Information generation device, information generation method, computer program, and non-temporary computer-readable medium

Abstract

To enable objective assessment of the subject's breathing depth. [Solution] The information generation device 1 comprises an acquisition unit 2 and a control unit 5. The acquisition unit 2 is configured to acquire respiratory waveform data relating to the respiratory pressure of the subject P. The control unit 5 is configured to generate respiratory depth information indicating the depth of breathing in the respiratory waveform data relative to the respiratory reference waveform data by comparing the respiratory waveform data acquired by the acquisition unit 2 with preset respiratory reference waveform data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information generation device, an information generation method, a computer program for causing the device to execute the method, and a non-temporary computer-readable medium on which the computer program is recorded.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a biological information processing device that performs real-time analysis on the measurement results of intranasal pressure breathing air and displays the analysis results on a display.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, the respiratory state of a subject is generally judged based on the speed and depth of breathing. The speed of breathing can be objectively judged from the respiratory rate, but the depth of breathing is subjectively judged by medical staff by visually observing the respiratory waveform and is difficult to objectively judge. Since the biological information processing device according to Patent Document 1 can calculate the respiratory rate of a subject, medical staff can objectively grasp the speed of breathing by using such a biological information processing device, but cannot objectively grasp the depth of breathing. In this regard, there is room for improvement in conventional biological information processing devices.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information generation device, an information generation method, a computer program for causing the device to execute the method, and a non-temporary computer-readable medium on which the computer program is recorded, which can objectively grasp the depth of breathing of a subject. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information generating apparatus relating to one embodiment for achieving the above objective is: The system includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire respiratory waveform data relating to the respiratory pressure of a subject, and a control unit configured to generate respiratory depth information indicating the depth of breathing in the respiratory waveform data relative to the respiratory reference waveform data by comparing the respiratory waveform data acquired by the acquisition unit with preset respiratory reference waveform data.

[0007] Furthermore, an information generation method relating to one aspect for achieving the above objective is: A step to acquire respiratory waveform data related to the subject's respiratory pressure, The information generation device performs the following steps: compare the acquired respiratory waveform data with a pre-set respiratory reference waveform data to generate respiratory depth information indicating the respiratory depth of the respiratory waveform data relative to the respiratory reference waveform data.

[0008] Furthermore, a computer program relating to one aspect for achieving the above objective is: A function to acquire respiratory waveform data related to the subject's respiratory pressure, The computer is provided with a function to generate breathing depth information, which indicates the depth of breathing in the breathing waveform data relative to the breathing reference waveform data, by comparing the acquired breathing waveform data with pre-set breathing reference waveform data.

[0009] Furthermore, a non-temporary computer-readable medium relating to one aspect for achieving the above objective includes: The above computer program is stored.

[0010] According to the information generation device, information generation method, computer program, and non-temporary computer-readable medium described above, respiratory depth information is generated by comparing respiratory reference waveform data, which serves as a standard for determining the depth of a subject's breathing, with respiratory waveform data obtained from the subject. Therefore, it is information that objectively indicates the depth of a subject's breathing. Consequently, for example, healthcare professionals can determine the depth of breathing based on objective respiratory depth information by viewing a display screen based on respiratory depth information, rather than judging the depth of breathing based on personal experience, as in the past. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information generation device, an information generation method, a computer program for causing the device to execute the method, and a non-temporary computer-readable medium on which the computer program is recorded, all of which are capable of objectively determining the depth of a subject's respiration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of an information generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart of an information generation method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a biological waveform, including the respiratory waveform of the subject. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a subject's respiratory baseline waveform. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a display screen according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a subject's respiratory waveform. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a display screen according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a display screen according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the "left - right direction" and "up - down direction" will be referred to as appropriate. These directions are relative directions set in each waveform illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6, or in the display unit 7 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7 - 8.

[0014] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an information generation device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The information generation device 1 is, for example, a bedside monitor. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the information generation device 1 includes an acquisition unit 2, an operation unit 3, a storage unit 4, a control unit 5, an output interface 6, a display unit 7, and a notification unit 8. These are communicably connected to each other via a bus 9.

[0015] The acquisition unit 2 is configured to acquire biological information including respiratory waveform data related to the respiratory pressure of the subject P from the subject P. The respiratory waveform data is based on a biological signal corresponding to the respiratory air from at least one of the subject P's oral cavity or nasal cavity detected by the pressure sensor 10. The biological information acquired by the acquisition unit 2 may include electrocardiogram waveform data, transcutaneous arterial oxygen saturation data, etc. detected by various sensors. The biological information acquired by the acquisition unit 2 is transmitted to the storage unit 4 and the control unit 5.

[0016] The operation unit 3 is configured to receive an input operation of a person (for example, a medical staff) who operates the information generation device 1 and generate an instruction signal corresponding to the input operation. The operation unit 3 is, for example, a touch panel disposed on top of the display unit 7, an operation button attached to the housing of the information generation device 1, etc. The operation unit 3 receives various input operations, generates an instruction signal corresponding to the input operation, and transmits it to the control unit 5.

[0017] The storage unit 4 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Soli a memory device such as a State Drive). The storage unit 4 stores biometric information acquired by the acquisition unit 2, information input via the operation unit 3, information generated by the control unit 5, and the like.

[0018] The control unit 5 includes a memory 51 and a processor 52. The memory 51 is composed of, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which various programs and the like are stored, a RAM (Random Access Memory) having a plurality of work areas in which various programs executed by the processor 52 are stored, and the like. The processor 52 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and is configured to expand a program specified from various programs incorporated in the ROM onto the RAM and execute various processes in cooperation with the RAM.

[0019] The control unit 5 is configured to generate respiratory depth information, which is information regarding the depth of respiration. The generated respiratory depth information can be transmitted to the storage unit 4. Note that the respiratory depth information includes classification information corresponding to the classified state of the depth of the subject P's respiration and numerical information representing the state of the depth of the subject P's respiration numerically.

