Biological information processing system, signal processing device, switching device, and computer program

Abstract

To provide a biological information processing system capable of executing a flexible operation according to specifications of a probe.SOLUTION: A signal processing device 22 is mounted on a biological information processing device 20 that can be switched between a first state and a second state. The signal processing device 22 processes a signal corresponding to biological information output from a sensor 31 on the basis of state designation information for designating whether the biological information processing device 20 is to be operated in the first state or operated in the second state. The signal processing device 22 receives type specification information when a probe 30 is connected to the biological information processing device 20, and receives switching information when a switching device is connected to the biological information processing device 20. The signal processing device 22 rewrites the state designation information so as to designate the operation in the second state when rewriting of the state designation information is permitted, a request for switching from the first state to the second state by the switching information is received, and the type specification information specifies a sensor type that conforms to the operation by a second function.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system for processing biological information of a subject. The present disclosure also relates to a signal processing device and a switching device that can each constitute a part of the system. The present disclosure also relates to a computer program executable by a processor mounted on the signal processing device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a biological information processing system including a probe and a biological information processing device. The probe includes a sensor and an information element. The sensor is configured to be attached to a living body and output a signal corresponding to biological information. The information element includes information for identifying the sensor. When the probe is connected to the biological information processing device, the information of the information element is read by the biological information processing device. The biological information processing device performs an operation according to the information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a biological information processing system that can be flexibly operated according to the specifications of a probe.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is a biological information processing system, A biological information processing apparatus configured to be connected to a probe including a sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to biological information and a first information element that holds type identification information for identifying the type of the sensor, and capable of switching between a first state operable in a first function and a second state operable in a second function higher than the first function, A storage mounted on the biological information processing apparatus and storing state designation information for designating whether the biological information processing apparatus operates in the first state or the second state, A first switching device connectable to the biological information processing apparatus and including a second information element that holds first switching information for requesting switching from the first state to the second state, A control device mounted on the biological information processing apparatus and defining whether rewriting of the state designation information is permitted, A signal processing device mounted on the biological information processing apparatus, receiving the type identification information when the probe is connected to the biological information processing apparatus, processing the signal based on the state designation information, and receiving the first switching information when the first switching device is connected to the biological information processing apparatus, and comprising: When the signal processing device is permitted to rewrite the state designation information by the control device, has received a request for switching from the first state to the second state by the first switching information, and a probe including the first information element holding the type identification information identifying a sensor type suitable for operation in the second function is connected to the biological information processing apparatus, the signal processing device rewrites the state designation information so as to specify operation in the second state.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a signal processing device mounted on a biological information processing apparatus capable of switching between a first state operable in a first function and a second state operable in a second function higher than the first function, and processing a signal corresponding to biological information output from a sensor included in a probe connected to the biological information processing apparatus, A processor that processes the signal based on state designation information that designates whether the biological information processing device operates in the first state or the second state; An interface that receives the type identification information that identifies the type of the sensor when a probe that holds the type identification information is connected to the biological information processing device, and receives the switching information that holds the switching information that requests switching from the first state to the second state when a switching device is connected to the biological information processing device; and includes The processor is permitted to rewrite the state designation information, receives a request for switching from the first state to the second state based on the switching information, and when the type identification information identifies a sensor type suitable for operation in the second function, rewrites the state designation information to designate operation in the second state.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a computer program executable by a processor of a signal processing device that processes a signal corresponding to biological information output from a sensor included in a probe connected to a biological information processing device that is switchable between a first state operable in a first function and a second state operable in a second function higher than the first function. When executed, the signal processing device processes the signal based on state designation information that designates whether the biological information processing device operates in the first state or the second state; receives the type identification information when a probe that holds the type identification information for identifying the type of the sensor is connected to the biological information processing device; receives the switching information when a switching device that holds the switching information for requesting switching from the first state to the second state is connected to the biological information processing device; The rewriting of the state specifying information is permitted, a switching request from the first state to the second state is received based on the switching information, and when the type specifying information specifies a sensor type suitable for operation in the second function, the state specifying information is rewritten so as to specify operation in the second state.

