Health support device, health support method, and program

Abstract

To provide a health support device capable of acquiring appropriate information about blood glucose levels and alerting users.SOLUTION: A blood glucose level acquisition unit 31 of a health support device A acquires a blood glucose level of a user. A determination unit 33 determines whether or not the acquired blood glucose level of the user meets a predetermined output condition. An output unit 4 outputs blood glucose information about the blood glucose level if a determination result by the determination unit 33 determines that the predetermined output condition is met.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a health support device that acquires and outputs information related to blood glucose levels using a user's blood glucose level.

Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, there was a non-invasive blood glucose measurement device (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, appropriate information related to blood glucose levels could not be obtained and the user could not be alerted. Also, in the prior art, appropriate information related to fluctuations in blood glucose levels could not be obtained and the user could not be alerted.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The health support device of the first invention includes a blood glucose level acquisition unit that acquires a user's blood glucose level, a determination unit that determines whether the acquired blood glucose level satisfies a predetermined output condition and acquires a determination result, and an output unit that outputs blood glucose level information related to the blood glucose level when it is determined that the determination result satisfies the output condition.

[0006] With such a configuration, by outputting blood glucose level information when the acquired blood glucose level meets the output condition, the user can be alerted.

[0007] Furthermore, the health support device of this second invention, compared to the first invention, further comprises a blood glucose level acquisition unit which acquires a group of blood glucose levels, which are two or more blood glucose levels in the user's time series, and a fluctuation information acquisition unit which acquires fluctuation information regarding the temporal fluctuation of blood glucose levels using the blood glucose level group, and a determination unit which determines whether the fluctuation information satisfies predetermined output conditions, and an output unit which outputs the fluctuation information if it is determined that the determination result satisfies the output conditions.

[0008] With this configuration, fluctuation information regarding blood glucose levels can be output when predetermined output conditions are met.

[0009] Furthermore, the health support device of this third invention is a health support device that, compared to the second invention, further comprises a reference information storage unit that stores reference information regarding blood glucose levels, and a fluctuation information acquisition unit that acquires fluctuation information using blood glucose levels and reference information.

[0010] This configuration allows for the output of fluctuation information regarding blood glucose levels using reference data.

[0011] Furthermore, the health support device of this fourth invention further comprises a past blood glucose group storage unit that stores two or more past blood glucose levels of the user, compared to the second or third invention, and the fluctuation information acquisition unit acquires fluctuation information using the blood glucose group and the past blood glucose group.

[0012] This configuration allows for the output of fluctuation information regarding blood glucose levels using a group of past blood glucose levels.

[0013] Furthermore, the health support device of this fifth invention is a health support device in which, with respect to any one of the second to fourth inventions, the group of blood glucose levels acquired by the blood glucose level acquisition unit includes two or more blood glucose levels that are consecutive in time.

[0014] This configuration allows for the output of fluctuation information regarding blood glucose levels using two or more consecutive blood glucose readings.

[0015] Furthermore, the health support device of this sixth invention is a health support device in which, compared to the fifth invention, the blood glucose level group includes a blood glucose level group that includes two or more blood glucose levels from the normal blood glucose level to the peak blood glucose level, or a blood glucose level group that includes three or more blood glucose levels from the normal blood glucose level to the peak blood glucose level and from the peak blood glucose level to the normal blood glucose level.

[0016] This configuration allows for the output of fluctuation information regarding blood glucose levels, using both normal and peak blood glucose levels.

[0017] Furthermore, the health support device of this seventh invention is a health support device that, in addition to any one of the second to fourth inventions, has a blood glucose level acquisition unit that acquires two or more blood glucose level groups of the user, and a fluctuation information acquisition unit that acquires fluctuation information using the two or more blood glucose level groups.

[0018] This configuration allows for the output of fluctuation information regarding blood glucose levels using two or more blood glucose level groups.

[0019] Furthermore, the health support device of the eighth invention is a health support device in which, compared to the seventh invention, the two or more blood glucose level groups are two or more blood glucose level groups from different days at the same time, or two or more blood glucose level groups corresponding to the occurrence of the same event.

[0020] This configuration allows for the output of fluctuation information regarding blood glucose levels using two or more blood glucose level groups for the same time period, or two or more blood glucose level groups corresponding to the occurrence of the same event.

[0021] Furthermore, the ninth invention is a health support device that, in addition to any one of the second to eighth inventions, has a fluctuation information acquisition unit that uses blood glucose level groups to acquire fluctuation information, which is a score for the temporal fluctuation of blood glucose levels.

[0022] This configuration allows for the output of a score related to fluctuations in blood glucose levels.

[0023] Further, the health support device of the tenth invention is a health support device for any one of the second to ninth inventions, wherein the output condition is a warning condition for outputting a warning, and the variation information acquisition unit acquires variation information related to the warning when it is determined that the determination result satisfies the warning condition.

[0024] With such a configuration, a warning regarding the fluctuation of blood glucose level can be given.

[0025] Further, the health support device of the eleventh invention is a health support device having the shape of a wristwatch for any one of the first to tenth inventions.

[0026] With such a configuration, it is possible to always alert the user about the blood glucose level.

Effect of the Invention

[0027] According to the health support device of the present invention, appropriate information regarding the blood glucose level can be acquired and the user can be alerted. Note that the alert is preferably a warning to the user. For example, by constantly or frequently presenting information such as the blood glucose level or the fluctuation of the blood glucose level to the user, it may also be possible to enhance the user's awareness of the blood glucose level.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] Block diagram of the health support device A in Embodiment 1 [Figure 2] Flowchart for explaining the operation example of the health support device A [Figure 3] Flowchart for explaining an example of the variation information acquisition process [Figure 4] Diagram showing the appearance and information output example of the health support device A [Figure 5] Diagram showing the warning condition management table [Figure 6] Conceptual diagram of the health support system B in Embodiment 2 [Figure 7] Block diagram of the health support system B [Figure 8]Conceptual diagram of the health support system B. [Figure 9] Overview of the computer system in the above embodiment [Figure 10] Block diagram of the computer system [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] The embodiments of the health support device, etc., will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, components that are denoted by the same reference numerals perform the same operation, and therefore, further explanation may be omitted.

[0030] (Embodiment 1) This embodiment describes a health support device that uses the user's blood glucose level to acquire and output blood glucose level information. The blood glucose level information includes, for example, the blood glucose level itself and warning information.

[0031] Furthermore, this embodiment describes a health support device that acquires and outputs fluctuation information regarding blood glucose levels using two or more time-series blood glucose levels of the user. The fluctuation information may include, for example, a score or warning information.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a health support device that acquires fluctuation information based on comparison with reference information will be described.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a health support device that acquires fluctuation information based on a comparison with the user's past blood glucose levels will be described.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a health support device that acquires and outputs information on fluctuations in blood glucose levels using a blood glucose level group, which is a set of blood glucose levels that are continuous over time, will be described. Such a blood glucose level group may be, for example, a blood glucose level group that is a set of blood glucose levels from normal to peak, or a blood glucose level group that is a set of blood glucose levels from normal to peak and from peak to normal.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a health support device that acquires fluctuation information using two or more blood glucose level groups at different times will be described. Note that the two or more blood glucose level groups at different times are, for example, two or more blood glucose level groups at the same time, or two or more blood glucose level groups corresponding to the occurrence of the same event, such as a meal.

[0036] Figure 1 is a block diagram of the health support device A in this embodiment. The health support device A comprises a storage unit 1, a reception unit 2, a processing unit 3, and an output unit 4.

[0037] The storage unit 1 includes a reference information storage unit 11 and a past blood glucose group storage unit 12. The processing unit 3 includes a blood glucose acquisition unit 31, a fluctuation information acquisition unit 32, and a judgment unit 33. The output unit 4 includes a blood glucose information output unit 41 and a fluctuation information output unit 42.

[0038] Storage unit 1 stores various types of information. These types of information include, for example, reference information (described later), past blood glucose level groups (described later), output conditions, and processing conditions (described later). Output conditions may be common to all users, or they may be associated with a user identifier. Output conditions may also be warning conditions (described later).

