Biological information output device

Abstract

In the present invention, a CPU performs a starting battery life acquisition process. In the starting battery life acquisition process, the CPU acquires a starting battery life SBL, which is the remaining battery life when driving of a biological information output device has started. The CPU also performs a driving-start first-remaining-life assessment process. In the driving-start first-remaining-life assessment process, the CPU assesses whether the starting battery life SBL is equal to or less than a first remaining life (L1). The first remaining life (L1) is the remaining battery life required in order to drive the biological information output device for a stipulated time that is established in advance. If the CPU assesses that the starting battery life (SBL) is equal to or less than the first remaining life (L1) (YES in S12), the CPU performs a notification process. In the notification process, the CPU outputs a notification signal. The notification signal is for notifying a user that the biological information output device cannot be driven for the entire stipulated time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a biological information output device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a device that operates on a battery. The device includes power supply voltage monitoring means for detecting the remaining battery level. When the device is reset due to battery depletion, the power supply voltage monitoring means stores a flag indicating that the reset has occurred. Then, when the device is restarted next time, the power supply voltage monitoring means determines battery exhaustion based on whether the above flag is stored and the remaining battery level.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a biological information output device that is driven by power supply from a battery, like the device described in Patent Document 1. The biological information output device outputs biological information. In the biological information output device, there is a risk that the device will stop at an unexpected timing due to battery exhaustion during operation. In particular, in the case of a biological information output device, surgery may be performed using the output biological information. If battery exhaustion occurs in the biological information output device during such surgery, the continuation of the surgery will become difficult because the biological information will no longer be output.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present disclosure is a biometric information output device that is powered by a battery and outputs biometric information, comprising a control unit that controls the operation and stopping of the biometric information output device, wherein the control unit performs: an initial battery level acquisition process to acquire an initial battery level, which is the remaining battery level when the operation of the biometric information output device is started; a first remaining battery level determination process to determine whether the initial battery level is less than or equal to a first remaining battery level necessary to operate the biometric information output device for a predetermined period of time; and a notification process that, when the initial battery level determination process determines that the initial battery level is less than or equal to the first remaining battery level, outputs a notification signal to notify the user that the device cannot be operated for the predetermined period of time.

[0006] With the above configuration, the user can determine whether or not the biometric information output device can continue to operate beyond a specified time after starting, based on whether or not a notification is received. This prevents the biometric information output device from unexpectedly stopping within the specified time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This can prevent the biological information output device from unexpectedly shutting down. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a biological information acquisition system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the biological information output device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing a series of processes related to the battery level at the start of operation. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a series of processes related to the remaining battery level during operation. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a series of processes related to wireless communication. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a series of processes related to the continuous operating time during operation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (One embodiment) An embodiment of the biological information output device will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a biological information acquisition system equipped with the biological information output device will be used as an example.

[0010] <Biometric Information Acquisition System> As shown in Figure 1, the biological information acquisition system 10 includes a biological sensor 20, a biological information output device 30, and a display 40.

[0011] The biosensor 20 is used by being attached to the object being monitored. For example, the biosensor 20 is attached to the object being monitored via an adhesive sheet 21. The biosensor 20 monitors the biological information of the object being monitored, such as hospitalized patients or people undergoing surgery. Specifically, the biological information includes body temperature, blood pressure, blood glucose level, oxygen saturation, heart rate, pulse rate, etc. In this embodiment, the biosensor 20 is capable of detecting multiple types of biological information.

[0012] The biosensor 20 is capable of wireless communication with other devices. The biosensor 20 can then wirelessly transmit a signal indicating detected biological information to the biological information output device 30. The wireless communication method used is, for example, Bluetooth®.

[0013] The biometric information output device 30 receives signals indicating biometric information from the biosensor 20 via wireless communication. This allows the biometric information output device 30 to acquire monitoring results of biometric information from the biosensor 20.

[0014] The biological information output device 30 includes a main body case 31, an output terminal 32, and a small monitor 33. The main body case 31 houses each unit and a battery 36 described later. The output terminal 32 can be connected to a display 40. The small monitor 33 is attached to the outer surface of the main body case 31. The small monitor 33 displays an image smaller than the image displayed on the display 40 described later.

[0015] When the output terminal 32 of the biological information output device 30 is connected to the display 40, the biological information output device 30 can communicate with the display 40. The biological information output device 30 outputs the monitoring result of the acquired biological information to the display 40 through the output terminal 32.

[0016] The display 40 acquires the monitoring result of the biological information from the biological information output device 30. The display 40 displays the acquired monitoring result of the biological information as an image showing time-series data.

[0017] <Biological Information Output Device> As shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the output terminal 32 and the small monitor 33 described above, the biological information output device 30 further includes a switch 34, a wireless receiver 35, a battery 36, and a control unit 60.

