Automatic external defibrillator

Abstract

To provide an automatic external defibrillator capable of performing a self-test at an optional timing desired by a user, while automatically performing a self-test at a preset time.SOLUTION: An automatic external defibrillator 1 includes an operation reception unit 30 for receiving an operational input by a user, and a self-test execution unit 11 for executing a self-test for checking a state of the automatic external defibrillator 1 when a first condition or second condition is satisfied. The first condition is reaching of a preset time, and the second condition is reception of a prescribed operation input by the operation reception unit 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to automated external defibrillators. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, automated external defibrillators (hereinafter also referred to as "AEDs") are equipped with a self-test function. In the self-test, for example, the remaining battery level, the connection status with the defibrillation pads, and whether various circuits are operating normally are checked to determine whether the AED is in a condition for normal use.

[0003] Self-tests are often automatically performed periodically, such as every day at a predetermined time. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an AED that has a function for automatically performing a self-test at a predetermined period and a function for postponing the timing of the next self-test when an override button is pressed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2019-530527 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is important to automatically perform a self-test at a preset time so as to avoid a situation where a self-test is not performed for a long period of time. On the other hand, there may be a situation where a user wants to perform a self-test immediately. However, the conventional AED disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not allow a user to perform a self-test at the timing desired by the user.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an automatic external defibrillator that automatically performs a self-test at a preset time, and can also perform a self-test at any time desired by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An automated external defibrillator according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: an operation receiving unit that receives an operation input from a user; a self-test execution unit that executes a self-test to check a state of the automated external defibrillator when the first condition or the second condition is satisfied, the first condition is that a preset time is reached, The second condition is that the operation reception unit receives a predetermined operation input. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the configuration disclosed above, it is possible to provide an automatic external defibrillator that can automatically perform a self-test at a preset time, while also being able to perform a self-test at any time desired by the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an automatic external defibrillator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operational process executed in an automated external defibrillator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or equivalent elements in different drawings will be given the same reference numerals or names, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] [Configuration of Automated External Defibrillator (AED)] First, each processing unit constituting the AED 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the AED 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The AED 1 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 20, an operation receiving unit 30, a display unit 40, a sound generating unit 50, a high voltage generating unit 60, a pad connector 70, and a power supply unit 80.

[0012] The control unit 10 controls various operations of the AED 1 by reading and executing programs and the like stored in the storage unit 20. The control unit 10 includes a main control unit 11 and a sub-control unit 12. Although not shown, the control unit 10 also has a real-time clock and an A / D converter.

[0013] The main control unit 11 includes a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls various operations when the AED 1 is powered on. The main control unit 11 controls various operations for saving life (hereinafter also referred to as "lifesaving operations") such as energy charging / discharging control, sequence control, A / D conversion, and electrocardiogram analysis.

[0014] Moreover, the main control unit 11 controls the execution of a self-test. That is, the main control unit 11 has a function as a self-test execution unit. The main control unit 11 executes a self-test when a first condition or a second condition is satisfied. A specific example of the first condition is that a preset set time is reached. A specific example of the second condition is that the operation reception unit 30 receives a predetermined operation input (for example, the check button 32 described later is pressed). In the self-test, for example, a check is performed on the circuit that controls the life-saving operation (checking the time constant of the electrocardiogram input circuit, checking the circuit that recognizes the paddle contact, checking the energy value when charging / internal discharging the capacitor, etc.), the power supply unit 80 (voltage value, remaining battery value, current consumption value, etc.), and the defibrillation pads 90 connected to the pad connector 70 (checking the resistance value of the pads and the expiration date), etc., to confirm the presence or absence of abnormalities in them.

[0015] The main control unit 11 sets the set time for the next self-test to be performed after the end of the life-saving operation or after the end of the self-test. The method for determining the next set time will be described in detail in a later paragraph with reference to FIG. 2. The main control unit 11 can also reset the next set time to any time desired by the user based on the user's operation input to the operation reception unit 30. The "set time" may specify the date and time, or may specify only the time. Specifically, the "set time" may be "Y year M month D day h hours m minutes" or "h hours m minutes".

