Conversion adapter

Abstract

To provide a conversion adapter that enables a biological information monitor with wired connection to a biological sensor to be used simply and at low cost as a wireless biological information monitor (that is, to be added with wireless capability).SOLUTION: A conversion adapter 1 includes: a wireless communication unit 10 for receiving biological information in digital data transmitted from an external biosensor 700 via wireless communication; an information processing unit 20 for data processing of the biological information in digital data received by the wireless communication unit 10; a conversion unit 30 for converting the biological information in digital data processed by the information processing unit 20 into biological information in analog data; and a connection unit 50 that is configured to be connectable with an external biological information monitor 800 by wire and outputs the biological information in analog data converted by the conversion unit 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a conversion adaptor. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, vital sign monitors (bedside monitors) have been used to monitor the condition of patients in hospitals (patient rooms), etc. In the vital sign monitor, sensors are attached to the patient to monitor vital signs (vital signs) such as blood pressure, body temperature, respiration, pulse rate, etc. of the patient.

[0003] Here, Patent Document 1 discloses a wired vital sign monitor in which a vital sign sensor and a vital sign monitor (bedside monitor) are connected by a cable (wired). More specifically, the vital sign monitor is provided with a display unit and a plurality of connectors provided below the display unit, and a cable with a sensor attached thereto is connected to each of the plurality of connectors in order to monitor vital signs.

[0004] Patent document 2 discloses a wireless vital sign monitor that includes a patient-worn wireless sensor (bio-sensor) that transmits vital sign wirelessly to a vital sign monitor, and in which the wireless sensor and the vital sign monitor are connected wirelessly (wirelessly). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-215582 A [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2018-527996 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the vital sign monitor described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the vital sign monitor and the vital sign sensor attached to the patient are connected by a cable (wired), which causes problems such as restricting the movement of the patient.

[0007] On the other hand, the above-mentioned problems can be solved by the wireless vital sign monitor described in Patent Document 2. However, for example, for hospitals and the like that use wired vital sign monitors, replacing the wired vital sign monitors with relatively expensive wireless vital sign monitors is a large financial burden.

[0008] For this reason, there has been a demand for adding wireless functionality to existing devices, that is, wired biological information processing devices (biological information monitors, etc.), without replacing them.

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a conversion adapter that enables a wired bio-information processing device (such as a bio-information monitor) that is connected to a bio-sensor, etc. to be used simply and at low cost as a wireless bio-information processing device (i.e., by adding wireless functionality). [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The conversion adapter of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a wireless communication unit that receives digital data of biometric information transmitted from an external device using wireless communication, an information processing unit that processes the digital data of the biometric information received by the wireless communication unit, a conversion unit that converts the digital data of the biometric information processed by the information processing unit into analog data of biometric information, and a connection unit that is configured to be connectable to an external biometric information processing device and outputs the analog data of the biometric information converted by the conversion unit to the biometric information processing device.

[0011] According to the conversion adapter of the present invention, digital biometric data transmitted from an external device is received by wireless communication, and the received biometric data is processed and converted into analog data suitable for an external biometric data processing device, and then output via a connection unit. Effect of the Invention

[0012] As a result, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily and at low cost use a bio-information processing device (such as a bio-information monitor) that is wired in connection with a bio-sensor, etc., as a wireless bio-information processing device (i.e., to add wireless functionality). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a conversion adaptor according to an embodiment, and a biological information monitor (bedside monitor) to which the conversion adaptor is applied. [Diagram 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the appearance of a conversion adaptor according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a conversion adaptor according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a temperature output characteristic before calibration and a temperature output characteristic after calibration. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a process for estimating a deep body temperature. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a photoplethysmogram. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a method for calculating blood glucose level (blood pressure fluctuation). [Figure 8] 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a conversion unit of the conversion adaptor according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a diagram showing the distribution of switching resistance of a plurality of switching elements constituting a conversion unit (a switch total resistance value distribution diagram). FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conversion adaptor according to a first modified example. [Figure 11]FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conversion adaptor according to a second modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method of connection confirmation (pairing confirmation). [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conversion adaptor according to a third modified example. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a fault diagnosis process of a conversion unit by the conversion adaptor according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals will be used for the same or corresponding parts. In each drawing, the same reference numerals will be used for the same elements, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0015] First, the configuration of a conversion adaptor 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 9. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the conversion adaptor 1 and an example of a vital sign monitor 800 to which the conversion adaptor 1 is applied. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the conversion adaptor 1. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the conversion adaptor 1. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a conversion unit 30 of the conversion adaptor 1.