[0018] The switch 34 is for switching the power supply of the biological information output device 30 between the on state and the off state. For example, when the biological information output device 30 is in the off state, if the switch 34 is long-pressed, the biological information output device 30 will enter the on state. Thereby, the biological information output device 30 starts to operate. Also, when the biological information output device 30 is in the on state, if the switch 34 is operated in a predetermined manner, a specified signal corresponding to the operation is input to the control unit 60. Examples of the predetermined operation of the switch 34 include a long-press operation, a short-press operation, and a double-press operation. In this embodiment, when the biological information output device 30 is in the on state and the switch 34 is long-pressed, the biological information output device 30 will enter the off state. Although not shown in the figure, the switch 34 is located on the outer surface of the main body case 31. Note that the user is, for example, a medical staff member

[0019] The wireless receiver 35 receives signals from the biological sensor 20 through wireless communication. That is, the wireless receiver 35 receives the monitoring results of biological information from the biological sensor 20 through wireless communication. Also, the wireless receiver 35 outputs the received monitoring results of biological information to the control unit 60.

[0020] The battery 36 is built into the main body case 31. The battery 36 supplies power to the biological information output device 30. In this embodiment, the battery 36 is a rechargeable secondary battery. The biological information output device 30 is driven by the power supply from the battery 36.

[0021] The control unit 60 controls the driving and stopping of the biological information output device 30. The control unit 60 includes a CPU 61, a peripheral circuit 62, a ROM 63, a storage device 64, and an internal bus 65. The internal bus 65 connects the CPU 61, the peripheral circuit 62, the ROM 63, and the storage device 64 so that they can communicate with each other. The peripheral circuit 62 includes a circuit for generating a clock signal that defines internal operations, a power supply circuit, a reset circuit, and the like. The ROM 63 stores various programs in advance. The CPU 61 controls the biological information output device 30 by executing various programs stored in the ROM 63.

[0022] ROM63 stores the program P1 for when the drive starts, the program P2 for when the drive is in progress, the wireless communication program P3, and the continuous drive program P4. The storage device 64 can store the biosensor 20 that the bioinformation output device 30 is wirelessly communicating with as a communication destination. Specifically, the storage device 64 can store the unique ID of the biosensor 20 as a communication destination. In this embodiment, the storage device 64 can store only one biosensor 20 as a communication destination.

[0023] When the biological information output device 30 is turned on from the off state, i.e., when the biological information output device 30 is started to operate, the CPU 61 executes the start-up program P1 only once.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, when the CPU 61 starts the program P1 at the start of operation, it first executes the process in step S11. In step S11, the CPU 61 performs the process of acquiring the initial battery level. In the process of acquiring the initial battery level, the CPU 61 acquires the initial battery level SBL, which is the remaining battery level of the battery 36 when the operation of the biological information output device 30 is started. The CPU 61 calculates the remaining battery level of the battery 36 using a known method based on the terminal voltage of the battery 36, the integrated current value of the battery 36, etc. After that, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S12.

[0025] In step S12, the CPU 61 performs a first remaining battery level determination process at the start of operation. In this first remaining battery level determination process at the start of operation, the CPU 61 determines whether the starting battery level SBL is less than or equal to the first remaining level L1. The first remaining level L1 is determined by testing or simulation as the remaining battery level 36 required to operate the biological information output device 30 for a predetermined specified time RT. The specified time RT is, for example, 12 hours.

[0026] Thus, the first remaining charge L1 does not indicate that the battery 36 has very little charge remaining or that the voltage of the battery 36 is unstable. In other words, the first remaining charge L1 is a threshold that ensures that the biometric information output device 30 can operate stably for a considerable period of time. Therefore, if the remaining charge of the battery 36 in a fully charged state is set to 100%, and the first remaining charge L1 is set to a value of 30% or more, then the first remaining charge L1 can be said to be the amount of battery 36 remaining that is necessary to operate the biometric information output device 30 for a specified time RT.

[0027] In step S12, if the CPU 61 determines that the initial battery level SBL is greater than the first remaining level L1 (S12: NO), the CPU 61 terminates this series of processes. On the other hand, if the CPU 61 determines that the initial battery level SBL is less than or equal to the first remaining level L1 (S12: YES), the CPU 61 proceeds to step S13.

[0028] In step S13, the CPU 61 performs a notification process. In the notification process, the CPU 61 outputs a notification signal. The notification signal is a signal that informs the user that the biometric information output device 30 cannot be driven for a specified time RT. Specifically, in the notification process, the CPU 61 outputs the notification signal to the small monitor 33. As a result, the small monitor 33 displays an image of a message indicating that the biometric information output device 30 cannot be driven for a specified time RT. This message image is displayed for several seconds to more than ten seconds. After that, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S14.

[0029] In step S14, the CPU 61 performs termination processing. In the termination processing, the CPU 61 first outputs a stop notification signal. The stop notification signal is a signal to inform the user that the biometric information output device 30 will be stopped. Specifically, in the termination processing, the CPU 61 outputs a notification signal to the small monitor 33. As a result, the small monitor 33 displays an image of a message indicating that the biometric information output device 30 will soon stop operating. This message image is displayed for several seconds to more than ten seconds. Next, the CPU 61 terminates the operation of the biometric information output device 30 using power supplied from the battery 36. In other words, the CPU 61 stops the biometric information output device 30. With this, the CPU 61 terminates this series of processes.