[0016] The sub-controller 12 includes a sub-CPU that controls various operations such as power supply to the main CPU of the main controller 11. When the power is not turned on (for example, when the power button 31 and the check button 32 described below are not pressed and a self-test is not being performed), power is not supplied to the main CPU of the main controller 11 and the AED 1 is in a standby state in the power saving mode. Note that even in the power saving mode, power is still supplied from the power supply unit 80 to the real-time clock. That is, the real-time clock keeps time even when the AED 1 is not turned on.

[0017] When the power button 31 (one aspect of the first button) or the check button 32 (one aspect of the second button) described later is pressed, or when a preset time is reached, the sub-controller 12 controls the power supply from the power supply unit 80 to the main controller 11 to turn on the AED 1. The sub-controller 12 also transmits to the main controller 11 the cause of the power being turned on (the cause of starting the AED 1).

[0018] The storage unit 20 stores programs necessary for the AED to operate, voice data, adjustment values, electrocardiogram data during rescue, self-test history, etc. The storage unit 20 may include, for example, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a secondary storage device such as a hard disk. A part of the storage unit 20 may be an external storage device that is detachable from the AED 1.

[0019] The operation reception unit 30 receives operation input from the user. The operation reception unit 30 includes a power button 31 and a check button 32. The power button 31 is a button for starting a life-saving operation. The check button 32 is a button for starting a self-test. Although not shown in the figure, the operation reception unit 30 may also include a shock button for executing an electric shock, a button for setting a time for a self-test, and the like.

[0020] The display unit 40 displays, for example, the result of the self-test. The user can check the presence or absence of an abnormality in the AED 1 by checking the display unit 40. The display unit 40 may be configured with an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or a magnetic reversal disk or the like. The display unit 40 may also include a liquid crystal display that displays instructions to the user in the form of pictures or characters, or a display that displays an electrocardiogram signal. The display unit 40 may also include a touch panel, and may also function as the operation receiving unit 30.

[0021] The sound output unit 50 issues various instructions to the user by voice, with reference to the voice data stored in the storage unit 20. If an abnormality is found in the self-test, the sound output unit 50 issues a warning sound to notify the user of the abnormality.

[0022] The high voltage generating unit 60 charges and discharges energy used for defibrillation in response to a control signal from the main control unit 11. The pad connector 70 is connected to the defibrillation pads 90. The energy discharged by the high voltage generating unit 60 is transmitted to the person in need of rescue via the pad connector 70 and the defibrillation pads 90. The defibrillation pads 90 also capture an electrocardiogram signal from the person in need of rescue. The electrocardiogram signal is transmitted to the main control unit 11 after, for example, being filtered and amplified.

[0023] The power supply unit 80 includes a battery. The power supply unit 80 converts the power supplied from the battery to a required voltage and supplies the power to each of the above-mentioned components. The remaining battery capacity is checked by a self-test.

[0024] [Example of AED operation] Next, an example of the operation of the AED 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation process executed in the AED 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that the various processes shown in Fig. 2 may be interchanged or executed in parallel as long as no contradiction occurs.

[0025] First, in a power-off state, the AED1 waits in a power-saving mode (step S101). Next, when the AED1 is powered on and power is supplied to the main CPU of the main control unit 11, the AED1 starts up (step S102). In step S102, a start-up factor of the AED1 is transmitted from the sub-control unit 12 to the main control unit 11.

[0026] Next, the main control unit 11 checks (step S103) the start-up factor of the AED 1. There are at least three types of start-up factors of the AED 1, for example, pressing the power button 31, reaching the set time for performing a self-test, and pressing the check button 32.

[0027] In step S103, if it is confirmed that the activation factor of the AED 1 was the pressing of the power button 31, the main control unit 11 performs control to start a life-saving operation (step S104). If it is determined that an electric shock is necessary for the subject in the life-saving operation (if an electrocardiogram indicating a need for an electric shock is detected), the main control unit 11 appropriately performs operations such as blinking the button for an electric shock and outputting electric energy in response to the pressing of the button.