[0016] The conversion adapter 1 is a conversion device used to connect a wireless biosensor 700 to a wired bioinformation monitor (bedside monitor) 800. The conversion adapter 1 enables connection between the wireless biosensor 700 and the wired bioinformation monitor 800 by absorbing differences in specifications, voltages, etc. between the two. Details will be described later.

[0017] The biosensor 700 is a stick-on biosensor that is attached to a measurement target (e.g., a hospitalized patient) and detects bioinformation from the measurement target. Here, examples of the bioinformation include body temperature, blood pressure, blood glucose level, oxygen saturation, heart rate, pulse rate, ECG, and PPG. That is, the biosensor 700 may be any of a variety of biosensors that detect (acquire) such bioinformation (e.g., a body temperature sensor, a photoplethysmography sensor, a pressure sensor, a blood glucose level sensor, an oxygen saturation sensor, a pulse wave sensor, and an electrocardiogram electrode). In this embodiment, the biosensor 700 will be described by taking as an example a temperature sensor using a thermistor whose resistance value changes with temperature, and a photoplethysmography sensor having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, which optically detects a photoplethysmography signal by utilizing the light absorption characteristics of hemoglobin in blood.

[0018] The biosensor 700 includes an AD converter that converts an analog signal (biological signal) into digital data, and converts the detected biosignal into digital data (biological information). The biosensor 700 also includes a wireless communication module, and wirelessly transmits the AD-converted digital data (biological information). The digital data (biological information) may be a physical quantity such as temperature or pressure, or waveform data such as electrocardiogram. For the wireless communication, a wireless communication method (wireless communication standard) such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy), WiFi, LTE (Long Term Evolution), or sub-giga (900 MHz band) may be used. For example, a wireless communication method (wireless communication standard) such as NFC (Near Field Communication) (ISO / IEC 18092) or MIFARE (registered trademark) (ISO / IEC 14443) may also be used.

[0019] A known wired / analog input type vital sign monitor can be used for the vital sign monitor (corresponding to the vital sign processing device described in the claims) 800. The vital sign monitor 800 is equipped with a display screen, and inputs and displays vital signs detected, converted, and transmitted by the vital sign sensor 700, and received, converted, and relayed via the conversion adapter 1 described later.

[0020] As described above, the conversion adapter 1 is a conversion device used to wirelessly connect the wireless biosensor 700 to the wired biological information monitor 800. The conversion adapter 1 enables connection between the wireless biosensor 700 and the wired biological information monitor 800 by absorbing differences in specifications, voltages, etc. between the two. In particular, the conversion adapter 1 has a function that enables the wired biological information monitor 800 to be used as a wireless biological information monitor (i.e., to add a wireless function) easily and at low cost.

[0021] Therefore, the conversion adaptor 1 mainly includes a wireless communication unit 10, an information processing unit 20, a conversion unit 30, a power supply control unit 40, and a connection unit 50.

[0022] The wireless communication unit 10 receives digital data of biological information transmitted from an external biological sensor 700 by wireless communication. For example, the wireless communication unit 10 receives a plurality of pieces of temperature information, photoplethysmographic information, and the like as biological information. In the wireless communication unit 10, a wireless communication method (wireless communication standard) such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy), WiFi, LTE (Long Term Evolution), or sub-giga (900 MHz band) is used in accordance with the wireless communication method of the above-mentioned biological sensor 700. In addition, a wireless communication method (wireless communication standard) such as NFC (Near Field Communication) (ISO / IEC 18092) or MIFARE (registered trademark) (ISO / IEC 14443) may be used. The biological information received by the wireless communication unit 10 is output to the information processing unit 20.