[0039] Output conditions are the conditions for outputting information. Examples of output conditions include conditions for outputting blood glucose information and conditions for outputting fluctuation information.

[0040] Blood glucose information output conditions are the conditions for outputting blood glucose information. These conditions may be conditions related only to blood glucose levels, or conditions related to both blood glucose levels and timing. Timing refers to information about the time or an event. Examples of blood glucose information output conditions include: "blood glucose levels are not within the normal range indicated by the reference information described later," "blood glucose levels are above or above the threshold," "blood glucose levels are below or below the threshold," "it is normal time and blood glucose levels are above or above the threshold," "blood glucose levels are above or above the threshold within a specified period after an event such as a meal (e.g., within 2 hours)," and "blood glucose levels are above or above the threshold at a specified time after going to bed (e.g., midnight)."

[0041] The fluctuation information output conditions are the conditions for outputting fluctuation information. These conditions may be conditions relating only to fluctuation information, or conditions relating to both fluctuation information and timing. Timing refers to information about time or event. Examples of fluctuation information output conditions include: "the fluctuation information is not within the normal range indicated by the reference information," "the fluctuation information is above or greater than a threshold," "it is the time of a specific event and the fluctuation information is above or greater than a threshold," and "the fluctuation information is above or greater than a threshold during a predetermined period after going to bed (for example, between midnight and 1:00 AM)." Further details about fluctuation information will be described later.

[0042] The reference information storage unit 11 stores reference information related to blood glucose levels. The reference information is associated with information that identifies timing, for example. The reference information includes, for example, normal blood glucose levels, representative values ​​of peak blood glucose levels, representative values ​​of the difference between normal blood glucose levels and peak blood glucose levels, and representative values ​​of the time interval between the time corresponding to normal blood glucose levels and the time corresponding to peak blood glucose levels. The representative values ​​are, for example, the average or median of two or more values ​​(blood glucose levels, differences, time intervals, etc.). The representative values ​​may also be normal values ​​that serve as a standard. The reference information may also include, for example, information indicating the range of normal blood glucose levels, information indicating the range of normal blood glucose fluctuations, or information indicating the range of normal blood glucose fluctuation trends.

[0043] Reference information is stored, for example, associated with a user identifier. A user identifier is information that identifies a user. The user identifier can be anything, such as an ID, email address, phone number, name, or the terminal identifier of the user's device. The terminal identifier can be anything, such as an IP address or MAC address.

[0044] The past blood glucose group storage unit 12 stores a past blood glucose group consisting of two or more past blood glucose values. A past blood glucose value is the user's past blood glucose value. Each blood glucose value in the past blood glucose group is associated with time information, for example, the time when the blood glucose value was acquired. The past blood glucose group is stored associated with, for example, a user identifier. The past blood glucose group is, for example, a set of past blood glucose values ​​from when the user was in good health. The past blood glucose group is, for example, information obtained from a set of blood glucose values ​​for two or more days, and is a set of representative values ​​(e.g., mean, median, maximum) of blood glucose values ​​at the same time. The same time refers to, for example, the same time after the start of a meal, the same time after the start of exercise, or the same time after sleep. Note that the time information is, for example, a time, but it may also be information that specifies a relative time from a certain point in time. A certain point in time refers to, for example, the time when the event identifier described later was acquired.

[0045] Reception unit 2 receives various instructions and information. These instructions and information include, for example, instructions to output change information, instructions to output blood glucose levels, and event identifiers.

[0046] The "Variable Information Output Instruction" is an instruction to output variable information. The "Blood Glucose Level Output Instruction" is an instruction to output the current blood glucose level.

[0047] An event identifier is information that identifies an event. Examples of event identifiers include information about the start of a meal, information about the meal in progress, information about the end of a meal, information about the start of exercise, information about the exercise in progress, information about the end of exercise, information about insulin injection, and information about going to bed.

[0048] Meal start information indicates that a meal has started, meal in progress information indicates that a meal is in progress, and meal end information indicates that a meal has been finished. Exercise start information indicates that exercise has started, exercise in progress information indicates that exercise is in progress, and exercise end information indicates that exercise has been finished. Insulin injection information indicates that an insulin injection has been administered. Bedtime information indicates that the person is about to go to sleep or is currently asleep.

[0049] The reception unit 2 receives, for example, an event identifier from the user. However, the reception unit 2 may also automatically acquire the event identifier. For example, when the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor of the health support device A rises above a predetermined temperature, and the gyro sensor, accelerometer, etc., of the health support device A detects that the device is not moving, the reception unit 2 acquires an event identifier, which is information about the start of a meal. Also, when the gyro sensor, accelerometer, etc., of the health support device A detects that the device has started moving, the reception unit 2 acquires an event identifier, which is information about the start of exercise. The reception unit 2 may also automatically detect that the user is asleep based on the sensing results of a heart rate monitor or temperature sensor, for example. Note that sleep detection is possible by known technology.

[0050] The means by which users can give various instructions and input information can be anything, such as a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, or menu screen.

[0051] The processing unit 3 performs various processes. These processes include, for example, those performed by the blood glucose level acquisition unit 31, the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32, and the judgment unit 33.

[0052] The processing unit 3 acquires blood glucose information using the blood glucose values ​​acquired by the blood glucose acquisition unit 31. This blood glucose information includes, for example, the blood glucose value itself, the difference between the blood glucose value and reference information, the difference between the blood glucose value and the blood glucose values ​​of past blood glucose groups, and a score based on the blood glucose value.

[0053] Processing unit 3 calculates, for example, the difference between the blood glucose level and the reference information. Processing unit 3 calculates, for example, the difference between the blood glucose level and the blood glucose level of a past blood glucose group that is under the same conditions as the blood glucose level in question. The same conditions include, for example, being associated with the same time information, or being associated with the same event identifier, and the elapsed time since the occurrence of the event being approximately the same.

[0054] Processing unit 3 obtains a score using, for example, blood glucose levels, the difference between blood glucose levels and reference information, or the difference between blood glucose levels and the blood glucose levels of the past blood glucose group. Processing unit 3 obtains a lower score the larger the difference between blood glucose levels and reference information. Processing unit 3 obtains a lower score the larger the difference between blood glucose levels and the blood glucose levels of the past blood glucose group.

[0055] The blood glucose acquisition unit 31 acquires the user's blood glucose level. The blood glucose acquisition unit 31 acquires the blood glucose level, for example, approximately periodically. It is preferable for the blood glucose acquisition unit 31 to acquire the blood glucose level in conjunction with time information. The blood glucose acquisition unit 31 acquires the time information from, for example, a clock or timer (not shown), but the method of acquiring the time information is not limited. The method and device used by the blood glucose acquisition unit 31 to acquire the blood glucose level are not limited. The timing of the blood glucose acquisition unit 31 acquiring the blood glucose level is also not limited.

[0056] The blood glucose acquisition unit 31 acquires, for example, a group of two or more blood glucose levels in a time series for the user over a single day. It is preferable for the blood glucose acquisition unit 31 to acquire two or more blood glucose levels from different time periods for the user. Different time periods include, for example, different days, morning and afternoon, predetermined times before or after breakfast, predetermined times before or after lunch, and predetermined times before or after dinner. The time interval between the acquisition of each of the two or more blood glucose levels in a time series should be as small as one second, but the time interval is not restricted.

[0057] The blood glucose acquisition unit 31 may, for example, acquire a group of blood glucose levels that satisfy predetermined conditions from a group of blood glucose levels consisting of two or more acquired blood glucose levels. In other words, the blood glucose acquisition unit 31 acquires normal blood glucose levels from the acquired blood glucose level groups, where the fluctuation value is within a threshold. It also acquires the highest blood glucose level within the blood glucose level group. Furthermore, the blood glucose acquisition unit 31 may acquire a group of blood glucose levels that include two or more blood glucose levels ranging from the normal blood glucose level to the peak blood glucose level.