[0028] Next, when the life-saving operation is completed, the main control unit 11 resets the set time of the self-test (step S105). In step S105, for example, the original set time set before the AED1 is started in step S102 may be reset as the set time of the next self-test. However, if the original set time is reached during the life-saving operation in step S104, it is preferable not to perform a self-test based on the reaching of the set time, and to set, for example, a time that is a second hour after the original set time as the set time of the next self-test. Here, the "second time" is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, any time such as 12 hours, 24 hours, or 48 hours, but is preferably 24 hours. In addition, the "second time" may be the same length as the "first time" described later, or may be a different length.

[0029] Next, the power supply to the main CPU of the main control unit 11 is cut off, the AED 1 transitions to a power saving mode (step S106), and the series of operation processes related to the life-saving operation is terminated.

[0030] On the other hand, when it is confirmed in step S103 that the activation factor of the AED1 is the arrival of the set time (when the first condition is satisfied), the main control unit 11 controls to execute a self-test (step S107). As already described, when the set time is reached during the life-saving operation in step S104, the processes from step S107 to step S109 are not executed.

[0031] Next, the main control unit 11 controls the display unit 40 to display the result of the self-test (step S108). If the result of the self-test is abnormal, it is preferable to notify the user of the abnormality by outputting a sound from the sound output unit 50, for example.

[0032] Next, the main control unit 11 sets the next set time for the self-test (step S109). In step S109, for example, it is preferable to set the next set time to a time a first hour later (X hours later) from the date and time when the self-test is performed in step S107 (i.e., the original set time reached in step S102). Here, the "first time" is not particularly limited and may be, for example, any time such as 12 hours, 24 hours, or 48 hours, but it is preferable that it is 24 hours.

[0033] Next, the power supply to the main CPU of the main control unit 11 is cut off, the AED 1 transitions to a power saving mode (step S106), and the series of operation processes related to the self-test based on the arrival of the set time is terminated.

[0034] On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S103 that the activation factor of the AED1 was the pressing of the check button 32 (if the second condition is satisfied), the process proceeds to step S110. In step S110, it is determined whether the time when the check button 32 was pressed this time is the time when a predetermined time (e.g., 15 seconds) has elapsed since the execution of the self-test based on the previous pressing of the check button 32.

[0035] In step S110, if it is determined that the time when the check button 32 is pressed this time is not a time when a predetermined time has elapsed since the self-test was performed based on the previous pressing of the check button 32 (NO in step S110), the self-test is not performed and the main control unit 11 executes processing related to the life-saving operation in step S104.

[0036] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S110 that the current time when the check button 32 is pressed is a time when a predetermined time has elapsed since the self-test was performed based on the previous pressing of the check button 32 (YES in step S110), the main control unit 11 performs control to perform a self-test (step S111). Note that if the set time is reached during the self-test in step S111, the processes from step S107 to step S109 are not executed.

[0037] Next, the main control unit 11 controls the display unit 40 to display the result of the self-test (step S112). The process of step S112 is similar to the process of step S108.

[0038] Next, the main control unit 11 sets the next set time for the self-test (step S113). In step S113, it is preferable to set the next set time to a time (X+α hours) longer than the first time from the date and time when the self-test was performed in step S111 (i.e., the time when the check button 32 was pressed in step S102). Here, it is preferable that the length of "α" is shorter than the first time, and may be, for example, any time such as 10 minutes, 30 minutes, or 1 hour.

[0039] Next, the power supply to the main CPU of the main control unit 11 is cut off, the AED 1 transitions to a power saving mode (step S106), and the series of operation processes related to the self-test based on the pressing of the check button 32 is terminated.

[0040] Next, the effect of the AED1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the AED1, if the check button 32 for the self-test is not provided and the start of the life-saving operation and the start of the self-test are distinguished by the difference in the operation method of the power button 31 (for example, the number of times it is pressed or the pressing time), the operation of the AED1 becomes complicated, and the user may become confused in a tense situation where life-saving work is required. In addition, in an AED, when the button for starting the life-saving operation is operated, a voice instructing the action to be taken by the user is generally played. If such a button is also used for inputting the self-test, the above voice will be played during the self-test, which will be annoying to the user and will consume battery power. On the other hand, the AED1 is provided with the power button 31 and the check button 32 different from the power button 31, thereby eliminating the above disadvantages and making it possible to start the self-test at any timing by a very simple operation.

