Information Processing Apparatus, Information Processing Method, and Program

Abstract

To more accurately estimate the priming time of a blood purification device. 【Solution means】An information processing device for estimating the priming time of a blood purification device that purifies a patient's blood, the device obtaining identification data set according to the type of a blood purifier and an extracorporeal circulation circuit attached to the blood purification device, and having an estimation unit that estimates, based on the identification data, a remaining time as an initial display time required for priming of the blood purification device, and a control unit that generates display data for displaying the priming time of the blood purification device based on the remaining time as the initial display time, wherein the estimation unit is provided in the main body of the blood purification device and corrects the remaining time as the initial display time based at least on bubble data received from a bubble detector that detects bubbles in the extracorporeal circulation circuit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program for estimating the priming time of a blood purification apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a treatment by blood purification, dialysis treatment using a dialyzer having a hollow fiber membrane has been known. In the dialysis treatment, while the blood taken out from the patient is circulated extracorporeally by a blood circuit, blood purification is performed using a dialyzer connected to the blood circuit, and the purified blood is returned to the patient's body.

[0003] Generally, as a pre-stage of performing the dialysis treatment, it is necessary to remove dirt or bubbles present on the blood side of the blood circuit and the dialyzer. For this reason, priming such as filling the blood circuit with a priming solution such as dialysate or physiological saline and circulating it, and washing and removing bubbles on the blood side of the blood circuit and the dialyzer is performed in the pre-stage of the dialysis treatment. The time related to such priming (hereinafter, also referred to as priming time) is displayed on the blood purification apparatus, and the operator (medical staff such as a doctor or a nurse) of the blood purification apparatus can grasp this time.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a blood purification apparatus for improving the efficiency of priming and shortening the priming time. In particular, in the blood purification apparatus of Patent Document 1, it is determined whether it is either a wet-type blood purification means or a dry-type blood purification means, and liquid filling, which is priming corresponding to the type of the blood purification means, is performed.

[0005] Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an extracorporeal circulation apparatus for accurately determining the completion of priming. In particular, in the extracorporeal circulation apparatus of Patent Document 2, the operator does not determine the completion of priming, and during the priming operation, when the time during which no bubbles are detected becomes a predetermined time or more, it is determined that the priming is completed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, the time until the completion of priming displayed on the blood purification device is a fixed value assuming a standard blood circuit and dialyzer. Therefore, when it is determined whether priming is completed based on the amount of air bubbles in the blood circuit, if the way air bubbles escape is different from normal depending on the type and state of the blood circuit and dialyzer, there may be a deviation between the displayed time and the actual time until priming is completed. That is, even if the operator of the blood purification device returns after performing work at another location based on the time displayed at the start stage of priming, priming may not be completed, resulting in a problem of waiting for work.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program for more accurately estimating the priming time of a blood purification device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing apparatus for estimating the priming time of a blood purification apparatus for purifying a patient's blood, the apparatus including: an estimation unit that acquires identification data set according to the types of a blood purifier and an extracorporeal circulation circuit attached to the blood purification apparatus, and estimates, based on the identification data, a remaining time as an initial display time required for priming the blood purification apparatus, wherein the estimation unit is provided in a main body of the blood purification apparatus and corrects the remaining time as the initial display time based at least on bubble data received from a bubble detector that detects bubbles in the extracorporeal circulation circuit.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing method for estimating the priming time of a blood purification apparatus for purifying a patient's blood, the method including: a step of acquiring identification data set according to the types of a blood purifier and an extracorporeal circulation circuit attached to the blood purification apparatus; a step of estimating, based on the identification data, a remaining time as an initial display time required for priming the blood purification apparatus; a step of generating display data for displaying the priming time of the blood purification apparatus based on the remaining time as the initial display time; and a step of correcting the remaining time as the initial display time based at least on bubble data received from a bubble detector that detects bubbles in the extracorporeal circulation circuit.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a program for estimating the priming time of a blood purification apparatus for purifying a patient's blood, the program causing a computer to execute a process of: acquiring identification data set according to the types of a blood purifier and an extracorporeal circulation circuit attached to the blood purification apparatus; estimating, based on the identification data, a remaining time as an initial display time required for priming the blood purification apparatus; generating display data for displaying the priming time of the blood purification apparatus based on the remaining time as the initial display time; and correcting the remaining time as the initial display time based at least on bubble data received from a bubble detector that detects bubbles in the extracorporeal circulation circuit. [[Effect of the Invention]]

[0012] According to the present disclosure, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program for more accurately estimating the priming time of a blood purification apparatus can be provided.

[0013] Note that the above effects are merely exemplary for convenience of explanation, and the effects according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above. In addition to the above effects, according to the present disclosure, any effect described in the present disclosure can be achieved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the information processing apparatus of the present disclosure and the blood purification apparatus having the same will be described in detail. Note that the present invention is not limited to the content described below, and can be arbitrarily changed and implemented within the scope of not changing the gist thereof. Also, the drawings used in the description of each embodiment schematically show the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure and the blood purification apparatus having the same, and partial emphasis, enlargement, reduction, or omission, etc. are performed to deepen understanding, and the scale, shape, etc. of each component may not accurately represent the actual situation. Furthermore, some numerical values used in each embodiment are all examples, and can be changed variously as needed. And the same reference numerals are assigned to the common configurations in each drawing.

[0016] <First Embodiment> (Configuration of Blood Purification Apparatus) First, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the configuration of the blood purification apparatus having the information processing apparatus of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the usage state of the blood purification apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the blood purification apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the internal piping section of the blood purification apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of the extracorporeal circulation section of the blood purification apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a partial configuration diagram of the blood purification apparatus according to the present embodiment, which details the part related to priming.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the blood purification device 1 is composed of a dialysis machine for performing dialysis treatment on patient H. Specifically, the blood purification device 1 has a main body 3 installed on a base unit 2, a display 4 connected to the top of the main body 3, and a blood purifier 5 installed to the side of the main body 3. The main body 3 of the blood purification device 1 also has an internal piping section 7 for circulating a dialysate between the information processing device 6 and the blood purifier 5, and an extracorporeal circulation section 8 for circulating the blood, which is a bodily fluid of patient H, outside the body. With this configuration, the blood purification device 1 can extract the blood of patient H from the body, remove unnecessary or toxic substances or water from the blood in the blood purifier 5, and return the purified blood to patient H.

[0018] The base unit 2 is composed of a plate-shaped base 2a connected to the bottom of the main body 3 and four casters 2b attached to the base 2a. This allows for easy movement of the blood purification apparatus 1. The number of casters 2b is not limited to four, and may be three or five or more as long as it allows the blood purification apparatus 1 to be moved.

[0019] The main body 3 is composed of a roughly rectangular parallelepiped housing. Inside and on the surface of the main body 3, various components and parts that make up the blood purification apparatus 1 are arranged. Examples of the components include pumps such as a duplex pump, a water removal pump, a degassing pump, a pressurizing pump, a stock solution pump, and a blood pump, as well as various detectors, which will be described later. Examples of the components include solenoid valves, filters, various sensors, a blood circuit, a dialysate circuit, and other parts, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the blood circuit is a consumable item located outside the blood purification apparatus 1, and therefore only the blood circuit corresponds to the extracorporeal circulation circuit.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the blood purification device 1 includes a display 4, an information processing device 6, an internal piping section 7, an extracorporeal circulation section 8, a communication section 9, and a reading section 10, which are electrically connected to each other via control lines and data lines. Thereby, in the blood purification device 1, signals, data, and information can be transmitted and received between various electrical components, and various controls by the information processing device 6 are also possible. In the following, data is basically assumed to consist of numerical values, symbols, characters, etc. obtained by processing signals, etc. Further, information is basically assumed to be the data collected or processed, for example, content that can be used by the recipient as subsequent consideration material or can be utilized by the recipient. However, data and information may be used in a manner that does not conform to the above assumptions depending on their content and the context before and after.

[0021] When starting treatment using the blood purification device 1 and the blood purifier 5, predetermined preparations are required before treatment. Specifically, preparation processes such as priming, gas purge, and blood removal are required. Priming is a process of cleaning the blood circuit constituting the extracorporeal circulation section 8 and the blood side of the blood purifier 5, removing air bubbles, and filling with a priming solution. Further, gas purge is a process of cleaning the dialysate side of the blood purifier 5, removing air bubbles, and filling with a liquid. Furthermore, blood removal is a process of taking blood from the patient H and replacing the priming solution filled in the blood side of the blood circuit and the blood purifier 5 with the blood. In the information processing device 6 of the present embodiment, since it is characterized by estimating the remaining time of priming, the content related to priming will be mainly described below, and descriptions of other preparation processes and various processes in the treatment itself, which are the same as known content, as well as the operations of the constituent devices and the like in these processes will be omitted.

[0022] In the present embodiment, the case of a hemodialysis device is described as an example of the blood purification device 1, but it is not limited thereto. For example, a device for acute blood purification, a peritoneal dialysis device, an ultrafiltration device, or a hemofiltration device can also be an example of the blood purification device 1.

[0023] 〔Display〕 Next, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the display 4 has an input unit 4a composed of a touch panel type input interface and an output unit 4b composed of a general screen type output interface. That is, the display 4 in the present embodiment is a touch panel provided with an input / output interface. Here, the detection method of input by the touch panel may be any method such as a capacitance type or a resistive film type. Also, the operable area and position on the touch panel can be freely set by the administrator of the blood purification device 1 or the like. That is, the arrangement of the input unit 4a and the output unit 4b on the display 4 can be set as appropriate.

[0024] Note that the input interface may be separated from the display 4. In this case, a keyboard provided with physical key buttons such as numeric keys or character input keys, and an input device such as a mouse may be provided in the blood purification device 1.

[0025] 〔Blood purifier〕 The blood purifier 5 has a blood inlet and a blood outlet as ports on the blood side at both ends of its housing, and a dialysate inlet and a dialysate outlet as ports on the dialysate side on the side of its housing. The arterial side blood circuit L21 described later is connected to the blood inlet, and the venous side blood circuit L22 described later is connected to the outlet. Also, the main pipe L1 described later is connected to the dialysate inlet, and the main pipe L2 is connected to the dialysate outlet.

[0026] The blood purifier 5 houses a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (not shown) inside, and the hollow fibers constitute a blood purification membrane for purifying blood. Inside the blood purifier 5, a blood flow path through which the blood of the patient H flows and a dialysate flow path through which the dialysate flows are formed via the blood purification membrane. Also, a large number of minute holes penetrating the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface are formed in the hollow fiber membranes constituting the blood purification membrane, and impurities in the blood can permeate into the dialysate through the hollow fiber membranes.

[0027] In addition, an IC tag (RFID tag, RF tag) storing the identification data of the blood purifier 5 is provided on the side of the housing of the blood purifier 5. The identification data is data for identifying which type the blood purifier 5 attached to the blood purification device 1 is, and may be, for example, the model of the blood purifier 5. Further, the identification data may include additional data such as the manufacturing date, manufacturing location, or expiration date. The type of the IC tag may be any of a passive type, an active type, or a semi-passive type, but considering the reading frequency of the identification data and the necessity of a battery, the passive type is preferred.

[0028] Note that the blood purifier 5 is not limited to a dialyzer having the configuration as described above. For example, it may be an adsorption type blood purifier used for endotoxin adsorption treatment, activated carbon adsorption treatment, or bilirubin adsorption treatment, etc. Further, the blood purifier 5 may be a hemodiafilter.