[0023] For example, the wireless communication unit 10 selects the biosensor 700 with the strongest radio wave intensity of the received radio wave as the biosensor 700 to be connected (paired). That is, when a plurality of biosensors 700 are detected, the wireless communication unit 10 connects to the biosensor 700 with the strongest radio wave intensity. In this case, there is no UI (user interface) for connection between the conversion adaptor 1 and the biosensor 700, and the connection is made automatically. Note that, when the radio wave intensity of the received radio wave (detected biosensor 700) fluctuates significantly beyond a predetermined range, the wireless communication unit 10 preferably outputs information indicating that the radio wave intensity has fluctuated significantly beyond a predetermined range and notifies the user by display or sound. Similarly, when the radio wave intensity falls below a predetermined value (below the reception sensitivity point) before or after the establishment of pairing, the wireless communication unit 10 preferably outputs information indicating that the radio wave intensity has fallen below a predetermined value (below the reception sensitivity point) and notifies the user by display or sound.

[0024] Note that, instead of the above-mentioned connection method, a configuration may be adopted in which connection (pairing) with the biosensor 700 is performed by pressing a connection switch 1b for establishing a connection with the biosensor 700.

[0025] Moreover, the conversion adaptor 1 includes a storage unit (memory) that stores the biosensor 700 with which a connection has been established, and when the wireless communication unit 10 loses connection to the biosensor 700, it is preferable that the wireless communication unit 10 tries again to connect to the biosensor 700 stored in the storage unit (memory) in order to prevent erroneous connection after the connection has been lost.

[0026] The information processing unit 20 is configured with an MCU (Micro Control Unit), memory (corresponding to a storage unit described in the claims), etc., and processes the digital bioinformation received by the wireless communication unit 10 to generate meaningful data that can be displayed and used by the bioinformation monitor 800.

[0027] In particular, the information processing unit 20 performs algorithmic processing of the bioinformation of digital data. In this embodiment, the algorithmic processing includes, for example, a calibration process for correcting individual variations of the biosensor 700, a deep body temperature estimation process for estimating a deep body temperature based on a plurality of temperature information, an equilibrium determination process for determining whether the biosensor 700 (temperature sensor) is in a thermal equilibrium state (a state in which there is no fluctuation in heat flow), and a blood pressure estimation process for estimating a blood pressure value and a blood glucose level based on photoelectric pulse wave information. Each process will now be described.

[0028] First, the information processing unit 20 calculates "Y=ax 2 The digital value x is converted to temperature data Y using a fitting curve of "+bx+c". At that time, due to the influence of the characteristic variation (individual variation) of the thermistor, the voltage output for each temperature is output as an offset difference. Therefore, the information processing unit 20 performs a calibration process to correct the characteristic variation (individual variation) of the biosensor 700. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the influence of the variation due to the individual difference is reduced by calibrating the c constant of the fitting curve for each individual. Note that FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the temperature output characteristic before calibration (left side) and the temperature output characteristic after calibration (right side). The horizontal axis of FIG. 4 is temperature (°C), and the vertical axis is the value (digital value) obtained by digitally converting the output voltage (voltage division value) of the biosensor 700 (thermistor). In this calibration, the temperature characteristic (temperature-digital output) was measured in a state where the variation of the digital output value in the UART output was suppressed by power supply from a DC power source, and a polynomial was calculated, and the c constant was obtained so that the digital value at 37°C coincides with the actual measured temperature. At that time, for example, the c constant was calculated using the average value of the slopes a and b of five temperature sensors (CH1 to CH5). By storing the curve approximation and individual offset values ​​(c constant) obtained in this way as calibration information in an EEPROM or the like, a temperature output with a narrow deviation (within ±0·05°C) compared with the reference (platinum thermometer) was obtained (see the graph on the right side of Figure 4).

[0029] The information processing unit 20 also estimates the deep body temperature based on a plurality of temperature information. Here, Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the estimation process of the deep body temperature. The information processing unit 20 obtains body temperature data (deep body temperature) based on the thermal resistance value RpA of the thermal resistor 715, the detected temperature T1 of the first temperature sensor 711, and the detected temperature T2 of the second temperature sensor 712, which are stored in advance, and the thermal resistance value RpB of the thermal resistor 716, the detected temperature T3 of the third temperature sensor 713, and the detected temperature T4 of the fourth temperature sensor 714, which are stored in advance.

[0030] More specifically, the information processing unit 20 uses the following equations (1) and (2) to compare the heat flows of two systems with different thermal resistors (thermal resistances), eliminates the unknown thermal resistance RB, and calculates (estimates) the body temperature data candidate Tb of the user (human body) having the unknown thermal resistance RB. Heat flow IpA=(T1-T2) / RpA=(Tb-T1) / RB ···(1) Heat flow IpB=(T3-T4) / RpB=(Tb-T3) / RB ···(2) Here, RpA and RpB are the thermal resistances (known values) of the thermal resistors 715 and 716.