[0020] The control unit 5 is configured to determine whether it is necessary to notify the state of the depth of the subject P's respiration based on the respiratory depth information. Note that the control unit 5 may be configured to determine whether it is necessary to notify the state of the depth of the subject P's respiration using not only the respiratory depth information but also, for example, aggregated information described later. When the control unit 5 determines that it is necessary to notify the state of the depth of the subject P's respiration, the control unit 5 is configured to generate a notification signal for notifying the state of the depth of the subject P's respiration to medical staff or the like. The generated notification signal is transmitted to the external device 20 via the notification unit 8 or the output interface 6.

[0021] The control unit 5 is configured to generate aggregated information by combining multiple respiratory depth data points over a predetermined period of time. The length of this predetermined period can be arbitrarily set by a medical professional or the like. For example, the predetermined period is 10 minutes. The generated aggregated information can be transmitted to the storage unit 4.

[0022] The control unit 5 is configured to generate display data for displaying respiratory waveform data and respiratory depth information on the display unit 7 or a display unit on an external device 20. The generated display data is transmitted to the output interface 6 or the display unit 7.

[0023] The output interface 6 is configured to output an output signal OS corresponding to the information transmitted to the output interface 6. The output signal OS can be transmitted to an external device 20. The output interface 6 may optionally include a circuit to convert the output data into an output signal OS that can be processed by the external device 20.

[0024] The external device 20 is configured to provide various types of information to medical personnel, etc., through at least one of visual, auditory, and tactile notifications. The external device 20 is, for example, a tablet terminal or a smartphone.

[0025] The display unit 7 is configured to display a display screen corresponding to the display data received from the control unit 5. The display unit 7 is, for example, a touchscreen display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. In addition to respiratory waveform data and respiratory depth information, the display unit 7 may also display other information. Such other information may include, for example, information on transcutaneous arterial oxygen saturation, heart rate, and electrocardiogram.

[0026] The notification unit 8 is configured to notify the subject P of the depth of respiration based on the notification signal received from the control unit 5. The notification method by the notification unit 8 is the same as the notification method by the external device 20.

[0027] Next, the information generation method used in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 7. Figure 2 is a flowchart of the information generation method according to this embodiment. As illustrated in Figure 2, the acquisition unit 2 acquires biological information from the subject P before surgery (STEP 01). For example, when a medical professional performs an operation on the operation unit 3 to acquire biological information from the subject P, an instruction signal corresponding to the operation is transmitted from the operation unit 3 to the control unit 5. Based on the instruction signal, the control unit 5 controls the acquisition unit 2 to acquire respiratory waveform data from the subject P. In this embodiment, when the biological waveform based on the biological information acquired from the subject P in STEP 01 is displayed on the display unit 7, the biological waveform illustrated in Figure 3 is displayed on the display unit 7. The biological waveform includes a respiratory waveform 71, a percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation waveform 72, and an electrocardiogram waveform 73. In the example shown in Figure 3, the respiratory rate is 12, the percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation value is 98, and the heart rate is 80. Furthermore, in Figure 3, reference numeral 80 indicates that the respiratory waveform 71, the percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation waveform 72, and the electrocardiogram waveform 73 are in phase. When the acquisition unit 2 acquires biological information from the subject P, it transmits the acquired biological information to the storage unit 4.

[0028] In this embodiment, subject P undergoes surgery after STEP 01, and is administered an anesthetic during the surgery. If the anesthetic administered during the surgery remains in subject P's body, subject P's respiration after the surgery may become shallower than normal due to the remaining anesthetic. In particular, respiration may become shallower during sleep due to the effects of the remaining anesthetic. For this reason, as illustrated in Figure 2, biological information is acquired from subject P by the acquisition unit 2 shortly after the surgery is completed (STEP 02). The process of acquiring biological information in STEP 02 is the same as the process of acquiring biological information in STEP 01. When the respiratory waveform 75 (an example of a second respiratory waveform) based on the respiratory waveform data acquired in STEP 02 is displayed on the display unit 7, the display unit 7 displays, for example, the waveform shown in Figure 5. The respiratory waveform data includes the subject P's expiratory waveform data (for example, data relating to subject P's expiratory volume and detection time of expiratory air) and the subject P's inspiratory waveform data (for example, data relating to subject P's inspiratory volume and detection time of inspiratory air).

[0029] As illustrated in Figure 2, when the control unit 5 acquires biological information from the subject P after surgery, it determines whether the respiratory waveform data previously acquired from the subject P is in the storage unit 4 (STEP 03). In this embodiment, since the respiratory waveform data previously acquired from the subject P is in the storage unit 4 (YES in STEP 03), the control unit 5 sets the respiratory reference waveform data based on the said respiratory waveform data (STEP 04). The respiratory reference waveform data may be set automatically by the control unit 5, or it may be set by an input operation to the operation unit 3 by a medical professional. Furthermore, since the subject's normal respiratory state (depth of breathing) is known before surgery, the control unit 5 sets reference respiratory waveform data (respiratory reference waveform data) from the respiratory waveform data acquired from the subject P before surgery. In addition, when the respiratory reference waveform 74 (an example of the first respiratory waveform) based on the respiratory reference waveform data set in STEP 04 is displayed on the display unit 7, the waveform illustrated in Figure 4 is displayed on the display unit 7. The respiratory reference waveform 74 is a waveform that shows the standard respiratory pressure level of the subject P.

[0030] On the other hand, as illustrated in Figure 2, if the respiratory waveform data previously acquired from subject P is not in the storage unit 4 (NO in STEP 03), the control unit 5 acquires the attribute information of subject P stored in the storage unit 4 (STEP 05). The attribute information includes, for example, age information, gender information, pre-existing medical conditions, and medical history.

