Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

An information processing apparatus comprising at least one processor, wherein the processor acquires temporal first biometric information of a subject, and, on the basis of the first biometric information, derives timing suitable for measuring second biometric information of the subject different from the first biometric information.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] A technique for monitoring certain biological information and setting conditions for measuring other biological information based on the monitoring results has been known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-172397 discloses setting imaging conditions of an X-ray computed tomography apparatus for imaging the same subject based on the heart rate measured from the same subject. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Incidentally, some diseases change in the way lesions appear depending on the subject's condition (e.g., after eating, after exercise, after waking up, etc.). For example, diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, is diagnosed based on the appearance of lesions such as microaneurysms and retinal hemorrhages in fundus images obtained by photographing the fundus. These lesions related to diabetic retinopathy may become more pronounced when the subject's blood glucose level is high. In other words, if fundus images can be photographed when the subject's blood glucose level is high, diabetic retinopathy can be properly diagnosed, contributing to early detection.

[0004] In recent years, there has been a demand for technology that can measure biological information for appropriate diagnosis by suggesting the appropriate timing for measurement, regarding biological information whose appearance varies depending on the subject's condition, as described above.

[0005] The present disclosure provides an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can measure biological information for appropriate diagnosis. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device comprising at least one processor, which acquires first biometric information of a subject over time and derives, based on the first biometric information, a timing suitable for measuring second biometric information different from the subject's first biometric information.

[0007] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, in the above-mentioned first aspect, the processor may derive the timing based on a time change in the first biological information.

[0008] A third aspect of the present disclosure is the above-mentioned first or second aspect, wherein the processor may derive start and end timings of a period suitable for measuring the second biological information based on the first biological information.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the processor may derive the most suitable timing for measuring the second biological information based on the first biological information.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is that, in any one of the first to fourth aspects above, the processor may predict a change over time in the first biometric information and derive timing based on the predicted first biometric information.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in the fifth aspect, the processor may predict a time change in the first biological information based on past data relating to the first biological information.

[0012] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the processor may present the derived timing.

[0013] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is that in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the processor may notify the start of a period suitable for measuring the second biological information before the start timing of the period.

[0014] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is that in any one of the first to eighth aspects above, the processor may notify the end of the period suitable for measuring the second biological information before the end timing of the period.

[0015] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is that, in any one of the first to ninth aspects above, the processor may instruct a second measuring device that measures the second biometric information to measure the second biometric information at the derived timing.

[0016] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the first biological information may vary non-periodically in accordance with the behavior of the subject.

[0017] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the first biometric information indicates at least one of body temperature, heart rate, electrocardiogram, electromyogram, blood pressure, arterial oxygen saturation, blood glucose level, and lipid level, and the second biometric information may indicate at least one of electrocardiogram, electroencephalogram, medical image taken by a medical imaging device, and the results of at least one of hematological test, infectious disease test, biochemical test, and urinalysis.

[0018] A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is that an information processing device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects may include a first measuring device that measures first biological information and a second measuring device that measures second biological information.

[0019] A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing system comprising an information processing device relating to any one of the first to twelfth aspects above, a first measuring device that measures first biological information, and a second measuring device that measures second biological information.

[0020] A 15th aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing system comprising an information processing device according to any one of the first to 12th aspects above, and a first measuring device that measures first biological information, and the information processing device may further comprise a second measuring device that measures second biological information.

[0021] A 16th aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing system comprising an information processing device relating to any one of the first to 12th aspects above, and a second measuring device that measures second biological information, and the information processing device may further comprise a first measuring device that measures the first biological information.

[0022] A 17th aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method in which a computer acquires first biometric information of a subject over time and, based on the first biometric information, derives a suitable timing for measuring second biometric information that is different from the subject's first biometric information.

[0023] An 18th aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing program that causes a computer to execute a process of acquiring first biometric information of a subject over time and deriving, based on the first biometric information, a timing suitable for measuring second biometric information that is different from the subject's first biometric information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the above aspects, the information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program of the present disclosure can measure biological information for appropriate diagnosis. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an information processing system. [Figure 2] 1 is an example of first biometric information and second biometric information. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining timing derivation processing based on first biological information. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining timing derivation processing based on first biological information. [Figure 7] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating examples of guidance corresponding to each timing. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a process for detecting a maximum value of the first biological information. [Figure 9] 10 is an example of a screen on which each derived timing is presented. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a first information process. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a timing derivation process. [Figure 12] 10 is an example of a screen on which a derived schedule is presented. [Figure 13] 10 is an example of a screen on which a re-derived schedule is presented. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of second information processing. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a modified example of the information processing system. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a modified example of the information processing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments for carrying out the technology of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0027] An example of the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 10, at least one first measuring device 11, and at least one second measuring device 12. The information processing device 10 and the first measuring device 11, and the information processing device 10 and the second measuring device 12, are capable of communicating with each other via wired or wireless communication.

