monitor 10 to a pairing-enabled state. This makes it possible to prevent the blood pressure monitor 10 from being paired with an unintended information terminal located away from the blood pressure monitor 10.

[0065] In the blood pressure monitor 10, the information display unit 17E is configured by a print area or an adhesive member, but is not limited thereto. For example, the display unit 15 can function as the information display unit 17E. In this case, the processor 11 displays the first information (text or code image) in a partial range of the display unit 15. Then, in the blood pressure monitor 10, the above-mentioned virtual line of the antenna 12A of the communication unit 12 is arranged so as to intersect in the above-mentioned range of the display unit 15 on the upper surface 17B. In this way, when the power supply of the blood pressure monitor 10 is turned on and the first information displayed on the display unit 15 is captured by the smartphone 20, the blood pressure monitor 10 transitions to a pairing mode, and pairing is performed between the blood pressure monitor 10 and the smartphone 20. According to this configuration, the first information can be displayed as long as the display unit 15 is operating, so that the first information can be prevented from being lost.

[0066] Moreover, the antenna 12A is configured with a Yagi antenna pattern in the above example, but any other pattern may be used as long as it has a radiation pattern with strong directivity in a specific direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 10. Blood Pressure Monitor 11,21 Processor 12,22 Communications Department 12A Antenna 12B board 13,23 Storage section 14,24 Operation section 14A Measurement start button 14B Communication button 15,25 Display section 16 Sensor section 17. Cabinet 17A Rear 17B Top surface 17C side 17D Bottom 17E Information display section 18 Air tube 19 Cuff 20 Smartphone 26 Imaging unit 100 Management Systems LC1,LC2 Virtual circle DB1,DB2 Radiation Pattern

Claims

1. A short-range wireless communication unit that performs communication using a communication method that enables pairing; A processor; a housing that houses the processor and the short-range wireless communication unit; the antenna of the short-range wireless communication unit has a directivity in a first direction that is greater than and maximum than a directivity in a second direction other than the first direction, an information display unit capable of acquiring first information by imaging is provided on a surface of an outer surface of the housing that includes an intersection point with a virtual line extending from the antenna in the first direction; The processor receives a signal including information based on the first information and initiates processing required for pairing when the reception strength of the signal is equal to or greater than a threshold.

2. 2. The measuring device according to claim 1, The processor, when receiving the signal and the receiving strength of the signal is greater than or equal to the threshold, begins transmitting a broadcast signal including information necessary for establishing a communication connection via short-range wireless communication, establishes a connection with an information terminal that responds to the broadcast signal, and performs pairing.

3. The measuring device according to claim 2, The processor, when receiving the signal and the received strength of the signal is equal to or greater than the threshold, reduces the radio wave strength of the antenna below the radio wave strength at a time before the signal is received.

4. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the information display unit is a display capable of displaying the first information, The measurement device is configured so that the display can display measurement results.

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