[0058] Furthermore, the blood glucose acquisition unit 31 may also acquire a group of blood glucose levels that are after the time corresponding to the peak blood glucose level, and are the blood glucose levels closest in time to that time, up to the normal blood glucose level. In other words, the blood glucose level group may be, for example, a group of blood glucose levels that includes two or more blood glucose levels from the normal blood glucose level to the peak blood glucose level, or a group of blood glucose levels that includes three or more blood glucose levels from the normal blood glucose level to the peak blood glucose level and from the peak blood glucose level to the normal blood glucose level.

[0059] The blood glucose acquisition unit 31 may, for example, acquire two or more blood glucose groups for the same time period (for example, 2 hours from 7:00 including breakfast) from blood glucose groups corresponding to each of different days. Alternatively, the blood glucose acquisition unit 31 may, for example, acquire two or more blood glucose groups corresponding to the occurrence of the same event from blood glucose groups corresponding to each of different days. Blood glucose groups corresponding to the occurrence of the same event are usually sets of blood glucose values ​​paired with the same event identifier. In other words, two or more blood glucose groups are, for example, two or more blood glucose groups for the same time period on different days, or two or more blood glucose groups corresponding to the occurrence of the same event. Events include, for example, meals, exercise, and insulin injections. Note that two or more blood glucose groups corresponding to the occurrence of the same event are two or more blood glucose groups corresponding to the same event identifier.

[0060] For example, the blood glucose acquisition unit 31 acquires blood glucose values ​​obtained after the reception unit 2 receives the event identifier, associating them with the event identifier. The blood glucose acquisition unit 31 also stores the blood glucose values ​​in a buffer or storage unit 1 (not shown), associating them with the event identifier.

[0061] The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires fluctuation information using the blood glucose level acquisition unit 31. The fluctuation information is information regarding the temporal fluctuation of blood glucose levels.

[0062] The information used by the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 when acquiring fluctuation information includes, for example, the following (a) to (c). (a) When using only the blood glucose levels obtained

[0063] The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires fluctuation information using, for example, only the blood glucose level group acquired by the blood glucose level acquisition unit 31. Furthermore, when using only the blood glucose level group acquired by the blood glucose level acquisition unit 31, the fluctuation information acquired includes, for example, (a-1) to (a-4) below. (a-1) When the fluctuation information is the difference between the minimum blood glucose level and the maximum blood glucose level.

[0064] The fluctuation information is, for example, the difference between the lowest and highest blood glucose levels within a blood glucose level group. The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires, for example, the lowest and highest blood glucose levels of the acquired blood glucose level group, calculates the difference between the lowest and highest blood glucose levels, and acquires this difference as fluctuation information. The difference between the lowest and highest blood glucose levels within a blood glucose level group may also be called the blood glucose variability. (a-2) When the fluctuation information is a trend of blood glucose fluctuations

[0065] Fluctuation information includes, for example, blood glucose fluctuation trends. Blood glucose fluctuation trends are information that shows the trend of blood glucose fluctuations. Blood glucose fluctuation trends are calculated, for example, using the lowest and highest blood glucose values ​​of a group of acquired blood glucose levels. Blood glucose fluctuation trends are calculated, for example, using the lowest and highest blood glucose values ​​within a predetermined time period (e.g., 5 minutes, 30 minutes) within a group of acquired blood glucose levels. Blood glucose fluctuation trends are information that shows, for example, the slope of a graph plotted using the group of acquired blood glucose levels.

[0066] Blood glucose fluctuation trends include, for example, the rate of blood glucose fluctuation and the acceleration of blood glucose fluctuation. The rate of blood glucose fluctuation is the speed at which blood glucose levels change. The acceleration of blood glucose fluctuation is the acceleration at which blood glucose levels change.

[0067] The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires the lowest and highest blood glucose values ​​of the acquired blood glucose group. The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 also acquires time information paired with the highest blood glucose value and time information paired with the lowest blood glucose value. Next, the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires the blood glucose fluctuation rate using, for example, the calculation formula "(highest blood glucose value in the blood glucose group - lowest blood glucose value in the blood glucose group) / time information paired with the highest blood glucose value - time information paired with the lowest blood glucose value)".

[0068] The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 may, for example, use the lowest blood glucose level and the highest blood glucose level within a predetermined time period (e.g., 5 minutes, 30 minutes) in the acquired blood glucose level group to calculate the blood glucose level fluctuation rate for each predetermined time period, acquire two or more blood glucose level fluctuation rates, and acquire representative values ​​(e.g., maximum value, mean value, median, etc.) of these two or more blood glucose level fluctuation rates as the blood glucose level fluctuation trend.

[0069] The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 may, for example, acquire the velocity (slope of the graph) of each blood glucose level in the acquired blood glucose level group, differentiate the velocity to obtain the acceleration, and acquire a representative value of the acceleration (e.g., maximum value, average value, median, etc.) as the blood glucose fluctuation acceleration.

[0070] The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 may, for example, acquire the lowest blood glucose level and the highest blood glucose level within the rise range of the graph composed of the acquired blood glucose level groups, and acquire the rate obtained by dividing the difference between these two blood glucose levels by two time intervals as the blood glucose level fluctuation trend.

[0071] Furthermore, the trend in blood glucose fluctuations may also be described using information that indicates the level of change using blood glucose fluctuation degree, blood glucose fluctuation rate, or blood glucose fluctuation acceleration (for example, "rapid," "normal," "blood glucose spike," etc.). (a-3) When the fluctuation information is a score

[0072] The variability information is, for example, a score indicating the quality of the temporal fluctuations in blood glucose levels. The variability information acquisition unit 32 acquires variability information, which is a score for the temporal fluctuations of blood glucose levels, using a group of blood glucose levels.

[0073] The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires a lower score, for example, the greater the difference between the minimum and maximum blood glucose levels in (a-1). The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 calculates the score using, for example, a decreasing function that uses the difference between the minimum and maximum blood glucose levels in (a-1) as a parameter. The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires a score from a correspondence table that corresponds to the difference between the minimum and maximum blood glucose levels in (a-1). In this case, the correspondence table has two or more correspondence pieces of information, each containing information indicating the range of the difference between the minimum and maximum blood glucose levels and a score.

[0074] The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires a lower score, for example, the larger the blood glucose fluctuation trend in (a-2). The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 calculates the score using, for example, a decreasing function that uses the blood glucose fluctuation trend in (a-2) as a parameter. The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires a score that corresponds to the blood glucose fluctuation trend in (a-2) from a correspondence table, for example. In this case, the correspondence table has two or more correspondence pieces of information, each containing information indicating the range of the blood glucose fluctuation trend and a score. (a-4) When the fluctuation information is a warning

[0075] Fluctuation information is, for example, warning information. The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires warning information if it determines, for example, that the difference between the minimum and maximum blood glucose levels in (a-1), the blood glucose fluctuation trend in (a-2), or the score in (a-3) meets the warning conditions (the health condition is not good). Warning conditions are, for example, that the difference between the minimum and maximum blood glucose levels is above or greater than a threshold, that the blood glucose fluctuation trend is above or greater than a threshold, or that the score is below or less than a threshold. Warning information is, for example, a buzzer sound, a string of characters to draw attention, an image to draw attention, etc. Warning information can be anything that draws attention to the user. (b) When using acquired blood glucose levels and reference information

[0076] The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires fluctuation information using, for example, blood glucose level groups and reference information. In this case, the fluctuation information is, for example, the result of comparing the degree of change in blood glucose levels indicated by the reference information with the degree of change in blood glucose levels obtained from the current blood glucose level group. (b-1) When the fluctuation information is the difference between the blood glucose group and the reference information (blood glucose group) under the same conditions (for example, "2 hours after the start of a meal" or "1 hour after the start of exercise").