[0028] The first measuring device 11 has a function of measuring first biological information of the user over time. The first biological information may be, for example, information indicating at least one of body temperature, heart rate, electrocardiogram, electromyogram, blood pressure, arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2), blood glucose level, and lipid level. In these cases, the first measuring device 11 may be, for example, a thermometer, a heart rate monitor, a self-monitoring blood glucose monitor, or a wearable device such as a smartwatch equipped with sensors that measure biological information such as heart rate and arterial oxygen saturation.

[0029] The first biological information varies non-periodically according to the subject's behavior. Examples of the subject's behavior include eating, exercise, and sleep. For example, blood glucose level, which is an example of the first biological information, is known to increase after the subject eats. Also, body temperature, which is an example of the first biological information, is known to increase after the subject exercises.

[0030] The second measuring device 12 has a function of measuring second biological information of the user on a one-off basis. The second biological information is a different type of biological information from the first biological information. The second biological information may be, for example, information indicating at least one of electrocardiograms, electroencephalograms, medical images captured by a medical imaging device, and the results of at least one of hematological tests, infectious disease tests, biochemical tests, and urinalysis. The medical imaging device is, for example, a device that performs CR (Computed Radiography), CT (Computed Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), ultrasound imaging, fundus photography, PET (Positron Emission Tomography), and PAI (PhotoAcoustic Imaging). Using these medical imaging devices as the second measuring device 12 allows for obtaining medical images as the second biological information.

[0031] A hematological test is a test that obtains, for example, white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, etc. as test results. A biochemical test is a test that obtains, for example, various indicators related to enzymes, proteins, sugars, lipids, electrolytes, etc. as test results. An infectious disease test is a test that obtains, for example, the presence or absence of various infectious diseases such as influenza infection and COVID-19 infection as test results. A urinalysis is a test that obtains, for example, urinary sugar, urinary protein, urinary occult blood, etc. as test results. When these various test results are used as the second biological information, a known analyzer that analyzes blood, urine, etc. as test specimens can be used as the second measuring device 12.

[0032] In this exemplary embodiment, the first biological information and the second biological information are biological information that are known to be correlated with each other. Fig. 2 shows an example of a set of first biological information and second biological information that are correlated with each other. Fig. 2 also shows the "disease name" diagnosed based on the second biological information.

[0033] As described above, since the second biological information is biological information measured singly, it is required that the state of the subject is suitable for diagnosis at the time of measuring the second biological information. Whether the second biological information is suitable for diagnosis can be estimated by monitoring the first biological information. For example, to diagnose diabetic retinopathy, it is preferable to capture a fundus image as the second biological information after a meal, specifically around the peak of a postprandial hyperglycemic spike. The peak of a postprandial hyperglycemic spike can be estimated by monitoring the blood glucose level as the first biological information.

[0034] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the first measurement device 11 transmits the first biological information of the subject measured over time to the information processing device 10 in real time. The information processing device 10 acquires the first biological information of the subject over time from the first measurement device 11 and derives a suitable timing for measuring the subject's second biological information based on the first biological information. Note that the "suitable timing for measuring the second biological information" refers to a timing when the second biological information is estimated to be in a state suitable for diagnosis (i.e., when the second biological information with the desired result can be obtained), and does not mean that the second biological information cannot be measured at any other timing. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may instruct the second measurement device 12 to measure the second biological information at the derived timing.

[0035] The detailed configuration of the information processing device 10 will be described below. First, an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a non-volatile storage unit 22, and a memory 23 serving as a temporary storage area. The information processing device 10 also includes a display 24 such as a liquid crystal display, an input unit 25 such as a keyboard, a mouse, and buttons, and a network I / F (Interface) 26 for wired or wireless communication with the first measurement device 11, the second measurement device 12, and an external network (not shown). The CPU 21, the storage unit 22, the memory 23, the display 24, the input unit 25, and the network I / F 26 are connected via a bus 28 such as a system bus and a control bus so that various information can be exchanged between them. Examples of the information processing device 10 include a personal computer, a server computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, and a wearable terminal.

[0036] The storage unit 22 is realized by a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory. The storage unit 22 stores an information processing program 27 for the information processing device 10. The CPU 21 reads the information processing program 27 from the storage unit 22, loads it into the memory 23, and executes the loaded information processing program 27. The CPU 21 is an example of a processor of the present disclosure.

[0037] Next, an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, the information processing device 10 includes an acquisition unit 30, a derivation unit 32, and a control unit 34. The CPU 21 executes the information processing program 27, thereby functioning as the acquisition unit 30, the derivation unit 32, and the control unit 34.