[0008] According to the above configuration, by connecting the first switching device to the biological information processing device, the switching from the first state to the second state is not immediately performed. Instead, until a probe suitable for operation in the second function is connected to the information processing device and the control device permits the rewriting of the state specifying information, the switching to the second state can be suspended. Since the timing when the first switching device is connected to the information processing device and the timing when the operation in the second function becomes actually effective by rewriting the state specifying information so as to specify the second state can be made different according to various circumstances, the use of a probe suitable for operation in the first function can be continued even after the first switching device is connected to the information processing device. Therefore, a biological information processing system capable of flexible operation according to the specifications of the probe can be provided.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure is a switching device, a connector connectable to a biological information processing device capable of switching between a first state operable in a first function and a second state operable in a second function higher than the first function, an information element holding switching information that causes the biological information processing device to be switched from the second state to the first state when received by a signal processing device mounted on the biological information processing device through the connector, and includes.

[0010] Probes that are compatible with the operation in the first function are generally not usable even when connected to the information processing device specified for the operation in the second state. According to the above configuration, the information processing device switched to the second state can be returned to the first state as necessary. Thereby, the use of the probe compatible with the operation in the first function in the information processing device can be resumed. Therefore, a biological information processing system capable of flexible operation according to the specifications of the probe can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Examples of embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the scale is appropriately changed in order to make each illustrated element recognizable in size.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates the functional configuration of a biological information processing system 10 (hereinafter abbreviated as information processing system 10) according to an embodiment.

[0014] The information processing system 10 includes a biological information processing device 20 (hereinafter abbreviated as the information processing device 20). The information processing device 20 is provided with a connector 21 to which a probe 30 is connected. The probe 30 is a device that is worn by a subject and acquires the biological information of the subject.

[0015] The information processing device 20 is configured to be able to switch between a first state operable in a first function and a second state operable in a second function higher than the first function. In this specification, the expression "a second function higher than the first function" is used to describe the case where the type of biological information that can be acquired by the second function is more than the type of biological information that can be acquired by the first function, the case where the amount of specific biological information that can be acquired by the second function is more than the amount of the biological information that can be acquired by the first function, and the case where the resolution of specific biological information that can be acquired by the second function is higher than the resolution of the biological information that can be acquired by the second function, and the like.

[0016] The probe 30 is provided with a sensor 31. The sensor 31 is configured to output a detection signal corresponding to the biological information of the subject. The detection signal may be an analog signal or a digital signal. As an example of the sensor 31, an optical sensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element can be mentioned. In this case, the blood absorbent substance concentration and the pulse are detected as biological information. Another example of the sensor 31 is a catheter inserted into a blood vessel and having a pressure transducer. In this case, blood pressure is detected as biological information.

[0017] The probe 30 is provided with a first information element 32. The first information element 32 holds type specifying information for specifying the type of the sensor 31. The expression "type of the sensor 31" used here means indicating whether the sensor 31 is a model compatible with either the first function or the second function described above. Examples of the first information element 32 include a memory in which the type specifying information is stored, and values of specific circuit elements (resistance element value, capacitor element value, inductor element value, forward voltage drop of a diode) associated with the type specifying information.

[0018] Note that in the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment, it is assumed that the probe 30 adapted to operate in the first function cannot be used even when connected to the information processing apparatus 20 designated to operate in the second state.

[0019] The probe 30 includes a cable 33 and a connector 34. The cable 33 includes a signal line for transmitting the detection signal output from the sensor 31. The connector 34 is provided at one end of the cable 33. The connector 34 is configured to be connected to the connector 21 of the information processing apparatus 20. The first information element 32 can be arranged at any location in the probe 30 including the cable 33 and the connector 34.