[0029] 〔Communication unit〕 Next, as shown in FIG. 2, the communication unit 9 is composed of a communication processing circuit 9a and an antenna 9b. The communication unit 9 transmits and receives information to and from a server device of a medical institution installed separately from the blood purification device 1 or a terminal device used by a medical staff (administrator of the blood purification device 1) via the communication processing circuit 9a and the antenna 9b.

[0030] The communication processing circuit 9a may execute processing based on a broadband wireless communication method represented by the LTE method. Further, the communication processing circuit 9a may execute processing based on a method related to a narrowband wireless communication such as a wireless LAN represented by IEEE802.11 or Bluetooth (registered trademark). Furthermore, the communication processing circuit 9a may execute processing based on a method related to contactless wireless communication. And instead of or in addition to such wireless communication, wired communication may be used for the communication processing circuit 9a.

[0031] 〔Reading unit〕 The reading unit 10 is a general reader device for IC tags. In the present embodiment, the reading unit 10 reads the identification data stored in the IC tag provided in the blood purifier 5 and the IC tag provided in the blood circuit described later. Specifically, when the blood purifier 5 and the blood circuit described later are attached, the IC tag will be in a position where it can be read by the reading unit 10, and each IC tag operates using the radio wave sent from the reading unit 10 as energy. Thereby, the reading unit 10 can communicate with the IC tag and can receive the identification data stored in the IC tag.

[0032] Note that since the communication unit 9 also has a communication function, a function for reading the IC tag may be implemented in the communication unit 9 so that the communication unit functions as the reading unit 10.

[0033] 〔Internal piping section〕 Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the internal piping section 7 has a structure in which a main pipe L1 is connected to the liquid supply side of the blood purifier 5, a main pipe L2 is connected to the drainage side, and bypass pipes L3, L4, and L5 are connected between the main pipe L1 and the main pipe L2 so as to bypass the blood purifier 5. Further, a bypass pipe L10 is provided so as to connect the supply side (upstream side) of the main pipe L1 to the discharge side (downstream side) of the main pipe L2. Furthermore, bypass pipes L11 and L12 are connected in parallel to the main pipe L2 so as to bypass a part of the main pipe L2 in the middle of the main pipe L2. And a connecting pipe L13 is provided so as to connect the main pipe L2 and the bypass pipe L11. For example, a flexible material such as a vinyl chloride tube or a silicon tube is used for each pipe. Further, a dialysate circuit L14 is constituted by these respective pipes.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, pumps, valves, sensors, filters, etc. are arranged in each pipe. Specifically, in the main pipe L1, a pressure reducing valve V1, a solenoid valve V2, a degassing pump P0, a degassing chamber 11, a compound pump P1, a back pressure valve V3, a temperature sensor S1, a filter F12, a solenoid valve V4, a filter F2, a connection port T1, a pressure sensor S2, and a solenoid valve V5 are arranged in order from the liquid supply terminal side of the internal pipe section 7 toward one end of the blood purifier 5. Here, a priming liquid supply line L31 for supplying dialysate, which is a priming liquid, to the extracorporeal circulation section 8 is connected to the connection port T1 arranged in the main pipe L1 during priming described later. Further, a connector C1 is arranged at the tip of the main pipe L1 (the connection side with the blood purifier 5). Furthermore, in the main pipe L2, a solenoid valve V6, a pressure sensor S3, a pressurizing pump P2, a degassing chamber 12, a compound pump P1, a back pressure valve V7, a flow rate detector 13, and a solenoid valve V8 are arranged in order from one end of the blood purifier 5 toward the drain terminal side of the internal pipe section 7. And a connector C2 is arranged at the tip of the main pipe L2 (the connection side with the blood purifier 5).

[0035] The bypass pipe L3 is provided at a position connecting the filter F1 on the main pipe L1 and the downstream side of the pressure sensor S3 on the main pipe L2. Here, a solenoid valve V9 is arranged in the bypass pipe L3. Also, the bypass pipe L4 is provided at a position connecting the filter F2 on the main pipe L1 and the upstream side of the pressure sensor S3 on the main pipe L2 (that is, the downstream side of the solenoid valve V6). Here, a solenoid valve V10 is arranged in the bypass pipe L4. Further, the bypass pipe L5 is provided at a position connecting the downstream side of the solenoid valve V5 on the main pipe L1 and the upstream side of the solenoid valve V6 on the main pipe L2. Here, the bypass pipe L5 is formed by connecting the connector C1 of the main pipe L1 and the connector C1 of the main pipe L2. That is, when performing treatment, the main pipe L1 and the main pipe L2 are connected to the blood purifier 5, but when cleaning the internal pipe section 7 or the like, the connector C1 and the connector C2 are connected and a bypass connector C3 is formed on the bypass pipe L5. Note that the upstream and downstream are defined corresponding to the flow of the dialysate in each member.

[0036] The bypass pipe L10 is connected between the solenoid valve V2 and the degassing pump P0 on the main pipe L1 and between the downstream side of the solenoid valve V8 on the main pipe L2 via the degassing chamber 11, and has a configuration that bypasses components other than the pressure reducing valve V1, the solenoid valve V2, and the degassing chamber 11. The bypass pipes L11 and L12 are connected between the pressure sensor S3 and the compound pump P1 on the main pipe L2 and between the compound pump P1 and the flow rate detector 13 on the main pipe L2, and have a configuration that bypasses the compound pump P1. In the present embodiment, the bypass pipe L11 is connected closer to the compound pump P1 than the bypass pipe L12. Further, a back pressure valve V11 and a water removal pump P3 are provided in the bypass pipe L11. Furthermore, a solenoid valve V12 is provided in the bypass pipe L12. The connection pipe L13 connects the degassing chamber 12 on the main pipe L2 and between the back pressure valve V11 and the water removal pump P3 on the bypass pipe L11.

[0037] Each of the various valves, various pumps, and the flow rate detector 13 described above is controlled in its respective operation based on a control signal supplied from the information processing device 6. Thereby, the dialysate can be circulated at a desired flow rate or various cleaning operations can be performed. For example, in order to more accurately perform the liquid feeding amount by the compound pump P1, when the compound pump P1 is performing a suction operation, control is performed to support the suction operation by pressurizing with a water supply pressure or the pressurizing pump P2. That is, in order to support the suction amount on the liquid supply side, the pressure reducing valve V1 is controlled to adjust the water supply pressure, and in order to support the suction amount on the drainage side, the pressurizing pump P2 is controlled. Here, the pressure control of the pressurizing pump P2 is executed by opening the back pressure valve V11 when the pressure of the pressurizing pump P2 becomes a predetermined value or more. On the other hand, when the compound pump P1 is performing a discharge operation, when the discharge pressure becomes a predetermined value or less, the back pressure valves V3 and V7 are closed so that the liquid does not flow, and control is performed to support the discharge operation by eliminating the influence of inertia. That is, for supporting the discharge amount on the liquid supply side, the back pressure valve V3 is closed, and for supporting the discharge amount on the drainage side, the back pressure valve V7 is closed.

[0038] In addition, these valves, pumps, and the flow rate detector 13 can transmit state parameters indicating the operating state of each component device or component part, or the blood purification device 1 having these, to the information processing device 6. For example, these valves, pumps, and the flow rate detector 13 may transmit the state parameters measured by various built-in sensors to the information processing device 6. That is, the state parameters may be measurement values measured by various sensors. When various sensors are not built in, the state parameters may be measured and transmitted by various sensors disposed in the vicinity of each component device or component part.

[0039] Similarly, each of the various sensors described above can also transmit the measurement values to the information processing device 6. Thereby, the information processing device 6 can acquire various state parameters indicating the operating state of the internal piping section 7 of the blood purification device 1.

[0040] As described above, in the internal piping section 7, in addition to the dialysis fluid circulation process and the cleaning process, the blood purification device 1 and the acquisition process of the state parameters indicating the operating states of the component devices and component parts of the blood purification device 1 are performed.

[0041] 〔Extracorporeal Circulation Section〕 Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the extracorporeal circulation section 8 has a structure in which an arterial side blood circuit L21 is connected to the blood introduction side of the blood purifier 5, and a venous side blood circuit L22 is connected to the blood derivation side of the blood purifier 5. Further, a liquid level adjustment circuit L23 is connected between the arterial side blood circuit L21 and the venous side blood circuit L22 so as to bypass the blood purifier 5. Here, the liquid level adjustment circuit L23 is composed of a bypass line L24 arranged in parallel with the blood purifier 5 and an open line L25 for introducing or discharging air to the bypass line L24. For example, a flexible material such as a vinyl chloride tube or a silicone tube is used for each circuit. In the following, when not specifying any one of the blood circuits and when explaining these blood circuits together, they are simply referred to as the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20.

[0042] In the arterial blood circuit L21, a connector C21, a solenoid valve V21, a connection port T2, a bubble detector 22, a blood pump P21, a blood concentration detector 23, and an arterial air trap chamber 24 are arranged in order from the patient H side toward the blood purifier 5. Here, a priming liquid supply line L31 for supplying a dialysis liquid, which is a priming liquid, into each blood port is connected to the connection port T2 in priming described later. Further, in the present embodiment, the bubble detector 22 is not directly provided in the middle of the arterial blood circuit L21 itself, but is connected to the main body 3 of the blood purification device 1 via a wired cord, for example, and an independent structure is adopted so as to be able to detect bubbles in the arterial blood circuit L21. Note that the bubble detector 22 may be directly provided in the middle of the arterial blood circuit L21 itself.

[0043] On the other hand, in the venous blood circuit L22, a venous air trap chamber 25, a flow rate detector 26, a pressure detector 27, a bubble detector 28, a solenoid valve V22, and a connector C22 are arranged in order from the blood purifier 5 toward the patient H. Here, similar to the bubble detector 22, the bubble detector 28 is not directly provided in the middle of the venous blood circuit L22 itself, but is connected to the main body 3 of the blood purification device 1 via a wired cord, for example, and an independent structure is adopted so as to be able to detect bubbles in the venous blood circuit L22. Note that when the blood purification device 1 is driven to purify the blood of the patient H, an arterial puncture needle (not shown) is connected to the connector C21, and a venous puncture needle (not shown) is connected to the connector C22, and each puncture needle pierces the arm of the patient H.

[0044] With such a configuration, in the arterial blood circuit L21, the amount and concentration of the blood taken out from the patient H are detected, and in the venous blood circuit L22, the amount and concentration of the blood returned to the patient H are detected. Further, the priming liquid supplied from the connection port is supplied to the venous blood circuit L22 via the blood purifier 5.

[0045] In the bypass line L24 of the liquid level adjustment circuit L23, a pressure sensor S22, a solenoid valve V23, a solenoid valve V24, and a pressure sensor S23 are arranged in sequence from the arterial side air trap chamber 24 toward the venous side air trap chamber 25. Further, a liquid level adjustment pump P22 is arranged in the open line L25 of the liquid level adjustment circuit L23. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to drive the liquid level adjustment pump P22 to introduce or discharge air, and the blood level in each air trap chamber can be adjusted. Note that, instead of each air trap chamber, a pressure detector that does not provide an air layer may be arranged. Even in this case, the liquid level is adjusted by driving the liquid level adjustment pump P22.

[0046] Each of the solenoid valves, various pumps, and various detectors described above has its operations controlled based on a control signal supplied from the information processing device 6. Further, these solenoid valves, pumps, and detectors can transmit state parameters indicating the operating state of each constituent device or component, or the blood purification device 1 having these, to the information processing device 6. For example, these solenoid valves, pumps, and detectors may transmit state parameters measured by various built-in sensors to the information processing device 6. That is, the state parameters may be measurement values measured by various sensors. Note that, when various sensors are not built in, the state parameters may be measured and transmitted by various sensors arranged in the vicinity of each constituent device or component.