[0038] The acquisition unit 30 acquires first biological information of the subject over time from the first measurement device 11. The derivation unit 32 derives a timing suitable for measuring second biological information of the subject based on the first biological information acquired by the acquisition unit 30. The control unit 34 controls the display 24 to present the timing derived by the derivation unit 32 and guidance corresponding to the timing.

[0039] An example of deriving the timing to capture a fundus image, as an example of second biological information, based on a blood glucose level, as an example of first biological information, will be described below. FIG. 5 shows an example of fluctuations in postprandial blood glucose level X measured over time, and an example of the behavior of signals L, M, and N, which transition between 0 and 1 according to the blood glucose level X. The recommended photography period signal L is a signal that takes the state of 1 during a recommended photography period suitable for capturing a fundus image. The warning signal M is a signal that transitions prior to the transition of the state of the recommended photography period signal L, thereby notifying the start and end of the recommended photography period. The best timing signal N is a signal that takes the state of 1 when the blood glucose level X reaches its maximum value Xmax, which is most suitable for capturing a fundus image. Hereinafter, the state of signal L is represented as L(0), and the state of signal L is represented as L(1). The same applies to signals M and N.

[0040] Fig. 6 is a table summarizing the blood glucose levels at each time point t1 to t5 in Fig. 5, as well as the transitions of the signals L, M, and N. Fig. 7 shows an example of guidance presented by the control unit 34 on the display 24 in accordance with the signals L, M, and N. Note that Fig. 7 omits combinations that the signals L, M, and N cannot take (for example, a combination of L(0), M(0), and N(1)).

[0041] As shown in Fig. 5, it is known that blood glucose level X rises and falls sharply after a meal. By photographing the fundus at a timing when blood glucose level X reaches its maximum value Xmax, a fundus image suitable for diabetic retinopathy diagnosis can be obtained. The derivation unit 32 transitions the signals L, M, and N as shown in Figs. 5 and 6 based on the blood glucose level as the first biological information acquired by the acquisition unit 30.

[0042] For example, in a medical setting, preparations such as setting up the second measurement device 12 and positioning the subject may be required before capturing a fundus image using the second measurement device 12. To allow time for this preparation, the derivation unit 32 may derive a timing for notifying the start of a recommended period suitable for capturing (measuring) a fundus image (second biological information) before the start of the recommended period. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the derivation unit 32 changes the notification signal from M(0) to M(1) at time t1 when the blood glucose level X becomes lower than the threshold value TH by a predetermined width ds (time X>(TH-ds)). Note that the threshold value TH may be determined, for example, based on a blood glucose level commonly used for diagnosing diabetes (e.g., 140 mg / dL) or based on the width of increase from the fasting blood glucose level for each subject. At this time t1, each signal is in the state of L(0), M(1), or N(0), so as shown in Figure 7, the control unit 34 displays a message such as "Photography will be possible soon" to notify the start of the recommended period for photographing fundus images.

[0043] Furthermore, for example, the derivation unit 32 derives the start timing of a recommended photography period suitable for capturing (measuring) a fundus image (second biological information) based on the blood glucose level (first biological information). Specifically, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the derivation unit 32 changes the recommended photography period signal from L(0) to L(1) at time t2 when the blood glucose level X exceeds a predetermined threshold value TH (time when X>TH). At this time t2, each signal is in the state of L(1), M(1), or N(0), and therefore, as shown in Fig. 7, the control unit 34 displays a message such as "Photography is possible," indicating that it is now the recommended period for capturing a fundus image.

[0044] Furthermore, for example, the derivation unit 32 may derive the most suitable timing for capturing (measuring) a fundus image (second biological information) from the subject based on the blood glucose level (first biological information). Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the derivation unit 32 changes the best timing signal from N(0) to N(1) at time t3 when the blood glucose level X reaches its maximum value Xmax. At this time t3, the signals are in the states of L(1), M(1), and N(1), and therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 34 displays a message such as "Now is the best time to capture a fundus image," indicating that this is the most suitable timing for capturing a fundus image.

[0045] The time point at which the blood glucose level X reaches its maximum value Xmax can be derived based on, for example, the change over time in the blood glucose level (first biological information). In FIG. 8, the time differential of the blood glucose level X in FIG. 5 is shown by a dashed line. As shown in FIG. 8, the time differential drops at time t3 at which the blood glucose level X reaches its maximum value Xmax. Therefore, the derivation unit 32 may derive that the blood glucose level X has reached its maximum value Xmax when the time differential of the blood glucose level X drops by a predetermined width dp after the start of the recommended imaging period (i.e., after time t2). In the example of FIG. 8, the time point at which the blood glucose level X reaches its maximum value Xmax is derived using the first differential of the blood glucose level X, but the invention is not limited to this. The time point at which the blood glucose level X reaches its maximum value Xmax may also be derived using multiple differentials, such as second to fourth orders.