[0031] When the control unit 5 acquires attribute information of subject P, it sets respiratory reference waveform data based on the acquired attribute information (STEP 06). In this case, the control unit 5 sets respiratory reference waveform data based on statistical respiratory waveform data acquired from multiple other individuals who have attribute information identical or similar to that of subject P. These other individuals may be, for example, subjects of similar age to subject P or subjects with the same chronic illness as subject P.

[0032] When the control unit 5 sets the respiratory reference waveform data, it generates respiratory depth information based on the respiratory waveform data obtained from the patient P after surgery and the respiratory reference waveform data (STEP 07).

[0033] Here, the processing performed by the control unit 5 in STEP 07 will be explained in detail using Figures 4 and 5. As illustrated in Figure 4, the control unit 5 determines a first amplitude A1 (an example of a first value) that represents the respiratory pressure based on the respiratory reference waveform data, based on the inspiratory peak pressure 74a and the expiratory peak pressure 74b in the respiratory reference waveform 74. The first amplitude A1 is the difference between the height of the inspiratory peak pressure 74a and the height of the expiratory peak pressure 74b.

[0034] As illustrated in Figure 5, the respiratory waveform 75 includes multiple unit respiratory waveforms 751 to 753. A unit respiratory waveform is a respiratory waveform corresponding to a single breath by the subject P. The control unit 5 determines second amplitudes A21 to A23 (examples of second values) that indicate the respiratory pressure based on the respiratory waveform data, based on the inspiratory peak pressures 751a to 753a and expiratory peak pressures 751b to 753b in the unit respiratory waveforms 751 to 753.

[0035] The control unit 5 calculates relative values ​​X1 to X3 (an example of numerical information) that indicate the relative magnitudes of the second amplitudes A21 to A23 with respect to the first amplitude A1. For example, the control unit 5 calculates the relative value X1 based on the following equation (1): X1 = A21 / A1 * 100 (%) ... (1) In this embodiment, the magnitude of the second amplitude A21 is 3 / 4 of the magnitude of the first amplitude A1, so the relative value X1 is 75%.

[0036] Relative values ​​X2 to X3 are calculated in the same way as relative value X1. In other words, the control unit 5 compares the first amplitude A1 of the respiratory reference waveform 74 included in the respiratory reference waveform data with the second amplitudes A21 to A23 of the respiratory waveform 75 included in the respiratory waveform data acquired by the acquisition unit 2, thereby generating relative values ​​X1 to X3 that indicate the relative magnitude of the second amplitudes A21 to A23 with respect to the first amplitude A1. Note that relative values ​​X1 to X3 are generated each time unit respiratory waveforms 751 to 753 are acquired.

[0037] The control unit 5 classifies the breathing depth state of subject P based on the generated relative values ​​X1 to X3 and the classification criterion information stored in the memory unit 4. The classification criterion information is information used to set the criteria for classifying the breathing depth state. The breathing depth state can be classified into three states, for example, "normal," "caution," and "danger." In this case, the classification criterion information is, for example, a threshold value that defines the boundaries (ranges) of the three classifications. In this embodiment, the control unit 5 classifies the breathing depth state of subject P as "danger" when the relative value is 19% or less, classifies the state as "caution" when the relative value is 20% or more and 49% or less, and classifies the state as "normal" when the relative value is 50% or more.

[0038] In the state illustrated in Figure 5, the relative values ​​X1 to X3 are 50% or more, so the control unit 5 classifies the respiratory depth state of subject P corresponding to unit respiratory waveforms 751 to 753 as "normal". After classifying the respiratory depth state of subject P corresponding to unit respiratory waveforms 751 to 753, the control unit 5 generates classification information according to the classified respiratory depth state of subject P. In this way, the control unit 5 generates respiratory depth information including numerical information and classification information.

[0039] Returning to Figure 2, the process from STEP 08 onwards will be explained. In STEP 08, the control unit 5 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the acquisition unit 2 began acquiring postoperative respiratory waveform data from the subject P. In this embodiment, the predetermined time is assumed to be 10 minutes. For example, if the time when the acquisition unit 2 began acquiring postoperative respiratory waveform data from the subject P was 18:00, and the current time is 18:02, the control unit 5 determines that the predetermined time (10 minutes) has not elapsed since 18:00 (NO in STEP 08). In this case, the control unit 5 generates display data for displaying the respiratory waveform data and respiratory depth information on the display unit 7 or the display unit of the external device 20 (STEP 09).

[0040] The control unit 5 is configured to generate either first display data, where the inspiratory pressure is higher than the expiratory pressure in the respiratory waveform 75, or second display data, where the expiratory pressure is higher than the inspiratory pressure in the respiratory waveform 75. For example, when a medical professional performs an operation on the operation unit 3 to cause the control unit 5 to generate first display data, the operation unit 3 generates an instruction signal corresponding to the input operation, and the control unit 5 generates first display data based on the instruction signal. As illustrated in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the inspiratory pressure is higher than the expiratory pressure in the respiratory waveform 75. Therefore, the control unit 5 generates first display data. The generated first display data is transmitted to the output interface 6 or the display unit 7.

[0041] When the control unit 5 generates display data, it controls the display unit 7 or the display unit of the external device 20 to display a display screen corresponding to the generated display data (STEP 10). In this embodiment, the control unit 5 transmits first display data to the display unit 7. When the display unit 7 receives the first display data from the control unit 5, the display unit 7 displays a display screen corresponding to the received first display data. When STEP 10 is executed, the system returns to STEP 07.

