Biological information output device

Abstract

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

Description

Biological information output device

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a battery-operated device. The device is equipped with a power supply voltage monitoring means for detecting the remaining battery charge. When the device is reset due to battery depletion, the power supply voltage monitoring means stores a flag indicating the reset. The next time the device is started, the power supply voltage monitoring means determines whether the battery is dead based on whether the flag has been stored and the remaining battery charge.

[0003] JP 2015-141080 A

[0004] There are bioinformation output devices that are powered by a battery, such as the device described in Patent Document 1. The bioinformation output device outputs bioinformation. In the bioinformation output device, if the battery runs out while the device is running, the bioinformation output device may stop operating at an unexpected timing. In particular, in the case of a bioinformation output device, surgery may be performed using the output bioinformation. If the battery of the bioinformation output device runs out during such surgery, the bioinformation will no longer be output, making it difficult to continue the surgery.

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present disclosure is a bioinformation output device that is powered by power supply from a battery and that outputs bioinformation, and that includes a control unit that controls the driving and stopping of the device. The control unit executes a start battery remaining amount acquisition process that acquires a start battery remaining amount, which is the remaining amount of the battery when the driving of the bioinformation output device is started, a first remaining amount determination process that determines whether the start battery remaining amount is equal to or less than a first remaining amount required to drive the bioinformation output device for a predetermined specified time, and a notification process that outputs a notification signal to notify a user that the device cannot be driven for the specified time when it is determined in the first remaining amount determination process that the start battery remaining amount is equal to or less than the first remaining amount.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the user can check whether the bioinformation output device can be driven after the specified time has elapsed since it started to operate, depending on whether or not the notification has been received. This makes it possible to prevent the bioinformation output device from stopping unexpectedly within the specified time.

[0007] This can prevent the bioinformation output device from stopping unexpectedly.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a bioinformation acquisition system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a bioinformation output device. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a series of processes related to the remaining battery charge at the start of operation. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a series of processes related to the remaining battery charge during operation. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a series of processes related to wireless communication. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a series of processes related to the continuous operation time during operation.

[0009] An embodiment of a bioinformation output device will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a bioinformation acquisition system including the bioinformation output device will be described as an example.

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

[0011] The biosensor 20 is attached to a monitoring target when in use. For example, the biosensor 20 is attached to the monitoring target via an adhesive sheet 21. The biosensor 20 monitors the bioinformation of the monitoring target, such as a hospitalized patient or a person undergoing surgery. Specifically, the bioinformation includes body temperature, blood pressure, blood glucose level, oxygen saturation, heart rate, pulse rate, etc. In this embodiment, the biosensor 20 is capable of detecting multiple types of bioinformation.

[0012] The biosensor 20 is capable of wireless communication with other devices. The biosensor 20 can transmit a signal indicating the detected bioinformation to the bioinformation output device 30 via wireless communication. The wireless communication method is, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0013] The bioinformation output device 30 receives a signal indicating bioinformation by wireless communication from the biosensor 20. In this way, the bioinformation output device 30 obtains the monitoring result of the bioinformation from the biosensor 20.

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

[0015] The output terminal 32 of the bioinformation output device 30 is connected to the display 40, so that the bioinformation output device 30 can communicate with the display 40. The bioinformation output device 30 outputs the monitoring results of the acquired bioinformation to the display 40 through the output terminal 32.

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

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

[0018] The switch 34 is used to switch the power of the bioinformation output device 30 between an on state and an off state. For example, when the bioinformation output device 30 is in an off state, pressing and holding the switch 34 switches the bioinformation output device 30 to an on state. This causes the bioinformation output device 30 to start operating. Furthermore, when the switch 34 is operated in a predetermined manner while the bioinformation output device 30 is in an on state, a predetermined signal corresponding to the operation is input to the control unit 60. Examples of the predetermined operation of the switch 34 include a long press, a short press, and a double consecutive press. In this embodiment, when the bioinformation output device 30 is in an on state, pressing and holding the switch 34 switches the bioinformation output device 30 to an off state. Although not shown in the drawings, the switch 34 is located on the outer surface of the main body case 31. The user may be, for example, a medical professional.