[0046] For example, in some cases, it may be preferable to be able to take corresponding actions such as preferentially photographing the subject who has been notified by announcing the end of the recommended photographing period. Therefore, the derivation unit 32 may derive the timing for announcing the end of the recommended photographing period before the timing that becomes the end timing of the recommended photographing period suitable for photographing (measurement) of the fundus image (second biological information). Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, after the blood glucose level X reaches the maximum value Xmax (that is, after time t3), when the blood glucose level X becomes a value higher than the threshold TH by a predetermined width de (the time when X < (TH + de)), at time t4, the notification signal is changed from M(1) to M(0). Also, at this time point t4, since it is considered that the best timing for photographing has also ended, the best timing signal is changed from N(1) to N(0). At this time point t4, since each signal is in the state of L(1), M(0), N(0), as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 34 presents a guidance for announcing the end of the recommended photographing period of the fundus image, such as "It will soon be unsuitable for photographing."

[0047] For example, the derivation unit 32 derives the end timing of the recommended photographing period suitable for photographing (measurement) of the fundus image (second biological information) based on the blood glucose level (first biological information). Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, at the time point t when the blood glucose level X falls below a predetermined threshold TH (the time when X < TH), the derivation unit 32 changes the recommended photographing period signal from L(1) to L(0). At this time point t5, since each signal is in the state of L(0), M(0), N(0), as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 34 presents a guidance indicating that it is not within the recommended photographing period of the fundus image, such as "It is not suitable for photographing."

[0048] Note that the derivation of each timing by the above-mentioned derivation unit  32 is performed in real time according to the fluctuation of the blood glucose level. On the other hand, in order for the photographer to schedule the photographing, it is preferable to be able to grasp in advance the start timing and end timing of the recommended photographing period of the subject, as well as the best timing. Therefore, the derivation unit 32 may predict the temporal change of the blood glucose level (first biological information) and derive (that is, predict) each of the above timings based on the predicted blood glucose level.

[0049] Note that a known method can be appropriately adopted as a method for predicting the time change in blood glucose level. For example, the derivation unit 32 may predict the time change in blood glucose level based on past data on the subject's blood glucose level. Specifically, for example, the time change in blood glucose level may be predicted using representative values ​​(e.g., average and median) of past data pre-stored in the storage unit 22. Furthermore, for example, the time change in blood glucose level may be predicted using a trained model that is trained to input the change in blood glucose level up to the present time and output the change in blood glucose level from the present time onwards.

[0050] Fig. 9 shows an example of screen D1 presented on the display 24 by the control unit 34. Screen D1 in Fig. 9 is at time t1 in Figs. 5 and 6 (i.e., the timing at which the start of the recommended photographing period suitable for photographing a fundus image is announced before the start of the period), and time t1 corresponds to 13:00. In Fig. 9, the actual blood glucose level up to 13:00 is shown by a solid line, and the blood glucose level predicted by the derivation unit 32 after 13:00 is shown by a dotted line.

[0051] 9, the control unit 34 may perform control to present the blood glucose level predicted by the derivation unit 32. Furthermore, the control unit 34 may perform control to present the start timing, end timing, and best timing of the recommended imaging period derived based on the blood glucose level predicted by the derivation unit 32. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, the derivation unit 32 may predict the maximum blood glucose level, and the control unit 34 may perform control to present the maximum blood glucose level predicted by the derivation unit 32.

[0052] 5 and 6, the control unit 34 may instruct the second measurement device 12 that measures the second biological information to measure the second biological information at each of the above-mentioned timings derived by the derivation unit 32. Specifically, for example, in the examples of Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the control unit 34 may instruct the second measurement device 12 to capture a fundus image during the recommended imaging periods t2 to t5 that the derivation unit 32 has derived as being suitable for capturing (measuring) a fundus image (second biological information). Also, for example, the control unit 34 may instruct the second measurement device 12 to capture a fundus image at time t3 that the derivation unit 32 has derived as being the most suitable timing for capturing (measuring) a fundus image (second biological information) from the subject.

[0053] Next, the operation of the information processing device 10 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. In the information processing device 10, the CPU 21 executes the information processing program 27, thereby executing the first information processing shown in Figure 10 and the timing derivation processing shown in Figure 11. The first information processing is executed, for example, when a command to start execution is given by the user via the input unit 25.