[0020] The information processing apparatus 20 includes a signal processing apparatus 22. The signal processing apparatus 22 is an apparatus that performs signal processing to provide the biological information acquired through the probe 30 in a form recognizable by the user. The signal processing apparatus 22 includes an input interface 221, a storage 222, a processor 223, and a communication interface 224.

[0021] The information processing apparatus 20 includes a control apparatus 23. The control apparatus 23 is an apparatus that controls the operation of the information processing apparatus 20. The operation includes providing the biological information acquired through the probe 30 in a form recognizable by the user. The control apparatus 23 includes a communication interface 231, a processor 232, and an output interface 233.

[0022] The input interface 221 is configured to receive the detection signal input to the connector 21. When the detection signal is an analog signal, the input interface 221 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including an A / D converter. This description applies to all signals and information that the input interface 221 described hereinafter can receive.

[0023] The input interface 221 is also configured to acquire the type identification information held in the first information element 32 of the probe 30 through the connector 21.

[0024] The storage 222 stores state designation information. The state designation information is configured to specify whether the information processing apparatus 20 operates in the first state or the second state. The storage 222 can be realized by a non-volatile semiconductor memory or a hard disk device.

[0025] The processor 223 is configured to refer to the state designation information stored in the storage 222. The processor 223 is configured to operate the information processing apparatus 20 in the first state or the second state based on the referred state designation information. Specifically, when the state designation information designates the first state, the processor 223 executes signal processing related to the first function on the detection signal received by the input interface 221. When the state designation information designates the second state, the processor 223 executes signal processing related to the second function on the detection signal received by the input interface 221.

[0026] The communication interface 224 of the signal processing apparatus 22 and the communication interface 231 of the control apparatus 23 are configured to enable bidirectional communication of signals and data therebetween.

[0027] The processor 223 of the signal processing apparatus 22 is configured to output the processed information acquired as a result of the signal processing from the communication interface 224. The information is received by the communication interface 231 of the control apparatus 23. The processor 232 of the control apparatus 23 is configured to output an output signal for providing the information to the user through the user interface from the output interface 233 based on the information. As an example, the output signal can be a signal for causing a display device (not shown) mounted on the information processing apparatus 20 to display the processed information. As another example, the output signal can be a signal for transmitting the processed information to an external device (not shown) communicably connected to the information processing apparatus 20.

[0028] The output signal may be an analog signal or a digital signal. When the output signal is an analog signal, the output interface 233 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including a D / A converter.

[0029] The control device 23 also has a function of defining whether the state designation information stored in the storage 222 of the signal processing device 22 can be rewritten. Specifically, the processor 232 of the control device 23 is configured to be able to transmit a permission signal for permitting the rewriting of the state designation information from the communication interface 231 to the signal processing device 22.

[0030] The transmission of the permission signal may be automatically performed when the information processing device 20 is activated, or may be performed in response to a user instruction input through the user interface of the information processing device 20.

[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the information processing system 10 includes a first switching device 40. The first switching device 40 is a device connected to the information processing device 20 for switching the information processing device 20 from the first state to the second state.

[0032] The first switching device 40 includes a second information element 41. The second information element 41 holds first switching information for requesting a switch from the first state to the second state. Examples of the second information element 41 include a memory in which the first switching information is stored, values of specific circuit elements associated with the first switching information (resistance element values, capacitor element values, inductor element values, forward voltage drops of diodes), and the like.

[0033] When the first switching device 40 is connected to the information processing device 20, the processor 223 of the signal processing device 22 is configured to acquire the first switching information through the input interface 221. Once the acquired first switching information is held even if the power supply to the information processing device 20 is cut off.

[0034] In order to switch the information processing apparatus 20 from the first state to the second state, it is necessary to satisfy the following conditions: (1) rewriting of the state designation information is permitted; (2) a switch from the first state to the second state is requested; and (3) a probe 30 having a first information element 32 that holds type identification information for identifying a sensor type compatible with the operation in the second function is connected to the information processing apparatus 20.