[0019] The wireless receiver 35 receives a signal via wireless communication from the biosensor 20. That is, the wireless receiver 35 receives the monitoring result of the bioinformation via wireless communication from the biosensor 20. The wireless receiver 35 also outputs the received monitoring result of the bioinformation to the control unit 60.

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

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

[0022] The ROM 63 stores a drive start program P1, a drive program P2, a wireless communication program P3, and a continuous drive program P4. The storage device 64 can store the biosensor 20 with which the bioinformation output device 30 communicates wirelessly as a communication destination. Specifically, the storage device 64 can store the unique ID of the biosensor 20 as a communication destination. In this embodiment, the storage device 64 can store only one biosensor 20 as a communication destination.

[0023] <Series of processes related to remaining battery power at the start of operation> When the switch 34 is pressed and held to change the bioinformation output device 30 from the off state to the on state, i.e., when the bioinformation output device 30 starts operating, the CPU 61 executes the start-of-operation program P1 only once.

[0024] 3, when the CPU 61 starts the drive start program P1, it first executes the process of step S11. In step S11, the CPU 61 performs a start-time battery remaining capacity acquisition process. In the start-time battery remaining capacity acquisition process, the CPU 61 acquires a start-time battery remaining capacity SBL, which is the remaining capacity of the battery 36 when the drive of the bioinformation output device 30 is started. The CPU 61 calculates the remaining capacity of the battery 36 using a known method based on the terminal voltage of the battery 36, the integrated current value of the battery 36, etc. Then, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S12.

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

[0026] As described above, the first remaining capacity L1 does not indicate that the battery 36 is low in charge or that the voltage of the battery 36 is unstable. In other words, the first remaining capacity L1 is a threshold value for ensuring that the bioinformation output device 30 can be stably operated for a considerable period of time. Therefore, when the remaining capacity of the battery 36 in a fully charged state is 100%, if the first remaining capacity L1 is set to a value of 30% or more, the first remaining capacity L1 can be said to be the remaining capacity of the battery 36 required to operate the bioinformation output device 30 for the specified time RT.

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

[0028] In step S13, the CPU 61 performs notification processing. In the notification processing, the CPU 61 outputs a notification signal. The notification signal is a signal that notifies the user that the bioinformation output device 30 cannot be driven for the specified time RT. Specifically, in the notification processing, the CPU 61 outputs the notification signal to the small monitor 33. As a result, the small monitor 33 displays an image of a message indicating that the bioinformation output device 30 cannot be driven for the specified time RT. This message image is displayed for several seconds to several tens of seconds. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S14.

[0029] In step S14, the CPU 61 performs a termination process. In the termination process, the CPU 61 first outputs a stop warning signal. The stop warning signal is a signal for notifying the user that the bioinformation output device 30 will be stopped. Specifically, in the termination process, the CPU 61 outputs a notification signal to the small monitor 33. This causes the small monitor 33 to display a message image indicating that the operation of the bioinformation output device 30 will soon be stopped. This message image is displayed for several to several tens of seconds. Next, the CPU 61 terminates the operation of the bioinformation output device 30 using power supplied from the battery 36. In other words, the CPU 61 stops the bioinformation output device 30. This causes the CPU 61 to terminate the current series of processes.

[0030] <Series of processes related to remaining battery power during operation> After the CPU 61 has finished executing the start-of-operation program P1, if the operation of the bioinformation output device 30 continues, the CPU 61 repeatedly executes the operating program P2 at a predetermined interval until the operation of the bioinformation output device 30 is stopped.

[0031] 4, when the CPU 61 starts the running program P2, it first executes the process of step S21. In step S21, the CPU 61 executes a current remaining capacity acquisition process. In the current remaining capacity acquisition process, the CPU 61 acquires a current remaining capacity CL, which is the current remaining capacity of the battery 36. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S22.