[0042] Here, with reference to Figure 5, the display screen shown on the display unit 7 at 18:02 will be explained. At 18:02, the display unit 7 displays the display screen illustrated in Figure 5. As illustrated in Figure 5, the display unit 7 displays the respiratory reference waveform 74, the respiratory waveform 75, the percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation waveform 76, and the electrocardiogram waveform 77. The respiratory reference waveform 74, the respiratory waveform 75, the percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation waveform 76, and the electrocardiogram waveform 77 are displayed side by side in the vertical direction. These waveforms are arranged from top to bottom in the order of respiratory reference waveform 74, electrocardiogram waveform 77, percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation waveform 76, and respiratory waveform 75. In other words, the respiratory reference waveform 74 is displayed above the respiratory waveform 75, the percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation waveform 76, and the electrocardiogram waveform 77, while the respiratory waveform 75 is displayed below the respiratory reference waveform 74, the percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation waveform 76, and the electrocardiogram waveform 77. The length of the respiratory reference waveform in the left-right direction is approximately 2 / 5 of the length of the respiratory waveform in the left-right direction. Respiratory rate, transcutaneous arterial oxygen saturation value, and heart rate are displayed near the left side of respiratory waveform 75, transcutaneous arterial oxygen saturation waveform 76, and electrocardiogram waveform 77, respectively. It should be noted that the display positions of respiratory reference waveform 74, respiratory waveform 75, transcutaneous arterial oxygen saturation waveform 76, and electrocardiogram waveform 77 are not limited to this example.

[0043] Near the peaks in each unit respiratory waveform 751-753, classification information markers M1-M3 and relative values ​​X1-X3 are displayed. Markers M1-M3 are hatched to indicate the respiratory depth status of the classified subject P. Since the relative values ​​X1-X3 corresponding to unit respiratory waveforms 751-753 are all 50% or higher, the respiratory depth status of subject P corresponding to unit respiratory waveforms 751-753 is "normal" for all of them. Therefore, markers M1-M3 are hatched (horizontal line hatching) to indicate "normal". Relative values ​​X1-X3 are displayed near the left side of markers M1-M3.

[0044] Next, referring to Figure 6, the processing performed by the control unit 5 in STEP 07 after STEP 10 has been executed will be explained in detail. Figure 6 shows how the breathing of subject P gradually becomes shallower due to the anesthetic. The control unit 5 generates relative values ​​X4 to X9 each time a unit respiratory waveform 754 to 759 is acquired, using the same principle as the principle used to generate relative values ​​X1 to X3. When the control unit 5 generates relative values ​​X4 to X9, it classifies the state of subject P's breathing depth corresponding to the unit respiratory waveform 754 to 759 based on the relative values ​​X4 to X9 and generates classification information corresponding to that classification. In the example shown in Figure 6, since the relative value X4 is 50% or more, the control unit 5 classifies the state of subject P's breathing depth corresponding to the unit respiratory waveform 754 as "normal". Near the right side of relative value X4, there is a marker M4 with hatching (horizontal line hatching) indicating "normal". Since the relative values ​​X5 to X7 are between 20% and 49%, the control unit 5 classifies the respiratory depth state of subject P corresponding to unit respiratory waveforms 755 to 757 as "caution." Near the right side of relative values ​​X5 to X7 are markers M5 to M7 with hatching (vertical line hatching) indicating "caution." Since the relative values ​​X8 to X9 are 19% or less, the control unit 5 classifies the respiratory depth state of subject P corresponding to unit respiratory waveforms 758 to 759 as "dangerous." Near the right side of relative values ​​X8 to X9 are markers M8 to M9 with hatching (diagonal line hatching) indicating "dangerous." In this way, the control unit 5 continues to generate respiratory depth information from the time the acquisition unit 2 begins acquiring postoperative respiratory waveform data from subject P until a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0045] Returning to Figure 2, let's explain STEP 11 to STEP 13. For example, if the current time is 18:10, the control unit 5 determines that a predetermined time (10 minutes) has elapsed since the time (18:00) when the acquisition unit 2 began acquiring postoperative respiratory waveform data from the subject P (YES in STEP 08). In this case, the control unit 5 generates aggregated information regarding the depth of the subject P's breathing during that predetermined time based on multiple respiratory depth information continuously generated during the period from when the acquisition of respiratory waveform data from the subject P after surgery began until 10 minutes have elapsed (STEP 11).

[0046] As illustrated in Figure 6, the control unit 5 generates average breathing depth information and cumulative count information as aggregated information. The average breathing depth information is the average value of the relative magnitude of the second amplitude to the first amplitude A1 over a predetermined time. For example, it is the average value of the relative magnitudes (relative values ​​X1 to X9) of the second amplitudes A21 to A29 to the first amplitude A1 over a predetermined time. The cumulative count information indicates the cumulative number of breaths corresponding to each classification of breathing depth (i.e., dangerous, caution, normal).

[0047] In this embodiment, the average respiratory depth information is the average value of relative values ​​X1 to X9. Since the average value of relative values ​​X1 to X9 is 46%, in this embodiment, this average value (46%) is the average respiratory depth information. However, the average respiratory depth information is not limited to numerical information such as the average value, but may also be other information such as levels or characters that represent the state of respiratory depth (normal, etc.). The cumulative count information is generated by the control unit 5 classifying the respiratory depth state of subject P for each unit respiratory waveform based on the acquired respiratory waveform data and respiratory reference waveform data, and aggregating how many times each state was classified. In this embodiment, identification marks S1 to S3 are used as identification marks that represent the classification of the respiratory depth state. Identification marks S1 to S3 are hatched to represent the respiratory depth state of subject P, using the same criteria as markers M1 to M9. The numbers displayed to the right of identification marks S1 to S3 indicate the cumulative number of times each state has been classified. In other words, the control unit 5 compiles data on the depth of the breath of subject P, based on the respiratory waveform data acquired during the 10 minutes following the start of acquisition of respiratory waveform data from subject P after surgery. The data is classified as "normal" 61 times, "caution" 45 times, and "dangerous" 2 times. The control unit 5 then generates cumulative count information showing this compilation result.