[0035] After the first switching device 40 is connected to the information processing apparatus 20 and holds the first switching information, when a probe 30 having a first information element 32 that holds type identification information for identifying a sensor type compatible with the operation in the second function is connected to the connector 21, the processor 223 of the signal processing apparatus 22 is configured to determine whether it has received a permission signal from the control device 23. If it is determined that the permission signal has been received, the processor 223 is configured to rewrite the state designation information stored in the storage 222 so as to designate the operation in the second state. Thereafter, since the rewritten state designation information is referred to by the processor 223, signal processing related to the second function is executed on the detection signal output from the sensor 31.

[0036] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the operation of the information processing system 10 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 3 illustrates the flow of processing executed by the processor 223 of the signal processing apparatus 22. FIG. 4 illustrates the relationship between the states of the respective elements constituting the switching conditions and the operation of the information processing apparatus 20.

[0037] The processor 223 determines whether type identification information has been acquired through the input interface 221 (STEP1). If type identification information has been acquired (YES in STEP1), the probe 30 is connected to the information processing apparatus 20.

[0038] Subsequently, the processor 223 determines whether the sensor type specified by the acquired type specification information is suitable for operation in the second function (STEP2). If the sensor type specified by the acquired type specification information is suitable for operation in the first function (NO in STEP2), the processor 223 determines whether the state specification information stored in the storage 222 specifies the first state (STEP3).

[0039] When it is determined that the state specification information specifies the first state (YES in STEP3), the processor 223 executes signal processing related to the first function on the detection signal output from the sensor 31 (STEP4). In other words, the information processing apparatus 20 operates in the first state.

[0040] This situation corresponds to case numbers 1, 3, 5, and 7 in FIG. 4. That is, regardless of whether rewriting of the state specification information is permitted, when a probe 30 that is suitable for operation in the first function is connected in a situation where the state specification information specifies the first state, the information processing apparatus 20 operates in the first state.

[0041] On the other hand, if the sensor type specified by the acquired type specification information is suitable for operation in the second function (YES in STEP2), the processor 223 determines whether the state specification information stored in the storage 222 specifies the second state (STEP5).

[0042] When it is determined that the state specification information specifies the first state (NO in STEP5), the processor 223 determines whether a switch from the first state to the second state is requested (STEP6). That is, the processor 223 determines whether the first switching device 40 is connected to the information processing apparatus 20 prior to the connection of the probe 30 that is suitable for operation in the second function.

[0043] When it is determined that the switch from the first state to the second state is not requested (NO in STEP6), the processor 223 executes signal processing related to the first function on the detection signal output from the sensor 31 (STEP4). In other words, even if the probe 30 suitable for operation in the second function is connected, the information processing apparatus 20 operates in the first state. This situation corresponds to case numbers 2 and 6 in FIG. 4.

[0044] When it is determined that the switch from the first state to the second state is requested (YES in STEP6), the processor 223 determines whether the rewriting of the state designation information is permitted by the control device 23 (STEP7).

[0045] When the rewriting of the state designation information is not permitted (NO in STEP7), the processor 223 executes signal processing related to the first function on the detection signal output from the sensor 31 (STEP4). In other words, even if the probe 30 suitable for operation in the second function is connected, the information processing apparatus 20 operates in the first state. This situation corresponds to case number 4 in FIG. 4.

[0046] When the rewriting of the state designation information is permitted (YES in STEP7), the processor 223 rewrites the state designation information stored in the storage 222 so as to designate the second state (STEP8).

[0047] Subsequently, the processor 242 executes signal processing related to the second function on the detection signal output from the sensor 31 (STEP9). In other words, the information processing apparatus 20 operates in the second state. This situation corresponds to case number 8 in FIG. 4.

