Program, information processing apparatus, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide a user interface capable of easily confirming evaluation of a daily fluctuation of an exhalation flow rate.SOLUTION: A program for displaying a measurement result of an exhalation flow rate on a display device in a graph causes a computer to execute display control for displaying a bar graph connecting a maximum and a minimum in the graph for each day on the basis of a plurality of measurement values of the exhalation flow rate measured in one day and causing the display device to perform identification display for making visibility different according to an evaluation value of a daily fluctuation of the plurality of measurement values.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, an information processing device, and an information processing method for displaying the measurement results of expiratory flow rate in a graph. [Background technology]

[0002] Peak flow (maximum expiratory flow rate), one of the items in pulmonary function tests, is the speed (strength) at which air is exhaled after inhaling. This speed can be measured with a peak flow meter to gauge the degree of airway obstruction. Peak flow monitoring is recommended for asthma patients, as measuring peak flow daily allows for the evaluation of airway obstruction.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a graphical user interface (GUI) that, when respiratory function is measured, determines a performance zone corresponding to the current measurement value and has a display area corresponding to the respiratory performance zone. Specifically, the measurement value is expressed as a percentage of each individual's maximum value and is displayed in a green zone of 100-80%, a yellow zone of 80-50%, and a red zone of less than 50%. Patent Document 1 also discloses a line graph that shows the time series fluctuation of the measurement value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-95646 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] To objectively evaluate respiratory control, it is important to know the diurnal variation of expiratory flow rate. The greater the diurnal variation of expiratory flow rate, the more unstable the respiratory control state can be evaluated.

[0006] With the GUI and line graph described in Patent Document 1, it is not easy to objectively confirm the evaluation of the diurnal variation in expiratory flow rate.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a user interface that allows easy confirmation of the evaluation of the diurnal variation in expiratory flow rate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above problem is a program for displaying the measurement results of expiratory flow rate on a display device in a graph, and causes a computer to execute display control that causes the display device to display a bar graph connecting the maximum and minimum values ​​of expiratory flow rate on a daily basis based on multiple measurement values ​​of expiratory flow rate measured within a day, and to provide a distinguishable display with different visibility depending on the evaluation value of the intraday fluctuation of the multiple measurement values. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, a user interface can be provided that allows easy confirmation of an evaluation of the diurnal variation in expiratory flow rate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a measurement system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a GUI screen displayed on a display unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another screen of the GUI displayed on the display unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention will be described by listing the contents of the embodiments. For example, the present invention has the following configuration.

[0012] [Item 1] A program for displaying the measurement results of expiratory flow rate on a display device in a graph, A program for causing a computer to execute display control that displays a bar graph connecting maximum and minimum values ​​of expiratory flow rates measured within a single day on the graph on a daily basis, and causes the display device to perform a distinguishable display with different visibility depending on the evaluation value of the daily fluctuations of the multiple measured values. [Item 2] 2. The program according to item 1, wherein the distinguishable display is performed by changing the color of the bar graph depending on the evaluation value of the diurnal variation of the measurement value. [Item 3] 3. The program according to item 2, wherein when the evaluation value of the intraday variation is within a first range, the corresponding bar graph is displayed in a first color, and when the evaluation value of the intraday variation is within a second range different from the first range, the corresponding bar graph is displayed in a second color different from the first color. [Item 4] 4. The program according to item 2 or 3, wherein the evaluation value of the diurnal variation is the diurnal variation or the diurnal variation rate of the measured value. [Item 5] An information processing device that performs information processing to display a measurement result of an expiratory flow rate on a display device in a graph, An information processing device characterized by having a processing unit that displays a bar graph connecting maximum and minimum values ​​of expiratory flow rates on a daily basis within the graph based on multiple measured values ​​of the expiratory flow rate measured within a day, and causes the display device to perform a distinguishable display that varies in visibility depending on the evaluation value of the daily fluctuation of the multiple measured values. [Item 6] An information processing method for processing information to display a measurement result of an expiratory flow rate as a graph on a display device, comprising: A bar graph connecting maximum and minimum values ​​of expiratory flow rates measured within a day is displayed on the graph for each day; An information processing method, comprising causing the display device to display an identification display with different visibility depending on an evaluation value of the diurnal variation of the plurality of measurement values.