[0047] Similarly, each of the pressure sensors described above can also transmit the measurement value to the information processing device 6. Thereby, the information processing device 6 can acquire various state parameters indicating the operating state of the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 of the blood purification device 1.

[0048] As described above, in the extracorporeal circulation unit 8, in addition to the processes of introducing and discharging blood and adjusting the liquid level, a process of acquiring state parameters indicating the operating state of the blood purification device 1 and the constituent devices and components of the blood purification device 1 is performed.

[0049] An IC tag (RFID tag, RF tag) storing identification data of the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 is provided on the surface of the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 constituting the extracorporeal circulation unit 8. The identification data is data for identifying the type of the attached extracorporeal circulation circuit L20, and may be, for example, the model of the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20. The identification data may also include additional data such as the manufacturing date, manufacturing location, or expiration date. The IC tag may be of any type: passive, active, or semi-passive; however, a passive type is preferred in consideration of the frequency of reading the identification data and the need for a battery.

[0050] [Priming] 5, the connection port T1 of the internal piping unit 7 and the connection port T2 of the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 are connected by a priming solution supply line L31. A solenoid valve V31 is disposed in the priming solution supply line L31. When the solenoid valve V31 is open, the dialysis fluid produced in the internal piping unit 7 is supplied to the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 via the priming solution supply line L31.

[0051] Specifically, a control signal (drive signal) for opening the solenoid valve V31 is supplied from the information processing device 6 to the solenoid valve V31, and a control signal (drive signal) for driving the blood pump P21 is supplied from the information processing device 6 to the blood pump P21. As a result, the solenoid valve V31 opens, the blood pump P21 is driven, and the dialysate produced in the internal piping unit 7 flows into the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 as a priming fluid. Note that, as indicated by the dotted line in Fig. 5, saline may be supplied as the priming fluid from a saline bag 30 installed outside the blood purification device 1. In this case, a chamber 31 may be disposed between the saline bag 30 and the solenoid valve V31.

[0052] After that, the information processing device 6 receives the data detected by the bubble detector 22, the flow rate detector 26, the pressure detector 27, and the bubble detector 28, and determines whether priming is completed based on the detection data. For example, the information processing device 6 may determine that priming is completed when no bubbles are detected from the blood circuit and the flow rate and pressure of the priming liquid become equal to or higher than a predetermined value. More specifically, when the supply of a predetermined amount of priming liquid from the internal piping section 7 to the extracorporeal circulation section 8 is completed, a control signal (drive signal) for closing the electromagnetic valve V31 is supplied from the information processing device 6 to the electromagnetic valve V31, and the electromagnetic valve V31 closes to stop the supply of the priming liquid. After that, by continuously driving the blood pump P21, the priming liquid supplied to the extracorporeal circulation section 8 is circulated, and the extracorporeal circulation section 8 is washed. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed, no bubbles are detected from the blood circuit, and the flow rate and pressure of the priming liquid become equal to or higher than a predetermined value, a control signal (stop signal) for stopping the blood pump P21 is supplied from the information processing device 6 to the blood pump P21. As a result, the inside of the blood circuit is filled with the priming liquid, and the washing is also completed.

[0053] 〔Information Processing Device〕 Next, as shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 6 according to the present embodiment includes a processor 6a and a memory 6b.

[0054] The processor 6a is composed of a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and functions as a control unit that controls other connected constituent devices or components based on various programs stored in the memory 6b. Specifically, the processor 6a reads and executes a program for executing blood purification processing or a program for executing an OS from the memory 6b. In addition, the processor 6a executes a process of estimating the priming time of the blood purification device 1. Note that the processor 6a may be composed of a single GPU or CPU, or may be composed of a combination of a plurality of CPUs or GPUs.

[0055] The memory 6b is composed of a ROM, a RAM, a non-volatile memory, an HDD, etc., and functions as a storage unit. The ROM stores, as a program, instruction commands for executing blood purification processing. Further, the ROM stores a learned estimation model necessary for estimating the priming time in the blood purification device 1. Also, the RAM is used for writing and reading data while the program stored in the ROM is being processed by the processor 6a. The non-volatile memory is a storage device in which writing and reading of data are executed by the execution of the program, and the data written therein is stored even after the execution of the program is completed.

[0056] In particular, in the present embodiment, a program for estimating the priming of the blood purification device 1 is stored. The program causes a computer (i.e., the information processing device 6 of the blood purification device 1) to execute a process of acquiring identification data set according to the type of the blood purifier 5 and the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 attached to the blood purification device 1. Further, the program causes the computer to execute a process of estimating the remaining time required for the priming of the blood purification device 1 based on the identification data. Furthermore, the program causes the computer to execute a process of generating display data for displaying the priming time of the blood purification device 1 based on the remaining time. Note that the processes executed by the program will be described later.

[0057] (Functional Configuration of Information Processing Device) Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the functional configuration of the information processing device 6 of the blood purification device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Here, FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the information processing device 6 according to the first embodiment. In particular, in FIG. 6, other constituent devices and components of the blood purification device 1 are also described in addition to the information processing device 6, and the flow of information and data among the devices is also described.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 6, the information processing apparatus 6 includes an estimation unit 51, a control unit 52, and a storage unit 53. The estimation unit 51 includes a calculation unit 55 and a learned estimation model 56. Each of these units is realized by the processor 6a and the memory 6b of the information processing apparatus 6 functioning themselves, or by the processor 6a reading and executing a program stored in the memory 6b.

[0059] The estimation unit 51 receives the identification data stored in the IC tag of the blood purifier 5 and the identification data stored in the IC tag of the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 via the reading unit 10 shown in FIG. 2. Each piece of identification data is set according to the types of the blood purifier 5 and the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20, and various data related to the blood purifier 5 and the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 can be grasped based on each piece of identification data.

[0060] The estimation unit 51 also receives bubble data from the bubble detector 60 via the communication unit 9 shown in FIG. 2. Here, the bubble detector 60 is a general term for the bubble detectors 22 and 28 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and is not limited to any one of the bubble detectors.

[0061] Furthermore, the estimation unit 51 receives a pressure signal from the pressure sensor S61 via the communication unit 9 shown in FIG. 2. Similarly, the estimation unit 51 receives a temperature signal from the temperature sensor S62 via the communication unit 9 shown in FIG. 2. Here, the pressure sensor S61 and the temperature sensor S62 are general terms for the respective pressure sensors or the respective temperature sensors shown in FIG. 3, and are not limited to any one of the pressure sensors or temperature sensors.

[0062] The estimation unit 51 also receives the identification data of the blood purifier 5 and the identification data of the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 as input data input by operating the input unit 4a. Similarly, the estimation unit 51 also receives data related to the operating environment of the blood purification device 1 as input data input by operating the input unit 4a. Here, the data related to the operating environment of the blood purification device 1 is, for example, pressure and temperature values. That is, the data related to the operating environment of the blood purification device 1 is temperature data and atmospheric pressure data around the location where the blood purification device 1 is installed. Note that input data is not necessarily received. If the identification data and temperature and pressure values are not received from each component, etc., the respective data will be received by operation by the administrator of the blood purification device 1. The input data may also be received from another blood purification device, a server device, etc. via the communication unit 9.

[0063] The calculation unit 55 of the estimation unit 51 calculates the usage environment of the blood purification device 1 based on various electrical signals received from the pressure sensor S61 and the temperature sensor S62. Specifically, the calculation unit 55 calculates the usage environment (temperature, air pressure) in which the blood purification device 1 is installed based on the received electrical signals and outputs the calculated data. Here, when the internal piping unit 7 is not filled with dialysate, the inside of the internal piping unit 7 is open to the atmosphere, so the measured temperature and pressure match those related to the usage environment of the blood purification device 1, and measurements are performed by the pressure sensor S61 and the temperature sensor S62 in a state where the internal piping unit 7 is not filled with dialysate (i.e., before treatment). Note that a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor may be separately installed in the main body 3 of the blood purification device 1 so that data related to the usage environment of the blood purification device 1 can be measured regardless of the operating state of the blood purification device 1.

[0064] The estimation unit 51 transmits each piece of received data received via the communication unit 9 or the reading unit 10 and the calculated data calculated by the calculation unit 55 to the storage unit 53 in order to store the data. The storage unit 53 stores the received data in the memory 6b.

[0065] Then, in order to estimate the priming time using the trained estimation model 56, the estimation unit 51 inputs each received data received via the communication unit 9 or the reading unit 10 and the calculated data calculated by the calculation unit 55 into the trained estimation model 56. The trained estimation model 56 uses artificial intelligence (AI) to estimate the priming time from the input data and outputs the remaining time until priming is completed, which is the estimated result. The trained estimation model 56 and the remaining time, which is output data, will be described later, including model settings. When the estimation unit 51 acquires the remaining time, which is output data from the trained estimation model 56, it transmits the remaining time to the control unit 52.

[0066] The control unit 52 generates display data based on the estimated remaining time to display the priming time (time until priming is completed) of the blood purification device 1 in a manner that is understandable to the manager of the blood purification device 1. The control unit 52 also generates a control signal that serves as a display instruction and transmits the display instruction together with the display data to the output unit 4b.

[0067] The output unit 4b displays the priming time of the blood purification apparatus 1 on the display 4 and notifies the manager of the blood purification apparatus 1 of the time remaining until priming is complete. By checking the displayed priming time, the manager can determine the time required to complete priming and can perform other tasks according to the displayed time.

[0068] (Treatment in blood purification equipment) Next, before estimating and displaying the priming time of the blood purification device 1 according to the present embodiment, the processes executed in the blood purification device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 16. Here, FIGS. 7 and 15 are sequence diagrams related to the estimation of the priming time in the blood purification device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the setting process of the learned estimation model 56 set in the information processing device 6 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the evaluation process of the learned estimation model 56 set in the information processing device 6 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is table data showing the learning data for generating the learned estimation model 56 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a graph showing the learning data for generating the learned estimation model 56 according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 12, 13, 14, and 16 are display screens displayed in the blood purification device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0069] First, as shown in FIG. 7, in the information processing device 6, initial settings are made (S111). Here, the initial settings refer to the preparation processes necessary for estimating the priming time of the blood purification device 1 using artificial intelligence (AI). That is, through the initial settings, the learned estimation model 56 is generated, and the learned estimation model 56 is implemented in the information processing device 6.

[0070] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the processor 6a of the information processing device 6 acquires learning data for generating the learned estimation model 56 (S201). Here, as an example of the learning data, as shown in FIG. 9, the type data of the blood purifier 5, the type data of the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20, the basic priming time data, the amount of bubble reduction data, and the usage environment data may be used. These data may be input by the administrator of the blood purification device 1 via the input unit 4a, or may be received via the communication unit 9.

[0071] The type data of the blood purifier 5 may be, for example, the model of the blood purifier. Further, the type data of the blood purifier 5 may include not only the model but also data such as the material, structure, dimensions, specifications, membrane area, capacity, ultrafiltration rate (UFR), wet / dry, and usage conditions that are characteristic of the blood purifier 5. Further, the type data of the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 may be, for example, the model of the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20. Further, the type data of the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 may include not only the model but also data such as the material, structure, dimensions, specifications, capacity, and usage conditions that are characteristic of the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20. Note that the type data may be the same as the above-described identification data, or the other data added to the model may be different. Further, the type data and the identification data are used in different scenarios. The type data is assumed to be data for machine learning, and the identification data is assumed to be data for identifying the actually mounted device or the like.