[0054] In step S10, the derivation unit 32 sets the recommended imaging period signal L, the notice signal M, and the best timing signal N to a state of "0." In step S12, the acquisition unit 30 acquires first biological information from the first measurement device 11. Hereinafter, this first biological information (e.g., blood glucose level) will be referred to as X. In step S14, the derivation unit 32 executes the timing derivation process shown in FIG. 11 based on the first biological information X acquired in step S12. In the timing derivation process, the states of the recommended imaging period signal L, the notice signal M, and the best timing signal N transition based on the first biological information X acquired in step S12. Note that once a transition has occurred in the state of each signal, the state is maintained until the state transitions again.

[0055] Here, the timing derivation process executed in step S14 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. In step S50, the derivation unit 32 determines whether the first biometric information X acquired in step S12 is lower than a predetermined threshold value TH by a predetermined width ds (X = (TH - ds)). If the determination in step S50 is positive (i.e., if X = (TH - ds)), this means that it is the timing to notify the start of the recommended imaging period (corresponding to time t1 in Figs. 5 and 6), and the process proceeds to step S52. In step S52, the derivation unit 32 changes the notification signal from M(0) to M(1) and returns the signals L, M, and N to the first information process in Fig. 10.

[0056] On the other hand, if the determination in step S50 is negative (i.e., if X≠(TH-ds)), the process proceeds to step S54. In step S54, the derivation unit 32 determines whether the first biometric information X acquired in step S12 is equal to the predetermined threshold value TH (X=TH). If the determination in step S54 is positive (i.e., if X=TH), the process proceeds to step S56, where the derivation unit 32 determines whether the current recommended imaging period signal L is in the "0" state. If the determination in step S56 is positive (i.e., if L(0)), this means that it is the start timing of the recommended imaging period (corresponding to time t2 in FIGS. 5 and 6), and the process proceeds to step S58. In step S58, the derivation unit 32 changes the recommended imaging period signal L(0) to L(1) and returns the signals L, M, and N to the first information processing in FIG. 10.

[0057] On the other hand, if the determination in step S54 is negative (i.e., if X≠TH), the process proceeds to step S60. In step S60, the derivation unit 32 determines whether the first biometric information X acquired in step S12 is higher than the predetermined threshold value TH by a predetermined difference de (X=(TH+de)). If the determination in step S60 is positive (i.e., if X=(TH+de)), the process proceeds to step S62, where the derivation unit 32 determines whether the current best timing signal N is in the "1" state. If the determination in step S62 is positive (i.e., if N(1)), this means that it is the timing to notify the end of the recommended imaging period (corresponding to time t4 in FIGS. 5 and 6), and the process proceeds to step S64. In step S64, the derivation unit 32 changes the notification signal from M(1) to M(0), changes the best timing signal from N(1) to N(0), and returns the signals L, M, and N to the first information processing in FIG. 10. On the other hand, if step S62 returns a negative judgment (i.e., N(0)), this means that the time corresponds to a point between time t2 and time t3 in Figures 5 and 6, and therefore signals L, M, and N are returned to the first information processing in Figure 10 without causing any transition of the signals.

[0058] On the other hand, if the determination in step S60 is negative (i.e., if X≠(TH+de)), the process proceeds to step S66. In step S66, the derivation unit 32 determines whether the first biological information X acquired in step S12 is the maximum value Xmax (X=Xmax). If the determination in step S66 is positive (i.e., if X=Xmax), this means that it is the most suitable timing for photographing a fundus image (corresponding to time t3 in FIGS. 5 and 6), and the process proceeds to step S68. In step S68, the derivation unit 32 changes the best timing signal from N(0) to N(1), and returns each of the signals L, M, and N to the first information processing in FIG. 10.

[0059] On the other hand, if the determination in step S56 is negative (i.e., if L(1) when X=TH), this means that the end timing of the recommended shooting period has arrived (corresponding to time t5 in FIGS. 5 and 6), and the process proceeds to step S70. In step S70, the derivation unit 32 changes the recommended shooting period signal from L(1) to L(0), and returns the signals L, M, and N to the first information processing in FIG. 10. Also, if the determination in step S66 is negative (i.e., if X≠Xmax), this means that none of the times t1 to t5 at which the signals are to be transitioned in FIGS. 5 and 6 apply, and therefore the signals L, M, and N are returned to the first information processing in FIG. 10 without transitioning the signals.

[0060] 10, the control unit 34 performs control to present, using the display 24, guidance according to the current timing and the states of the recommended shooting period signal L, the notice signal M, and the best timing signal N. In step S18, the derivation unit 32 determines whether or not the recommended shooting period signal was transitioned from L(1) to L(0) in the immediately preceding step S14 (i.e., whether or not it returned after executing step S70 in the immediately preceding timing derivation process).

[0061] If step S18 results in a negative determination (i.e., the recommended shooting period signal did not transition from L(1) to L(0) in the immediately preceding step S14), the current states of the signals L, M, and N are maintained, and the process returns to step S12. On the other hand, if step S18 results in a positive determination (i.e., the recommended shooting period signal transitioned from L(1) to L(0) in the immediately preceding step S14), this means that the current time is the end timing of the recommended shooting period, and the first information process is terminated.