[0013] <Details of the embodiment> First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of a measurement system according to this embodiment. This system comprises an information processing device 1, a peak flow meter 2, and a server 3. A user, such as a patient or a test subject, measures peak flow using the peak flow meter 2. The information processing device 1 acquires the measurement values ​​(measurement results) obtained by the peak flow meter 2. Software and application programs that use the measurement results to perform the information processing method described below, such as displaying a user interface on a display unit, are pre-installed in the information processing device 1. The programs are installed by downloading them from the server 3, which is connected to the information processing device 1 via a network.

[0014] Information processing device 1 is a computer that can be installed in devices such as general-purpose computers, such as personal computers, smartphones, tablets, etc. Information processing device 1 can perform processes such as recording, managing, analyzing, and displaying measurements taken by peak flow meter 2 using software and applications.

[0015] 2 shows a configuration diagram of the information processing device 1. The information processing device has a processing unit 11, a memory 12, a storage 13, a communication unit 14, a display unit, an input unit 15, and a display unit 16. These are electrically connected to each other via a bus 17.

[0016] The processing unit 11 is an arithmetic unit that controls the overall operation of the information processing device 10, controls the transmission and reception of data between the various units, and performs information processing necessary for application execution and authentication processing. The processing unit 11 includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a processor such as a CPU, GPU, or FPGA, and is stored in the storage 13, and executes programs and the like deployed in the memory 12 to perform various types of information processing.

[0017] The memory 12 includes a main memory configured with a volatile storage device such as a DRAM, and an auxiliary memory configured with a nonvolatile storage device such as a flash memory or an HDD. The memory 12 is used as a work area for the processing unit 11, and also stores a BIOS executed when the information processing device 10 is started up, various setting information, and the like.

[0018] The storage 13 stores various programs such as applications and programs. A database storing data used in each process may be constructed in the storage 13. A database storing data used in each process may be constructed in the storage 13.

[0019] The communication unit 14 connects the information processing device 10 to a network. The communication unit 14 communicates with external devices directly or via a network access point, for example, by a method such as a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity, registered trademark), infrared communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark), short-range or contactless communication, etc. The input unit 15 is an information input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel.

[0020] The display unit (display device) 16 includes a display that displays information obtained through calculations performed by the processing unit 11. The display unit displays various information on its screen to provide a graphical user interface (GUI). The display unit 16 is not limited to a display attached to the information processing device 1, but may be a display (display device) that is provided separately from the information processing device 1 and connected to the information processing device 1.

[0021] A bus 17 is commonly connected to the above components and transmits, for example, address signals, data signals and various control signals.

[0022] The peak flow meter 2 is a measuring device that measures peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), which is defined as the maximum flow rate at which the user can exhale air from the lungs with maximum effort after taking a deep breath. Measuring peak flow allows for objective evaluation of airway obstruction at the time of measurement. Peak expiratory flow rate, also known as peak expiratory flow rate, is measured in liters per minute.

[0023] A variety of conventional peak flow meters can be used, including those that read measurements on a scale and electronic devices with built-in electronic circuits. Electronic devices can be connected to the information processing device 1 via a wired or wireless connection and transmit measurement data, such as measurements, to the information processing device 1. Measurement data can also be stored in the electronic device's internal memory and transmitted upon request from the information processing device 1. Peak flow meters may also have the ability to measure other respiratory parameters besides peak flow. For example, they can measure several respiratory parameters, including forced expiratory volume (FEV1), which is defined as the amount of air exhaled by an individual during the first second of maximal exhalation from a maximum inspiration state. FEV1 is measured in liters.

[0024] Peak flow monitoring is recommended for users such as asthma patients, as measuring peak flow daily with a peak flow meter allows for the evaluation of airway obstruction. Users measure their peak flow multiple times throughout the day at any time and at time intervals. Measurements may also be taken continuously over a medium to long period, such as two weeks.

[0025] If peak flow meter 2 is electronic, it transmits information indicating the measured peak flow value and the date and time of measurement to information processing device 1 connected to the peak flow meter. Communication unit 14 receives the peak flow measurement data and the information on the date and time of measurement from peak flow meter 2. Information processing device 1 stores the received peak flow measurement value and the data on the date and time of measurement in memory 12. As the user measures peak flow multiple times per day, the peak flow value for each measurement is stored in memory 12.

[0026] If peak flow meter 2 is a type that reads measurement values ​​on a scale, the user may determine the measurement value by reading the scale, and then use the input unit to input the measurement value and the date and time of measurement, which may then be stored in memory 12. For example, a user may use a touch panel or keyboard to input a numerical value into the measurement value input field displayed on the GUI of the display unit, and also enter the date and time of measurement. The date and time of measurement may be recorded by reading the date and time when the user operated the input unit.