[0072] The basic priming time data is data set according to the type of the blood purifier 5 and the type of the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20. As shown in FIG. 10, for example, when the type of the blood purifier 5 and the type of the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 are determined, the basic priming time data is data for which the initial setting time required for priming is uniquely determined. Here, the initial setting time is the remaining time when priming is started, and is the time that is first displayed when priming is started. The basic priming time data is determined based on the usage records of the blood purifier 5 and the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20. In other words, it is also time data related to past priming records.

[0073] The bubble reduction amount data is data indicating how the bubbles in the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 decrease after starting priming. The bubble reduction amount data is, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, data indicating how the amount of bubbles in the circuit decreases as priming progresses. In particular, in FIG. 11, the horizontal axis represents the priming elapsed time, the vertical axis represents the amount of bubbles in the circuit, and graphs C1 to C5 corresponding to five patterns determined by the combination of the types of the blood purifier 5 and the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 are shown. Here, it is assumed that graphs C1 to C5 correspond to the cases where the blood purifier 5 is "b1", "b2", "b3", "b4", and "b5" when the identification data of the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 is "a1". And the priming elapsed times h1 to h5 at which the amount of bubbles in the circuit of each graph becomes zero are consistent with the table data in FIG. 10. In other words, the initial setting time in FIG. 10 corresponds to the priming elapsed time at which the amount of bubbles in the circuit in FIG. 11 becomes zero. Note that the bubble reduction amount data may be numerical data corresponding to graphs C1 to C5 instead of the graph data itself.

[0074] The usage environment data is data related to the installation environment of the blood purification device 1. Specifically, it is data on the temperature and atmospheric pressure when the blood purification device 1 is used. Also, it may be data related to the prefecture, city, town, or region where the blood purification device 1 is installed, or a combination of such data. Here, since the bubble reduction amount may depend on the installation environment of the blood purification device 1, it is preferable that the usage environment data is linked to the above-described basic priming time data and bubble reduction amount data.

[0075] As described above, in the present embodiment, in order to generate a learned estimation model, the type data of the blood purifier 5, the type data of the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20, the basic priming time data, the bubble reduction amount data, and the usage environment data are associated and used. However, although it is preferable to associate all of these data, some data may be excluded, or additional data may be added, etc., and the association between the data may be appropriately changed according to the machine learning described later.

[0076] Next, the processor 6a of the information processing device 6 performs annotation processing on the acquired learning data (S202). Specifically, the annotation processing adds annotations to the acquired learning data to generate teacher data. For example, the processor 6a of the information processing device 6 tags each combination determined by the blood purifier 5 and the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 with an initial setting time based on standard temperature and air pressure, and generates correct answer data linked to the standard initial setting time for each combination determined by the blood purifier 5 and the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20.

[0077] Next, the processor 6a of the information processing device 6 performs machine learning using the acquired training data and the annotated teacher data (S203). As an example, the machine learning is performed by providing the training data and teacher data to a neural network configured by combining neurons, and repeating learning while adjusting the parameters of each neuron so that the output of the neural network is the same as the correct data in the teacher data. Note that the above machine learning is merely an example, and machine learning using scoring may also be performed.

[0078] Next, the processor 6a of the information processing apparatus 6 evaluates the learned estimation model 56 generated by machine learning (S204). Here, the processor 6a of the information processing apparatus 6 uses evaluation data different from the learning data used for machine learning and executes the model evaluation. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the processor 6a of the information processing apparatus 6 inputs identification data of the blood purifier 5, identification data of the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20, the amount of bubble reduction over a predetermined time, temperature data, and pressure data. Here, the predetermined time related to the amount of bubble reduction may be, for example, 1 minute from the start of priming, or may be half of the general priming time (about 13 minutes). Then, the processor 6a of the information processing apparatus 6 evaluates whether the remaining priming time output from the learned estimation model 56 is a correct result. As a specific evaluation method, the processor 6a of the information processing apparatus 6 determines whether the actual remaining priming time corresponding to the evaluation data (the time until the completion of priming with the above-mentioned predetermined time set to zero) matches the estimated remaining time. Here, the actual remaining priming time is the elapsed time from the predetermined time to the completion of priming with the timing of the predetermined time related to the amount of bubble reduction set to zero. If the actual maintenance information does not match the estimated data, the process starts over from the acquisition of the learning data, and machine learning is performed again.

[0079] Next, when the actual remaining priming time corresponding to the evaluation data matches the estimated remaining time, the processor 6a of the information processing apparatus 6 implements the generated learned estimation model 56 (S205). Specifically, the processor 6a of the information processing apparatus 6 stores the generated learned estimation model 56 in the memory 6b. As a result, the estimation unit 51 having the learned estimation model 56 functions in the information processing apparatus 6.

[0080] Returning to Fig. 7, after the initial settings (S111) are completed, preparations for attaching the blood purifier 5 to the blood purification device 1 are made (S112). When the blood purifier 5 is actually attached to the blood purification device 1 and the distance between the blood purifier 5 and the blood purification device 1 is within a predetermined distance, the IC tag of the blood purifier 5 operates using the radio wave transmitted from the reading unit 10 of the blood purification device 1 as energy. As a result, the reading unit 10 of the blood purification device 1 can communicate with the IC tag of the blood purifier 5, and the identification data stored in the IC tag is read by the reading unit 10 of the blood purification device 1. That is, the identification data of the blood purifier 5 stored in the IC tag is transmitted from the blood purifier 5 to the information processing device 6 (T111).

[0081] Also, after the initial settings (S111) are completed, preparations for attaching the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 in the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 of the blood purification device 1 are made (S113). When the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 is actually attached to the blood purification device 1 and the distance between the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 and the blood purification device 1 is within a predetermined distance, the IC tag of the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 operates using the radio wave transmitted from the reading unit 10 of the blood purification device 1 as energy. As a result, the reading unit 10 of the blood purification device 1 can communicate with the IC tag of the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20, and the identification data stored in the IC tag is read by the reading unit 10 of the blood purification device 1. That is, the identification data of the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 stored in the IC tag is transmitted from the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 to the information processing device 6 (T112).

[0082] Furthermore, after the initial settings (S111) are completed, measurements of the temperature and pressure in the internal piping section 7 are performed (S114). Here, when measuring the temperature and pressure, the internal piping section 7 is not filled with dialysate, and the temperature and pressure in the open-air state are measured. That is, the air temperature and atmospheric pressure in the usage environment of the blood purification device 1 are measured. Then, the measurement signal measured in the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 is transmitted to the information processing device 6 (T113).

[0083] Note that the acquisition of identification data and measurement signals is not limited to the flows of S112 to S114 and T111 to T113. Each identification data and measurement signal may be received from another device via the communication unit 9, or each identification data and measurement signal may be input via the input unit 4a. For example, in the case of such input, it may be realized by input using software that enables setting of treatment conditions, similar to body weight, treatment time, water removal amount, etc.

[0084] Next, in the information processing device 6, calculation processing of the received measurement signal is performed (S115). Specifically, the calculation unit 55 of the information processing device 6 calculates the usage environment of the blood purification device 1 based on the electrical signals of temperature and pressure that are measurement signals. Specifically, the calculation unit 55 calculates the usage environment (temperature, atmospheric pressure) where the blood purification device 1 is installed based on the received electrical signal, and outputs it as calculation data.

[0085] Next, in the information processing device 6, storage processing of the received identification data and the calculation data related to the calculated usage environment is performed (S116). Specifically, the estimation unit 51 of the information processing device 6 transmits these received data and calculation data to the storage unit 53, and the storage unit 53 stores each data in the memory 6b.

[0086] Next, button operation on the display 4 is performed by the administrator of the blood purification device 1 (S117). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, on the output unit 4b of the display 4, display units 61 to 63 and buttons 71 to 74 are displayed. Numerical values of venous pressure and dialysate pressure are displayed on the display unit 61, water removal amount, water removal amount setting, and water removal speed are displayed on the display unit 62, and treatment conditions for confirmation are displayed on the display unit 63. Also, the button 71 is a button for starting gas purge, the button 72 is a button for starting membrane warming, the button 73 is a button for starting priming, and the button 74 is a button for starting blood removal. And the above-mentioned button operation is an operation for the administrator to start priming, that is, an operation of pressing the button 73.

[0087] When button 73 is pressed, a display unit 64 pops up, displaying confirmation details related to priming, as shown in Fig. 13. The display unit 64 also includes a button 75 for requesting the start of priming. Here, the display unit 64 displays a message indicating that the blood circuit should be confirmed as being attached, as a step to be taken before starting priming. Therefore, the administrator of the blood purification apparatus 1 will confirm the display and then press button 75 to request the start of priming. Then, by pressing button 75, a start instruction, which is a control request for starting priming, is transmitted to the information processing device 6 (T114).

[0088] Next, when the information processing device 6 receives a start instruction, the processor 6a executes the priming program stored in the memory 6b and controls the respective components and parts of the internal piping unit 7 and the extracorporeal circulation unit 8. As a result, the dialysate is supplied as a priming solution from the internal piping unit 7 to the extracorporeal circulation unit 8, and filling of the priming solution into the blood purifier 5 and the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 begins (S118).

[0089] Next, when filling of the priming solution begins, air bubble detection is performed in the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 (S119). Specifically, the air bubble detectors 22, 28 of the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 detect air bubbles in the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20. Then, the air bubble detectors 22, 28 of the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 transmit air bubble data, which is the detection result, to the information processing device 6 (T115). Note that, for the sake of convenience of explanation, FIG. 7 shows only one air bubble detection and one transmission of bubble data, but in reality, the detection and data transmission are performed continuously until no more air bubbles are detected (i.e., until priming is completed). Here, the time that elapses until S119 is executed is a relatively short time, about one minute from the start of priming, as shown in FIG. 11, and is assumed to be the time until the predetermined time A.

[0090] Next, in the information processing apparatus 6, storage processing of the received bubble data is performed (S120). Specifically, the estimation unit 51 of the information processing apparatus 6 transmits the received bubble data to the storage unit 53, and the storage unit 53 stores the bubble data in the memory 6b. Since bubble detection and bubble data are continuously performed, the storage processing is also continuously performed each time bubble data is received.

[0091] Next, in the information processing apparatus 6, using the received respective identification data and bubble data, and the calculated calculation data, the remaining time until the priming of the blood purification apparatus 1, which is the priming time, is completed is estimated (S121). Here, since the remaining time is the remaining time that is first displayed in the state where priming has been started, it corresponds to the initial display time. Specifically, the estimation unit 51 of the information processing apparatus 6 inputs the received respective identification data and bubble data, and the calculated calculation data into the learned estimation model 56. The learned estimation model 56 performs estimation processing based on the input data and outputs the remaining time (estimated data), which is the estimation result. Thereby, the estimation unit 51 acquires the remaining time, which is the priming time of the blood purification apparatus 1 and is the initial remaining time for initial display, and the process in which the remaining time is output from the learned estimation model 56 is completed.

[0092] Next, in the information processing apparatus 6, generation processing of display data for notifying the administrator of the blood purification apparatus 1 of the remaining time of the priming of the blood purification apparatus 1 is performed (S122). Specifically, the estimation unit 51 of the information processing apparatus 6 transmits the acquired remaining time to the control unit 52. The control unit 52 generates display data for displaying the priming time by the output unit 4b based on the acquired remaining time and a control signal for displaying the display data. Thereby, the process of generating display data for displaying the priming time of the blood purification apparatus 1 based on the estimated remaining time is completed.

[0093] Next, transmission processing of display data and control signals is performed from the information processing apparatus 6 to the display 4 (T116). Specifically, the control unit 52 of the information processing apparatus 6 transmits a control signal, which is a display instruction, to the output unit 4b together with the display data to be displayed at the output unit 4b of the display 4. Thereafter, at the display 4, a priming time based on the received display data is displayed from the output unit 4b (S123).