[0048] Even when the probe 30 that conforms to the operation in the second function is connected to the information processing apparatus 20 in a situation where the state designation information designates the second state (YES in STEP 1, YES in STEP 2, YES in STEP 5), the information processing apparatus 20 operates in the second state (STEP 9). This situation also corresponds to case number 8 in FIG. 4.

[0049] When the processor 223 determines that the type identification information has not been acquired through the input interface 241 (NO in STEP 1), the processor 223 determines whether the first switching information has been acquired through the input interface 221 (STEP 10). That is, the processor 223 determines whether the first switching device 40 is connected to the information processing apparatus 20.

[0050] When it is determined that the first switching information has been acquired (YES in STEP 10), the processor 223 holds the first switching information (STEP 11). The first switching information may be stored in the storage 222 or in another storage area. Then, the process returns to STEP 1.

[0051] According to the above configuration, by connecting the first switching device 40 to the information processing apparatus 20, the switching from the first state to the second state is not immediately performed. Instead, until the probe 30 that conforms to the operation in the second function is connected to the information processing apparatus 20 and the control device 23 permits the rewriting of the state designation information, the switching to the second state can be postponed. Since the timing when the first switching device 40 is connected to the information processing apparatus 20 and the timing when the operation in the second function becomes actually effective by rewriting the state designation information to designate the second state can be made different according to various circumstances, the use of the probe 30 that conforms to the operation in the first function can be continued even after the first switching device 40 is connected to the information processing apparatus 20. Therefore, a biological information processing system 10 that enables flexible operation according to the specifications of the probe 30 can be provided.

[0052] As described above, the probe 30 that is compatible with the operation in the first function cannot be used even when connected to the information processing apparatus 20 designated for operation in the second state. That is, when it is detected that the probe 30 compatible with the operation in the first function is connected to the information processing apparatus 20 and the state designation information designates the second state (YES in STEP1, NO in STEP2, NO in STEP3), the processor 223 ends the process without operating the information processing apparatus 20 in the first state. This situation corresponds to case number 9 in FIG. 4.

[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the information processing system 10 may include a second switching device 50. The second switching device 50 is a device connected to the information processing apparatus 20 for switching the information processing apparatus 20 from the second state to the first state.

[0054] The second switching device 50 includes a third information element 51. The third information element 51 holds second switching information that requests switching from the second state to the first state. Examples of the third information element 51 include a memory in which the second switching information is stored, values of specific circuit elements associated with the second switching information (resistance element value, capacitor element value, inductor element value, forward voltage drop of a diode), and the like.

[0055] When the second switching device 50 is connected to the information processing apparatus 20, the processor 223 of the signal processing device 22 is configured to acquire the second switching information through the input interface 221.

[0056] In this example, when it is determined that neither the type specifying information nor the first switching information has been acquired through the input interface 221 (NO in STEP1 and NO in STEP10 of FIG. 3), the processor 223 determines whether the second switching information has been acquired through the input interface 221 (STEP12). That is, the processor 223 determines whether the second switching device 50 is connected to the information processing apparatus 20.

[0057] When it is determined that the second switching information has been acquired (YES in STEP 12), the processor 223 rewrites the state designation information stored in the storage 222 to designate the first state (STEP 13). Thereafter, the process returns to STEP 1.

[0058] When it is determined that the second switching information has not been acquired (NO in STEP 12), the processor 242 determines that nothing is connected to the information processing apparatus 20 and returns the process to STEP 1.

[0059] In general, a probe suitable for operation in the first function cannot be used even if it is connected to the information processing apparatus designated for operation in the second state. According to such a configuration, the information processing apparatus 20 switched to the second state can be returned to the first state as necessary. Therefore, the use of the probe 30 suitable for operation in the first function in the information processing apparatus 20 can be resumed. As a result, the flexibility in the operation of the information processing system 10 can be further enhanced.