[0030] After the CPU 61 finishes executing the startup program P1, if the biological information output device 30 continues to operate, it repeatedly executes the operation program P2 at predetermined intervals until the operation of the biological information output device 30 is stopped.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, when the CPU 61 starts the running program P2, it first executes the process in step S21. In step S21, the CPU 61 performs the process of obtaining the current remaining charge. In the process of obtaining the current remaining charge, the CPU 61 obtains the current remaining charge CL, which is the current remaining charge of the battery 36. After that, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S22.

[0032] In step S22, the CPU 61 performs a first remaining capacity determination process while the system is running. In this first remaining capacity determination process, the CPU 61 determines whether the current remaining capacity CL obtained in the current remaining capacity acquisition process in step S21 is less than or equal to the first remaining capacity L1.

[0033] When the CPU 61 determines that the current remaining amount CL is greater than the first remaining amount L1 (S22: NO), the CPU 61 terminates this series of processes. In other words, the CPU 61 continues to operate the biological information output device 30. On the other hand, when the CPU 61 determines that the current remaining amount CL is less than or equal to the first remaining amount L1 (S22: YES), the CPU 61 proceeds to step S23.

[0034] In step S23, the CPU 61 determines whether the notification process has been completed. Here, the CPU 61 repeatedly executes the driving program P2 until the driving of the biological information output device 30 is stopped. If the notification process in step S27 (described later) is executed at least once during the repeated execution of the driving program P2, the CPU 61 determines that the notification process has been completed. If step S27 is not executed at all during the repeated execution of the driving program P2, the CPU 61 determines that the notification process has not been completed.

[0035] If the CPU 61 determines that the notification process has not been completed (S23: NO), the CPU 61 proceeds to step S27. In step S27, the CPU 61 performs the notification process. The notification process in step S27 is the same as the process in step S13 of the program P1 at the start of operation. After that, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if the CPU 61 determines in step S23 that the notification process has been completed (S23: YES), the CPU 61 also proceeds to step S24.

[0036] In step S24, the CPU 61 performs a second remaining charge determination process. In the second remaining charge determination process, the CPU 61 determines whether the current remaining charge CL obtained in the current remaining charge acquisition process in step S21 is less than or equal to the second remaining charge L2. The second remaining charge L2 is a predetermined value that is smaller than the first remaining charge L1. For example, the second remaining charge L2 is set to the lower limit of the remaining charge of the battery 36 that can stably drive the biometric information output device 30. In this embodiment, when the remaining charge of the battery 36 in a fully charged state is set to 100%, the second remaining charge L2 is set to 5%.

[0037] When the CPU 61 determines that the current remaining amount CL is greater than the second remaining amount L2 (S24: NO), the CPU 61 terminates this series of processes. In other words, the CPU 61 continues to operate the biological information output device 30 when the current remaining amount CL is less than or equal to the first remaining amount L1 and greater than the second remaining amount L2. On the other hand, when the CPU 61 determines that the current remaining amount CL is less than or equal to the second remaining amount L2 (S24: YES), the CPU 61 proceeds to step S25.

[0038] In step S25, the CPU 61 performs a warning process. In the warning process, the CPU 61 outputs a warning signal. The warning signal is a signal that notifies the user that the remaining amount of CL is running low. Specifically, in the warning process, the CPU 61 outputs a warning signal to the small monitor 33. As a result, the small monitor 33 displays an image of a message indicating that the biometric information output device 30 can only be operated for a short time. This message image is displayed for several seconds to more than ten seconds. After that, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S26.

[0039] In step S26, the CPU 61 performs a termination process. The termination process in step S26 is the same as the process in step S14 of the startup program P1. That is, in the termination process in step S26, the CPU 61 notifies the user that the biometric information output device 30 will stop, and then stops the biometric information output device 30. With this, the CPU 61 terminates this series of processes.

[0040] When the biological information output device 30 is turned on from the off state by the long press of switch 34, i.e., when the biological information output device 30 is started to operate, the CPU 61 executes the wireless communication program P3 only once. This wireless communication program P3 is executed in parallel with the start-up program P1. Also, if the start-up program P1 stops the operation of the biological information output device 30, the wireless communication program P3 will terminate even if it is in the middle of execution. Note that when the operation of the biological information output device 30 is started, the biological information output device 30 has not yet established wireless communication with the biological sensor 20.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, when the CPU 61 starts the wireless communication program P3, it first performs the process in step S31. In step S31, the CPU 61 determines whether or not the storage device 64 has stored the communication destination. If the CPU 61 determines that the storage device 64 has stored the communication destination (S31: YES), the CPU 61 proceeds to step S32.

[0042] In step S32, the CPU 61 performs a first connection process. In the first connection process, the CPU 61 establishes wireless communication with the biosensor 20, which is stored in the storage device 64 as a communication destination, in response to a request from the biosensor 20. In particular, in the first connection process, the CPU 61 accepts only requests to establish wireless communication from the biosensor 20, which is stored in the storage device 64 as a communication destination, and establishes wireless communication. After that, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S33.