[0062] As described above, the information processing device 10 includes at least one processor, which acquires first biological information of the subject over time and derives, based on the first biological information, a timing suitable for measuring second biological information different from the first biological information of the subject. In other words, it is possible to derive a timing at which the second biological information will be in a state suitable for diagnosis, thereby making it possible to measure the second biological information for appropriate diagnosis.

[0063] Second Exemplary Embodiment In the first exemplary embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a timing suitable for measuring the second biological information is derived in real time based on the first biological information. In actual medical practice, there may be more subjects waiting for measurement of their second biological information than the number of second measurement devices 12. In this case, it is desirable to assist medical personnel in scheduling when to measure each subject by deriving in advance a timing suitable for measuring the second biological information for each subject so that they can measure each subject efficiently.

[0064] Therefore, the information processing device 10 according to this exemplary embodiment has a function of scheduling a period for measuring the second biological information for each subject, in addition to the functions of the first exemplary embodiment. An example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described below, but some descriptions of the same configuration as the first exemplary embodiment will be omitted.

[0065] The acquisition unit 30 acquires first biological information over time for each of a plurality of subjects. The derivation unit 32 derives, for each subject, timings suitable for measuring second biological information different from the subject's first biological information (start timing, end timing, and best timing for imaging) based on the first biological information. In this case, the derivation unit 32 may predict a time change in the first biological information for each subject and derive each of the above timings based on the predicted first biological information. For example, each of the above timings may be derived by setting the time points at which the predicted first biological information reaches a threshold value TH as the start timing and end timing of the recommended period for imaging, and setting the time point at which the predicted first biological information reaches a maximum value as the best timing for imaging (see FIG. 5).

[0066] 12 shows an example of a screen D2 on which the derivation unit 32 predicts time changes in the first biological information for each of the subjects A to C, and presents a recommended imaging period and the best timing for imaging derived based on the predicted first biological information. The "glucose loading time" in FIG. 12 is the time at which the subject ingests glucose to intentionally create a state of postprandial hyperglycemic spike (i.e., a state suitable for measuring the second biological information).

[0067] 12, the time from the glucose load time to the start timing of the recommended imaging period, the length of the recommended imaging period, etc. vary from person to person. Therefore, it is preferable that the derivation unit 32 predicts changes over time in the first biological information based on past data related to the first biological information for each subject. Note that the specific methods by which the derivation unit 32 derives the start timing and end timing of the recommended imaging period and the best imaging timing, and the method for predicting changes over time in the first biological information, are the same as those in the first exemplary embodiment, and therefore will not be described again.

[0068] Furthermore, the derivation unit 32 schedules the period for measuring the second biological information for each subject based on the derived timings. In the schedule S in Fig. 12, the recommended period for capturing fundus images (second biological information) for each of the subjects A to C is indicated by a white frame, the scheduled period for capturing fundus images is shaded in gray, and the predicted best timing for capturing images is indicated by a star. As shown in Fig. 12, the derivation unit 32 schedules the periods for measuring the second biological information for each of the subjects A to C (gray areas in Fig. 12) so that they do not overlap with each other.

[0069] Specifically, when the recommended imaging periods derived for subjects A to C overlap, the derivation unit 32 schedules the period for measuring the second biological information by giving priority to the subject whose recommended imaging period starts and / or ends earlier. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, for subjects A and B whose recommended imaging periods partially overlap, the derivation unit 32 may schedule the period for measuring the second biological information by giving priority to subject A whose recommended imaging period ends earlier. Also, for example, as shown in Fig. 12, for subjects B and C whose recommended imaging periods partially overlap, the derivation unit 32 may schedule the period for measuring the second biological information by giving priority to subject B whose recommended imaging period starts earlier.

[0070] Furthermore, when the recommended imaging periods derived for the subjects A to C overlap, the derivation unit 32 may schedule the periods for measuring the second biological information by placing the subject with the longest period from the start timing to the end timing of the recommended imaging period in the middle order. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, the derivation unit 32 may schedule the periods for measuring the second biological information by placing the subject B with the longest period from the start timing to the end timing of the recommended imaging period in the middle order. This makes it easier to perform rescheduling (details will be described later).

[0071] 12 is a schedule of periods for measuring the second biological information for each subject, based on each timing derived based on the time change of the first biological information predicted for each subject by the derivation unit 32. That is, since the schedule S in Fig. 12 is a schedule created based solely on the predicted time change of the first biological information, it may not match the actual progress of the first biological information.