[0094] Here, FIG. 14 shows an example of an image output by the output unit 4b. As shown in FIG. 14, the remaining priming time is displayed on the display unit 63 of the output unit 4b. Specifically, inside the display unit 63, a display unit 81 for displaying a number, which is the remaining priming time, is provided. Further, below the display unit 81, a progress bar 82 for grasping the progress of the priming time is provided. As the priming progresses, the number in the display unit 81 becomes smaller, and the blank space in the progress bar 82 gradually decreases.

[0095] Then, the decrease in the remaining time in the display unit 81 decreases in the same manner as the normal passage of time until the estimation process of the next priming time is performed. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, when the remaining time is displayed as 13 minutes in the display unit 81, until the estimation of the next priming time, the remaining time gradually decreases to 12 minutes, 11 minutes, etc. in accordance with the normal passage of time. Note that the control unit 52 of the information processing apparatus 6 may process the decrease in the remaining time in the display unit 81 using the clock function. That is, the control unit 52 may continuously or periodically transmit the display data and the control signal to the display 4.

[0096] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 15, after the filling of the priming liquid is started, in the same manner as S119, T115, and S120 described above, bubble detection (S124) in the extracorporeal circulation unit 8, transmission of bubble data to the information processing device 6 (T117), and data storage (S125) in the information processing device 6 are continuously executed. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the remaining time, which is the priming time, is estimated again, and the priming time is corrected (S126). Here, the predetermined time may be, for example, regular timing such as every 3 minutes, or timing when half of the initially displayed remaining time has elapsed. Further, the predetermined time may be set according to the reduction amount of bubbles. For example, it may be the timing when a 10% or 20% reduction in bubbles is confirmed from the initial stage. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the timing (predetermined time B) when about half of the priming elapsed time h3 corresponding to graph C3 in FIG. 11 has elapsed.

[0097] Specifically, it is the same as S121. The estimation unit 51 of the information processing device 6 inputs the received respective identification data and bubble data, and the calculated calculation data into the learned estimation model 56. The learned estimation model 56 performs an estimation process based on the input data and outputs the remaining time (estimated data), which is the estimation result. Thereby, the estimation unit 51 obtains the remaining time at the elapse of the predetermined time, which is the priming time of the blood purification device 1, and the process of re-outputting the remaining time as the corrected priming time from the learned estimation model 56 is completed.

[0098] For example, as shown in FIG. 11, although "13 minutes" corresponding to graph C3 was displayed at the initial stage of priming, it is assumed that it is determined to correspond to graph C1 by the re-estimation process considering the bubble reduction amount when the predetermined time B has elapsed. In this case, the initial display time is set as h1, and the estimation process corresponding to the calculation of the remaining time considering the elapse of the predetermined time B is performed by the learned estimation model 56.

[0099] Next, in the information processing apparatus 6, a process for generating display data for notifying the administrator of the blood purification apparatus 1 of the remaining time of priming of the blood purification apparatus 1 is performed (S127). Specifically, the estimation unit 51 of the information processing apparatus 6 transmits the acquired remaining time to the control unit 52. The control unit 52 generates display data for displaying the priming time by the output unit 4b based on the acquired remaining time and a control signal for causing the display data to be displayed. Thereby, the process of generating display data for displaying the priming time of the blood purification apparatus 1 based on the estimated remaining time is completed.

[0100] Here, if there is no difference between the remaining time actually displayed by the output unit 4b and the newly estimated corrected remaining time, the control unit 52 may not perform the above-described generation process and may only continuously transmit the above-described display data and control signal to the display 4. Further, when the newly estimated corrected remaining time is greater than the threshold with respect to the remaining time actually displayed by the output unit 4b, the control unit 52 may include data for abnormal notification in the display data. That is, when the remaining time that allows determination that priming has not progressed is estimated by the re-estimation of the remaining time described above, the control unit 52 may perform a process for abnormal notification.

[0101] Next, a transmission process of display data and a control signal is performed from the information processing apparatus 6 to the display 4 (T118). Specifically, the control unit 52 of the information processing apparatus 6 transmits a control signal, which is a display instruction, to the output unit 4b together with the display data to be displayed by the output unit 4b of the display 4. Thereafter, in the display 4, the priming time based on the received display data is displayed from the output unit 4b (S128).

[0102] Here, FIG. 16 shows an example of an image output by the output unit 4b after a predetermined time has elapsed. As shown in FIG. 16, on the display unit 81 of the output unit 4b, 1 minute is displayed as the remaining priming time. Also, in the progress bar 82, most of the blank portion becomes black, and it can be confirmed that the completion of priming is near. In the above-mentioned re-estimation, since it is determined that the graph in FIG. 11 is corrected from graph C3 to graph C1, as the priming progresses, the remaining time, for example, 8 minutes, displayed on the display unit 81 will significantly decrease to 1 minute.

[0103] Next, when no bubbles are detected in the extracorporeal circulation unit 8, the filling of the priming liquid is completed (S129). Specifically, in the information processing device 6, a control signal is supplied from the processor 6a to each component device and component part of the internal piping unit 7 and the extracorporeal circulation unit 8, the operations of each component related to the supply of the priming liquid are stopped, and the circulation of the priming liquid in the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 is started. Then, when the set amount of priming liquid flows in the extracorporeal circulation unit 8, the processor 6a ends the priming program stored in the memory 6b, and the priming is completed.

[0104] Next, when the priming is completed, in the information processing device 6, additional learning processing for the learned estimation model 56 is performed (S130). Specifically, using the data related to the completed priming, machine learning is performed again. For example, using the identification data received at T111 and T112 as classification data, the calculation data calculated at S115 as usage environment data such as temperature and pressure, and the bubble data received at T115 and T117 as bubble reduction amount data, learning data is acquired. After that, the same processing as S202 and S203 in FIG. 8 is executed, and the generated new model is reinstalled (i.e., updated) as the learned estimation model 56.

[0105] (Modification of the First Embodiment) In the above embodiment, supervised learning using teacher data has been performed to generate the learned estimation model 56, but it is not limited to this. For example, unsupervised learning or reinforcement learning may be used to generate the learned estimation model 56. That is, as long as the priming time of the blood purification device 1 can be estimated, the method of machine learning is not limited. Naturally, if the method of machine learning is different, the learning data will be different. Therefore, the learning data for generating the learned estimation model 56 is not limited to the type data of the blood purifier 5, the type data of the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20, the basic priming time data, the amount of bubble reduction data, and the usage environment data, and various data related to the blood purification device 1 can be used. For example, when the dialysate, which is the priming solution, is not supplied from the internal piping section 7 but is supplied from another device or member, the supply method and environmental conditions of the priming solution may be machine-learned.

[0106] In the above embodiment, an IC tag was provided for the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20, but IC tags may be provided separately for the arterial side blood circuit L21 and the venous side blood circuit L22. In this case, the type data of the arterial side blood circuit L21 and the venous side blood circuit L22 may be machine-learned to generate a learned estimation model 56. Then, the estimation unit 51 may input the identification data of the arterial side blood circuit L21 and the venous side blood circuit L22 into the learned estimation model 56 to estimate the remaining priming time.

[0107] In the above embodiment, a piping configuration that allows the introduction and derivation of the dialysate using the dual pump P1 has been adopted. However, for example, instead of the dual pump P1, two diaphragm pumps may be used. An example of such a case will be described as a modification with reference to FIG. 17. Here, FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of a blood purification device 31 according to a modification of the present embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are given to the same devices and components as those of the blood purification device 1, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 17, a blood purification device 41 according to a modified example has an internal piping section 47 for introducing and discharging dialysate to and from a blood purifier 5, and an extracorporeal circulation section 48 for introducing and discharging blood to and from the blood purifier 5. Note that the internal piping section 47 and the internal piping section 7 are functionally the same, but their constituent members and the like are different. Similarly, the extracorporeal circulation section 48 and the extracorporeal circulation section 8 are functionally the same, but their constituent members and the like are different.

[0109] The internal piping section 47 has a structure in which a main pipe L41 is connected to the liquid supply side of the blood purifier 5 and a main pipe L42 is connected to the liquid discharge side. In the main pipe L41, a pressure reducing valve V1, an electromagnetic valve V2, a dialysate adjustment section 91, a diaphragm pump P41, an electromagnetic valve V41, and a connector C1 are arranged in order from the liquid supply terminal side of the internal piping section 47 toward one end of the blood purifier 5. Also, in the main pipe L42, an electromagnetic valve V42, a diaphragm pump P42, and a flow rate detector 13 are arranged in order from one end of the blood purifier 5 toward the liquid discharge terminal side of the internal piping section 47. In the internal piping section 47, it is possible to perform water removal by adjusting the flow rates of the two diaphragm pumps P41 and P42. For this reason, a water removal pump P3 is not arranged in the internal piping section 47.

[0110] The extracorporeal circulation section 48 has a structure in which an arterial side blood circuit L43 is connected to the blood introduction side with respect to the blood purifier 5, and a venous side blood circuit L43 is connected to the blood derivation side with respect to the blood purifier 5. In the arterial side blood circuit L43, a connector C21, an arterial side clamp CL41, and a blood pump P21 are arranged in order from the patient H side toward the blood purifier 5. Also, in the venous side blood circuit L44, a venous side air trap chamber 25, a flow rate detector 26, a bubble detector 28, a venous side clamp CL42, and a connector C22 are arranged in order from the blood purifier 5 toward the patient H. Further, a supply pipe L45 for supplying a priming solution is connected between the arterial side clamp CL41 and the blood pump P21. And a supply side clamp CL43 is arranged in the supply pipe L45, and the supply pipe L45 is connected to a storage bag 92. Physiological saline as a priming solution is stored in the storage bag 92.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 17, the internal piping section 47 and the extracorporeal circulation section 48 are connected by a communication pipe L51. Specifically, one end of the communication pipe L51 (on the internal piping section 47 side) is connected between the electromagnetic valve V42 and the diaphragm pump P42 of the internal piping section 47, and the other end (on the extracorporeal circulation section 48 side) is connected to the venous side air trap chamber 25. Also, an electromagnetic valve V43 is provided in the communication pipe L51 as a component of the internal piping section 47.

[0112] Further, in the blood purification device 1 in the above-described embodiment, a double pump system using the double pump P1 to introduce and discharge the dialysate has been adopted, but it is not limited to this. For example, two chambers partitioned into two rooms by one diaphragm may be installed, the amount of dialysate and the amount of drained liquid may be controlled to be equal, and a double chamber system that controls ultrafiltration by an ultrafiltration pump may be adopted.

[0113] As an example adopting the double chamber system, in the internal piping section, a pressure reducing valve, a first electromagnetic valve, a supply side diaphragm pump, a flow rate adjusting valve, a flow meter, a concentration sensor, a temperature sensor, and a second electromagnetic valve are arranged in order from the supply liquid side in the supply side piping for introducing the dialysate to the blood purifier. Also, a third electromagnetic valve, a dialysate pressure sensor, a filtrate pump, and a discharge side diaphragm pump are arranged in order from the blood purifier side in the discharge side piping for discharging the dialysate from the blood purifier. Further, an ultrafiltration pump and a negative pressure circulation pump are arranged in another pipe branched from the discharge side piping.