[0043] In step S33, the CPU 61 determines whether wireless communication has been established with the biosensor 20 stored as a communication destination in the storage device 64. Specifically, when the CPU 61 receives a signal from the biosensor 20 stored as a communication destination in the storage device 64 indicating that wireless communication has been established, the CPU 61 determines that wireless communication has been established. On the other hand, if the CPU 61 does not receive a signal from the biosensor 20 stored as a communication destination in the storage device 64 within a predetermined period of time, the CPU 61 determines that wireless communication has not been established. When wireless communication is completed (S33: YES), the CPU 61 proceeds to step S34.

[0044] In step S34, the CPU 61 deletes the communication destination information stored in the storage device 64. After that, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S35. In step S35, the CPU 61 starts the biological information acquisition process. In the biological information acquisition process, monitoring results of biological information are acquired from the biological sensor 20 via wireless communication. The CPU 61 then continues the biological information acquisition process until the biological information output device 30 stops. The CPU 61 then terminates the biological information acquisition process when the biological information output device 30 stops.

[0045] By the way, if the CPU 61 determines in step S31 that the storage device 64 does not store the communication destination (S31:NO), the CPU 61 proceeds to step S36. Also, if the CPU 61 determines in step S33 that wireless communication has not been established (S33:NO), the CPU 61 proceeds to step S36.

[0046] In step S36, the CPU 61 performs a second connection process. In the second connection process, the CPU 61 allows the establishment of wireless communication with a biosensor 20 that is not stored as a communication destination in the storage device 64. That is, it accepts a request to establish wireless communication from a biosensor 20 that is not stored as a communication destination. After that, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S37.

[0047] In step S37, the CPU 61 performs connection permission processing. In connection permission processing, the CPU 61 outputs a connection permission request signal, provided that it has received an establishment request from the biosensor 20 in the second connection processing. The connection permission request signal is a signal that allows the user to choose whether or not to establish a wireless communication connection with the biosensor 20. Specifically, in connection permission processing, the CPU 61 outputs the connection permission request signal to the small monitor 33. As a result, the small monitor 33 displays an image of a message asking whether or not to connect to the biosensor 20. While this message image is displayed, a predetermined operation is performed on the switch 34, and the CPU 61 receives a signal from the user indicating permission. When the CPU 61 receives a signal from the user indicating permission (S37: YES), the CPU 61 establishes wireless communication with the biosensor 20. After that, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S34. On the other hand, if the predetermined operation is not performed on switch 34, that is, if the CPU 61 cannot obtain a signal from the user indicating permission (S37: NO), the CPU 61 returns the process to step S36.

[0048] When the biological information output device 30 is ON, the CPU 61 repeatedly executes the continuous drive program P4 at a predetermined interval. This continuous drive program P4 is executed in parallel with the driving program P2. After the caution processing described later has been performed once, the CPU 61 will not execute the continuous drive program P4 again until the current biological information output device 30 is stopped.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, when the CPU 61 starts the continuous operation program P4, it first executes the process in step S41. In step S41, the CPU 61 performs the operation time acquisition process. In the operation time acquisition process, the CPU 61 acquires the continuous operation time CT from the time when the biological information output device 30 was powered on by the switch 34 to the current time when it has been continuously operating. Specifically, the CPU 61 acquires the continuous operation time CT as the time from when the biological information output device 30 was powered on by the operation of the switch 34 to the current time when it has been continuously operating. After that, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S42.

[0050] In step S42, the CPU 61 performs an operating time determination process. In the operating time determination process, the CPU 61 determines whether the continuous operating time CT is equal to or greater than the specified time RT. If the continuous operating time CT is less than the specified time RT (S42: NO), the CPU 61 terminates this series of processes. In other words, the CPU 61 continues to operate the biological information output device 30. On the other hand, if the continuous operating time CT is equal to or greater than the specified time RT (S42: YES), the CPU 61 proceeds to step S43.

[0051] In step S43, the CPU 61 performs an alert process. In the alert process, the CPU 61 outputs an alert signal. The alert signal is a signal that notifies the user that power has been consumed to drive the biometric information output device 30 for a specified time RT. Specifically, in the alert process, the CPU 61 outputs an alert signal to the small monitor 33. As a result, the small monitor 33 displays an image of a message indicating that power has been consumed to drive the biometric information output device 30 for a specified time RT. This message image is displayed for several seconds to more than ten seconds. After that, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S44.

[0052] In step S44, the CPU 61 performs a stop permission process. In the stop permission process, the CPU 61 first outputs a stop permission request signal. The stop permission request signal is a signal that allows the user to choose whether or not to stop the operation of the biometric information output device 30. Specifically, in the stop permission process, the CPU 61 outputs the stop permission request signal to the small monitor 33. As a result, the small monitor 33 displays an image of a message asking whether or not to stop the operation of the biometric information output device 30. While this message image is displayed, if a predetermined operation is performed on the switch 34, the CPU 61 obtains a signal from the user indicating permission. If the CPU 61 does not obtain a signal from the user indicating permission while this message image is displayed (S44: NO), the CPU 61 terminates this series of processes. On the other hand, if the CPU 61 obtains a signal from the user indicating permission (S44: YES), the CPU 61 proceeds to step S45.