[0031] In addition, when the thermal resistance RB of the user (human body) is known, the body temperature data candidate can be calculated (estimated) by one of the sensing units 701a (or 701b). More specifically, if the body temperature data candidate of the human body is Tb, the detected temperature of the first temperature sensor 711 is T1, the detected temperature of the second temperature sensor 712 is T2, the equivalent thermal resistance from the depth of the human body to the body surface is RB, and the equivalent thermal resistance in the thickness direction of the thermal resistor 715 is RpA, the body temperature data candidate Tb in the state of reaching thermal equilibrium can be expressed as the following formula (3). Tb=T2+{RpA / (RB+RpA)}(T1-T2) ···(3)

[0032] Therefore, when the thermal resistance RB of the human body is known, or by setting, for example, a general (standard) thermal resistance value as the thermal resistance RB of the human body, the deep body temperature Tb can be obtained from the temperature T1 detected by the first temperature sensor 711 and the temperature T2 detected by the second temperature sensor 712.

[0033] When calculating the core body temperature Tb, the information processing unit 20 acquires body temperature data based on the temperature data detected when it is determined that the biosensor 700 is in a thermal equilibrium state. The information processing unit 20 uses an equilibrium state discriminant to determine whether or not the biosensor 700 (temperature sensor) is in a thermal equilibrium state (a state in which there is no fluctuation in heat flow). More specifically, the information processing unit 20 uses the following equilibrium state discriminant (4) to determine whether or not the biosensor 700 (temperature sensor) is in a thermal equilibrium state. That is, assuming that the temperature data detected by the first temperature sensor 711 is T1, the temperature data detected by the second temperature sensor 712 is T2, the temperature data detected by the third temperature sensor 713 is T3, and the temperature data detected by the fourth temperature sensor 714 is T4, the information processing unit 20 determines that the biosensor 700 is in a thermal equilibrium state when the equilibrium state discriminant (4) is satisfied. On the other hand, when the equilibrium state discriminant (4) is not satisfied, the information processing unit 20 determines that the biosensor 700 is not in a thermal equilibrium state (is in a non-equilibrium state). T3-T4>T1-T2, T3>T1 (4)

[0034] In addition, when the air temperature Ta in the hospital can be acquired from, for example, an electronic medical record system (or an infection control system), the following equilibrium state discriminant equations (5), (6), and (7) may be further taken into consideration to determine whether or not the temperature detection unit 701 (the four temperature sensors 711-714) is in a thermal equilibrium state. In this case, when all of the equilibrium state discriminant equations (5), (6), and (7) are satisfied in addition to the above equilibrium state discriminant equation (4), it is determined that the biosensor 700 is in a thermal equilibrium state. On the other hand, when any of the equilibrium state discriminant equations (4)-(7) or all of the equilibrium state discriminant equations (4)-(7) are not satisfied, it is determined that the biosensor 700 is not in a thermal equilibrium state (is in a non-equilibrium state). dTa>dT4 (5) K(T1-T2)-(T3-T4)>0 (when Ta>Tb) (6) K(T1-T2)-(T3-T4)≦0(when Ta≦Tb) (7) where the constant K is the ratio of the thermal resistances for the two heat flows.

[0035] Furthermore, the information processor 20 estimates the blood pressure value based on the photoelectric pulse wave information. More specifically, the information processor 20 estimates the blood pressure (absolute value) from the following equation (8). Blood pressure (absolute value) = normal blood pressure + blood pressure fluctuation (8) The blood pressure fluctuation amount is calculated from the following formula: Blood pressure change = A·Δ pulse rate + b =c ΔRI+d =e ΔT+f Note that a, b, c, d, e, and f are coefficients (fixed values) specific to the pulse device. Also, Δpulse rate is the increase or decrease in pulse rate (the number of times the pulse wave beats per minute). ΔRI (Reflection Index) is the increase or decrease in RI. RI is the strength of pulse wave reflection in the periphery, and is determined by the ratio of the ejection wave (=amplitude A) and the reflection wave (=amplitude B) of the photoplethysmogram (see FIG. 6). Here, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a photoplethysmogram. Δ(ΔT) is the increase or decrease in ΔT (the time between the ejection wave and the reflected wave (see FIG. 6)).