[0114] As another example adopting the double-chamber method, in the internal piping section, a pump for introducing two types of chemical solutions toward the blood purifier is provided in the supply-side piping for introducing dialysate into the blood purifier. Further, in the supply-side piping, a balancing chamber valve is provided near each of the inlets of the diaphragm pumps. On the other hand, a balancing chamber valve, a dialysate filter, a holding valve, a water removal pump, and a discharge valve are arranged in the discharge-side piping for discharging dialysate from the blood purifier. Further, a heat exchanger, a balancing chamber valve, a flow pump, an air separation pump, a load pressure valve, and a recirculation valve are arranged in the circulation piping provided by branching from the discharge-side piping.

[0115] Furthermore, for example, a viscus chamber method may be adopted in which the inside of the blocked viscus chamber is partitioned into three chambers by two diaphragms, the volume of the central viscus chamber is changed, and a difference in volume is generated between the dialysate chamber and the drainage chamber to control water removal. That is, in the viscus chamber method, a water removal pump is not used.

[0116] When adopting the viscus chamber method, in the internal piping section, the viscus chamber of the viscus chamber partitioned into three chambers is connected via a viscus pump, and the introduction and discharge of viscus oil (silicone oil) are possible. Further, a three-way solenoid valve, a two-way solenoid valve, a temperature sensor, and a pressure sensor are arranged in the piping provided from one viscus chamber toward the blood purifier. Further, a hydraulic pump and a relief valve are arranged in the piping provided from the blood purifier toward the other viscus chamber.

[0117] (Operation and Effect of the First Embodiment) In this embodiment, when identification data of the blood purifier 5 and the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20, temperature and pressure data, and bubble data are input to the trained estimation model 56, which is generated by machine learning in association with type data of the blood purifier 5 and the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20, basic priming time data, bubble reduction amount data, and usage environment data, the trained estimation model 56 estimates the priming time of the blood purification apparatus 1. In particular, in this embodiment, the trained estimation model 56 estimates the remaining time required for priming multiple times. As a result, the remaining time corresponding to the progress of priming is updated, and a more accurate remaining time is reported. Furthermore, because the trained estimation model 56 is generated by machine learning in association with the various data described above, it is possible to estimate the priming time with higher accuracy.

[0118] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the priming time was estimated in the blood purification apparatus 1, but the estimation process may also be performed in a server device that manages multiple blood purification apparatuses 1. Such a case will be described as the second embodiment with reference to Figs. 18 to 21. Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a blood purification system according to this embodiment. Fig. 19 is a functional block diagram of a blood purification apparatus according to this embodiment. Fig. 20 is a block diagram showing the physical configuration of an information processing device according to this embodiment. Fig. 21 is a functional block diagram of a blood purification apparatus according to this embodiment. Note that differences from the first embodiment will be basically described, and descriptions of the same contents will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used in the drawings.

[0119] 18, a blood purification system 300 according to this embodiment includes multiple blood purification apparatuses 1, a server apparatus 400, and a mobile terminal apparatus 500. Two blood purification apparatuses 1, the server apparatus 400, and the mobile terminal apparatus 500 are communicably connected to each other via a network 600 such as the Internet. The network 600 may be configured wirelessly, wired, or a combination of these.

[0120] In the blood purification system 300, each blood purification device 1 transmits various data acquired within the device to a server device 400 or a portable terminal device 500 via a network 600. The server device 400 processes the various data received from the blood purification device 1 and transmits the processing results to the blood purification device 1 or the portable terminal device 500. The portable terminal device 500 can also process the various data it receives and transmit the data to the blood purification device 1 or the server device.

[0121] The configuration of the blood purification apparatus 1 of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment. The difference is that the remaining time (estimated data), which is the priming time of the blood purification apparatus 1, is not acquired, and processing related to control based on this remaining time is not performed. Therefore, the blood purification apparatus 1 does not have the configuration and functions related to this processing. Although only two blood purification apparatuses 1 are shown in FIG. 18, the number of blood purification apparatuses 1 is not limited to this, and the blood purification system 300 may have three or more blood purification apparatuses 1. Furthermore, the blood purification apparatuses 1 are not limited to the same type of apparatus, and may be apparatuses of different types or versions.

[0122] The server device 400 is a computer installed in a medical institution, which manages various data within the medical institution and performs various data processing within the medical institution. The installation location of the server device 400 is not limited to the medical institution, and it may be outside the medical institution. Also, although the server device 400 is depicted as a single device in FIG. 18, it is also possible to distribute the various configurations and processing of the server device 400, which will be described later, to multiple other server devices or cloud server devices.

[0123] The mobile terminal device 500 may be a wireless communication-enabled device typified by a smartphone, but is not limited thereto. For example, the mobile terminal device 500 may be a feature phone, a personal digital assistant, a PDA, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, or the like. In FIG. 18, only one mobile terminal device 500 is shown, but the number of mobile terminal devices 500 is not limited to this, and the blood purification system 300 may have two or more mobile terminal devices 500.

[0124] Next, while referring to FIG. 19, the functional configuration of the blood purification device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. In particular, in FIG. 19, the same devices, components, and configurations as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 19, the information processing device 6 has a data acquisition unit 150, and the function of the data acquisition unit 150 is realized by the processor 6a of the information processing device 6 reading and executing a program stored in the memory 6b. Similar to the estimation unit 51 of the first embodiment, the data acquisition unit 150 receives identification data from the blood purifier 5 and the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20, bubble data from the bubble detector 60, a pressure signal from the pressure sensor S61, a temperature signal from the temperature sensor S62, and input data from the input unit 4a. Further, similar to the calculation unit 55 of the first embodiment, the data acquisition unit 150 calculates the usage environment (calculated data) of the blood purification device 1 based on various electrical signals received from the pressure sensor S61 and the temperature sensor S62.

[0126] Thereafter, the data acquisition unit 150 transmits the received received data and the calculated calculated data as one acquired data to the outside of the blood purification device 1 via the communication unit 9. Here, the data acquisition unit 150 may add identification data for identifying a specific blood purification device 1 from a plurality of blood purification devices 1. In the present embodiment, the data acquisition unit 150 transmits the operation data to the server device 400.

[0127] In addition, the communication unit 9 receives display data for displaying the remaining priming time from the outside. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 9 receives the display data from the server device 400. The communication unit 9 transmits the received display data to the control unit 52. The functions of the control unit 52 and the output unit 4b are the same as those in the first embodiment, and perform various processes for display based on the received display data.

[0128] Next, the configuration of the server device 400 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21. First, as shown in FIG. 20, the server device 400 includes an input unit 404a, an output unit 404b, an information processing device 406, and a communication unit 409. The information processing device 406 includes a processor 406a and a memory 406b. Further, the communication unit 409 includes a communication processing circuit 409a and an antenna 409b.

[0129] The processor 406a of the information processing device 406 is composed of a GPU or a CPU, and functions as a control unit that performs various operations and controls based on various programs stored in the memory 406b. Note that the processor 406a may be composed of a single GPU or CPU, or may be configured by combining a plurality of CPUs or GPUs.

[0130] The memory 406b is composed of a ROM, a RAM, a non-volatile memory, an HDD, etc., and functions as a storage unit. The ROM stores a learned estimation model necessary for estimating the priming time of the blood purification device 1. The RAM is used for writing and reading data while the program stored in the ROM is being processed by the processor 406a. The non-volatile memory is a storage device in which writing and reading of data are executed by the execution of the program, and the data written therein is saved even after the execution of the program is completed.

[0131] In particular, in the present embodiment, a program for estimating the priming time of the blood purification device 1 that purifies the patient's blood is stored. The program inputs the acquired data (identification data, bubble data, calculation data) received from each blood purification device 1 into a learned estimation model that has performed machine learning for estimating the priming time of the blood purification device 1, and causes a computer to execute a process of acquiring estimation data, which is the remaining time required for priming the blood purification device 1. Further, the program causes a computer to execute a process of generating display data for displaying the priming time of the blood purification device 1 based on the remaining time. Note that the processes executed by the program will be described later.

[0132] Also, in the memory 406b, data for identifying each of the plurality of blood purification devices 1 is stored in order to enable management of the blood purification devices 1.

[0133] The communication unit 409 transmits and receives information to and from the blood purification device 1 or the mobile terminal device 500 installed separately from the server device 400 via the communication processing circuit 409a and the antenna 409b.

[0134] The communication processing circuit 409a may execute processing based on a broadband wireless communication method represented by the LTE method. Also, the communication processing circuit 409a may execute processing based on a method related to wireless LAN represented by IEEE802.11 or narrowband wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). Further, the communication processing circuit 409a may execute processing based on a method related to contactless wireless communication. And the communication processing circuit 409a may use wired communication instead of or in addition to such wireless communication.

[0135] Next, as shown in FIG. 21, the information processing apparatus 406 includes an estimation unit 451, a control unit 452, and a storage unit 453. The estimation unit 451 includes a learned estimation model 456. Each of these units is realized by the processor 406a and the memory 406b of the information processing apparatus 406 functioning themselves, or by the processor 406a reading and executing a program stored in the memory 406b.

[0136] The estimation unit 451 inputs the received acquisition data into the learned estimation model 456 and acquires the remaining time, which is the priming time of the blood purification apparatus 1. Here, the remaining time is the time required until the completion of priming.

[0137] The learned estimation model 456 according to the present embodiment is the same as the learned estimation model 56 according to the first embodiment and is generated by the same learning data and machine learning. Therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0138] After that, when the estimation unit 451 acquires the remaining time, which is the output result of the learned estimation model 456, it transmits the remaining time to the control unit 452. The control unit 452 generates display data for display as the priming time based on the remaining time and transmits the display data to the communication unit 409. Further, when the control unit 452 determines that priming is not being performed normally from the estimated priming time, it may add data for abnormality notification to the display data.

[0139] The communication unit 409 transmits the received display data to the blood purification apparatus 1 that transmitted the acquisition data. The communication unit 409 also transmits the received display data to the mobile terminal device 500. Thereby, the administrator of the blood purification apparatus 1 can confirm the priming time of the blood purification apparatus 1 displayed on the display 4 of the blood purification apparatus 1 or the mobile terminal device 500 operated by himself / herself.

[0140] (Modification of the Second Embodiment) In the above-described embodiments, the server device 400 estimates the priming time, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a learned estimation model may be implemented in the information processing device of the mobile terminal device 500 to execute the estimation process.

[0141] Also, in the above-described embodiments, the configuration of the blood purification device 1 is the same as that in the first embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the blood purification device included in the blood purification system 300 may be a type that does not generate dialysate. In this case, the blood purification system 300 will have a device for adjusting the dialysate. Examples of the device for adjusting the dialysate include a dialysis water preparation device, a dissolution device for mixing RO water and two types of dialysate agents, and a dialysate supply device for adjusting the concentration of the dialysate and supplying it to each blood purification device.

[0142] (Operation and Effect of the Second Embodiment) In the present embodiment, when acquisition data including identification data of the blood purifier 5 and the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20, temperature and pressure data, and bubble data is input to the learned estimation model 456 generated by associating and machine learning the type data, basic priming time data, bubble reduction amount data, and usage environment data of the blood purifier 5 and the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20, the learned estimation model 456 estimates the priming time of the blood purification device 1. In particular, in the present embodiment, the learned estimation model 456 estimates the remaining time required for priming multiple times. For this reason, the remaining time corresponding to the progress of priming is updated, and a more accurate remaining time is notified. Further, since the learned estimation model 456 is generated by associating and machine learning the above-described various types of data, it is possible to estimate the priming time with higher accuracy.

[0143] In addition, in the present embodiment, in a device different from the blood purification device 1, estimation processing is performed, and the results of the estimation processing are centrally managed. Therefore, data related to the priming times of a plurality of blood purification devices 1 can be centrally managed, making it easier to grasp and manage the priming times of the plurality of blood purification devices 1 installed in a medical institution, as well as to perform maintenance and inspections of the blood purification device 1.