[0053] In step S45, the CPU 61 determines whether or not wireless communication is being performed. If wireless communication is not being performed (S45: NO), the CPU 61 proceeds to step S47. On the other hand, if wireless communication is being performed (S45: YES), the CPU 61 proceeds to step S46.

[0054] In step S46, the CPU 61 performs memory processing. In memory processing, the CPU 61 stores the biosensor 20, which is communicating wirelessly, in the memory device 64 as the communication destination. Specifically, it stores the unique ID of the biosensor 20 that is communicating wirelessly in the memory device 64. After that, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S47.

[0055] In step S47, the CPU 61 performs a termination process. The termination process in step S47 is the same as the process in step S14 of the startup program P1. That is, in the termination process in step S47, the CPU 61 notifies the user that the biometric information output device 30 will stop, and then stops the biometric information output device 30. With this, the CPU 61 terminates this series of processes.

[0056] (Effect of the embodiment) According to the above embodiment, when the user operates the switch 34 to start the biometric information output device 30, the control unit 60 starts executing the start-up program P1. The user can then check the small monitor 33 for the presence or absence of a message indicated by the notification signal. If a message indicated by the notification signal is displayed on the small monitor 33, the user can confirm by checking the message that the biometric information output device 30 cannot be operated for a specified time RT or longer, i.e., 12 hours or more, during this operation. Subsequently, the control unit 60 performs a termination process, stopping the operation of the biometric information output device 30 before the current operation of the biometric information output device 30 can proceed.

[0057] (Effects of the embodiment) (1) According to the above embodiment, when the initial battery level SBL is determined to be less than or equal to the first remaining battery level L1 in the initial battery level determination process, the CPU 61 executes a notification process. In the notification process, the CPU 61 outputs a notification signal. The notification signal is a signal that notifies the user that the biometric information output device 30 cannot be driven for a specified time RT. Therefore, the user can confirm from the notification signal that the driven biometric information output device 30 cannot be driven for more than the specified time RT. Thus, it is possible to prevent the biometric information output device 30 from unexpectedly stopping within the specified time RT.

[0058] (2) According to the above embodiment, the CPU 61 further executes termination processing after performing notification processing. Therefore, in this operation of the biometric information output device 30, it is possible to prevent the operation of the biometric information output device 30 from suddenly stopping due to battery depletion during the specified time of RT operation. In other words, in the event of an unexpected stop during the specified time of RT operation, the operation of the biometric information output device 30 can be stopped at the start. In addition, since the CPU 61 executes termination processing after performing notification processing, the biometric information output device 30 can stop operating in a state that the user can anticipate.

[0059] (3) According to the above embodiment, in the second remaining capacity determination process, when it is determined that the current remaining capacity CL is less than or equal to the second remaining capacity L2, the CPU 61 executes a warning process. In the warning process, the CPU 61 outputs a warning signal. The warning signal is a signal that notifies the user that the current remaining capacity CL is very low. Therefore, the user can confirm from the warning signal that the biometric information output device 30 can only be operated for a short time. Thus, it is possible to prevent the biometric information output device 30 from entering a state that the user did not expect after the warning process.

[0060] (4) According to the above embodiment, the CPU 61 performs termination processing after issuing a warning. Therefore, the biometric information output device 30 can stop operating in a state that the user can anticipate.

[0061] (5) According to the above embodiment, the CPU 61 continues to operate the biological information output device 30 when the current remaining amount CL is less than or equal to the first remaining amount L1 and greater than the second remaining amount L2. Therefore, after the biological information output device 30 starts operating, even if the current remaining amount CL falls below the first remaining amount L1, it will continue to operate if it is greater than the second remaining amount L2. As a result, the biological information output device 30 can operate continuously for a longer period of time. In other words, it is possible to avoid the biological information output device 30 stopping operation unnecessarily.

[0062] (6) According to the above embodiment, the CPU 61 executes a warning process when the continuous operating time CT exceeds a specified time RT. In the warning process, the CPU 61 outputs a warning signal. The warning signal is a signal that notifies the user that the battery 36 has consumed the power necessary to operate for a specified time RT. Therefore, the user can confirm from the warning signal that the operating time of the specified time RT, which was guaranteed by the absence of notification processing, has been exceeded. Thus, it is possible to prevent the biometric information output device 30 from entering a state that the user did not expect after the warning process.

[0063] (7) According to the above embodiment, the CPU 61 performs a termination process after performing a warning process. Therefore, the biometric information output device 30 can stop operating in a state that the user can anticipate.

[0064] (8) According to the above embodiment, the CPU 61 performs the biological information acquisition process via wireless communication. Therefore, biological information can be acquired even if the distance to the biosensor 20 that monitors biological information is considerable. Furthermore, it becomes easier to create space around the person to whom the biosensor 20 is attached, thus reducing the likelihood of interfering with the procedure.