[0077] The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires, for example, conditions (e.g., time information, event identifier) ​​corresponding to the blood glucose level group acquired by the blood glucose level acquisition unit 31. Next, the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires a blood glucose level group, which is reference information, that matches the conditions (e.g., corresponding to the same time information and / or the same event identifier). The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires, for example, information regarding the difference between two blood glucose level groups. The information regarding the difference is, for example, a pair of two blood glucose levels from the two blood glucose level groups. Multiple pairs of two blood glucose levels with the same corresponding time information or time since the start of an event are acquired, and the difference in blood glucose levels is acquired for each pair. Then, the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires fluctuation information using the acquired difference between the two blood glucose levels. In this case, the fluctuation information is, for example, the cumulative value of the difference between the two blood glucose levels, the average value of the difference between the two blood glucose levels, the median value of the difference between the two blood glucose levels, and the maximum value of the difference between the two blood glucose levels. (b-2) When the fluctuation information is the difference in the trend of blood glucose fluctuations under the same conditions

[0078] The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires, for example, the blood glucose level acquisition unit 31's blood glucose level acquisition group and the reference blood glucose level group that matches the conditions corresponding to the blood glucose level group, similar to the process in (b-1). Next, the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires the blood glucose level fluctuation trend for each of the two blood glucose level groups. Next, the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires fluctuation information, which is the difference in the blood glucose level fluctuation trends for each of the two blood glucose level groups. (b-3) When the variation information is the difference in scores

[0079] The variation information is, for example, a score relative to the reference information. The variation information acquisition unit 32 uses the blood glucose level group and the reference information to acquire variation information, which is a score for the temporal variation in blood glucose levels.

[0080] The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires a lower score the larger the difference-based information acquired in (b-1) (for example, the cumulative difference between two blood glucose levels, the mean difference between two blood glucose levels, the median difference between two blood glucose levels, or the maximum difference between two blood glucose levels). The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 calculates the score using a decreasing function that takes the difference-based information acquired in (b-1) as a parameter. The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires a score that corresponds to the difference-based information acquired in (b-1) from a correspondence table. In this case, the correspondence table has two or more correspondence pieces of information, each containing information indicating the range of the difference-based information acquired in (b-1) and a score.

[0081] The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires a lower score, for example, the larger the difference in the blood glucose fluctuation trend of (b-2). The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 calculates the score, for example, using a decreasing function that takes the difference in the blood glucose fluctuation trend of (b-2) as a parameter. The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires a score that is paired with the difference in the blood glucose fluctuation trend of (b-2) from a correspondence table, for example. In this case, the correspondence table has two or more correspondence pieces of information, each containing information indicating the range of the difference in the blood glucose fluctuation trend and a score.

[0082] The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires the difference between each blood glucose level in a group of blood glucose levels at a predetermined time after a meal and the blood glucose level in the reference information for the same elapsed time after a predetermined time after a meal, and uses these multiple differences to acquire a score. Typically, the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires a lower score for values ​​with larger differences.

[0083] The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires, for example, a representative value (e.g., mean, median, maximum) or a cumulative value of the differences among the multiple difference values, and obtains a score using a decreasing function that takes the representative value or cumulative value of the differences as a parameter.

[0084] The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires, for example, the blood glucose fluctuation trend from a group of blood glucose levels at a predetermined time after a meal. Next, the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires, for example, the difference between the blood glucose fluctuation trend and the reference information, which is the blood glucose fluctuation trend, and acquires a lower score the larger the difference. The blood glucose fluctuation trend is information that indicates the intensity of fluctuations in blood glucose levels within a unit of time. (b-4) When the fluctuation information is a warning

[0085] The fluctuation information is, for example, warning information. The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires warning information if it determines, for example, that the difference in blood glucose levels in (b-1), the difference in the trend of blood glucose fluctuations in (b-2), or the score in (b-3) meets the warning conditions (the health condition is not good). The warning conditions are, for example, that the difference in blood glucose levels relative to the reference information is above or above a threshold or greater than a threshold, that the difference in the trend of blood glucose fluctuations relative to the reference information is above or above a threshold or greater than a threshold, or that the score relative to the reference information is below or below a threshold. (c) When using the acquired blood glucose group and the past blood glucose group.

[0086] The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires fluctuation information using, for example, a blood glucose level group and a past blood glucose level group. Note that the user from whom the blood glucose level group is acquired and the user from whom the past blood glucose level group is acquired are the same person.

[0087] In such cases, the fluctuation information is, for example, the result of comparing the degree of change in blood glucose levels obtained from the past blood glucose level group with the degree of change in blood glucose levels obtained from the current blood glucose level group. The past blood glucose level group here is preferably a group of past blood glucose levels from a period of good health, but it may also be a group of past blood glucose levels from an average health state. (c-1) When the fluctuation information is the difference between the blood glucose group under the same conditions and the past blood glucose group.

[0088] The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires, for example, conditions (e.g., time information, event identifier) ​​corresponding to the blood glucose level group acquired by the blood glucose level acquisition unit 31. Next, the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires past blood glucose level groups that match the conditions (e.g., corresponding to the same time information and / or the same event identifier). The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires, for example, information regarding the difference between two blood glucose level groups. The information regarding the difference is, for example, a pair of two blood glucose levels from the two blood glucose level groups. Multiple pairs of two blood glucose levels with the same corresponding time information or time since the start of an event are acquired, and the difference in blood glucose levels is acquired for each pair. Then, the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires fluctuation information using the acquired difference between the two blood glucose levels. In this case, the fluctuation information is, for example, the cumulative value of the difference between the two blood glucose levels, the average value of the difference between the two blood glucose levels, the median value of the difference between the two blood glucose levels, and the maximum value of the difference between the two blood glucose levels. (c-2) When the fluctuation information is the difference in the trend of blood glucose fluctuations under the same conditions

[0089] The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires, for example, the blood glucose level acquisition unit 31's blood glucose level acquisition group and the past blood glucose level group that matches the conditions corresponding to that blood glucose level group, similar to the process in (c-1). Next, the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires the blood glucose level fluctuation trend for each of the two blood glucose level groups. Next, the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires fluctuation information, which is the difference in the blood glucose level fluctuation trends for each of the two blood glucose level groups. (c-3) When the variation information is the difference in scores

[0090] The fluctuation information is, for example, a score for a group of past blood glucose levels. The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 uses the blood glucose level group and the past blood glucose level group to acquire fluctuation information, which is a score for the temporal fluctuation of blood glucose levels.

[0091] The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires a lower score the larger the difference-based information acquired in (c-1) (for example, the cumulative difference between two blood glucose levels, the mean difference between two blood glucose levels, the median difference between two blood glucose levels, or the maximum difference between two blood glucose levels). The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 calculates the score using a decreasing function that takes the difference-based information acquired in (c-1) as a parameter. The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires a score that corresponds to the difference-based information acquired in (c-1) from a correspondence table. In this case, the correspondence table has two or more correspondence pieces of information, each containing information indicating the range of the difference-based information acquired in (c-1) and a score.

[0092] The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires a lower score, for example, the greater the difference in the blood glucose fluctuation trend of (c-2). The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 calculates the score, for example, using a decreasing function that takes the difference in the blood glucose fluctuation trend of (c-2) as a parameter. The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires a score that is paired with the difference in the blood glucose fluctuation trend of (c-2) from a correspondence table. In this case, the correspondence table has two or more correspondence pieces of information, each containing information indicating the range of the difference in the blood glucose fluctuation trend and a score.

[0093] The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires the difference between each blood glucose level in a group of blood glucose levels at a predetermined time after a meal and each blood glucose level in a group of past blood glucose levels of the same user at a predetermined time after a meal, and the blood glucose levels at the same time interval, and uses these multiple differences to acquire a score. Typically, the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires a lower score for values ​​with larger differences. (c-4) When the fluctuation information is a warning

[0094] The fluctuation information is, for example, warning information. The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires warning information if it determines, for example, that the difference in blood glucose levels in (c-1), the difference in the trend of blood glucose fluctuations in (c-2), or the score in (c-3) meets the warning conditions (the health condition is not good). The warning conditions are, for example, that the difference in blood glucose levels relative to the past blood glucose group is above or above a threshold or greater than a threshold, that the difference in the trend of blood glucose fluctuations relative to the past blood glucose group is above or above a threshold or greater than a threshold, or that the score relative to the past blood glucose group is below or below a threshold.