[0144] <Third Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the priming time was estimated by the learned estimation model 56 using AI. However, table data may be used without using AI to estimate the priming time. Such a case will be described as the third embodiment with reference to FIGS. 22 to 25 and FIG. 10. Here, FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram of the blood purification device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 23 is the table data stored in the memory according to the present embodiment. FIG. 24 is a graph showing the relationship between the priming elapsed time and the amount of air bubbles in the circuit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 25 is a sequence diagram related to the estimation of the priming time in the blood purification device according to the present embodiment. Note that the parts different from the first embodiment will be basically described, and the description of the same content will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be given to the reference numerals in the drawings.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 22, the information processing device 6 has an estimation unit 251, and the function of the estimation unit 251 is realized by the processor 6a of the information processing device 6 reading and executing a program stored in the memory 6b. The estimation unit 251 receives identification data from the blood purifier 5 and the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20, bubble data from the bubble detector 60, and input data from the input unit 4a, similarly to the estimation unit 51 of the first embodiment.

[0146] The estimation unit 251 transmits each received data to the storage unit 253 in order to store the received data received via the communication unit 9 or the reading unit 10. Further, the estimation unit 251 receives the table data stored in the storage unit 253 in order to estimate the priming time, extracts the initial display time of the priming time by collating the table data with the identification data included in the received data, and performs an estimation process using the initial display time as the remaining time. Further, the estimation unit 251 corrects the initial display time corresponding to the amount of bubbles reduced in the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of priming of the blood purification device 1, and performs an estimation process of subtracting the predetermined time from the corrected initial display time to obtain the remaining time. Note that the details of the table data and the estimation process related to the estimation will be described later. Then, the estimation unit 251 transmits the estimated remaining time to the control unit 52 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0147] The storage unit 253 stores each received data in the memory 6b. Further, the storage unit 253 stores table data, which will be described later, and transmits the table data to the estimation unit 251 in response to a request from the estimation unit 251. The storage unit 253 stores the table data shown in FIG. 10 of the first embodiment as one of the table data. That is, the storage unit 253 has data of an initial setting time uniquely determined by the type of the blood purifier 5 and the type of the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20.

[0148] Further, the storage unit 253 has table data for correcting the initial setting time of the priming time as shown in FIG. 23. In FIG. 23, for each initial setting time determined in FIG. 10, the time for correcting the initial setting time according to the amount of bubbles reduced in the circuit after a lapse of a predetermined time is uniquely determined. The table data corresponds to, for example, the graph shown in FIG. 24. In FIG. 24, graphs C11 to C15 are displayed with the horizontal axis representing the priming elapsed time and the vertical axis representing the amount of bubbles in the circuit. Here, since the graph C13 corresponds to the case where the type of the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 in FIG. 10 is a1 and the type of the blood purifier is b3, the priming elapsed time when the amount of bubbles in the circuit becomes zero is h3.

[0149] Also, in FIG. 24, graphs C11 and C12 have a priming time reduced with respect to graph C13, and graphs C14 and C15 have a priming time increased with respect to graph C13. Further, graphs C11, C12, C14, and C15 are those obtained by correcting graph C13 in correspondence with the amount of air bubbles in the circuit. And, for graphs C11, C12, C14, and C15, the priming elapsed times when the amount of air bubbles in the circuit becomes zero are H311, H312, H314, and H315, respectively.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 24, assuming that for the amount of reduction of air bubbles in the circuit at a predetermined time C when about 1 / 3 of the priming elapsed time h3 has elapsed, the reduction amount of graph C11 is d1, that of graph C12 is d2, that of graph C13 is d3, that of graph C14 is d4, and that of graph C15 is d5. These reduction amounts d1 to d5 are in agreement with the reduction amounts of the air bubble amount in the circuit in FIG. 23. And, in the column of the initial setting time (priming elapsed time) h3, when the reduction amount is d1, the correction time of the initial setting time is H311, when the reduction amount is d2, the correction time of the initial setting time is H312, when the reduction amount is d4, the correction time of the initial setting time is H314, and when the reduction amount is d5, the correction time of the initial setting time is H315. On the other hand, when the reduction amount is d3, correction of the initial setting time is not necessary and the correction time remains h3.

[0151] Next, with reference to FIG. 25, the flow related to the estimation of the priming time according to the third embodiment will be described. For the same processes corresponding to the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the detailed description thereof is basically omitted.

[0152] First, as shown in FIG. 25, preparation for attaching the blood purifier 5 to the blood purification device 1 is performed (S112), and the identification data of the blood purifier 5 stored in the IC tag is transmitted from the blood purifier 5 to the information processing device 6 (T111). Also, preparation for attaching the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 in the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 of the blood purification device 1 is performed (S113), and the identification data of L20 stored in the IC tag is transmitted from the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 to the information processing device 6 (T112).

[0153] Next, in the information processing apparatus 6, storage processing of the received identification data is performed (S210). Specifically, the estimation unit 51 of the information processing apparatus 6 transmits the identification data, which is the received data, to the storage unit 53, and the storage unit 53 stores the identification data in the memory 6b.

[0154] Next, in the information processing apparatus 6, the table data stored in the memory 6b is referred to, and the priming time is estimated using each received identification data (S211). Specifically, the estimation unit 251 of the information processing apparatus 6 extracts the initial display time of the priming time by collating the table data (see FIG. 10) in which the initial setting time of priming is set corresponding to the types of the blood purifier 5 and the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 with the received identification data, and sets the initial display time as the remaining time required for priming. Then, in the information processing apparatus 6, generation processing of display data for notifying the administrator of the blood purification apparatus 1 of the remaining time of priming of the blood purification apparatus 1 is performed (S122).

[0155] Next, a button operation on the display 4 is performed (S117). Then, by the button operation, a start instruction, which is a control request for starting priming, is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 6 (T114). After that, when the start instruction is received in the information processing apparatus 6, the processor 6a executes a program for priming stored in the memory 6b, and controls each component device and component of the internal piping unit 7 and the extracorporeal circulation unit 8. As a result, the dialysate is supplied as a priming liquid from the internal piping unit 7 to the extracorporeal circulation unit 8, and filling of the priming liquid into the blood purifier 5 and the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 is started (S118).

[0156] Next, transmission processing of display data and a control signal is performed from the information processing apparatus 6 to the display 4 (T116). After that, on the display 4, the priming time based on the received display data is displayed from the output unit 4b (S123).

[0157] Next, bubble detection (S124) in the extracorporeal circulation unit 8, transmission (T117) of bubble data to the information processing device 6, and data storage (S125) in the information processing device 6 are continuously executed. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the remaining time, which is the priming time, is estimated again, and the priming time is corrected (S212). Specifically, the estimation unit 251 refers to the table data shown in FIG. 23, and corrects the initial display time corresponding to the amount of bubble reduction in the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of priming of the blood purification device 1. Then, the estimation unit 251 completes the estimation as the corrected remaining time by subtracting the predetermined time from the corrected initial display time. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the timing (predetermined time C) at which about 1 / 3 of the priming elapsed time h3 corresponding to the graph C3 in FIG. 24 has elapsed, but it may be any arbitrarily set time.

[0158] Next, in the information processing device 6, a process of generating display data for notifying the administrator of the blood purification device 1 of the remaining time of priming of the blood purification device 1 is performed (S127). Thereafter, a process of transmitting the display data and the control signal from the information processing device 6 to the display 4 is performed (T118). Then, in the display 4, the priming time based on the received display data is displayed from the output unit 4b (S128).

[0159] (Modification Example of the Third Embodiment) In the above-described embodiment, after the remaining time of priming is displayed once, and at a stage where priming has progressed to a certain extent, re-estimation for correcting the remaining time according to the amount of bubble reduction in the circuit is performed. However, the initial display time may be corrected according to the amount of bubble reduction in the circuit. In the following, this case will be described as a modification example of the third embodiment with reference to FIGS. 26 to 28.

[0160] First, in addition to the table data shown in FIG. 10 and the table data shown in FIG. 23, the memory unit 253 stores the table data shown in FIG. 26. The table data shown in FIG. 26 is data in which a correction time for correcting the initial setting time of the priming time is set. In FIG. 26, for each initial setting time determined in FIG. 10, a time for correcting the initial setting time according to the decrease amount of the in-circuit bubbles after a predetermined time has elapsed is uniquely determined. The table data corresponds to, for example, the graph shown in FIG. 27. In FIG. 27, graphs C13, C21, C22, C24, and C25 are displayed with the horizontal axis representing the priming elapsed time and the vertical axis representing the in-circuit bubble amount. Here, graph C13 corresponds to the case where the type of the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 in FIG. 10 is a1 and the type of the blood purifier is b3, and the priming elapsed time when the in-circuit bubble amount becomes zero is h3.

[0161] Also, in FIG. 27, graphs C21 and C22 are those in which the priming time is decreased with respect to graph C13, and graphs C24 and C25 are those in which the priming time is increased with respect to graph C13. Further, graphs C21, C22, C24, and C25 are those obtained by correcting graph C13 in correspondence with the in-circuit bubble amount. Here, for graph C21, the priming elapsed time when the in-circuit bubble amount becomes zero is decreased by t2 compared to graph C13. Similarly, for graph C22, the priming elapsed time when the in-circuit bubble amount becomes zero is decreased by t1 compared to graph C13. On the other hand, for graph C24, the priming elapsed time when the in-circuit bubble amount becomes zero is increased by t1 compared to graph C13. Similarly, for graph C25, the priming elapsed time when the in-circuit bubble amount becomes zero is increased by t2 compared to graph C13.

[0162] As shown in FIG. 27, assuming that for the amount of reduction of bubbles in the circuit at a predetermined time D (for example, 1 minute) when about 1 / 10 of the priming elapsed time h3 has elapsed, graph C21 is D1, graph C22 is D2, graph C13 is D3, graph C24 is D4, and graph C25 is D5. These amounts of reduction D1 to D5 match the amounts of reduction of bubbles in the circuit in FIG. 26. And in the column of the initial setting time h3, when the amount of reduction is D1, the correction time of the initial setting time becomes minus t2, when the amount of reduction is D2, the correction time of the initial setting time becomes minus t1, when the amount of reduction is D4, the correction time of the initial setting time becomes plus t1, and when the amount of reduction is D5, the correction time of the initial setting time becomes plus t2. On the other hand, when the amount of reduction is D3, correction of the initial setting time is not necessary and the correction time is zero.

[0163] The estimation unit 251 refers to the bubble data related to the amount of bubbles reduced at a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) after the start of priming and the above table data, and corrects the remaining time in the initial stage that is not displayed in the output unit 4b. That is, the estimation unit 251 corrects the initial display time corresponding to the amount of reduction of bubbles in the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of priming of the blood purification device 1, and performs a process of setting the corrected initial display time as the remaining time.

[0164] Next, with reference to FIG. 28, the flow related to the estimation of the priming time according to a modification of the third embodiment will be described. Note that the same processes corresponding to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof is basically omitted.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 28, when the dialysate is supplied as a priming liquid from the internal piping unit 7 to the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 and the filling of the priming liquid into the blood purifier 5 and the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 is started (S118), bubble detection is performed in the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 (S119). Then, the bubble detectors 22 and 28 in the extracorporeal circulation unit 8 transmit bubble data, which is the detection result, to the information processing device 6 (T115).

[0166] Next, in the information processing apparatus 6, storage processing of the received bubble data is performed (S120). After that, in the information processing apparatus 6, based on the received bubble data, correction of the priming time estimated in S211 is performed (S261). Specifically, the estimation unit 251 refers to the received bubble data and the table data shown in FIG. 26, and extracts the correction time corresponding to the bubble data from the table data. Then, the estimation unit 251 adds or subtracts the correction time from the initial display time estimated in S211, and estimates the corrected initial display time as the remaining time.