[0065] (9) According to the above embodiment, when the storage device 64 stores a communication destination, the CPU 61 executes a first connection process. In the first connection process, the CPU 61 establishes wireless communication only with the biosensor 20 that the storage device 64 has stored as a communication destination. Therefore, when the biometric information output device 30 is used repeatedly with the same biosensor 20, it is possible to suppress the acquisition of biometric information monitoring results from different communication destinations.

[0066] (10) According to the above embodiment, the CPU 61 executes a storage process when the continuous operation time CT is equal to or greater than the specified time RT. In the storage process, the CPU 61 stores the communication destination in the storage device 64. Therefore, even if a termination process is performed after the continuous operation time CT has equaled or greater than the specified time RT, the storage device 64 will have stored the communication destination when the device is started up again. Thus, wireless communication can be established with the same communication destination during the next operation.

[0067] (11) According to the above embodiment, when the storage device 64 does not store a communication destination, the CPU 61 executes a second connection process. In the second connection process, the CPU 61 allows the establishment of wireless communication with the biosensor 20 which is not stored as a communication destination in the storage device 64. Therefore, even when the storage device 64 does not store a communication destination, wireless communication can be established and biometric information can be acquired.

[0068] (12) According to the above embodiment, when the switch 34 is operated, the biometric information output device 30 is powered on. At this time, with the user holding the biometric information output device 30, the control unit 60 starts executing the drive start program P1. Therefore, when notification processing is performed in the drive start program P1, a message is displayed on the small monitor 33 with the user holding the biometric information output device 30. Thus, the user is more likely to notice the notification signal message.

[0069] (Other embodiments) The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0070] The biosensor 20 is not limited to being attached to the object being monitored via the adhesive sheet 21. The biosensor 20 can be any device capable of detecting biological information. The communication method between the biosensor 20 and the bioinformation output device 30 is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. The wireless communication method between the two may be ZigBee® or wireless LAN.

[0071] In the above embodiment, a signal indicating permission was input by operating the switch 34 of the biometric information output device 30, but the biometric information output device 30 may have an operable mechanism other than the switch 34. For example, the small monitor 33 of the biometric information output device 30 may be a touch panel and be operable.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the power to the biometric information output device 30 was turned on by operating the switch 34, but instead of the switch 34, a signal to turn on the power may be input via wireless communication.

[0073] The biometric information output device 30 may have a speaker in addition to or instead of the small monitor 33. In this case, notification signals, warning signals, and caution signals may be output to the speaker, causing voice messages to be output from the speaker. The notification signals, warning signals, and caution signals are not limited to signals that output images, but may also be signals that output light, signals that output sound, or signals that stop the biometric information that was being continuously displayed on the small monitor 33.

[0074] The biometric information output device 30 is not limited to outputting the monitoring results of biometric information via the output terminal 32. For example, the biometric information output device 30 may output the monitoring results of biometric information to the display 40 while it is connected to the display 40 by a wire. Alternatively, the biometric information output device 30 may output the monitoring results of biometric information to the display 40 via wireless communication.

[0075] <Control Unit> The control unit 60 may be configured as a circuit including one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program (software). Alternatively, the control unit 60 may be configured as a circuit including one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or a combination thereof, that execute at least some of the various processes. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. Memory, or computer-readable media, includes any available media accessible by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0076] The timing of the storage process performed by the control unit 60 is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. When the information of the communication destination is deleted after establishing wireless communication, as in step S34 of the above embodiment, it is preferable to perform the storage process before the termination process. Alternatively, for example, the process in step S34 may be omitted. In this case, the control unit 60 may perform the storage process after the second connection process.

[0077] The control unit 60 may omit the stop permission process in step S44 in the series of processes in the continuous drive program P4. The control unit 60 may also omit the processes in steps S45 and S46. Furthermore, the control unit 60 may omit the termination process in step S47.

[0078] The control unit 60 does not have to execute the continuous drive program P4. Furthermore, the storage device 64 does not have to store the continuous drive program P4. In other words, the control unit 60 does not have to perform the drive time acquisition process in step S41, the processing in step S42, or the caution processing in step S43.

[0079] The control unit 60 does not need to perform the second connection process in step S36. In this case, the connection permission process in step S37 also does not need to be performed. In this case, for example, the biometric information output device 30 may establish wireless communication only with predetermined biosensors 20. In this case, for example, the storage device 64 only needs to always store the predetermined biosensors 20 as the communication destination.

[0080] The control unit 60 does not need to execute the wireless communication program P3. The storage device 64 does not need to store the wireless communication program P3. For example, the biometric information output device 30 may be connected to the biosensor 20 by wire and acquire biometric information from the biosensor 20. Alternatively, the biometric information output device 30 may have a sensor capable of detecting biometric information, in which case it is sufficient to acquire the monitoring results of the biometric information from the sensor. In this case, the wireless receiver 35 may be omitted. In other words, the biometric information output device 30 does not need to be a device that relays between the biosensor 20 and the display 40. At the very least, the biometric information output device 30 just needs to be a device that outputs the monitoring results of biometric information.