[0048] As illustrated in Figure 2, once aggregated information is generated, the control unit 5 generates display data for displaying the respiratory waveform data, respiratory depth information, and aggregated information on the display unit 7 or the display unit of the external device 20 (STEP 12). In STEP 12, the control unit 5 generates first display data, similar to STEP 09. In this embodiment, the generated first display data is transmitted to the display unit 7.

[0049] When the control unit 5 transmits the first display data it has generated to the display unit 7, the display screen corresponding to the first display data is displayed on the display unit 7, similar to STEP 10 (STEP 13).

[0050] Here, referring to Figure 7, the display screen shown on the display unit 7 at 18:10 will be explained. However, for the sake of clarity, explanations of parts that are the same as the display screen exemplified in Figure 5 will be omitted. After a predetermined time (10 minutes) has elapsed, the aggregated information will be updated based on multiple respiratory depth information generated in the most recent 10 minutes. At 18:10, the display unit 7 will display the display screen exemplified in Figure 7. The display screen exemplified in Figure 7 differs from the display screen exemplified in Figure 5 in that the average respiratory depth information is displayed near the left of the respiratory rate ("8" in Figure 7), and the identification markers S1~S3 and cumulative count information are displayed near the left of the average respiratory depth information.

[0051] Near the peaks in each unit respiration waveform 757-759, markers M7-M9 (classification information) and relative values ​​X7-X9 (numerical information) are displayed. Markers M7-M9 are hatched as described above. Specifically, since the relative value X7 corresponding to unit respiration waveform 757 is 20%, marker M7 is hatched with vertical lines. Also, the relative value X8 corresponding to unit respiration waveform 758 is 16%, and the relative value X9 corresponding to unit respiration waveform 759 is 15%, so markers M8-M9 are hatched with diagonal lines.

[0052] Next, the function for notifying the breathing depth status of subject P will be explained. Based on the breathing depth information, the control unit 5 determines that if it determines that subject P's breathing depth status is poor, it is necessary to notify subject P's breathing depth status. For example, if the relative value calculated based on the breathing depth information is 49% or less, the control unit 5 determines that subject P's breathing depth status is poor and that it is necessary to notify subject P's breathing depth status. In this case, the control unit 5 generates a notification signal to inform medical personnel of subject P's breathing depth status and transmits the generated notification signal to the notification unit 8 or external device 20. On the other hand, if, for example, the relative value calculated based on the breathing depth information is 50% or more, the control unit 5 determines that subject P's breathing depth status is good. In this case, the control unit 5 determines that it is not necessary to notify subject P's breathing depth status and does not generate a notification signal.

[0053] When the control unit 5 generates a notification signal, it transmits the generated notification signal to the notification unit 8. When the notification unit 8 receives the notification signal, it notifies medical personnel of the depth of the patient P's breathing based on the received notification signal. For example, when the notification unit 8 auditorily notifies medical personnel around the information generation device 1 of the depth of the patient P's breathing, it outputs a voice message such as, "Patient P's breathing appears to be poor. Please check on patient P's condition." Alternatively, when the notification unit 8 visually notifies medical personnel around the information generation device 1 of the depth of the patient P's breathing, it outputs text information such as, "Patient P's breathing appears to be poor. Please check on patient P's condition," to the display unit 7.

[0054] The functions described above can be realized by the memory 51 and the processor 52. The memory 51 may store a computer program for performing the above-mentioned processes. This computer program may be stored in the memory 51 in advance, or it may be downloaded from an external server via a communication network.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a computer-readable medium may be used. A computer-readable medium refers to any type of physical memory (RAM, ROM, etc.) that can store information and data that can be read by the processor 52. The computer-readable medium can store instructions related to execution processing by one or more processors. The term "computer-readable medium" includes tangible items and excludes carrier waves and temporary signals (i.e., it refers to non-temporary items). Examples of non-temporary computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Pro). These are grammable ROM, EPROM (Erasable PROM), and flash ROM.

[0056] Incidentally, a subject's respiratory status is generally judged based on their breathing rate and depth. While breathing rate can be objectively determined from the respiratory rate, breathing depth is subjectively judged by medical professionals by visually observing the respiratory waveform, making objective judgment difficult. Therefore, the inventor came to the conclusion that it might be possible to objectively grasp the depth of breathing by comparing a reference respiratory waveform with the respiratory waveform included in the respiratory waveform data obtained from the subject.

[0057] With the configuration described above, the respiratory depth information generated by the control unit 5 is generated by comparing respiratory reference waveform data, which serves as a standard for determining the depth of the subject P's breathing, with respiratory waveform data obtained from the subject. In other words, this respiratory depth information is objective information that indicates the depth of the subject's breathing. Therefore, for example, a medical professional can determine the depth of breathing based on objective respiratory depth information by looking at the display unit 7 on which the respiratory depth information is displayed, rather than judging the depth of breathing based on personal experience, as in the past. As a result, medical professionals can objectively grasp the depth of the subject P's breathing.

[0058] Furthermore, with the above configuration, the respiratory depth information generated by the control unit 5 indicates the relative magnitude of the second amplitudes A21 to A29 of the second respiratory waveform included in the respiratory waveform data with respect to the first amplitude A1 of the first respiratory waveform included in the respiratory reference waveform data. Therefore, even in this case, healthcare professionals can determine the depth of respiration based on the respiratory depth information, which serves as an objective indicator, and thus objectively grasp the depth of respiration of the subject P.