[0036] Furthermore, the information processing unit 20 estimates the blood glucose level based on the photoelectric pulse wave information. Here, Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining a method of calculating the blood glucose level (blood glucose fluctuation). More specifically, the information processing unit 20 estimates the blood glucose level (absolute value) from the following formula (9). Blood glucose (absolute value) = normal blood glucose value + blood glucose fluctuation amount (9) The blood glucose fluctuation amount is calculated from the following formula: Blood glucose fluctuation = g ΔPTT + h Note that g and h are coefficients (fixed values) specific to the pulse device and the measurement location.

[0037] After that (i.e., after each of the above-mentioned processes), the information processing unit 20 converts the biological information (data) obtained by each of the above processes into a digital value corresponding to the analog amount of the biological information monitor 800. This conversion can be performed based on, for example, a conversion formula, a reference table, or the like. The biological information of the digital data processed by the information processing unit 20 is output to the conversion unit 30.

[0038] The conversion unit 30 converts the digital data of the bioinformation processed by the information processing unit 20 into analog data of the bioinformation (signal). For example, the conversion unit 30 converts the bioinformation (digital value) into a resistance value equivalent to the resistance value (analog data) of a thermistor (biosensor 700). Note that the analog amount is not limited to the resistance value, and may be, for example, a current value or a voltage value.

[0039] Here, an example of conversion to a resistance value will be described. In this case, as shown in Fig. 8, the conversion unit 30 is configured to include a plurality of resistors 3101-3111 (11 in the example shown in Fig. 8) connected in series, and switching elements 3201-3212 connected in parallel with each of the resistors 3101-3111 to turn on (enable) / off (disable) each of the resistors 3101-3111. Also, the resistance value of each of the plurality of resistors 3101-3111 (11) is 2 1 ~2 n (n is a natural number). That is, the multiple (11) resistors 3101 to 3111 are set to 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, and 2048 (Ω), respectively. Each of the resistors 3101 to 3111 may be a single resistor, or may be composed of multiple resistors connected in series or parallel.

[0040] The conversion unit 30 then obtains a resistance value (analog value) of the thermistor corresponding to the bioinformation (digital value), obtains a combination of a plurality (11 pieces) of resistors 3101-3111 so as to obtain a combined series resistance value that coincides with the resistance value of the thermistor corresponding to the obtained bioinformation, determines an on / off combination of the switching elements 3201-3212 so as to realize the obtained combination of resistors 3101-3111, and turns on / off each of the switching elements 3201-3212. Note that these processes and controls are executed by the MCU. Here, when the resistance value is controlled by twelve switching elements 3201 to 3212, when the core body temperature is 37.0°C, for example, it becomes "switching element 3201: ON, switching element 3202: OFF, ..., switching element 3212: ON", and when it is 37.5°C, for example, it becomes "switching element 3201: OFF, switching element 3202: ON, ..., switching element 3212: ON".

[0041] At this time, it is preferable that the conversion unit 30 corrects (subtracts) the resistance value using the median value (1.5Ω in the example of FIG. 9) of the switching resistances of the switching elements 3201 to 3212 as a correction value, as shown in FIG. 9. The resistance value (combined resistance value of series resistors) converted by the conversion unit 30 is output to the connection unit 50.

[0042] The conversion unit 30 is 1 ~2 n Although the resistance values ​​of Ω are combined to output a resistance value corresponding to temperature data (biological information), there is a risk that an ideal resistance value cannot be output due to variations in the on-resistance of each of the resistors 3101-3111 and the switching elements 3201-3212. Therefore, the information processing unit 20 performs a calibration process (resistance calibration) to correct the variations in the resistance values ​​of the multiple resistors 3101-3111. More specifically, the information processing unit 20 measures the output resistance value for any input temperature data (with an internal or external measuring device), compares the ideal output resistance value for any input temperature data with the measured resistance value, and stores the difference in the MCU (memory) to perform offset correction.

[0043] Furthermore, the information processing unit 20 performs a fault diagnosis (self-check) process on the conversion unit 30 having a plurality of resistors 3101 to 3111. That is, the information processing unit 20 checks whether the resistance value output to the vital sign monitor 800 is normal, and notifies the user if there is an abnormality. More specifically, when the power supply of the conversion adaptor 1 is turned on, the information processing unit 20 applies a predetermined voltage between Phone+ and Phone- (see FIG. 8). Then, 1 ~2 n The voltage values ​​(divided voltages) applied to each of the Ω resistors 3101 to 3111 are read, and if the voltage values ​​are outside a preset range (reference value), a fault is determined.