[0081] The control unit 60 may perform the notification process in step S27 regardless of the process in step S23 in the series of processes in the driving program P2. Also, the control unit 60 may omit the processes in steps S22, S23, and S27. In other words, in the series of processes in the driving program P2, the current remaining amount CL may be compared with the second remaining amount L2 without comparing the current remaining amount CL with the first remaining amount L1.

[0082] The control unit 60 may stop driving the biometric information output device 30 during a series of processes in the driving program P2 when the current remaining amount CL is less than or equal to the first remaining amount L1 and greater than the second remaining amount L2. For example, even if the current remaining amount CL is less than or equal to the first remaining amount L1 and greater than the second remaining amount L2, the driving of the biometric information output device 30 may be stopped by the termination process in step S47 of the continuous driving program P4. Also, for example, after the warning process in step S43, the control unit 60 may perform the termination process after the notification process in step S27 when the current remaining amount CL becomes less than or equal to the first remaining amount L1, even if the current remaining amount CL is greater than the second remaining amount L2.

[0083] The control unit 60 may omit steps S24 and S25 in the series of processes in the program P2 while driving. The control unit 60 may omit the termination process in step S26 in the series of processes in the running program P2. In this case, for example, if the battery 36 runs out of power after the warning process in step S25, the operation of the biometric information output device 30 may stop due to battery depletion. Even in this case, the battery depletion can occur in a state that the user can anticipate through the warning process.

[0084] The control unit 60 does not need to execute the driving program P2. The storage device 64 does not need to store the driving program P2. The control unit 60 only needs to execute at least the driving start program P1 out of the four programs.

[0085] The control unit 60 may terminate the operation of the biological information output device 30 without outputting a stop warning signal during the termination process of step S14 in the drive start program P1. The same applies to termination processes in other programs.

[0086] The control unit 60 may omit the termination process in step S14 in the series of processes in the drive start program P1. The control unit 60 only needs to perform a notification process when it determines that the initial battery charge SBL is less than or equal to the first charge L1 in the series of processes in the drive start program P1.

[0087] • However, in a device like the one described in Patent Document 1, continuous operation for a specified time RT or longer may cause the device to stop at an unexpected time. According to the above embodiment, the control unit 60 performs an operation time acquisition process and a warning process. This allows the user to confirm, based on the warning signal, that the specified time RT operation time, guaranteed by the absence of a notification process, has been exceeded. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the biometric information output device 30 from entering a state unexpected by the user after the warning process. Thus, in terms of being able to confirm that the specified time RT operation time has been exceeded, it is not essential for the control unit 60 to perform the initial battery level acquisition process, the first remaining battery level determination process, and the notification process.

[0088] <Note> The technical concepts that can be derived from the above embodiments and modifications are described below. <1> The system includes a control unit that controls the operation and stopping of the biological information output device, which is powered by a battery and outputs biological information. The control unit is A process to acquire the initial battery level, which is the remaining battery level when the operation of the biological information output device is started, A first remaining charge determination process determines whether the initial battery charge is less than or equal to a first remaining charge necessary to operate the biometric information output device for a predetermined period of time, When the first remaining battery level determination process determines that the initial battery level is less than or equal to the first remaining battery level, it performs a notification process that outputs a notification signal to inform the user that the device cannot be operated for the specified time. A device for outputting biological information.

[0089] <2> After performing the notification process, the control unit further executes a termination process to end the operation of the biometric information output device using power supplied from the battery. <1> A biological information output device as described above.

[0090] <3> The control unit is A current remaining charge acquisition process to acquire the current remaining charge, which is the current remaining charge of the aforementioned battery, After the biological information output device is driven, a second remaining amount determination process is performed to determine whether the current remaining amount is less than or equal to a second remaining amount, which is a value predetermined to be smaller than the first remaining amount. If the second remaining amount determination process determines that the current remaining amount is less than or equal to the second remaining amount, it further executes a warning process that outputs a warning signal to notify the user. <1> or <2> A biological information output device as described above.

[0091] <4> After performing the warning process, the control unit further executes a termination process to end the operation of the biometric information output device powered by the battery. <3> A biological information output device as described above.

[0092] <5> The control unit continues to operate the biological information output device when the current remaining amount is less than or equal to the first remaining amount and greater than the second remaining amount. <3> or <4> A biological information output device as described above.

[0093] <6> The control unit is A drive time acquisition process that acquires the continuous operating time since the start of operation by the aforementioned battery, When the continuous operating time exceeds the specified time, the system further performs a warning process that outputs a signal to notify the user that the power necessary for operating over the specified time has been consumed. <1> ~ <5> A biometric information output device as described in any one of the following.

[0094] <7> After performing the cautionary processing, the control unit further executes a termination process to end the operation of the biometric information output device powered by the battery. <6> A biological information output device as described above.

[0095] <8> The control unit further executes a biological information acquisition process, which involves acquiring the biological information from a biological sensor that monitors the biological information via wireless communication. <1> ~ <7> A biometric information output device as described in any one of the following.

