automated external defibrillator

Abstract

To provide an automatic external defibrillator capable of performing a self-test at an optional timing desired by a user, while automatically performing a self-test at a preset time.SOLUTION: An automatic external defibrillator 1 includes an operation reception unit 30 for receiving an operational input by a user, and a self-test execution unit 11 for executing a self-test for checking a state of the automatic external defibrillator 1 when a first condition or second condition is satisfied. The first condition is reaching of a preset time, and the second condition is reception of a prescribed operation input by the operation reception unit 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to automated external defibrillators. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, automated external defibrillators (hereinafter referred to as "AEDs") are equipped with a self-test function, which checks, for example, the remaining battery level, the connection status with the defibrillation pads, and whether various circuits are operating normally, to determine whether the AED is in a condition for normal use.

[0003] Self-tests are often automatically performed periodically, such as daily at a predetermined time. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an AED that has a function to automatically perform self-tests at a predetermined interval and a function to postpone the timing of the next self-test when an override button is pressed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2019-530527 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is important to automatically perform a self-test at a preset time so as to avoid situations where a self-test is not performed for a long period of time. However, there may be situations where a user wants to perform a self-test immediately. However, conventional AEDs such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1 are not designed to allow a user to perform a self-test at the time desired.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an automatic external defibrillator that automatically performs a self-test at a preset time, and also allows the user to perform the self-test at any time desired. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An automated external defibrillator according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: an operation receiving unit that receives operation input from a user; a self-test execution unit that executes a self-test to check the state of the automated external defibrillator when the first condition or the second condition is satisfied, the first condition is that a preset time is reached, The second condition is that the operation reception unit receives a predetermined operation input. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the configuration disclosed above, it is possible to provide an automatic external defibrillator that can automatically perform a self-test at a preset time and also perform a self-test at any time desired by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic external defibrillator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation process executed in an automatic external defibrillator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or equivalent elements will be given the same reference numerals or names even in different drawings, and redundant description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] [Configuration of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)] First, each processing unit constituting the AED 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the AED 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The AED 1 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 20, an operation reception unit 30, a display unit 40, a sound generation unit 50, a high-voltage generation unit 60, a pad connector 70, and a power supply unit 80.

[0012] The control unit 10 controls various operations of the AED 1 by reading and executing programs stored in the storage unit 20. The control unit 10 includes a main control unit 11 and a sub-control unit 12. Although not shown, the control unit 10 also includes a real-time clock and an A / D converter.

[0013] The main control unit 11 includes a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls various operations when the power is on for the AED 1. The main control unit 11 controls various operations for saving life (hereinafter also referred to as "lifesaving operations") such as energy charge / discharge control, sequence control, A / D conversion, and electrocardiogram analysis.

[0014] The main control unit 11 also controls the execution of a self-test. That is, the main control unit 11 functions as a self-test execution unit. The main control unit 11 executes a self-test when a first condition or a second condition is satisfied. A specific example of the first condition is that a preset time is reached. A specific example of the second condition is that the operation reception unit 30 receives a predetermined operation input (for example, pressing a check button 32, described below). The self-test checks, for example, the circuits that control the lifesaving operation (checking the time constant of the electrocardiogram input circuit, checking the circuit that recognizes the paddle contacts, checking the energy value during charging / internal discharging of the capacitor, etc.), the power supply unit 80 (voltage value, remaining battery charge value, current consumption value, etc.), and the defibrillation pads 90 connected to the pad connector 70 (checking the resistance value of the pads and their expiration date), and confirms whether or not there are any abnormalities in these.

[0015] The main control unit 11 sets the set time for the next self-test after the completion of life-saving operations or after the completion of a self-test. The method for determining the next set time will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 2. The main control unit 11 can also reset the next set time to any time desired by the user based on the user's operation input to the operation reception unit 30. The "set time" may specify the date and time, or may specify only the time. Specifically, the "set time" may be "year Y, month M, day D, h:m" or "h:m".