[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first switching device 40 includes a cable 42 and a connector 43. The cable 42 includes signal lines used for acquiring the first switching information by the signal processing device 22. The connector 43 is provided at one end of the cable 42. The connector 43 is configured to be connected to the connector 21 of the information processing apparatus 20. That is, the first switching device 40 is connected to the connector 21 to which the probe 30 is connected. Note that the second information element 41 can be disposed at any position in the first switching device 40 including the cable 42 and the connector 43.

[0061] According to such a configuration, at least a part of the first switching device 40 excluding the second information element 41 can be formed by components common to the probe 30. Since the cost related to the design and manufacture of the components specific to the first switching device 40 can be reduced, an increase in the operation cost of the information processing system 10 can be suppressed.

[0062] However, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus 20 may include a connector 24 different from the connector 21. In this case, the first switching device 40 may include a connector 44 connected to the different connector 24. The cable 42 may be omitted.

[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second switching device 50 includes a cable 52 and a connector 53. The cable 52 includes signal lines used for acquiring second switching information by the signal processing device 22. The connector 53 is provided at one end of the cable 52. The connector 53 is configured to be connected to the connector 21 of the information processing apparatus 20. That is, the second switching device 50 is connected to the connector 21 to which the probe 30 is connected. Note that the third information element 51 may be disposed at any position in the second switching device 50 including the cable 52 and the connector 53.

[0064] According to such a configuration, at least a part of the second switching device 50 excluding the third information element 51 can be formed by components common to the probe 30. Since the cost related to the design and manufacture of the components specific to the second switching device 50 can be reduced, an increase in the operation cost of the information processing system 10 can be suppressed.

[0065] However, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the second switching device 50 may include a connector 54 connected to a different connector 24. In this case, the cable 52 may be omitted. The different connector 24 may be the same as or different from the connector to which the first switching device 40 is connected.

[0066] Each of the processor 223 of the signal processing device 22 and the processor 232 of the control device 23 having the various functions described above can be realized by a general-purpose microprocessor that operates in cooperation with a general-purpose memory. Examples of the general-purpose microprocessor include a CPU, an MPU, and a GPU. Examples of the general-purpose memory include a ROM and a RAM. In this case, a computer program for executing the above-described processing may be stored in the ROM. The ROM is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a computer program. The general-purpose microprocessor designates at least a part of the program stored on the ROM and expands it on the RAM, and executes the above-described processing in cooperation with the RAM. The computer program may be pre-installed in the general-purpose memory, or may be downloaded from an external server via a communication network and then installed in the general-purpose memory. In this case, the external server is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a computer program. Note that the storage 222 may be realized by the general-purpose memory.

[0067] Each of the processor 223 of the signal processing device 22 and the processor 232 of the control device 23 may be realized by an application-specific integrated circuit capable of executing the above computer program, such as a microcontroller, an ASIC, or an FPGA. In this case, the above computer program is pre-installed in a storage element included in the application-specific integrated circuit. The storage element is an example of a computer-readable medium storing a computer program. Note that the storage 222 may be realized by the storage element.

[0068] Each of the processor 223 of the signal processing device 22 and the processor 232 of the control device 23 can also be realized by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and an application-specific integrated circuit.

[0069] The above embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the present invention. The configurations according to the above embodiments can be appropriately changed and improved without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0070] In the above-described embodiment, the signal processing device 22 includes a storage for storing state specification information. However, the storage having such a function may be provided in the control device 23, or may be provided as a device independent of the signal processing device 22 and the control device 23 in the information processing device 20.