[0096] <9> The control unit has a memory device, A storage process that stores the biosensor communicating wirelessly as a communication destination in the storage device, When wireless communication has not been established, a first connection process is performed to establish wireless communication with the biosensor in response to a request from the biosensor. In the first connection process, the control unit establishes wireless communication only with the biosensor stored in the storage device as the communication destination. <8> A biological information output device as described above.

[0097] <10> The control unit is Further, a drive time acquisition process is performed to acquire the continuous drive time since the start of operation by the aforementioned battery. When the continuous operating time obtained in the operating time acquisition process is equal to or greater than the specified time, the storage process is executed. <9> A biological information output device as described above.

[0098] <11> The control unit is If wireless communication cannot be established with the biosensor stored as a communication destination in the storage device, a second connection process is further executed to allow the establishment of wireless communication with a biosensor that is not stored as a communication destination in the storage device. <9> or <10> A biological information output device as described above.

[0099] <12> It is powered by a battery and includes a control unit that controls the operation and stopping of a biological information output device that outputs biological information. The control unit is A drive time acquisition process that acquires the continuous operating time since the start of operation by the aforementioned battery, When the continuous operating time exceeds a predetermined specified time, the system performs a warning process that outputs a signal to notify the user that the power necessary to operate the system for the specified time has been consumed. A device for outputting biological information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 10… Biometric information acquisition system 20…Biometric sensors 21…Adhesive sheet 30…Biometric information output device 31…Main unit case 32…Output terminals 33... Small monitor 34... Switch 35… Wireless receiver 36...Battery 40…Display 60…Control Unit 61…CPU 62…Peripheral circuits 63...ROM 64...Storage device CL...Current remaining amount CT...Continuous operating time L1...1st remaining amount L2...Second remaining amount RT…Regulated time SBL…Battery level at startup

Claims

1. It includes a control unit that controls the operation and stopping of a biological information output device that is powered by a battery and outputs biological information, The control unit is A process to acquire the initial battery level, which is the remaining battery level when the operation of the biological information output device is started, A first remaining charge determination process determines whether the initial battery charge is less than or equal to a first remaining charge necessary to operate the biometric information output device for a predetermined period of time, When the first remaining battery level determination process determines that the initial battery level is less than or equal to the first remaining battery level, a notification process outputs a notification signal to inform the user that the device cannot be operated for the specified time, After performing the notification process, the following is performed: termination process to end the operation of the biometric information output device using power supplied from the battery. A device for outputting biological information.

2. The control unit is A current remaining charge acquisition process to acquire the current remaining charge, which is the current remaining charge of the aforementioned battery, After the biological information output device is driven, a second remaining amount determination process is performed to determine whether the current remaining amount is less than or equal to a second remaining amount, which is a value predetermined to be smaller than the first remaining amount. If the second remaining amount determination process determines that the current remaining amount is less than or equal to the second remaining amount, it further executes a warning process that outputs a warning signal to notify the user. The biological information output device according to claim 1.

3. After performing the warning process, the control unit further executes a termination process to end the operation of the biometric information output device using power supplied from the battery. The biological information output device according to claim 2.

4. The control unit continues to operate the biological information output device when the current remaining amount is less than or equal to the first remaining amount and greater than the second remaining amount. The biological information output device according to claim 2.

5. The control unit is A drive time acquisition process that acquires the continuous operating time since the start of operation by the aforementioned battery, When the continuous operating time exceeds the specified time, the system further performs a warning process that outputs a signal to notify the user that the power necessary for operating over the specified time has been consumed. The biological information output device according to claim 1.

6. After performing the cautionary processing, the control unit further executes a termination process to end the operation of the biometric information output device powered by the battery. The biological information output device according to claim 5.

7. It includes a control unit that controls the operation and stopping of a biological information output device that is powered by a battery and outputs biological information, The control unit has a memory device, The control unit is A process to acquire the initial battery level, which is the remaining battery level when the operation of the biological information output device is started, A first remaining charge determination process determines whether the initial battery charge is less than or equal to a first remaining charge necessary to operate the biometric information output device for a predetermined period of time, When the first remaining battery level determination process determines that the initial battery level is less than or equal to the first remaining battery level, a notification process outputs a notification signal to inform the user that the device cannot be operated for the specified time, A biometric information acquisition process that acquires the biometric information from a biosensor that monitors the biometric information via wireless communication, A storage process that stores the biosensor communicating wirelessly as a communication destination in the storage device, When wireless communication has not been established, a first connection process is performed to establish wireless communication with the biosensor in response to a request from the biosensor, The process of obtaining the continuous operating time since the start of operation by the aforementioned battery is executed, In the first connection process, wireless communication is established only with respect to the biosensor stored in the storage device as the communication destination. When the continuous operating time obtained in the operating time acquisition process is equal to or greater than the specified time, the storage process is executed. A device for outputting biological information.

8. The control unit is If wireless communication cannot be established with the biosensor stored as a communication destination in the storage device, a second connection process is further executed to allow the establishment of wireless communication with a biosensor that is not stored as a communication destination in the storage device. The biological information output device according to claim 7.

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