[0027] Using the peak flow measurement values ​​stored in memory 12 and the measurement date and time data, processing unit 11 creates a graph 20 with the date on the horizontal axis and the peak flow value (liters / minute) on the vertical axis, and displays this graph 20 on the screen of the display unit. Figure 3 shows an example of a user interface screen displayed on display unit 3. Graph 20 shows the peak flow measurement values ​​for each day as figures 21 such as dots and circles. This makes it possible to monitor peak flow.

[0028] In graph 20, for example, region 22, where peak flow values ​​are 544 or higher, is displayed in green; region 23, where peak flow values ​​are 408–544, is displayed in yellow; and region 24, where peak flow values ​​are 408 or lower, is displayed in red. The user's best peak flow ever was 680, and the standard value was 650. The standard value can be calculated using a regression equation based on the subject's age and height. The best value is the highest peak flow value obtained when breathing is well controlled. The 2005 Pediatric Asthma Treatment and Management Guidelines state that the best value should be obtained after inhalation of a beta-2 agonist during the daytime during a 2–3-week observation period. Specific methods include using the highest recorded value over a certain period of time, using the maximum dilation value achieved with oral steroids as proposed in the International Guidelines for Asthma Management, using the maximum dilation value achieved after repeated inhalation of a beta-2 agonist, or continuing high-dose inhaled steroids for several weeks. Another method is to measure peak flow two to three times a day (twice: early morning and daytime, three times: early morning, daytime, and nighttime) when the patient's condition is relatively stable, record the data for at least two weeks, and determine the individual's best value based on the magnitude of diurnal variation.

[0029] When peak flow is measured two or more times a day, the maximum (highest value) and minimum (lowest value) values ​​of that day are obtained. When measurements are obtained multiple times a day, the processing unit 11 displays bar graphs 25-28 in the GUI graph 20 as figures connecting the points indicating the maximum and minimum values ​​of the measurements for that day. The greater the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the measurements for the same day, the greater the amount of fluctuation within a day.

[0030] The diurnal variation of peak flow reflects the degree of respiratory control and is a useful index for management. For example, diurnal variation is sometimes set as a management target to evaluate the diurnal variation of measured values. Diurnal variation can be calculated using the formula: diurnal variation = maximum value - minimum value.

[0031] The processing unit compares the calculated diurnal variation with a threshold value. For example, the diurnal variation is compared with a first threshold value 100 and a second threshold value 150. If the diurnal variation is less than 100, the bar graph representing the diurnal variation on the GUI is displayed in green. If the diurnal variation is between 100 and 150, the corresponding bar graph is displayed in yellow. If the diurnal variation is 150 or more, the bar graph is displayed in red. In this way, the bar graphs are divided into multiple ranges, such as a range less than 100, a range between 100 and 150, and a range greater than 150, and are displayed in a color corresponding to each range. Bar graphs 25 and 26 are displayed in green, bar graph 27 is displayed in yellow, and bar graph 28 is displayed in red. In other words, if the diurnal variation is within a first range, the corresponding bar graph is displayed in a first color. If the diurnal variation is within a second range different from the first range, the corresponding bar graph is displayed in a second color different from the first color.

[0032] When the bar graph is displayed in red, it indicates a large degree of diurnal variation and poor respiratory control, yellow indicates a somewhat large diurnal variation, and green indicates a small diurnal variation. Note that the above colors are merely examples and are not limited to these. It is possible to display the diurnal variation in a visually distinguishable manner using other colors, or to display it with a pattern or figure other than a color, or with an icon other than a bar graph, etc., so that the visibility differs depending on the range of the diurnal variation.

[0033] By using this GUI display, both daily and intra-day variations can be displayed on a single graph. The level of diurnal variation in peak flow can also be displayed in a visually easy-to-understand manner, making it easy to check the level of diurnal variation. The respiratory control status and conditioning can be visualized, simplifying daily management. Furthermore, by sharing GUI data with doctors, it is possible to evaluate treatment, such as whether the current treatment is insufficient. Both the patient and the doctor can understand the respiratory control status.

[0034] Next, we will explain the processing flow of the information processing method performed by the information processing device 1. The processing flow is realized by the information processing device executing a program downloaded from an external server or the like and stored in memory. This program is a program for displaying a screen on the display unit that displays the peak flow measurement value in a graph, as described above.