[0072] Therefore, the acquisition unit 30 may monitor the progress of the first biological information for each subject after the derivation unit 32 schedules the period for measuring the second biological information. Furthermore, if the difference between the progress of the first biological information monitored by the acquisition unit 30 and the predicted time change of the first biological information exceeds an allowable range, the derivation unit 32 may reschedule the period for measuring the second biological information. Specifically, the derivation unit 32 may re-predict the time change of the first biological information based on the progress of the first biological information monitored by the acquisition unit 30, and re-derive each timing based on the re-predicted time change of the first biological information. Furthermore, the derivation unit 32 may reschedule the period for measuring the second biological information based on each re-derived timing.

[0073] Fig. 13 shows an example of a screen D3 that is presented when rescheduling is performed one hour later than in Fig. 12. In Fig. 13, each timing that has been changed from the initial prediction (the recommended imaging period and best imaging timing in Fig. 12) is crossed out, and each timing after re-derivation is shown. In the example of Fig. 13, it is assumed that for subject C, the difference between the progress of the first biological information monitored by the acquisition unit 30 and the predicted time change of the first biological information exceeds the allowable range, while for subjects A and B, it is within the allowable range.

[0074] 13 , the derivation unit 32 re-predicts the time change of the first biological information for subject C based on the progress of the first biological information monitored by the acquisition unit 30, and re-derives each timing based on the re-predicted time change of the first biological information. Since the end timing of the recommended imaging period for subject C is earlier than that of subject B, the derivation unit 32 reschedules the period for measuring the second biological information to prioritize subject C over subject B.

[0075] Furthermore, the control unit 34 may instruct the second measurement device 12 that measures the second biological information to measure the second biological information during the period scheduled by the derivation unit 32. Specifically, for example, in the example of Fig. 13, the control unit 34 may instruct the second measurement device 12 to measure the second biological information of subject A between 13:10 and 13:30, that of subject B between 13:50 and 14:10, and that of subject C between 13:30 and 13:50.

[0076] Next, the operation of the information processing device 10 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. In the information processing device 10, the CPU 21 executes the information processing program 27, thereby executing the second information processing shown in Fig. 14. The second information processing is executed, for example, when a command to start execution is given by the user via the input unit 25.

[0077] In step S20, the acquisition unit 30 acquires first biological information from the first measurement device 11. In step S22, the derivation unit 32 predicts a time change in the first biological information for each subject based on the first biological information acquired in step S20. In step S24, the derivation unit 32 derives timings suitable for measuring the second biological information (e.g., the start and end timings of the recommended imaging period and the best timing for imaging) based on the time change in the first biological information predicted in step S22. In step S26, the derivation unit 32 schedules a period for measuring the second biological information for each subject based on the timings derived in step S24.

[0078] In step S28, the acquisition unit 30 monitors the progress of the first biological information of each subject. In step S30, the derivation unit 32 determines, for each subject, whether or not the difference between the progress of the first biological information monitored in step S28 and the time change of the first biological information predicted in step S22 exceeds the allowable range. If the determination in step S30 is negative (i.e., if the difference between the progress of the first biological information monitored in step S28 and the time change of the first biological information predicted in step S22 exceeds the allowable range), the processes of steps S22 to S28 are repeated. On the other hand, if the determination in step S30 is positive (i.e., if the difference between the progress of the first biological information monitored in step S28 and the time change of the first biological information predicted in step S22 is within the allowable range), the second information processing is terminated.

[0079] As described above, the information processing device 10 includes at least one processor, which acquires first biological information over time for each of a plurality of subjects, derives, for each subject, timing appropriate for measuring second biological information different from the subject's first biological information based on the first biological information, and schedules a period for measuring the second biological information for each subject based on the derived timing. In other words, the second biological information can be scheduled to be measured at a timing when the second biological information is in a state appropriate for diagnosis, thereby enabling measurement of the second biological information for appropriate diagnosis.

[0080] The configuration of the information processing system 1 in each of the exemplary embodiments is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 1. For example, some or all of the information processing device 10, first measuring device 11, and second measuring device 12 included in the information processing system 1 may be the same device. For example, the information processing device 10 may include the first measuring device 11 that measures first biological information and the second measuring device 12 that measures second biological information.

[0081] 15, the information processing system 1 may include an information processing device 10 incorporating a first measuring device 11 that measures first biological information, and a second measuring device 12 that measures second biological information in response to a command from the information processing device 10. As such an information processing device 10, for example, a blood glucose self-monitoring device and a wearable device such as a smart watch equipped with a sensor that measures first biological information such as heart rate and SpO2 may be applied.

[0082] 16, the information processing system 1 may include an information processing device 10 including a second measuring device 12 that measures second biological information, and a first measuring device 11 that transmits the first biological information to the information processing device 10. For example, a modality such as a medical imaging device may be applied as the information processing device 10.