[0044] 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the fault diagnosis process of the conversion unit 30 by the conversion adapter 1. When the power supply of the conversion adapter 1 is turned on and the conversion adapter 1 is started (step S100), the operation of the self-check function is automatically started and a self-check is executed (step S102). Then, as described above, 1 ~2 n It is determined whether the voltage values ​​applied to the resistors 3101 to 3111 of Ω are outside a predetermined range (step S104), and if the voltage values ​​are within the predetermined range (normal), normal startup is performed (step S108). On the other hand, if it is determined that there is an abnormality, an error is displayed on the display unit (step S106).

[0045] The power supply control unit 40 has a timer that measures the time that has elapsed since there has been no operational input, no digital data input / reception, etc., in order to prevent forgetting to turn off the power switch 1a, and outputs a power-off signal to the power supply circuit to turn off the power supply circuit when a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) has elapsed since there has been no operational input, no digital data input / reception, etc.

[0046] Moreover, it is preferable that the power supply control unit 40 turns off the power supply when it detects that the power supply of the connected biosensor 700 has been turned off. This is to prevent the connection with another biosensor 700 from being hindered when the power supply of the connected biosensor 700 is turned off, since the connected biosensor 700 is stored on the conversion adaptor 1 side. Note that, instead of turning off the power supply, the information of the connected biosensor 700 may be discarded.

[0047] The connection unit 50 is configured to be connectable to an external biological information monitor (bedside monitor) 800 via a wire, and outputs the biological information (e.g., a series combined resistance value) of analog data converted by the conversion unit 30 to the biological information monitor 800. For example, a monaural type phone plug of φ6.3 mm used in the YSI400 series thermistor probe is suitably used for the connection unit 50. That is, for the connection unit 50, a terminal or connector of the same standard (type) as the terminal or connector of the wired biological information monitor 800 to be applied is used.

[0048] With the above-mentioned configuration, digital biological information wirelessly transmitted from the external biological sensor 700 is received, and the received biological information is processed and converted into analog data suitable for the external biological information monitor (bedside monitor) 800. Then, the data is output by wire via the connection unit 50.

[0049] As described above in detail, according to this embodiment, it is possible to use the biological information monitor (bedside monitor) 800, which is connected to the biological sensor 700 by a wired method, as the wireless biological information monitor 800 (i.e., to add a wireless function) simply and at low cost. In addition, since the biological information from the biological sensor 700 is configured to be transmitted and received as digital data, it is possible to easily add a wireless function to the existing biological information monitor 800 while maintaining high quality of wireless communication information compared to the case of transmitting and receiving as analog data.

[0050] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the conversion adaptor 1 performs algorithm processing (e.g., calibration processing, deep body temperature estimation processing, equilibrium state determination processing, blood pressure and blood glucose level estimation processing, etc.) on the digital data of bioinformation. This reduces the processing load on the biosensor 700 side, reducing power consumption and extending the battery life. In addition, by doing this, for example, when an algorithm is changed, the effort required for firmware updates associated with the change can be reduced (when the number of conversion adaptors 1 is smaller than the number of biosensors 700).

[0051] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, there are a plurality of resistors 3101 to 3111 connected in series, and switching elements 3201 to 3212 for turning on (enabling) and off (disabling) the plurality of resistors 3101 to 3111, respectively. 1 ~2 n (n is a natural number). This simplifies the calculation algorithm, improving the operating speed and reducing the amount of software development work. Also, by calculating the average value, median value, and mode value of the total resistance of the switching elements 3201 to 3212 in advance as correction values, it is possible to omit multiple calculations to improve accuracy.

[0052] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the power is turned off when a predetermined time has elapsed after there is no more operational input and no more digital data input, so that even if the power is not turned off using the power switch 1a, battery waste can be prevented.