[0035] First, the information processing device 1 acquires peak flow measurement values ​​via the communication unit 14 and the input unit 15 (S1). The information processing device 1 stores the measurement values ​​in the memory 12 (S2). The information processing device 1 controls the display unit 16 to display measurement points corresponding to the measurement values ​​on a GUI graph displayed by the display unit 16. If multiple measurement values ​​are obtained within a single day, the processing unit 11 performs display control to cause the display unit 16 to display bar graphs connecting the maximum and minimum values ​​of the multiple peak flow measurement values ​​measured within a single day, for each day. The processing unit 11 also performs display control to cause the display unit 16 to display distinguishable displays that vary in visibility depending on the range of intraday variation (S3). In this way, the information processing device 1 performs processing to display a GUI graph on the display unit 16.

[0036] Second Embodiment Next, another example of a GUI is shown. Fig. 4 shows a GUI screen 30 displayed on the display unit of a smartphone serving as an information processing device. As shown in Fig. 4, the GUI screen 30 of this embodiment has an area 31 for displaying a graph showing peak flow measurement values, an area 33 for displaying weekly conditions using images or pictures, and an area 34 for inputting subjective symptoms. Above area 31, there is provided a button 32 for switching the display of peak flow measurement data between weekly and monthly units.

[0037] An image of a breath pattern is displayed in area 33, and if the peak flow measurement is obtained only once per day, the lower half is displayed in blue and the upper half is grayed out. If the measurement is obtained two or more times per day, both the top and bottom of the breath pattern are displayed in blue. Area 33 also displays an icon image corresponding to the color of the bar graph shown in area 31. The bar graph representing the diurnal variation of peak flow for June 12 is displayed in yellow, and if the diurnal variation or variation rate is large, a yellow icon image (identification display) of a face with an unwell expression is displayed in area 33 accordingly. The other bar graphs are displayed in green, and a green icon image (identification display) of a face with a good physical condition is displayed in the area corresponding to that day. If the diurnal variation or variation rate is large, an alert may be displayed to warn the user.

[0038] Area 34 is provided with a field for the user to input their own symptoms, and displays sentences that the user has previously input. In this way, by recording the user's subjective evaluation, it is possible to evaluate the user's respiratory condition in addition to the objective evaluation of the diurnal variation of measurement values.

[0039] 5 shows another screen 40 of the GUI displayed on the display unit of the smartphone. Screen 40 has an area 41 that displays the peak flow measurement value as today's condition, and an area 42 that provides a GUI for inputting expiratory flow rate.

[0040] Clicking on the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner of area 42 displays a screen for entering the measured value of peak flow as the expiratory flow rate, and the user can enter the measured value by following the instructions on the screen. Once the expiratory flow rate is entered, the time of entry, the entered value, and the ratio to the user's personal best value are displayed in the fields below.

[0041] Area 41 displays the peak flow measurement value obtained on that day as a percentage of your personal best value. Here, the average of the two peak flow values ​​entered on that day and the percentage of that average value converted to your personal best value are displayed. It also indicates whether the peak flow value is in the green zone, which is the normal range.

[0042] As described above, by providing a GUI that comprehensively displays measurement data related to peak flow and subjective symptoms, symptoms can be easily confirmed and evaluated.

[0043] <Third embodiment> Next, the GUI in the third embodiment will be described. Here, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the GUI graph in the first embodiment, the vertical axis represents the measured absolute value of peak flow (unit: liters / minute), but in this embodiment, the vertical axis of the graph represents the ratio to the user's best value. The best value is set as described in the first embodiment. For example, the graph can be displayed with the ratio between 100 and 80% in green, between 80 and 60% in yellow, and less than 60 in red.

[0044] The processing unit 11 acquires the user's best value and stores it in memory, acquires the peak flow measurement value, and performs a calculation to convert the measurement value into a ratio to the best value.The processing unit 11 then plots a figure representing a measurement point on the GUI graph at the position of the converted ratio for each day.

[0045] When multiple measurements are taken in one day, a bar graph showing the maximum and minimum ratios to the best value obtained that day is displayed in the GUI graph to indicate the diurnal variation. The greater the variation in the ratio within the same day, the worse the respiratory control status is suggested.

[0046] In the first embodiment, the amount of intraday variation was used as the management target for evaluating the intraday variation of the measured value, but in this embodiment, the intraday variation rate is used as the management target for evaluating the intraday variation of the measured value. For example, the intraday variation rate may be set as the management target, such as an intraday variation of 20% or less. Therefore, in this embodiment, the value of the intraday variation rate is used as the judgment criterion to distinguish between the magnitude of the intraday variation. The processing unit 11 can calculate the intraday variation rate by using the formula: intraday variation rate = (maximum value - minimum value) ÷ maximum value × 100.