[0095] The determination unit 33 determines whether the blood glucose level acquired by the blood glucose level acquisition unit 31 meets predetermined output conditions and obtains the determination result. The predetermined output conditions here are the blood glucose level information output conditions.

[0096] The determination unit 33 determines whether the fluctuation information acquired by the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 satisfies predetermined output conditions and obtains the determination result. The predetermined output conditions here are the fluctuation information output conditions.

[0097] Note that the output conditions may be the same as the warning conditions.

[0098] Output unit 4 outputs various types of information. These types of information include, for example, blood glucose level information and fluctuation information, which will be described later. Here, output is a concept that includes displaying on a screen, projecting using a projector, printing with a printer, sound output, transmission to an external device, storage on a recording medium, and handing over processing results to other processing devices or other programs.

[0099] The blood glucose information output unit 41 outputs blood glucose information. The blood glucose information may be the blood glucose value itself, or it may be warning information indicating that the blood glucose level is not normal. The blood glucose information may be in the form of text, graphs, etc., and its data structure and content are not restricted.

[0100] The blood glucose information output unit 41 may continuously output the blood glucose values ​​acquired by the blood glucose acquisition unit 31.

[0101] The blood glucose level information output unit 41 is preferable to output blood glucose level information when the determination result by the determination unit 33 determines that the conditions for outputting blood glucose level information are met.

[0102] The fluctuation information output unit 42 outputs the fluctuation information acquired by the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32. It is preferable for the fluctuation information output unit 42 to output fluctuation information when the judgment result by the judgment unit 33 determines that the fluctuation information output conditions are met. The fluctuation information may be, for example, a score or warning information indicating that the fluctuation information is not normal. The fluctuation information output unit 42 may output fluctuation information even without judgment by the judgment unit 33. The fluctuation information output unit 42 may output fluctuation information at all times.

[0103] The fluctuation information output unit 42 displays, for example, a score. The score can be described as blood glucose level information or fluctuation information. The fluctuation information output unit 42 also acquires, for example, a buzzer sound, which is warning information. Warning information can be sound, text, light, etc., and the data type is not restricted.

[0104] The storage unit 1, the reference information storage unit 11, and the past blood glucose group storage unit 12 are preferably made of non-volatile recording media, but can also be made of volatile recording media.

[0105] The process by which information is stored in the storage unit 1, etc. is not relevant. For example, information may be stored in the storage unit 1, etc. via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line, etc. may be stored in the storage unit 1, etc., or information input via an input device may be stored in the storage unit 1, etc.

[0106] The reception unit 2 can be implemented using device drivers for input means such as touch panels and keyboards, or control software for menu screens.

[0107] The processing unit 3, the variable information acquisition unit 32, and the determination unit 33 can typically be implemented using a processor, memory, etc. The processing procedures of the processing unit 3, etc., are usually implemented in software, and this software is recorded on a recording medium such as ROM. However, it may also be implemented in hardware (dedicated circuitry). The processor can be, for example, a CPU, MPU, GPU, etc., and the type is not limited.

[0108] The blood glucose acquisition unit 31 is preferably a non-invasive blood glucose sensor. The blood glucose acquisition unit 31 is preferably a non-invasive blood glucose sensor using visible or near-infrared light. Such a technology is described on the internet homepage (URL: https: / / www.qst.go.jp / site / press / 1230.html). There is also a technology that measures blood glucose levels simply by applying a mid-infrared laser to the finger (Internet homepage (URL: https: / / dm-net.co.jp / calendar / 2017 / 027218.php)). However, the means and method by which the blood glucose acquisition unit 31 acquires blood glucose levels are not limited.

[0109] The output unit 4, the blood glucose information output unit 41, and the fluctuation information output unit 42 may or may not be considered to include output devices such as displays and speakers. The output unit 4, etc., can be implemented using driver software for the output device, or driver software for the output device and the output device, etc. The output unit 4, etc., may also be implemented using wireless or wired communication means.

[0110] Next, we will explain an example of the operation of health support device A using the flowchart in Figure 2.

[0111] (Step S201) The blood glucose acquisition unit 31 acquires blood glucose levels. The timing and trigger for the blood glucose acquisition unit 31 to acquire blood glucose levels are not specified. It is preferable for the blood glucose acquisition unit 31 to continuously acquire blood glucose levels at short intervals (for example, 1 second, 5 seconds, etc.).

[0112] The blood glucose acquisition unit 31 may acquire the blood glucose values ​​received by the reception unit 2. In this case, it is preferable that the blood glucose values ​​are associated with a user identifier.

[0113] (Step S202) The blood glucose acquisition unit 31 acquires time information from a clock (not shown).

[0114] (Step S203) The reception unit 2 determines whether or not an event identifier has been obtained. If an event identifier has been obtained, it proceeds to step S204; if an event identifier has not been obtained, it proceeds to step S205. Note that once an event identifier has been obtained, it may proceed to step S204 for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 150 minutes, 2 hours, etc.). Also, once an event identifier has been obtained, it may proceed to step S204 until it receives an instruction to end the acquisition of blood glucose levels. The reception unit 2 may obtain the event identifier from user input or automatically. Note that proceeding to step S204 is equivalent to determining "Y" in step S203.

[0115] (Step S204) The blood glucose acquisition unit 31 stores the blood glucose value acquired in step S201 in the storage unit 1, associating it with the time information acquired in step S202 and the event identifier acquired in step S203. Proceed to step S206. The blood glucose acquisition unit 31 may also store the blood glucose value, etc., associating it with a user identifier.

[0116] (Step S205) The blood glucose acquisition unit 31 stores the blood glucose value acquired in step S201 in the storage unit 1, associating it with the time information acquired in step S202. The blood glucose acquisition unit 31 may also store the blood glucose value, etc., as associated with a user identifier.

[0117] (Step S206) The determination unit 33 determines whether the blood glucose level accumulated in step S204 or step S205 satisfies the blood glucose level information output conditions. If the blood glucose level information output conditions are met, the process proceeds to step S207; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S209. Note that the processing in this step may be omitted, and the process proceeds to step S207. The blood glucose level information output conditions used here may also be blood glucose level information output conditions paired with a user identifier corresponding to the blood glucose level.

[0118] (Step S207) The processing unit 3 acquires blood glucose information using the blood glucose values ​​accumulated in step S204 or step S205. The blood glucose information includes, for example, the blood glucose value itself, the difference between the blood glucose value and reference information, the difference between the blood glucose value and the blood glucose values ​​of the past blood glucose group, and a score based on the blood glucose value.

[0119] (Step S208) The blood glucose information output unit 41 outputs the blood glucose information acquired in step S207.

[0120] (Step S209) The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 performs fluctuation information acquisition processing. An example of the fluctuation information acquisition processing will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 3.

[0121] (Step S210) The determination unit 33 determines whether the fluctuation information acquired in step S209 satisfies the fluctuation information output conditions. If the fluctuation information output conditions are met, the process proceeds to step S211; otherwise, the process returns to step S201. Alternatively, the process in this step may be skipped and the process proceeds directly to step S211.

[0122] (Step S211) The fluctuation information output unit 42 outputs the fluctuation information acquired in step S209. Return to step S201.

[0123] Note that step S210 is optional in the flowchart of Figure 2. In other words, the decision processing in the decision unit 33 may be omitted, and the fluctuation information output unit 42 may simply output the acquired fluctuation information.

[0124] Furthermore, in the flowchart in Figure 2, processing is terminated by power-off or processing termination interrupts.

[0125] Next, an example of the fluctuation information acquisition process in step S209 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 3.