[0167] Next, in the information processing apparatus 6, generation processing of display data for notifying the administrator of the blood purification apparatus 1 of the remaining time of priming of the blood purification apparatus 1 is performed (S122). After that, transmission processing of the display data and the control signal is performed from the information processing apparatus 6 to the display 4 (T116). Then, in the display 4, the priming time based on the received display data is displayed from the output unit 4b (S123).

[0168] In the third embodiment, based on the first embodiment, table data is used and the priming time is estimated. However, based on the second embodiment, table data may be used and the priming time may be estimated.

[0169] (Operation and Effect of the Third Embodiment) In this embodiment, the priming time is estimated without using a learned estimation model. Therefore, time and costs such as generation of a learned estimation model by machine learning are not required, and a configuration for performing the priming time estimation process can be realized at a lower cost.

[0170] In each of the above-described embodiments, the blood purification device 1 that performs hemodialysis (HD), which is typical in dialysis treatment, was assumed. However, the processing of each embodiment can also be applied to various blood purification devices that have a priming process. For example, it is also possible to apply the processing of each embodiment to a blood purification device capable of performing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), plasma exchange therapy, adsorption-type blood purification therapy, blood cell component removal therapy, or plasma purification therapy (double filtration method or plasma adsorption method).

[0171] Also, in each embodiment, the case where the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 is constituted by the arterial-side blood circuit L21 and the venous-side blood circuit L22 located outside the blood purification device 1 has been described. However, the extracorporeal circulation circuit L20 is not limited to two blood circuits. For example, in a device for home dialysis, if, in addition to the blood circuit, a dialysis circuit is also arranged outside the blood purification device, then the dialysis circuit is also included in the extracorporeal circulation circuit. However, even in a device for home dialysis, the extracorporeal circulation circuit may be constituted only by the blood circuit. Also, in a device for acute blood purification as described above, in addition to the blood circuit, a dialysis circuit, a replenishing fluid circuit, and a drainage circuit corresponding to consumables are also included in the extracorporeal circulation circuit. Furthermore, in a device for chronic hemodialysis, the extracorporeal circulation circuit is constituted only by the blood circuit. That is, depending on the type of the blood purification device, the circuits constituting the extracorporeal circulation circuit are different, but the extracorporeal circulation circuit is constituted by the circuits of the consumables provided outside the blood purification device.

[0172] In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, the priming time was estimated using the identification data set according to the type of the blood circuit, which is an example of the extracorporeal circulation circuit. However, the priming time may be estimated using the identification data set according to the type of the dialysate circuit, which is another example of the extracorporeal circulation circuit, or the priming time may be estimated using the identification data set according to the types of both circuits. Thus, when utilizing the type of the dialysate circuit, various data such as the type of the dialysate circuit, like in the case of the blood circuit, are naturally acquired by various methods such as a method using an IC tag, reception from other devices, or input from a display.

[0173] <Embodiments of the present disclosure> The first embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus for estimating the priming time of a blood purification apparatus that purifies a patient's blood, the apparatus obtaining identification data set according to the type of a blood purifier and an extracorporeal circulation circuit attached to the blood purification apparatus, and having an estimation unit that estimates the remaining time required for priming of the blood purification apparatus based on the identification data, and a control unit that generates display data for displaying the priming time of the blood purification apparatus based on the remaining time.

[0174] In this way, by using the identification data set according to the types of the blood purifier and the extracorporeal circulation circuit, the remaining time corresponding to the types of the blood purifier and the extracorporeal circulation circuit is estimated, enabling a more accurate estimation of the priming time corresponding to the settings of the blood purification apparatus.

[0175] The second embodiment of the present disclosure is, in the first embodiment, that the estimation unit corrects the remaining time based on bubble data received from a bubble detector provided in the main body of the blood purification apparatus and detecting bubbles in the extracorporeal circulation circuit. Thereby, it becomes possible to estimate the remaining time according to not only the types of the blood purifier and the extracorporeal circulation circuit but also the actual amount of decrease in bubbles, and the accuracy of the estimation of the priming time is further improved.

[0176] In a third embodiment of the present disclosure, in the first or second embodiment, the estimation unit inputs the identification data into a learned estimation model that has performed machine learning for estimating the priming time to obtain an initial display time of the priming time, and sets the initial display time as the remaining time. Thereby, the estimation accuracy by the learned estimation model can be improved, and a remaining time with higher reliability can be output.

[0177] In a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, in the third embodiment, the learned estimation model is generated by performing machine learning while associating the type data of the blood purifier, the type data of the extracorporeal circulation circuit, and the basic priming time data. Thereby, the learning accuracy of the learned estimation model can be improved, and a remaining time with higher reliability can be output.

[0178] In a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, in the fourth embodiment, the learned estimation model is generated by performing machine learning while associating the amount of bubble reduction in the extracorporeal circulation circuit after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of priming of the blood purification device with the type data of the blood purifier, the type data of the extracorporeal circulation circuit, and the basic priming time data, and the estimation unit inputs the bubble data into the learned estimation model together with the identification data. Thereby, the learning accuracy of the learned estimation model can be improved, and a remaining time with higher reliability can be output.

[0179] In a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, in the fifth embodiment, the estimation unit inputs the bubble data after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of priming of the blood purification device into the learned estimation model, and the learned estimation model re-outputs the remaining time after the lapse of the predetermined time based on the bubble data. Thereby, the remaining time corresponding to the progress of priming can be estimated, and a remaining time with higher reliability can be output.

[0180] In the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, in the fifth or sixth embodiment, the estimation unit inputs the bubble data after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of priming of the blood purification device into the learned estimation model, and sets the obtained initial display time as the remaining time. Thereby, considering the initial situation of priming, a remaining time with higher reliability can be output.

[0181] In the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure, in any one of the fourth to seventh embodiments, the learned estimation model is generated by machine learning by associating the temperature data and pressure data of the blood purification device with the type data of the blood purifier, the type data of the extracorporeal circulation circuit, and the basic priming time data, and the estimation unit inputs the temperature data and the pressure data into the learned estimation model together with the identification data. Thereby, the learning accuracy of the learned estimation model can be improved, and a remaining time with higher reliability can be output.

[0182] In the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure, in any one of the fourth to eighth embodiments, when the priming of the blood purification device is completed, the estimation unit uses the data related to the completed priming to perform additional learning of the learned estimation model. Thereby, the learning accuracy of the learned estimation model can be improved, and a remaining time with higher reliability can be output.

[0183] In the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure, in the first or second embodiment, the estimation unit extracts the initial display time of the priming time by collating the table data in which the priming time is set corresponding to the types of the blood purifier and the extracorporeal circulation circuit with the identification data, and sets the initial display time as the remaining time. Thereby, it becomes possible to estimate the priming time without using a learned estimation model, and it becomes possible to reduce the preparation cost required for estimating the priming time.

[0184] In the eleventh embodiment of the present disclosure, in the tenth embodiment, the estimation unit corrects the initial display time corresponding to the amount of bubbles reduced in the extracorporeal circulation circuit after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of priming of the blood purification device, and subtracts the predetermined time from the corrected initial display time to obtain the remaining time. Thereby, the remaining time corresponding to the progress of priming can be estimated, and a more reliable remaining time can be output.

[0185] In the twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure, in the tenth or eleventh embodiment, the estimation unit corrects the initial display time corresponding to the amount of bubbles reduced in the blood circuit after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of priming of the blood purification device, and sets the corrected initial display time as the remaining time. Thereby, considering the initial situation of priming, a more reliable remaining time can be estimated.

[0186] An information processing method for estimating the priming time of a blood purification device that purifies a patient's blood, the method comprising: a step of acquiring identification data set according to the types of a blood purifier and an extracorporeal circulation circuit attached to the blood purification device; a step of estimating the remaining time required for priming of the blood purification device based on the identification data; and a step of generating display data for displaying the priming time of the blood purification device based on the remaining time. In this way, by using the identification data set according to the types of the blood purifier and the extracorporeal circulation circuit, the remaining time corresponding to the types of the blood purifier and the extracorporeal circulation circuit is estimated, so that a more accurate estimation of the priming time corresponding to the setting of the blood purification device becomes possible.

[0187] A fourteenth embodiment of the present disclosure is a program for estimating the priming time of a blood purification device that purifies a patient's blood, the program causing a computer to execute a process of acquiring identification data set according to the types of a blood purifier and an extracorporeal circulation circuit attached to the blood purification device, estimating a remaining time required for priming of the blood purification device based on the identification data, and generating display data for displaying the priming time of the blood purification device based on the remaining time. In this way, by using the identification data set according to the types of the blood purifier and the extracorporeal circulation circuit, the remaining time corresponding to the types of the blood purifier and the extracorporeal circulation circuit is estimated, so that a more accurate estimation of the priming time corresponding to the settings of the blood purification device becomes possible.

Explanation of Signs

[0188] 1 Blood purification device 4 Display 4a Input unit 4b Output unit 5 Blood purifier 6 Information processing device 6a Processor 6b Memory 7 Internal piping section 8 Extracorporeal circulation section 9 Communication section 51 Estimation section 52 Control section 53 Storage section 55 Calculation section 56 Learned estimation model

Claims

1. An information processing device that estimates a priming time of a blood purification device that purifies the blood of a patient, an estimation unit that acquires identification data set according to the type of blood purifier and extracorporeal circulation circuit attached to the blood purification device, and estimates the remaining time required for priming of the blood purification device as an initial display time based on the identification data; a control unit that generates display data for displaying the priming time of the blood purification device based on the remaining time as the initial display time, The estimation unit is an information processing device that is provided in a main body of the blood purification device and corrects the remaining time as the initial display time based at least on bubble data received from an air bubble detector that detects air bubbles in the extracorporeal circulation circuit.

2. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the estimation unit extracts the remaining time as the initial display time by comparing the identification data with table data in which the priming time is set corresponding to the type of the blood purifier and the extracorporeal circulation circuit.

3. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the estimation unit corrects the remaining time as the initial display time according to the amount of air bubbles reduced in the extracorporeal circulation circuit after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of priming of the blood purification device, and subtracts the predetermined time from the corrected remaining time as the initial display time to determine the priming time.

4. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the estimation unit corrects the remaining time as the initial display time in accordance with the amount of air bubbles reduced in the extracorporeal circulation circuit after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of priming of the blood purification device, and the control unit generates the display data based on the corrected remaining time as the initial display time.

5. 1. An information processing method for estimating a priming time of a blood purification device that purifies the blood of a patient, comprising: acquiring identification data set according to the type of blood purifier and extracorporeal circulation circuit attached to the blood purification device; a step of estimating a remaining time required for priming the blood purification device as an initial display time based on the identification data; generating display data for displaying the priming time of the blood purification device based on the remaining time as the initial display time; A step of correcting a remaining time as an initial display time based at least on bubble data received from a bubble detector that detects bubbles in the extracorporeal circulation circuit, and an information processing method having the same. **Claim 6** A program for estimating a priming time of a blood purification device that purifies a patient's blood, acquiring identification data set according to the types of a blood purifier and an extracorporeal circulation circuit attached to the blood purification device, estimating a remaining time as an initial display time required for priming of the blood purification device based on the identification data, generating display data for displaying the priming time of the blood purification device based on the remaining time as the initial display time, a program that causes a computer to execute a process of correcting the remaining time as the initial display time based at least on bubble data received from a bubble detector that detects bubbles in the extracorporeal circulation circuit.

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