[0016] The sub-controller 12 includes a sub-CPU that controls various operations such as power supply to the main CPU of the main controller 11. When the power is off (for example, when the power button 31 and check button 32 described below are not pressed and a self-test is not being performed), power is not supplied to the main CPU of the main controller 11, and the AED 1 enters a standby state in power-saving mode. Note that even in power-saving mode, power is still supplied from the power supply unit 80 to the real-time clock. In other words, the real-time clock continues to keep time even when the AED 1 is not powered on.

[0017] When the AED 1 is powered on by pressing a power button 31 (one aspect of the first button) or a check button 32 (one aspect of the second button) described below, or by reaching a preset time, the sub-controller 12 controls the power supply unit 80 to supply power to the main controller 11. The sub-controller 12 also transmits to the main controller 11 the reason why the power was turned on (the reason why the AED 1 was started).

[0018] The storage unit 20 stores programs necessary for the AED to operate, audio data, adjustment values, electrocardiogram data during rescue, self-test history, etc. The storage unit 20 may include, for example, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a secondary storage device such as a hard disk. A part of the storage unit 20 may be an external storage device that is detachable from the AED 1.

[0019] The operation reception unit 30 receives operation input from the user. The operation reception unit 30 includes a power button 31 and a check button 32. The power button 31 is a button for starting a lifesaving operation. The check button 32 is a button for starting a self-test. Although not shown, the operation reception unit 30 may also include a shock button for administering an electric shock, a button for setting a time for the self-test, and the like.

[0020] The display unit 40 displays, for example, the results of a self-test. By checking the display unit 40, the user can check whether there is an abnormality in the AED 1. The display unit 40 may be configured with an LED (Light Emitting Diode), a magnetic reversal disk, or the like. The display unit 40 may also include a liquid crystal display that displays instructions to the user in the form of pictures or text, or a display that displays an electrocardiogram signal. The display unit 40 may also include a touch panel, and may also function as the operation reception unit 30.

[0021] The sound output unit 50 issues various instructions to the user by voice, referring to the voice data stored in the storage unit 20. If an abnormality is discovered during the self-test, the sound output unit 50 emits an alarm sound to notify the user of the abnormality.

[0022] The high-voltage generator 60 charges and discharges energy used for defibrillation in response to control signals from the main controller 11. The pad connector 70 is connected to the defibrillation pads 90. The energy discharged by the high-voltage generator 60 is transmitted to the rescuer via the pad connector 70 and the defibrillation pads 90. The defibrillation pads 90 also capture the electrocardiogram signal of the rescuer. The electrocardiogram signal is transmitted to the main controller 11 after, for example, being filtered and amplified.

[0023] The power supply unit 80 includes a battery. The power supply unit 80 converts the power supplied from the battery to the required voltage and supplies the power to each of the above-mentioned components. The remaining battery capacity is checked by a self-test.

[0024] [Example of AED operation] Next, an example of the operation of the AED 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation process executed in the AED 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that the order of the various processes shown in Fig. 2 may be changed or may be executed in parallel as long as no contradiction occurs.

[0025] First, when the AED 1 is not powered on, it waits in a power-saving mode (step S101). Next, when the AED 1 is powered on and power is supplied to the main CPU of the main control unit 11, the AED 1 starts up (step S102). Also, in step S102, a start-up factor for the AED 1 is transmitted from the sub-control unit 12 to the main control unit 11.

[0026] Next, the main control unit 11 checks (step S103) the cause of starting the AED 1. There are at least three causes of starting the AED 1, for example, pressing the power button 31, reaching the set time for performing a self-test, and pressing the check button 32.

[0027] In step S103, if it is confirmed that the activation factor of the AED 1 was the pressing of the power button 31, the main control unit 11 performs control to start life-saving operations (step S104). If it is determined that an electric shock is necessary for the subject in the life-saving operations (if an electrocardiogram indicating the need for an electric shock is detected), the main control unit 11 appropriately performs operations such as blinking the button for the electric shock and outputting electric energy in response to the pressing of the button.