[0059] Furthermore, with the configuration described above, the respiratory reference waveform data can be set based on respiratory waveform data previously acquired from subject P. Since respiratory waveforms differ greatly from subject to subject, it is desirable that the respiratory reference waveform data be set based on respiratory waveform data previously acquired from the subject in question. Therefore, with the configuration described above, it is possible to generate more accurate respiratory depth information.

[0060] Furthermore, with the configuration described above, the respiratory reference waveform data can be set based on the attribute information of subject P. Therefore, even if there is no respiratory waveform data previously acquired from subject P, for example, respiratory depth information can be generated by using respiratory reference waveform data set based on the attribute information of subject P.

[0061] Furthermore, with the configuration described above, attribute information includes age information, gender information, pre-existing medical conditions information, and medical history information. Therefore, even if there is no respiratory waveform data previously obtained from subject P, respiratory depth information can be generated based on respiratory reference waveform data set based on statistical respiratory waveform data obtained from multiple other individuals with similar attributes to subject P. Thus, even if there is no respiratory waveform data previously obtained from subject P, relatively accurate respiratory depth information can be generated.

[0062] Furthermore, with the above configuration, respiratory depth information is generated by comparing the first amplitude A1 of the first respiratory waveform included in the respiratory reference waveform data with the second amplitudes A21-A29 of the second respiratory waveform included in the respiratory waveform data. Since the first amplitude A1 and the second amplitudes A21-A29 are determined using both the peak pressure of exhalation and the peak pressure of inhalation, the control unit 5 can more easily generate respiratory depth information that more accurately reflects the respiratory state of the subject P.

[0063] Furthermore, with the configuration described above, the respiratory depth information includes classification information corresponding to the relative magnitudes of the second amplitudes A21-A29 to the first amplitude A1. Therefore, healthcare professionals can objectively and easily grasp the respiratory depth status of subject P by using the classification information.

[0064] Furthermore, with the configuration described above, the respiratory depth information includes numerical information indicating the relative magnitude of the second amplitudes A21-A29 to the first amplitude A1. Therefore, healthcare professionals can use this numerical information to understand the respiratory depth state of subject P, making it easier and more objective to grasp.

[0065] Furthermore, with the above configuration, display data is generated so that the respiratory depth information is displayed near unit respiratory waveforms 751-759. By viewing the display screen based on this display data, healthcare professionals can easily recognize which part of the respiratory waveform the respiratory depth information corresponds to. In particular, when the display data is generated so that the respiratory depth information is displayed near the peaks of unit respiratory waveforms 751-759, healthcare professionals can more easily recognize which part of the respiratory waveform the respiratory depth information corresponds to.

[0066] Furthermore, with the above configuration, respiratory depth information is generated and displayed in correspondence with each unit respiratory waveform 751-759. By viewing the display screen based on this display data, healthcare professionals can grasp the depth of each breath of the subject over a given period of time at a glance.

[0067] Furthermore, with the above configuration, the control unit 5 generates aggregated information regarding the depth of the subject P's breathing during a predetermined time period, based on multiple respiratory depth information points generated continuously over that predetermined time period. Therefore, for example, a medical professional can easily grasp the general outline of the depth of the subject P's breathing during that predetermined time period by using the aggregated information.

[0068] Furthermore, with the above configuration, the control unit 5 generates either first display data, in which the inspiratory pressure is higher than the expiratory pressure in the respiratory waveform, or second display data, in which the expiratory pressure is higher than the inspiratory pressure in the respiratory waveform. Therefore, the information generation device 1 can provide healthcare professionals who are visually observing the respiratory waveform with a display mode of the respiratory waveform that suits their preferences.

[0069] Furthermore, with the configuration described above, the information generation device 1 is equipped with a display unit 7 for displaying respiratory waveform data and respiratory depth information. Therefore, with the information generation device 1, even without an external device 20 for displaying respiratory waveform data and respiratory depth information, healthcare professionals can visually confirm the respiratory waveform data and respiratory depth information.

[0070] Furthermore, with the above configuration, the control unit 5 generates a notification signal to inform the medical staff of the state of breathing depth based on the breathing depth information. Therefore, according to the information generation device 1, for example, if the breathing depth of subject P is poor, this fact is notified to the medical staff. As a result, the medical staff can immediately grasp the state of subject P's breathing depth, and if the breathing depth of the subject is poor, they can immediately take appropriate action for subject P.

[0071] (Modification of the first embodiment) Next, a modified version of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7. This modified version differs from the first embodiment in that the markers M7~M9 (classification information) and relative values ​​X7~X9 (numerical information) are displayed at one of the positions indicated by the dashed lines in Figure 7. In other words, this modified version differs from the first embodiment in that the respiratory depth information is displayed in the vicinity of the unit respiratory waveform. The vicinity of the unit respiratory waveform is, for example, the region R1~R3 ​​enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 7. That is, the vicinity of the unit respiratory waveform is the rising and falling positions of the unit respiratory waveform, or above and below the peak of the unit respiratory waveform.

[0072] In this modified example as well, since the respiratory depth information is located near the unit respiratory waveform, healthcare professionals can easily recognize which part of the respiratory waveform the respiratory depth information corresponds to.

[0073] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that respiratory depth information is generated in units of datasets containing three consecutive unit respiratory waveforms. In other words, the respiratory depth information generated in this embodiment represents the depth of three consecutive breaths by subject P as a single piece of information (for example, the average, maximum, and minimum relative values ​​corresponding to those three consecutive breaths). Note that the dataset only needs to contain two or more consecutive unit respiratory waveforms, and the number of unit respiratory waveforms included in the dataset is not limited to three. Furthermore, in the description of this embodiment, explanations that overlap with the description in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0074] For example, at 18:10, the control unit 5 calculates relative values ​​X7 to X9 using the same principle as in the first embodiment. After calculating the relative values ​​X7 to X9, the control unit 5 calculates, for example, the average value X10 of the relative values ​​X7 to X9, and classifies the respiratory depth state of subject P based on the calculated average value X10 and the classification criterion information. In this embodiment, relative value X7 is 20%, relative value X8 is 16%, and relative value X9 is 15% (see Figure 6), so the average value X10 of relative values ​​X7 to X9 is 17%. Therefore, the control unit 5 classifies the respiratory depth state of subject P corresponding to the dataset including unit respiratory waveforms 757 to 759 as "dangerous" and generates classification information corresponding to that classification.