[0041] In addition, in a tense situation where life-saving work is required, the user may press the wrong button. If the check button 32 is pressed again within a short interval after it is pressed, the second press is likely to have been made by mistake, and if a self-test is performed again in such a case, there is a risk that life-saving work will not be performed in time. If the check button 32 is pressed again before a predetermined time has elapsed after the check button 32 is pressed and a self-test is performed, the AED1 starts a life-saving operation instead of performing a self-test, thereby preventing life-saving work from being performed in time.

[0042] Furthermore, self-tests performed at short intervals are less effective and have the disadvantage of consuming battery power. When a self-test is performed in response to pressing the check button 32, the AED1 changes the set time for the next self-test based on the time the self-test was performed, thereby preventing a situation in which a self-test based on reaching the set time is performed immediately after a self-test based on pressing the check button 32, and thus making it possible to reduce battery power consumption.

[0043] In addition, when a self-test is performed in response to reaching the set time, the AED 1 sets the next set time to a time that is a first time after the time when the self-test was performed. With this configuration, the self-test is periodically performed every time the first time elapses.

[0044] On the other hand, when a self-test is performed in response to pressing the check button 32, the AED1 sets the next set time to a time longer than the first time from the time when the self-test is performed. Here, if an automatic and periodic self-test is performed a first time after the previous self-test performed manually, if the user wishes to perform a self-test manually every time the first time passes, the self-test will be started when the user presses the check button 32 even if the time is slightly later. When a self-test is performed by pressing the check button 32, the AED1 sets the next set time to a time longer than the first time from the time when the self-test is performed, making it difficult for a situation to occur in which the self-test is automatically performed even if the user presses the check button 32 a little later. This configuration is particularly useful when the first time is 24 hours. When the user wishes to perform a self-test manually at a set time every day, the AED1 is unlikely to automatically start a self-test even if the time when the user performs a manual operation is slightly later than the previous day.

[0045] In addition, if the set time is reached while a life-saving operation is being performed, the AED1 does not perform a self-test based on the set time being reached, thereby preventing a situation in which a self-test is performed while a life-saving operation is being performed and the self-test interferes with the life-saving operation. In this case, the AED1 automatically resets the next set time, thereby preventing a situation in which a self-test is not performed for a long time.

[0046] The above-described embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention. The configurations according to the above-described embodiment may be appropriately modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1:Automated external defibrillator (AED) 10: Control unit 11: Main control unit (self-test execution unit) 12: Sub-control unit 20: Storage part 30: Operation reception section 31: Power button 32: Check button 40: Display section 50: Pronunciation section 60: High voltage generator 70: Pad connector 80: Power supply section 90: Defibrillation pads

Claims

1. an operation receiving unit that receives an operation input from a user; a self-test execution unit that executes a self-test to check a state of the automated external defibrillator when the first condition or the second condition is satisfied, the first condition is that a preset time is reached, the second condition is that the operation reception unit receives a predetermined operation input, the self-test execution unit sets a self-test period to a first time, and when a self-test is executed in response to the first condition being satisfied, sets a time that is the first time after the execution time of the self-test as a next set time; when a self-test is performed in response to the second condition being satisfied before the first time has elapsed from the time the previous self-test was performed, the self-test performing unit sets a time that is longer than the first time from the time the previous self-test was performed as the next set time, and sets the self-test period to the first time again after the next set time. Automated external defibrillator.

2. the operation reception unit has a first button which is a power button and a second button for starting the self-test, the predetermined operation input is pressing the second button, 2. The automated external defibrillator of claim 1.

3. when the second button is pressed again before a predetermined time has elapsed since the second button was pressed and the self-test was performed, a life-saving operation is started.

3. The automated external defibrillator of claim 2.

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