[0028] Next, when the life-saving operation is completed, the main control unit 11 resets the set time for the self-test (step S105). In step S105, for example, the original set time set before the AED 1 was activated in step S102 may be reset as the set time for the next self-test. However, if the original set time is reached during the life-saving operation in step S104, it is preferable not to perform a self-test based on the reaching of the set time, and to set, for example, a time that is a second hour after the original set time as the set time for the next self-test. Here, the "second time" is not particularly limited and may be, for example, any time such as 12 hours, 24 hours, or 48 hours, but is preferably 24 hours. Furthermore, the "second time" may be the same length as or different from the "first time" described below.

[0029] Next, the power supply to the main CPU of the main control unit 11 is cut off, the AED 1 transitions to the power saving mode (step S106), and the series of operation processes related to the lifesaving operation is completed.

[0030] On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S103 that the trigger for activating the AED 1 is the arrival of the set time (if the first condition is satisfied), the main control unit 11 controls to perform a self-test (step S107). As already mentioned, if the set time is reached during the life-saving operation in step S104, the processes from step S107 to step S109 are not executed.

[0031] Next, the main control unit 11 controls the display unit 40 to display the result of the self-test (step S108). If the result of the self-test is abnormal, it is preferable to also output a sound from the sound output unit 50 to notify the user of the abnormality.

[0032] Next, the main control unit 11 sets the next set time for the self-test (step S109). In step S109, it is preferable to set the next set time to, for example, a time that is a first hour (X hours) after the date and time when the self-test is performed in step S107 (i.e., the original set time reached in step S102). Here, the "first time" is not particularly limited and may be, for example, 12 hours, 24 hours, or 48 hours, but it is preferable that it is 24 hours.

[0033] Next, the power supply to the main CPU of the main control unit 11 is cut off, the AED 1 transitions to the power saving mode (step S106), and the series of operation processes relating to the self-test based on the arrival of the set time is completed.

[0034] On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S103 that the activation factor of the AED 1 was the pressing of the check button 32 (if the second condition is satisfied), the process proceeds to step S110. In step S110, it is determined whether the time when the check button 32 was pressed this time is the time when a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) has elapsed since the execution of the self-test based on the previous pressing of the check button 32.

[0035] In step S110, if it is determined that the time when the check button 32 is pressed this time is not the time when a predetermined time has elapsed since the self-test was performed based on the previous pressing of the check button 32 (NO in step S110), the self-test is not performed and the main control unit 11 executes processing related to the life-saving operation in step S104.

[0036] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S110 that the current time when the check button 32 is pressed is the time when a predetermined time has elapsed since the self-test was performed based on the previous pressing of the check button 32 (YES in step S110), the main control unit 11 performs control to perform a self-test (step S111). Note that if the set time is reached during the self-test in step S111, the processes of steps S107 to S109 are not executed.

[0037] Next, the main control unit 11 controls the display unit 40 to display the result of the self-test (step S112). The process of step S112 is the same as the process of step S108.

[0038] Next, the main control unit 11 sets the next set time for the self-test (step S113). In step S113, it is preferable to set the next set time to a time (X+α hours) that is longer than the first time from the date and time when the self-test was performed in step S111 (i.e., the time when the check button 32 was pressed in step S102). Here, it is preferable that the length of "α" is shorter than the first time, and it may be, for example, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc.

[0039] Next, the power supply to the main CPU of the main control unit 11 is cut off, the AED 1 transitions to the power saving mode (step S106), and the series of operation processes relating to the self-test based on the pressing of the check button 32 is completed.

[0040] Next, the effects of the AED1 according to this embodiment will be described. If the AED1 were configured to distinguish between the start of lifesaving operations and the start of a self-test by, for example, differentiating between the start of a self-test and the start of a life-saving operation by differences in the operation method of the power button 31 (e.g., the number of times or the duration of pressing), without providing a check button 32 for the self-test, the operation of the AED1 would be complicated, potentially confusing the user in a tense situation where life-saving operations are required. Furthermore, when an AED operates a button to start life-saving operations, a voice prompt instructing the user on what action to take is generally played. If such a button were also used for inputting information for the self-test, the voice prompt would be played during the self-test, which would be bothersome to the user and consume battery power. On the other hand, the AED1, by providing the power button 31 and a check button 32 separate from the power button 31, eliminates the above disadvantages and allows the self-test to be started at any time with a very simple operation.