[0075] The control unit 5 classifies the state of the breathing depth of subject P corresponding to the dataset containing unit breathing waveforms 757 to 759, generates breathing depth information indicating the state of breathing depth, and generates first display data based on the generated breathing depth information. In this embodiment, the display screen based on the first display data generated is the display screen illustrated in Figure 8. As illustrated in Figure 8, unit breathing waveforms 757 to 759 are enclosed by a rectangular frame line F1. The left side F11 of frame line F1 passes through the rising edge position of unit breathing waveform 757, and the right side F12 of frame line F1 passes through the falling edge position of unit breathing waveform 759.

[0076] The appearance of the border line F1 can be changed according to the classified state. For example, the border line F1 may be set to become thicker as the breathing depth state worsens, or it may be colored according to the classified state. Above and outside the border line F1, a marker M10 (classification information) with diagonal hatching indicating "danger" and the average value X10 (numerical information) are displayed. The relative value X10 is displayed near the left side of the marker M10. Note that the marker M10 and the average value X10 may be displayed inside the border line F1, or near the left and right sides of the border line F1.

[0077] With the configuration described above, healthcare professionals can view the depth of multiple breaths as a single piece of information by looking at such a display screen.

[0078] The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. The present invention may be modified and improved without departing from its spirit.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the control unit 5 generates breathing depth information based on relative values ​​X1 to X9 calculated by comparing the first amplitude A1 with the second amplitudes A21 to A29, but this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 5 may generate breathing depth information based on the similarity between the two waveforms calculated by comparing the breathing reference waveform 74 with the breathing waveform 75.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the information generation device 1 does not include a pressure sensor 10, but the acquisition unit 2 of the information generation device 1 may include a pressure sensor with a configuration similar to that of the pressure sensor 10. In this case, the acquisition unit 2 detects at least one breath from the mouth or nose of the subject P and acquires respiratory waveform data relating to the respiratory pressure of the subject P based on the detected breath.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the information generation device 1 is equipped with a storage unit 4, but the information generation device 1 does not necessarily have to be equipped with a storage unit 4. In this case, the memory 51 of the control unit 5 functions as a storage unit.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the first value is the first amplitude A1 of the first respiratory waveform included in the respiratory reference waveform data, and the second value is the second amplitude A21 to A29 of the second respiratory waveform included in the respiratory waveform data, but this embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the first value may be the maximum respiratory pressure in the entire respiratory reference waveform, and the second value may be the maximum respiratory pressure in the entire respiratory waveform. Alternatively, the first value may be the average respiratory pressure value in the first respiratory waveform from the start of breathing until a predetermined time has elapsed, and the second value may be the average respiratory pressure value in the second respiratory waveform from the start of breathing until a predetermined time has elapsed. Furthermore, the first value may be the maximum respiratory pressure value in the first respiratory waveform from the start of breathing until a predetermined time has elapsed, and the second value may be the maximum respiratory pressure value in the second respiratory waveform from the start of breathing until a predetermined time has elapsed. Alternatively, the first value may be the average respiratory pressure value from the rise to the peak of the first respiratory waveform, and the second value may be the average respiratory pressure value from the rise to the peak of the second respiratory waveform.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the display unit 7 displays markers as classification information, but for example, textual information indicating the depth of the subject P's respiration may be displayed as classification information. Alternatively, instead of markers, the depth of the subject P's respiration may be indicated by changing the thickness of the unit respiration waveform based on the depth of the subject P's respiration. In this case, the thickness of the unit respiration waveform corresponds to the classification information.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the display unit 7 displays the relative value as numerical information, but for example, levels from 1 to 5 corresponding to the calculated relative value may be displayed. Note that there may be two or more levels, and is not limited to five levels.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the display unit 7 displays a marker and a relative value, but either the marker or the relative value does not need to be displayed on the display unit 7. In other words, the respiratory depth information may include only either classification information or numerical information.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the display unit 7 displays identification markers S1 to S3 and cumulative count information at 18:10, but the identification markers S1 to S3 and cumulative count information do not necessarily have to be displayed on the display unit 7.

[0087] In the above embodiment, each classification representing the state of respiration depth is distinguished by different hatching on the identification markers S1-S3 and markers M1-M10, but this embodiment is not limited to this. Each classification may be distinguished, for example, by different colors on the identification markers S1-S3 and markers M1-M10, or by different shapes on the identification markers S1-S3 and markers M1-M10. Furthermore, each classification may be distinguished by different colors on the background or on each unit respiration waveform based on the classification information.

[0088] In the above embodiment, we described an example in which biological information, including respiratory waveform data, is obtained from subject P who was administered an anesthetic during surgery, before and after the surgery. However, this embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, the present invention is also applicable in cases in which subject P's respiration changes from tachypnea to hypopnea.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the state of breathing depth is classified as "normal, caution, dangerous," but it may also be classified as "level 1, level 2, level 3."