[0126] (Step S301) The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires a group of blood glucose values ​​containing two or more blood glucose values ​​stored in the storage unit 1. The blood glucose value group usually includes the blood glucose value acquired immediately before. At this point, the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 may also acquire a group of blood glucose values ​​that is paired with a user identifier.

[0127] (Step S302) The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 determines whether the blood glucose group acquired in step S301 satisfies the processing conditions. If the processing conditions are met, the unit proceeds to step S303; otherwise, the unit proceeds to step S310. The processing conditions are the conditions for acquiring fluctuation information. The processing conditions are also the conditions for determining whether a blood glucose group from which fluctuation information can be acquired has been acquired. For example, the processing conditions include: a predetermined number or more blood glucose levels being stored in the storage unit 1; a predetermined time or longer time being stored in the storage unit 1; or a predetermined time or longer time being stored in the storage unit 1 from the occurrence of an event (e.g., starting a meal, starting exercise, administering an insulin injection).

[0128] (Step S303) The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires the lowest blood glucose level and the highest blood glucose level from the blood glucose level group acquired in step S301.

[0129] (Step S304) The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires the time information corresponding to the minimum blood glucose value and the time information corresponding to the maximum blood glucose value acquired in step S303. The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 uses the minimum blood glucose value, the maximum blood glucose value, and the two time information to calculate the blood glucose fluctuation trend. An example of the blood glucose fluctuation trend is the blood glucose fluctuation rate.

[0130] (Step S305) The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires reference information from the reference information storage unit 11.

[0131] (Step S306) The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires past blood glucose levels from the past blood glucose level storage unit 12.

[0132] (Step S307) The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires a score using one or more of the information obtained in step S301 from the blood glucose group, minimum blood glucose level, maximum blood glucose level, blood glucose fluctuation trend, reference information, and past blood glucose group. An example of the method for acquiring the score is described above.

[0133] (Step S308) The decision unit 33 obtains a warning condition from the storage unit 1. The decision unit 33 determines whether one or more of the information obtained in step S301 (blood glucose group, minimum blood glucose, maximum blood glucose, blood glucose fluctuation trend, reference information, past blood glucose group, and score obtained in step S307) matches the warning condition. If the information matches the warning condition, the process proceeds to step S309; ​​otherwise, the process returns to the higher level. Note that the warning condition may also be an output condition. The decision unit 33 may also obtain a warning condition paired with a user identifier and use it for the above determination.

[0134] (Step S309) The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires warning information. It returns to the higher-level processing. The warning information includes, for example, information indicating an inappropriate blood glucose level situation, one or more of the following information obtained in step S301: blood glucose level group, minimum blood glucose level, maximum blood glucose level, blood glucose level fluctuation trend, and score. The warning information is also an example of fluctuation information.

[0135] (Step S310) The change information acquisition unit 32 assigns "NULL" to the variable "change information". It returns to the higher-level process.

[0136] The specific operation of the health support device A in this embodiment will be described below. An example of the external view of the health support device A is shown in Figure 4. In this case, the health support device A is, for example, a device that has the shape of a wristwatch.

[0137] Assume that the storage unit 1 of health support device A stores the warning condition management table shown in Figure 5. The warning condition management table is a table for managing warning conditions. The warning condition management table has one or more records, each having an "ID," a "warning condition," and "warning information." The "warning condition" has "target period," "target," "comparison information," and "conditions." The "ID" is information that identifies the record. The "warning condition" is information that defines the warning condition. The "warning information" is warning information that is output when the warning condition is met, or information for constructing the warning information (for example, a template for warning information, a program for obtaining warning information, etc.). Warning information is usually output when the user is in a situation that is not good regarding blood glucose levels. Note that the "warning condition" can also be called an output condition.

[0138] "Target period" refers to the period during which blood glucose levels were acquired for the target group of blood glucose levels used to determine whether or not the warning conditions are met. This period is identified by the time information associated with the blood glucose levels. "From meal to peak" is a condition that is met when it is detected that the blood glucose level reached its peak from the start of the meal. "From meal to normal" is a condition that is met when it is detected that the blood glucose level has decreased after reaching its peak from the start of the meal, and has returned to a value within the threshold of the blood glucose level at the start of the meal or the current blood glucose level (normal or normal blood glucose level).

[0139] "Target" is information that identifies the information used by the judgment unit 33 when performing judgment processing. In this case, "Target" is, for example, the difference between the minimum blood glucose level and the maximum blood glucose level (a1), the rate of blood glucose fluctuation (a2), the acceleration of blood glucose fluctuation (a3), and the score (a4).

[0140] "Comparison information" is information used for comparison. "Comparison information" can be, for example, reference information (any of b1 to b3) or historical information (any of b3 to b6). Historical information is information obtained using the same user's historical blood glucose levels as the user who obtained the blood glucose level group for evaluation, and is of the same type as the corresponding "target." In this case, historical information is the difference between the lowest and highest blood glucose levels, the rate of blood glucose fluctuation, or the acceleration of blood glucose fluctuation obtained from the historical blood glucose level group.

[0141] The "conditions" are the conditions for outputting warning information. The thresholds c1-c4 in these conditions may be common to all users, or they may be configurable for each user.

[0142] In this situation, the user enters the event identifier "Meal Start Information" into health support device A and starts eating. Then, the reception unit 2 of health support device A receives the event identifier "Meal Start Information".

[0143] Next, the blood glucose acquisition unit 31 begins acquiring blood glucose levels. The blood glucose acquisition unit 31 acquires blood glucose levels, for example, approximately periodically, and stores them in the storage unit 1 along with time information. The time information here is the relative time since the reception of the event identifier "meal start information".

[0144] Next, the blood glucose acquisition unit 31 acquires time information, for example, using a timer (not shown). The blood glucose acquisition unit 31 then stores the blood glucose value in the storage unit 1, associating it with the time information and the event identifier "meal start information".

[0145] Next, the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires a group of blood glucose values, which is a collection of blood glucose values ​​stored in the storage unit 1. The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 then determines whether the acquired group of blood glucose values ​​satisfies the processing conditions. The processing conditions here are the "target period" in the warning condition management table in Figure 5. In other words, the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 determines from the acquired group of blood glucose values ​​whether the blood glucose values ​​in the group have reached their peak and have begun to decrease. Here, the processing conditions corresponding to the "target period" are not met, so "NULL" is assigned to the variable "fluctuation information". In other words, no fluctuation information is output.

[0146] On the other hand, the blood glucose information output unit 41 outputs the blood glucose values ​​acquired by the blood glucose acquisition unit 31 in chronological order as a graph. An example of such output is shown in Figure 4, 401. The blood glucose information output unit 41 also outputs the highest and lowest blood glucose values ​​after the start of blood glucose acquisition (Figures 4, 402, 403). Note that the output of the highest and lowest blood glucose values ​​may fluctuate.

[0147] As a result of the health support device A continuing the above processing, the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 detects that the blood glucose levels of the blood glucose group in storage unit 1 have reached their peak levels and have begun to decrease. In other words, for example, if the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires a blood glucose level lower than the previous blood glucose level (a candidate for the highest blood glucose level), and then detects that only blood glucose levels lower than the candidate for the highest blood glucose level have been acquired for a predetermined period of time, it will determine that the time indicated by the time information paired with the candidate for the highest blood glucose level is the peak time. Note that the method for determining the peak time in the graph is publicly known and is not questioned.

[0148] Next, the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires the difference between the lowest blood glucose level and the highest blood glucose level (a1), the rate of blood glucose fluctuation (a2), and the acceleration of blood glucose fluctuation (a3), which are the "targets" corresponding to the target period "from mealtime to peak time," from the table in Figure 5.

[0149] Next, the fluctuation information output unit 42 outputs, for example, the blood glucose level fluctuation rate (a2). An example of this output is shown as 404 in Figure 4. The fluctuation information output unit 42 may also output the difference between the minimum blood glucose level and the maximum blood glucose level (a1) and the blood glucose level fluctuation acceleration (a3). Note that the blood glucose level fluctuation rate (a2) may change.