[0053] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, the case where a temperature sensor or a photoelectric pulse wave sensor is used as the biosensor 700 has been described as an example, but other biosensors can be used instead of these sensors. In addition, the type of algorithm processing is not limited to the above embodiment. That is, a configuration may be made in which processing other than calibration, deep body temperature estimation, blood pressure value estimation, and blood glucose level estimation is performed. In addition, instead of or in addition to blood pressure value and blood glucose value, for example, an electrocardiogram, blood pressure, respiration, brain wave, CO2 partial pressure curve, pulse wave, heart rate, VPC number, respiration rate, pulse rate, blood pressure (maximum, minimum, average), non-invasive blood pressure (maximum, minimum, average), body temperature or temperature difference or blood temperature, ETCO2, tcPO2, tcPCO2, SpO2, ST level, etc. may be acquired (measured).

[0054] (First Modification) In addition to the configuration of the above embodiment, for example, as shown in Fig. 10, a configuration may be adopted in which the wireless communication unit 10B transmits information to an external medical device using wireless communication. More specifically, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which the biological information processed and generated by the information processing unit 20 can be sent to another medical device (e.g., an electronic medical record system) having a wireless receiving function via the wireless transmission unit 10B. According to this modification, the biological information processed and generated by the conversion adapter 1B can be transmitted to another medical device.

[0055] (Second Modification) 11, the wireless communication unit 10C may be configured to transmit information (for example, connection confirmation information with the biosensor 700) to the biosensor 700 by wireless communication. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, by pressing a connection switch (push switch) 1b, a connection confirmation command is transmitted, and the LED 702 of the biosensor 700 that is wirelessly connected (paired) lights up or blinks. Note that instead of lighting up or blinking the LED 702, the sensor may vibrate or sound a buzzer. According to this modification, when multiple biosensors 700 exist, the biosensor 700 receives the connection confirmation information, and thereby the connection target can be confirmed by the biosensor 700 emitting light or sound.

[0056] (Third Modification) Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 13, the wireless communication unit 10D may be configured to be compatible with wireless communication of a plurality of different wireless communication methods. More specifically, for example, a configuration may be provided with a plurality (three in the example of Fig. 13) of wireless communication units (wireless communication drivers) 10D1 to 10D3. In this case, it is preferable that the plurality (three in the example of Fig. 13) of wireless communication units (wireless communication drivers) 10D1 to 10D3 adopt wireless communication methods (wireless communication standards) such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy), WiFi, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and sub-giga (900 MHz band), as well as wireless communication methods (wireless communication standards) such as NFC (Near Field Communication) (ISO / IEC 18092) and MIFARE (registered trademark) (ISO / IEC 14443). According to this modification, one conversion adapter 1D can be connected to a biosensor 700 having a variety of different communication drivers, so that it is possible to mediate various sensor information in a general purpose manner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1,1B,1C,1D conversion adapter 10,10B,10C,10D Wireless communication section 10D1~10D3 Wireless communication section 20 Information Processing Section 30 Conversion unit 3101~3111 Resistor 3201~3212 Switching elements 40 Power supply control unit 50 Connection 700 Biometric Sensors 800 Patient Monitor

Claims

1. a wireless communication unit that receives digital biological information transmitted from an external device via wireless communication; an information processing unit that processes the biometric information of the digital data received by the wireless communication unit; a conversion unit that converts the biometric information of the digital data processed by the information processing unit into a corresponding resistance value; a connection unit that is configured to be connectable to an external biometric information processing device and outputs the resistance value converted by the conversion unit to the biometric information processing device; the wireless communication unit receives a plurality of pieces of temperature information as digital biological information transmitted from an external biological sensor by wireless communication; The information processing unit performs a calibration process to correct characteristic variations of the biosensor as an algorithm process of the bioinformation of the digital data, and estimates a deep body temperature based on the plurality of temperature information. The conversion adapter is characterized in that the information processing unit performs a calibration process to correct variations in the resistance values ​​of multiple resistors that constitute the conversion unit by measuring an output resistance value for any input temperature data, comparing an ideal output resistance value for the any input temperature data with the measured resistance value, and offset-correcting the difference.