[0041] Furthermore, in a tense situation where life-saving measures are required, a user may press the wrong button. If the check button 32 is pressed again shortly after it was pressed, there is a high possibility that the second press was an accidental press. If a self-test is performed again in such a case, there is a risk that life-saving measures will not be performed in time. If the check button 32 is pressed again before a predetermined time has elapsed since the check button 32 was pressed and the self-test was performed, the AED1 starts a life-saving operation instead of performing a self-test, thereby preventing life-saving measures from being performed in time.

[0042] Furthermore, self-tests performed at short intervals have little effect and have the disadvantage of consuming battery power. When a self-test is performed in response to pressing check button 32, AED1 changes the set time for the next self-test based on the time the previous self-test was performed. This prevents a situation in which a self-test based on the arrival of the set time is performed immediately after a self-test based on pressing check button 32, thereby making it possible to reduce battery power consumption.

[0043] Furthermore, when a self-test is performed in response to the arrival of the set time, the AED 1 sets the next set time to a time that is a first time after the time when the self-test was performed. With this configuration, the self-test is performed periodically every time the first time elapses.

[0044] On the other hand, when a self-test is performed in response to pressing the check button 32, the AED 1 sets the next set time to a time that is longer than the first time from the time the self-test was performed. Here, if the AED 1 is configured to perform automatic and periodic self-tests the first time after the previous manually performed self-test, if the user desires to manually perform a self-test every first time, the self-test will be initiated when the set time is reached if the user presses the check button 32 even slightly later. When a self-test is performed in response to pressing the check button 32, the AED 1 sets the next set time to a time that is longer than the first time from the time the self-test was performed, thereby reducing the likelihood of an automatic self-test being initiated even if the user presses the check button 32 slightly later. This configuration is particularly useful when the first time is 24 hours. When the user desires to manually perform a self-test at a set time every day, the AED 1 is less likely to automatically initiate a self-test even if the user manually operates the AED 1 slightly later than the previous day.

[0045] Furthermore, if the set time is reached while a life-saving operation is being performed, the AED1 does not perform a self-test based on the set time being reached, thereby preventing a situation in which a self-test is performed while a life-saving operation is being performed and the self-test interferes with the life-saving operation. In this case, the AED1 automatically resets the next set time, thereby preventing a situation in which a self-test is not performed for a long time.

[0046] The above-described embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and the configurations according to the above-described embodiments may be appropriately modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1:Automated external defibrillator (AED) 10: Control unit 11: Main control unit (self-test execution unit) 12: Sub-control unit 20: Storage part 30: Operation reception section 31: Power button 32: Check button 40: Display section 50: Pronunciation section 60: High voltage generator 70: Pad connector 80: Power supply section 90: Defibrillator pads

Claims

1. an operation receiving unit that receives operation input from a user; a self-test execution unit that executes a self-test to check the state of the automated external defibrillator when the first condition or the second condition is satisfied, the first condition is that a preset time is reached, the second condition is that the operation reception unit receives a predetermined operation input; the self-test execution unit sets a self-test cycle to a first time, and when a self-test is executed in response to the first condition being satisfied, sets the next set time to a time that is the first time after the execution time of the self-test; When a self-test is performed in response to the second condition being satisfied before the first time has elapsed since the time of the previous self-test, the self-test performing unit sets a time that is longer than the first time from the time of the previous self-test as the next set time, and after the next set time, the self-test cycle is set to the first time again. Automated external defibrillator.

2. the operation reception unit has a first button that is a power button and a second button for starting the self-test, the predetermined operation input is pressing the second button; 10. The automated external defibrillator of claim 1.

3. If the second button is pressed again before a predetermined time has elapsed since the second button was pressed and the self-test was performed, a life-saving operation is initiated.

3. The automated external defibrillator of claim 2.

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