[0150] Next, the determination unit 33 obtains the comparison information and conditions for IDs "1" to "6". Then, the determination unit 33 determines whether the warning conditions for each record with IDs "1" to "6" are met. For example, let's say the determination unit 33 determines that the warning conditions for IDs "2" and "5" are met.

[0151] Next, the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires warning information for IDs "2" and "5" from the warning condition management table in Figure 5.

[0152] Next, the fluctuation information output unit 42 outputs warning information with IDs "2" and "5". Examples of this output are shown in Figure 4, 405 and 406.

[0153] Subsequently, the process of acquiring and storing blood glucose levels by the blood glucose acquisition unit 31, and the output of a blood glucose graph (401 in Figure 4) by the blood glucose information output unit 41 proceed.

[0154] Then, the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 detects that the blood glucose levels of the blood glucose groups in the storage unit 1 have peaked, started to decline, and then returned to normal levels. In other words, for example, if the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 detects that after acquiring the highest blood glucose level, the blood glucose level has decreased and the difference from the blood glucose level at the start of the meal is 0 or within the threshold, it determines that this matches the target period "from after the meal until normal levels." Note that this determination method is publicly known and is not subject to review.

[0155] Next, the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires the score (a4), which is the "target" corresponding to the target period "from after eating to normal value". As mentioned above, there are various algorithms that can be used to acquire the score (a4), and this is not limited to any particular method.

[0156] Next, the decision unit 33 obtains the condition "score (a4) < threshold c4" for ID "7" from the warning condition management table in Figure 5. Next, the decision unit 33 determines whether the obtained "score (a4)" satisfies the condition "score (a4) < threshold c4". Here, for example, the decision unit 33 may determine that the condition is satisfied.

[0157] Next, the fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 acquires the warning information for ID "7" from the warning condition management table in Figure 5. The fluctuation information acquisition unit 32 also assigns the acquired score to the variable "a4" in the acquired warning information (template of the output information) and constructs the warning information to be output.

[0158] Next, the fluctuation information output unit 42 outputs the acquired warning information. An example of this output is shown as 407 in Figure 4.

[0159] As described above, according to this embodiment, the user can be provided with information about their blood glucose level.

[0160] For example, according to this embodiment, when the acquired blood glucose level matches the output conditions, blood glucose level information can be output, thereby alerting the user about their blood glucose level.

[0161] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, for example, fluctuation information regarding blood glucose levels can be output when predetermined output conditions are met. This makes it possible to help mitigate the threat of "rapid postprandial blood glucose spikes," also known as "blood glucose spikes." It should be noted that "blood glucose spikes" are known to accumulate damage to blood vessels and are considered a risk factor for serious diseases such as dementia.

[0162] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, for example, it is possible to output fluctuation information regarding fluctuations in blood glucose levels using reference information and past blood glucose level data.

[0163] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, for example, fluctuation information regarding blood glucose levels can be output using normal and peak blood glucose levels.

[0164] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, for example, fluctuation information regarding blood glucose fluctuations can be output using two or more blood glucose level groups for the same time period, or two or more blood glucose level groups corresponding to the occurrence of the same event.

[0165] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, for example, a score related to fluctuations in blood glucose levels can be output.

[0166] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, for example, it is possible to provide warnings regarding fluctuations in blood glucose levels.

[0167] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, for example, the user can be constantly reminded about their blood glucose levels.

[0168] Furthermore, the processing in this embodiment may be implemented by software. This software may be distributed by software download or the like. Alternatively, this software may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. This also applies to other embodiments in this specification. The software that implements the health support device A in this embodiment is the following program. In other words, this program causes the computer to function as a blood glucose acquisition unit that acquires the user's blood glucose level, a determination unit that determines whether the blood glucose level satisfies predetermined output conditions, and an output unit that outputs blood glucose level information related to the blood glucose level when the determination result determines that the output conditions are met.

[0169] (Embodiment 2) In this embodiment, the difference from Embodiment 1 is that the health support device A functions together with the terminal device 5 used by the user to realize the health support system B.

[0170] In other words, health support device A uses the blood glucose level received from terminal device 5 to perform the processing described in Embodiment 1, acquires blood glucose level information or fluctuation information, and transmits this information to terminal device 5. Terminal device 5 receives and outputs the blood glucose level information or fluctuation information.

[0171] Figure 6 is an example of a conceptual diagram of the health support system B in this embodiment. The health support system B comprises one or more health support devices A and one or more terminal devices 5. While it is preferable for the health support devices A and terminal devices 5 to be in a one-to-n (n is two or more) pair, a one-to-one pair is also acceptable. When the health support devices A and terminal devices 5 are in a one-to-one pair, for example, health support devices A may be, for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, a tablet, etc. Terminal devices 5 may be, for example, a smartwatch, a smartphone, a personal computer, a tablet, etc.

[0172] Figure 7 is a block diagram of the health support system B in this embodiment. The terminal device 5 includes a terminal storage unit 51, a terminal receiving unit 52, a terminal processing unit 53, a terminal transmission unit 54, a terminal receiving unit 55, and a terminal output unit 56. The terminal processing unit 53 includes a blood glucose level acquisition unit 31.

[0173] The reception unit 2, which constitutes the health support device A here, receives various instructions and information from the terminal device 5. These instructions and information include, for example, instructions to output change information, instructions to output blood glucose levels, event identifiers, and blood glucose levels themselves.

[0174] Furthermore, the output unit 4, which constitutes the health support device A, transmits various types of information to the terminal device 5. These types of information include, for example, blood glucose level information and fluctuation information. The output unit 4 may also display or output the information as audio.

[0175] The terminal storage unit 51, which constitutes the terminal device 5, stores various types of information. For example, this could include a user identifier, blood glucose level, pairs of blood glucose levels and time information, a group of blood glucose levels, and a collection of pairs of blood glucose levels and time information.

[0176] The terminal storage unit 51 is preferably made of a non-volatile recording medium, but it can also be made of a volatile recording medium.

[0177] The process by which information is stored in the terminal storage unit 51 is irrelevant. For example, information may be stored in the terminal storage unit 51 via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line or the like may be stored in the terminal storage unit 51, or information input via an input device may be stored in the terminal storage unit 51.

[0178] The terminal reception unit 52 receives various instructions and information. These instructions and information include, for example, instructions to output change information, instructions to output blood glucose levels, and event identifiers.

[0179] The means of inputting various instructions and information can be anything, such as a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, or menu screen. The terminal reception unit 52 can be implemented using device drivers for input means such as touch panels and keyboards, or control software for menu screens.

[0180] The terminal processing unit 53 performs various processes. These processes include, for example, those performed by the blood glucose level acquisition unit 31.

[0181] The terminal processing unit 53, for example, adds the user identifier of the terminal storage unit 51 to the various instructions and information received by the terminal reception unit 52, and configures the various instructions and information to be transmitted.

[0182] The terminal processing unit 53 can typically be implemented using a processor, memory, etc. The processing procedure of the processing unit 13 is typically implemented in software, and this software is recorded on a recording medium such as ROM. However, it may also be implemented in hardware (dedicated circuitry). The processor can be, for example, a CPU, MPU, GPU, etc., and its type is not limited.

[0183] The terminal transmission unit 54 transmits various instructions and information to the health support device A. These instructions and information include, for example, instructions for outputting variable information, instructions for outputting blood glucose levels, event identifiers, blood glucose levels, pairs of blood glucose levels and time information, blood glucose level groups, and sets of pairs of blood glucose levels and time information. It is preferable for the terminal transmission unit 54 to transmit these instructions and information in association with a user identifier.

[0184] The terminal transmission unit 54 is usually implemented by wireless or wired communication means, but it may also be implemented by broadcasting means.

[0185] The terminal receiving unit 55 receives various types of information from the health support device A. These types of information include, for example, blood glucose level information and fluctuation information.