2. a wireless communication unit that receives digital biological information transmitted from an external device via wireless communication; an information processing unit that processes the biometric information of the digital data received by the wireless communication unit; a conversion unit that converts the biometric information of the digital data processed by the information processing unit into a corresponding resistance value; a connection unit that is configured to be connectable to an external biometric information processing device and outputs the resistance value converted by the conversion unit to the biometric information processing device; the wireless communication unit receives a plurality of pieces of temperature information as digital biological information transmitted from an external biological sensor by wireless communication; The information processing unit performs a calibration process to correct characteristic variations of the biosensor as an algorithm process of the bioinformation of the digital data, and estimates a deep body temperature based on the plurality of temperature information. The conversion adapter is characterized in that the information processing unit applies a predetermined voltage between one end and the other end of a plurality of resistors connected in series that constitute the conversion unit, and performs fault diagnosis processing of the conversion unit based on whether or not the voltage value applied to each of the plurality of resistors is outside a predetermined range.

3. a wireless communication unit that receives digital biological information transmitted from an external device via wireless communication; an information processing unit that processes the biometric information of the digital data received by the wireless communication unit; a conversion unit that converts the biometric information of the digital data processed by the information processing unit into a corresponding resistance value; a connection unit that is configured to be connectable to an external biometric information processing device and outputs the resistance value converted by the conversion unit to the biometric information processing device; the wireless communication unit receives photoplethysmographic information as digital biological information transmitted from an external biological sensor using wireless communication; The information processing unit performs a calibration process to correct characteristic variations of the biosensor as an algorithm process of the bioinformation of the digital data, and estimates one or both of a blood pressure value and a blood glucose level based on the photoelectric pulse wave information. The conversion adapter is characterized in that the information processing unit performs a calibration process to correct variations in the resistance values ​​of multiple resistors that constitute the conversion unit by measuring an output resistance value for any input temperature data, comparing an ideal output resistance value for the any input temperature data with the measured resistance value, and offset-correcting the difference.

4. a wireless communication unit that receives digital biological information transmitted from an external device via wireless communication; an information processing unit that processes the biometric information of the digital data received by the wireless communication unit; a conversion unit that converts the biometric information of the digital data processed by the information processing unit into a corresponding resistance value; a connection unit that is configured to be connectable to an external biometric information processing device and outputs the resistance value converted by the conversion unit to the biometric information processing device; the wireless communication unit receives photoplethysmographic information as digital biological information transmitted from an external biological sensor using wireless communication; The information processing unit performs a calibration process to correct characteristic variations of the biosensor as an algorithm process of the bioinformation of the digital data, and estimates one or both of a blood pressure value and a blood glucose level based on the photoelectric pulse wave information. The conversion adapter is characterized in that the information processing unit applies a predetermined voltage between one end and the other end of a plurality of resistors connected in series that constitute the conversion unit, and performs fault diagnosis processing of the conversion unit based on whether or not the voltage value applied to each of the plurality of resistors is outside a predetermined range.

5. the conversion unit includes a plurality of resistors connected in series and a switching element that turns on and off each of the plurality of resistors; The resistance value of each of the plurality of resistors is 2 １ ~2 ｎ (n is a natural number), The conversion adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each of the plurality of resistors connected in series is a single resistor, or a plurality of resistors connected in series or in parallel.

6. 6. The conversion adaptor according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication unit transmits information to the biosensor and / or an external medical device by wireless communication.

7. 7. The conversion adaptor according to claim 6, wherein the information is connection confirmation information for the biosensor and / or the external medical device.

8. 8. The conversion adaptor according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication unit is adapted to be compatible with wireless communication of a plurality of different wireless communication methods.

9. 9. The conversion adaptor according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply control unit that turns off the power supply when a predetermined time has elapsed after there is no operation input and no digital data input.

10. 8. The conversion adaptor according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication unit selects a biosensor that receives radio waves with the strongest intensity as the biosensor with which to establish a connection.

11. The conversion adapter described in claim 10, characterized in that the wireless communication unit outputs information indicating that the radio wave strength has fluctuated by more than a predetermined range or that the radio wave strength has dropped below a predetermined value when the radio wave strength of the received radio waves fluctuates by more than a predetermined range or drops below a predetermined value.

12. A conversion adapter as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a connection switch for establishing a connection with the biosensor, wherein the wireless communication unit establishes a connection with the biosensor when the connection switch is pressed.

13. a storage unit that stores the biosensor with which a connection has been established; A conversion adapter as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that when the wireless communication unit loses connection to the biosensor, it attempts to reconnect to the biosensor stored in the memory unit.

14. 10. The conversion adaptor according to claim 9, wherein the power supply control unit turns off the power supply when the power supply of the connected biosensor is turned off.

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