Explanation of Signs

[0071] 10: Biological information processing system, 20: Biological information processing device, 21: Connector, 22: Signal processing device, 221: Input interface, 222: Storage, 223: Processor, 23: Control device, 30: Probe, 31: Sensor, 32: First information element, 40: First switching device, 41: Second information element, 50: Second switching device, 51: Third information element

Claims

1. A biological information processing apparatus configured to be connected to a sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to biological information and a probe having a first information element that holds type identification information for identifying the type of the sensor, and capable of switching between a first state operable with a first function and a second state operable with a second function higher than the first function; A storage mounted on the biological information processing apparatus and storing state designation information for designating whether the biological information processing apparatus operates in the first state or the second state; A first switching device connectable to the biological information processing apparatus and having a second information element that holds first switching information for requesting a switch from the first state to the second state; A control device mounted on the biological information processing apparatus and defining whether rewriting of the state designation information is permitted; A signal processing device mounted on the biological information processing apparatus, receiving the type identification information when the probe is connected to the biological information processing apparatus, processing the signal based on the state designation information, and receiving the first switching information when the first switching device is connected to the biological information processing apparatus; Comprising: When the signal processing device is permitted by the control device to rewrite the state designation information, has received a request to switch from the first state to the second state by the first switching information, and a probe having the first information element holding the type identification information that identifies a sensor type suitable for operation in the second function is connected to the biological information processing apparatus, the signal processing device rewrites the state designation information so as to specify operation in the second state; A biological information processing system.

2. The biological information processing apparatus includes a connector to which the probe is connected; At least a part of the first switching device excluding the second information element is formed of a component common to the probe and is connectable to the connector. The biological information processing system according to Claim 1. The biological information processing system according to Claim 1.

3. Connectable to the biological information processing apparatus; Comprising a second switching device having a third information element that holds second switching information for requesting a switch from the second state to the first state; When the second switching device is connected to the biological information processing apparatus, the signal processing device rewrites the state designation information so as to specify operation in the first state based on the second switching information. The biological information processing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The biological information processing apparatus includes a connector to which the probe is connected, At least a part of the second switching device excluding the third information element is formed of a component common to the probe and is connectable to the connector. The biological information processing system according to claim 3.

5. A signal processing device that is mounted on a biological information processing apparatus capable of switching between a first state operable in a first function and a second state operable in a second function higher than the first function, and processes a signal corresponding to biological information output from a sensor included in a probe connected to the biological information processing apparatus, A processor that processes the signal based on state designation information that designates whether the biological information processing apparatus operates in the first state or the second state, An interface that receives the type specification information when a probe holding the type specification information for specifying the type of the sensor is connected to the biological information processing apparatus, and receives the switching information when a switching device holding the switching information for requesting the switching from the first state to the second state is connected to the biological information processing apparatus, Comprising: The processor is permitted to rewrite the state designation information, has received a request for switching from the first state to the second state by the switching information, and when the type specification information specifies a sensor type suitable for operation in the second function, rewrites the state designation information to designate operation in the second state. Signal processing device.

6. A computer program executable by a processor of a signal processing device that is mounted on a biological information processing apparatus capable of switching between a first state operable in a first function and a second state operable in a second function higher than the first function, and processes a signal corresponding to biological information output from a sensor included in a probe connected to the biological information processing apparatus, When executed, the signal processing device Processes the signal based on state designation information that designates whether the biological information processing apparatus operates in the first state or the second state, Receives the type specification information when a probe holding the type specification information for specifying the type of the sensor is connected to the biological information processing apparatus, When a switching device that holds switching information requesting a switch from the first state to the second state is connected to the biological information processing device, the switching information is received, rewriting of the state designation information is permitted, a request for switching from the first state to the second state based on the switching information is received, and when the type specifying information specifies a sensor type suitable for operation in the second function, the state designation information is rewritten so as to specify operation in the second state. A computer program. **Claim 7** A connector connectable to a biological information processing device capable of switching between a first state operable in a first function and a second state operable in a second function higher than the first function, and an information element that holds switching information for causing the biological information processing device to switch from the second state to the first state when received by a signal processing device mounted on the biological information processing device through the connector. The switching device is provided with: A switching device. **Claim 8** At least a part excluding the information element is formed by a component common to a probe including a sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to biological information, and the connector can be connected to the connector of the biological information processing device to which the probe is connected. The switching device according to claim 7.

Images