[0186] The terminal receiving unit 55 is usually implemented by wireless or wired communication means, but it may also be implemented by means of receiving broadcasts.

[0187] The terminal output unit 56 outputs various types of information. These types of information include, for example, blood glucose level information and fluctuation information.

[0188] The terminal output unit 56 may or may not be considered to include output devices such as displays and speakers. The terminal output unit 56 can be implemented using driver software for an output device, or a driver software for an output device and an output device.

[0189] Next, an example of the operation of terminal device 5, which constitutes the health support system B, will be described. The terminal reception unit 52 receives an event identifier. Next, the terminal processing unit 53 reads the user identifier from the terminal storage unit 51 and constructs information having the user identifier and the event identifier. Next, the terminal transmission unit 54 transmits this information to the health support device A. Through this process, the health support device A stores the user identifier, event identifier, and time information in association.

[0190] Next, the blood glucose acquisition unit 31 of the terminal processing unit 53 acquires the blood glucose value. The terminal processing unit 53 reads the user identifier from the terminal storage unit 51 and constructs information containing the user identifier and the blood glucose value. Next, the terminal transmission unit 54 transmits this information to the health support device A. Through this process, the health support device A stores the user identifier, event identifier, time information, and blood glucose value in association.

[0191] Terminal device 5 continues the process of transmitting information containing a user identifier and blood glucose level. Then, terminal receiving unit 55 receives blood glucose level information or fluctuation information from health support device A. Next, terminal output unit 56 outputs the received blood glucose level information or fluctuation information. An example of the output resulting from the above process is shown in Figure 4.

[0192] As described above, according to this embodiment, the blood glucose status of one or more users can be provided to each user. The blood glucose status refers to the various types of information described in Embodiment 1.

[0193] In this embodiment, if there is a one-to-one relationship between the health support device A and the terminal device 5, for example, the terminal device 5 may only perform the process of acquiring blood glucose levels and transmitting them to the health support device A. In this case, the terminal device 5 does not need to be equipped with a terminal receiving unit 55 or a terminal output unit 56. In this case, the health support device A may be, for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, or a server. The server may be a so-called cloud server, ASP server, etc. Also, if the health support device A is a smartphone, for example, the above-mentioned processing may be realized by an application on the smartphone. A conceptual diagram of this case is shown in Figure 8. In Figure 8, the means of communication between the health support device A and the terminal device 5 may be long-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®, or communication via the Internet, etc., and the means of communication is not limited.

[0194] Figure 9 also shows the appearance of a computer that executes the program described herein to realize the various embodiments of the health support device A or terminal device 5 described above. The embodiments described above can be realized with computer hardware and computer programs executed thereon. Figure 9 is an overview of this computer system 300, and Figure 10 is a block diagram of the system 300.

[0195] In Figure 9, the computer system 300 includes a computer 301 with a CD-ROM drive, a keyboard 302, a mouse 303, a monitor 304, and a microphone 305.

[0196] In Figure 10, the computer 301 includes, in addition to the CD-ROM drive 3012, an MPU 3013, a bus 3014 connected to the CD-ROM drive 3012, a ROM 3015 for storing programs such as boot-up programs, a RAM 3016 connected to the MPU 3013 for temporarily storing application program instructions and providing temporary storage space, and a hard disk 3017 for storing application programs, system programs, and data. Although not shown here, the computer 301 may further include a network card for providing connectivity to a LAN.

[0197] The program that causes the computer system 300 to execute the functions of the health support device A, etc., as described above, may be stored on CD-ROM 3101, inserted into CD-ROM drive 3012, and then transferred to hard disk 3017. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to computer 301 via a network (not shown) and stored on hard disk 3017. The program is loaded into RAM 3016 during execution. The program may also be loaded directly from CD-ROM 3101 or the network.

[0198] The program does not necessarily have to include an operating system (OS) or third-party program that causes the computer 301 to execute the functions of the health support device A, etc., as described above. The program only needs to include the instruction portion that calls the appropriate function (module) in a controlled manner and obtains the desired result. How the computer system 300 operates is well known, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0199] In the above program, steps such as sending information and receiving information do not include hardware-based processing, such as processing performed by a modem or interface card in the transmission step (processing that can only be performed by hardware).

[0200] Furthermore, the computer running the above program may be a single unit or multiple units. That is, it may perform centralized processing or distributed processing. In other words, health support device A may be a standalone device or may consist of two or more devices.

[0201] Furthermore, it goes without saying that in each of the above embodiments, two or more communication means present in a single device may be physically implemented in a single medium.

[0202] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, each process may be implemented by centralized processing by a single device, or by distributed processing by multiple devices.

[0203] It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible, all of which are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0204] As described above, the health support device according to the present invention has the effect of acquiring appropriate information regarding blood glucose levels and alerting the user, and also acquiring appropriate information regarding fluctuations in blood glucose levels and alerting the user, making it useful as a health support device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0205] A Health support device B. Health support system 1 Storage Unit 2. Reception Department 3 Processing Unit 4 Output section 5 Terminal devices 11. Reference Information Storage Unit 12 Past blood glucose level storage section 31 Blood glucose level acquisition unit 32 Fluctuation Information Acquisition Unit 33 Judgment Department 41 Blood glucose level information output unit 42. Variable Information Output Unit 51 Terminal storage section 52 Terminal Reception Section 53 Terminal Processing Unit 54 Terminal Transmitter 55 Receiving part of the terminal 56 Terminal output section

Claims

1. A blood glucose acquisition unit that acquires a group of blood glucose levels consisting of two or more time-series blood glucose levels of the user, A variation information acquisition unit acquires variation information, which is a score for the temporal fluctuation of blood glucose levels, using the aforementioned blood glucose level group. A determination unit that determines whether the aforementioned fluctuation information satisfies predetermined output conditions and obtains the determination result, A health support device comprising: an output unit that outputs blood glucose information, which is information relating to the blood glucose level and includes the score, when the judgment result is determined to satisfy the output conditions.

2. A blood glucose level acquisition unit that acquires the user's blood glucose level, A determination unit that determines whether the blood glucose level meets predetermined output conditions and obtains the determination result, The system comprises an output unit that outputs blood glucose information relating to the blood glucose level when the judgment result is determined to satisfy the output conditions, The aforementioned output conditions are: A health support device that detects when blood glucose levels are above or above a threshold at a predetermined time after going to sleep.

3. The aforementioned change information acquisition unit, The fluctuation information, which is the difference between the lowest blood glucose level and the highest blood glucose level within a predetermined time period in the aforementioned blood glucose level group, is obtained, and the larger the fluctuation information, the lower the score obtained, or The health support device according to claim 1, which obtains a blood glucose fluctuation trend, which is the rate of blood glucose fluctuation or the acceleration of blood glucose fluctuation, using the lowest blood glucose level and the highest blood glucose level within a predetermined time period in the aforementioned blood glucose level group, and obtains a lower score the larger the blood glucose fluctuation trend.

4. The health support device according to claim 1, wherein the blood glucose level group is a blood glucose level group that includes three or more blood glucose levels ranging from the normal blood glucose level to the peak blood glucose level and from the peak blood glucose level to the normal blood glucose level.

5. The aforementioned blood glucose level acquisition unit is Obtain two or more blood glucose level groups of the aforementioned user, The aforementioned change information acquisition unit, The health support device according to claim 1, which acquires the fluctuation information using the two or more blood glucose level groups.

6. The health support device according to claim 5, wherein the two or more blood glucose groups are two or more blood glucose groups from different days at the same time, or two or more blood glucose groups corresponding to the occurrence of the same event.

7. The aforementioned output condition is a warning condition for outputting a warning, The aforementioned change information acquisition unit, The health support device according to claim 1, which acquires change information regarding a warning when the judgment result is determined to satisfy the warning conditions.

8. A health support device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, having the shape of a wristwatch.

9. A health support method comprising all steps performed by the health support device described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Computers, A program for causing a health support device to function as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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