[0083] 1, 15, and 16 illustrate one each of the first measuring device 11 and the second measuring device, but the information processing system 1 may include a plurality of first measuring devices 11 and a plurality of second measuring devices. Furthermore, the plurality of first measuring devices 11 may each measure the same type of first biological information, or may each measure different types of first biological information. Similarly, the plurality of second measuring devices 12 may each measure the same type of second biological information, or may each measure different types of second biological information.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above exemplary embodiment, the following various processors can be used as the hardware structure of processing units that perform various processes, such as the acquisition unit 30, the derivation unit 32, and the control unit 34. As described above, the various processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as various processing units, as well as dedicated electrical circuits that are processors having a circuit configuration specifically designed to perform specific processes, such as a programmable logic device (PLD), which is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0085] A single processing unit may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, multiple processing units may be configured with a single processor.

[0086] Examples of configuring multiple processing units with a single processor include, first, a form in which one processor is configured with a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as multiple processing units, as typified by computers such as client and server. Second, a form in which a processor is used to realize the functions of the entire system including multiple processing units with a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as typified by systems on chips (SoCs). In this way, various processing units are configured using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure.

[0087] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors can be an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0088] In the above exemplary embodiment, the information processing program 27 is pre-stored (installed) in the storage unit 22, but this is not limiting. The information processing program 27 may be provided in a form recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The information processing program 27 may also be downloaded from an external device via a network. Furthermore, the technology of the present disclosure extends to not only information processing programs but also storage media that non-temporarily store information processing programs.

[0089] The technology of the present disclosure can also be achieved by appropriately combining the above exemplary embodiments. The above-described description and illustrations are detailed descriptions of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure and are merely examples of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects is an example of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or new elements may be substituted from the above-described description and illustrations, within the scope of the gist of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0090] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-069309, filed on April 15, 2021, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. at least one processor; The processor: acquiring first biological information of the subject over time; deriving a timing suitable for measuring second biological information of the subject, the second biological information being different from the first biological information, based on the first biological information; deriving, as the timing, a start timing and an end timing of a period suitable for measuring the second biological information based on the first biological information; giving a notice of the end of the period before the end timing within the period suitable for measuring the second biological information; An extreme value is detected based on the time differentiation of the first biological information, and a time point of the extreme value is derived as the most suitable timing for measuring the second biological information. Information processing device.

2. The processor: Deriving the timing based on a time change of the first biological information. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The processor: predicting a time change of the first biological information; Deriving the timing based on the predicted first biological information.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1.

4. The processor: Predicting a time change in the first biological information based on past data related to the first biological information The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. The processor: Present the derived timing The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The processor: A start of a period suitable for measuring the second biological information is notified before the start timing of the period. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The processor: Instructing a second measurement device that measures the second biological information to measure the second biological information at the derived timing. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The first biological information varies non-periodically in accordance with the subject's behavior. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the first biological information indicates at least one of body temperature, heart rate, electrocardiogram, electromyogram, blood pressure, arterial blood oxygen saturation, blood glucose level, and lipid level; The second biological information indicates at least one of electrocardiogram, electroencephalogram, medical image taken by a medical imaging device, and the result of at least one of hematological test, infectious disease test, biochemical test, and urinalysis. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. a first measuring device that measures the first biological information; a second measuring device that measures the second biological information; The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising:

11. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; a first measuring device that measures the first biological information; a second measuring device that measures the second biological information; An information processing system comprising:

12. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; a first measuring device that measures the first biological information; Equipped with The information processing device further includes a second measuring device that measures the second biological information. Information processing system.

13. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; a second measuring device that measures the second biological information; Equipped with The information processing device further includes a first measuring device that measures the first biological information. Information processing system.

14. acquiring first biological information of the subject over time; deriving a timing suitable for measuring second biological information of the subject, the second biological information being different from the first biological information, based on the first biological information; deriving, as the timing, a start timing and an end timing of a period suitable for measuring the second biological information based on the first biological information; giving a notice of the end of the period before the end timing within the period suitable for measuring the second biological information; An extreme value is detected based on the time differentiation of the first biological information, and a time point of the extreme value is derived as the most suitable timing for measuring the second biological information. An information processing method in which processing is performed by a computer.

15. acquiring first biological information of the subject over time; deriving a timing suitable for measuring second biological information of the subject, the second biological information being different from the first biological information, based on the first biological information; deriving, as the timing, a start timing and an end timing of a period suitable for measuring the second biological information based on the first biological information; giving a notice of the end of the period before the end timing within the period suitable for measuring the second biological information; An extreme value is detected based on the time differentiation of the first biological information, and a time point of the extreme value is derived as the most suitable timing for measuring the second biological information. An information processing program that causes a computer to execute a process.

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