[0047] The processing unit 11 compares the calculated diurnal variation measured value with one or more diurnal variation thresholds. For example, if the diurnal variation measured value is smaller than a certain threshold, a bar graph connecting the maximum and minimum values ​​of the ratio to the best value can be displayed in green, and if the diurnal variation measured value is equal to or greater than a certain threshold, the corresponding bar graph can be displayed in red. Alternatively, as in the first embodiment, the bar graph can be displayed in a color corresponding to the range of diurnal variation. A red bar graph indicates a high degree of diurnal variation and poor respiratory control. As described above, a graph can be displayed using data such as rate instead of measured peak flow rates.

[0048] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. Furthermore, not all of the components shown in the embodiments are necessarily essential components of the present disclosure. Furthermore, features shown in each embodiment can also be applied to other embodiments as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.

[0049] In the above embodiments, a processing unit in one computer controls the display of the GUI, but this processing is not limited to being performed by a single computer. The processing may be shared among multiple information processing devices or performed by cloud computing. For example, a smartphone may acquire peak flow measurement values ​​and transmit the measurement values ​​to a computer, such as an external server, connected to the smartphone via a network. The external server may then execute a program to create the graphs described in the above embodiments. In response to a request from the smartphone, the data of the created graph may be transmitted to the smartphone, allowing the graph to be viewed on the smartphone's display.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the information processing device 1 and the peak flow meter 2 are described as separate devices, but they may be integrated into one device. That is, the GUI screen may be displayed on a display (display unit) of a peak flow meter that has an information processing device built in.

[0051] Furthermore, the start time of the time period for determining the diurnal fluctuation is not limited to midnight, and any time may be set as the start time, and 24 hours or a predetermined time from the start time may be set as the time period for the diurnal fluctuation.

[0052] Conventionally, a line graph of measurement data has been displayed to check fluctuations in peak flow. In the above embodiment, a GUI screen that does not display the line graph has been described. However, depending on the user's operation, the line graph may be displayed superimposed on a bar graph of diurnal fluctuations, the line graph may be displayed in a separate screen area, or the bar graph of diurnal fluctuations and the line graph may be displayed in a switchable manner. Furthermore, while the bar graph has been described as connecting the maximum and minimum values ​​of multiple measurement values, it may also be a bar graph with morning and evening measurement values ​​at the ends.

[0053] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the peak flow (peak expiratory flow rate) was cited as a measurement result to be displayed on the GUI, but this is not limiting, and any expiratory flow rate value other than the peak may also be displayed on the GUI.

Claims

1. A program for displaying the measurement results of expiratory flow rate on a display device in a graph, A program for causing a computer to execute display control that displays a bar graph connecting maximum and minimum values ​​of expiratory flow rates on a daily basis within the graph based on multiple measured values ​​of the expiratory flow rate measured within a single day, and causes the display device to perform a distinguishable display that varies in visibility depending on the evaluation value of the daily fluctuations of the multiple measured values.

2. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the distinguishing display is performed by changing the color of the bar graph depending on the evaluation value of the diurnal variation of the measurement value.

3. 3. The program according to claim 2, wherein when the evaluation value of the intraday variation is within a first range, the color of the corresponding bar graph is displayed in a first color, and when the evaluation value of the intraday variation is within a second range different from the first range, the color of the corresponding bar graph is displayed in a second color different from the first color.

4. 4. The program according to claim 2, wherein the evaluation value of the diurnal variation is a diurnal variation amount or a diurnal variation rate of the measurement value.

5. An information processing device that performs information processing to display a measurement result of an expiratory flow rate on a display device in a graph, An information processing device characterized by having a processing unit that displays a bar graph connecting maximum and minimum values ​​of expiratory flow rates on a daily basis within the graph based on multiple measured values ​​of expiratory flow rates measured within a single day, and causes the display device to perform a distinguishable display that varies in visibility depending on the evaluation value of the daily fluctuation of the multiple measured values.

6. An information processing method for processing information to display a measurement result of an expiratory flow rate as a graph on a display device, comprising: A bar graph connecting maximum and minimum values ​​of expiratory flow rates measured within a single day is displayed on the graph for each day; An information processing method, comprising causing the display device to display an identification display with different visibility depending on an evaluation value of the diurnal variation of the plurality of measurement values.

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