[0090] In the above embodiment, the state of breathing depth is classified into three states: "normal," "caution," and "danger," but it may be classified into two or more states.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the relative value is displayed near the left side of the marker, but it may also be displayed near the top or right side of the marker.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the respiratory reference waveform 74 is displayed on the display unit 7, but the respiratory reference waveform 74 does not have to be displayed. In other words, the control unit 5 may generate display data that does not include respiratory reference waveform data.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the control unit 5 generates breathing depth information by comparing the breathing reference waveform 74 and the breathing waveform 75, and then generates display data for displaying the breathing waveform data and the breathing depth information. However, for example, the control unit 5 may be configured not to generate breathing depth information, but to generate display data for displaying the pre-set breathing reference waveform data and the breathing waveform data acquired by the acquisition unit 2. In this case, the control unit 5 displays a display screen showing the breathing reference waveform 74 and the breathing waveform 75 on the display unit 7 or the display unit of the external device 20 based on the generated display data. Furthermore, even when the control unit 5 generates breathing depth information, the control unit 5 may be configured to generate display data that does not include breathing depth information in accordance with the user's settings. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 1: Information generation device, 2: Acquisition unit, 3: Operation unit, 4: Storage unit, 5: Control unit, 6: Output interface, 7: Display unit, 8: Notification unit, 9: Bus, 10: Pressure sensor, 20: External device, 51: Memory, 52: Processor

Claims

1. An acquisition unit configured to acquire respiratory waveform data related to the respiratory pressure of a subject, The system includes a control unit configured to generate breathing depth information indicating the breathing depth of the breathing waveform data relative to the breathing reference waveform data by comparing the breathing reference waveform data with the breathing reference waveform data, The control unit is configured to classify the state of the depth of the subject's breathing for each unit breathing waveform corresponding to one breath of the subject, based on a plurality of breathing depth information continuously generated over a predetermined period of time, and to generate cumulative count information indicating the cumulative number of corresponding unit breathing waveforms for each classification.

2. The aforementioned respiratory reference waveform data includes a first respiratory waveform having a first amplitude, The respiratory waveform data includes a second respiratory waveform having a second amplitude. The information generation device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to generate display data for displaying the first respiratory waveform and the second respiratory waveform side by side.

3. The aforementioned respiratory reference waveform data includes a first respiratory waveform having a first amplitude, The respiratory waveform data includes a second respiratory waveform having a second amplitude. The first amplitude is determined based on the peak exhalation pressure in the first respiratory waveform and the peak inhalation pressure in the first respiratory waveform. The second amplitude is determined based on the peak exhalation pressure in the second respiratory waveform and the peak inhalation pressure in the second respiratory waveform. The information generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit generates the breathing depth information by comparing the first amplitude and the second amplitude.

4. The information generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the respiratory depth information includes classification information corresponding to the relative magnitude of a second value indicating respiratory pressure based on respiratory waveform data with respect to a first value indicating respiratory pressure based on respiratory reference waveform data.

5. The information generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the respiratory depth information includes numerical information indicating the relative magnitude of a second value representing respiratory pressure based on respiratory waveform data with respect to a first value representing respiratory pressure based on respiratory reference waveform data.

6. The control unit is configured to generate display data for displaying the respiratory waveform data and the respiratory depth information. The respiratory waveform based on the aforementioned respiratory waveform data includes at least one unit respiratory waveform corresponding to a single breath by the subject. The information generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the display data is generated such that the respiratory depth information is displayed near the unit respiratory waveform.

7. The information generation device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to generate aggregated information relating to the depth of breathing of the subject during the predetermined time period based on a plurality of respiratory depth information continuously generated during the predetermined time period.

8. The control unit is configured to generate display data for displaying the respiratory waveform data and the respiratory depth information. The information generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit is configured to generate either first display data, in which the inspiratory pressure is higher than the expiratory pressure in the respiratory waveform based on the respiratory waveform data, or second display data, in which the expiratory pressure is higher than the inspiratory pressure in the respiratory waveform, as the display data.

9. The information generation device includes a display unit, The information generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit is configured to generate display data for displaying the respiratory waveform data and the respiratory depth information on the display unit.

10. The information generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control unit is configured to generate a notification signal for notifying the state of the depth of the subject's breathing based at least on the breathing depth information.

11. A step to acquire respiratory waveform data related to the subject's respiratory pressure, A step of generating respiratory depth information indicating the respiratory depth of the respiratory waveform data relative to the respiratory reference waveform data by comparing the acquired respiratory waveform data with a pre-set respiratory reference waveform data, An information generation method comprising the steps of: classifying the state of the depth of the subject's breathing for each unit breathing waveform corresponding to one breath of the subject, based on a plurality of breathing depth information continuously generated over a predetermined period of time, and generating cumulative count information indicating the cumulative number of corresponding unit breathing waveforms for each classification, using an information generation device.

12. The aforementioned information generation method is: The information generation device further performs the step of generating display data, The aforementioned respiratory reference waveform data includes a first respiratory waveform having a first amplitude, The respiratory waveform data includes a second respiratory waveform having a second amplitude. The information generation method according to claim 11, wherein in the step of generating the display data, the display data is generated to display the first respiratory waveform and the second respiratory waveform side by side.

13. A function to acquire respiratory waveform data related to the subject's respiratory pressure, A function to generate respiratory depth information indicating the respiratory depth of the respiratory waveform data relative to the respiratory reference waveform data by comparing the acquired respiratory waveform data with a pre-set respiratory reference waveform data, A computer program for a computer to implement the following functions: classifying the state of the depth of the subject's breathing for each unit breathing waveform corresponding to one breath of the subject, based on a plurality of breathing depth information continuously generated over a predetermined period of time, and generating cumulative count information indicating the cumulative number of corresponding unit breathing waveforms for each classification.

14. The aforementioned computer program, Further enabling computers to generate display data, The aforementioned respiratory reference waveform data includes a first respiratory waveform having a first amplitude, The respiratory waveform data includes a second respiratory waveform having a second amplitude. The computer program according to claim 13, which generates the display data for displaying the first respiratory waveform and the second respiratory waveform side by side.

15. A non-temporary computer-readable medium on which the computer program according to claim 13 or 14 is recorded.

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