[0032] In step S22, the CPU 61 performs a first remaining amount determination process during operation. In the first remaining amount determination process during operation, the CPU 61 determines whether the current remaining amount CL acquired in the current remaining amount acquisition process in step S21 is equal to or less than the first remaining amount L1.

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

[0034] In step S23, the CPU 61 determines whether the notification process has been completed. Here, the CPU 61 repeatedly executes the in-operation program P2 until the operation of the bioinformation output device 30 is stopped. Then, if the notification process of step S27 (described later) has been executed at least once during the repeated execution of the in-operation program P2, the CPU 61 determines that the notification process has been completed. Then, if step S27 has never been executed during the repeated execution of the in-operation program P2, the CPU 61 determines that the notification process has not been completed.

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

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

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

[0038] In step S25, the CPU 61 performs a warning process. In the warning process, the CPU 61 outputs a warning signal. The warning signal is a signal that notifies the user that the current remaining capacity CL is almost empty. Specifically, in the warning process, the CPU 61 outputs the warning signal to the small monitor 33. This causes the small monitor 33 to display a message image indicating that the bioinformation output device 30 can only be operated for a short time. This message image is displayed for several seconds to a dozen seconds. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S26.

[0039] In step S26, the CPU 61 performs a termination process. The termination process in step S26 is the same as the process in step S14 in the drive start program P1. That is, in the termination process in step S26, the CPU 61 notifies the user that the bioinformation output device 30 will be stopped, and then stops the bioinformation output device 30. This causes the CPU 61 to end the current series of processes.

[0040] <Series of processes related to wireless communication> When the switch 34 is pressed and held to change the bioinformation output device 30 from an off state to an on state, i.e., when the bioinformation output device 30 starts to operate, the CPU 61 executes the wireless communication program P3 only once. This wireless communication program P3 is executed in parallel with the operation start program P1. Furthermore, if the operation of the bioinformation output device 30 is stopped by the operation start program P1, the wireless communication program P3 is terminated even if it is in the middle of execution. Note that when the operation of the bioinformation output device 30 starts, the bioinformation output device 30 has not yet established wireless communication with the biosensor 20.

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

[0042] In step S32, the CPU 61 performs a first connection process. In the first connection process, the CPU 61 establishes wireless communication with the biosensor 20 in response to a request from the biosensor 20 stored as a communication destination in the storage device 64. In particular, in the first connection process, the CPU 61 establishes wireless communication only upon receiving a request to establish wireless communication from the biosensor 20 stored as a communication destination in the storage device 64. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S33.

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

[0044] In step S34, the CPU 61 deletes the communication destination information stored in the storage device 64. After that, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S35. In step S35, the CPU 61 starts a biometric information acquisition process. In the biometric information acquisition process, the monitoring result of the biometric information is acquired from the biometric sensor 20 by wireless communication. Thereafter, the CPU 61 continues the biometric information acquisition process until the biometric information output device 30 is stopped. Then, when the biometric information output device 30 is stopped, the CPU 61 ends the biometric information acquisition process.

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

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

[0047] In step S37, the CPU 61 performs a connection permission process. In the connection permission process, the CPU 61 outputs a connection permission request signal on the condition that an establishment request from the biometric sensor 20 has been received in the second connection process. The connection permission request signal is a signal that allows the user to select whether or not to establish a wireless communication connection with the biometric sensor 20. Specifically, in the connection permission process, the CPU 61 outputs the connection permission request signal to the small monitor 33. This causes the small monitor 33 to display a message image inquiring whether or not to connect to the biometric sensor 20. While this message image is displayed, a predetermined operation is performed on the switch 34, and the CPU 61 acquires a signal indicating permission from the user. When the CPU 61 acquires a signal indicating permission from the user (S37: YES), the CPU 61 establishes wireless communication with the biometric sensor 20. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S34. On the other hand, if the predetermined operation is not performed on the switch 34, that is, if the CPU 61 does not receive a signal indicating permission from the user (S37: NO), the CPU 61 returns the process to step S36 again.

[0048] <Series of processes related to continuous drive time> When the bioinformation output device 30 is in the on state, the CPU 61 repeatedly executes the continuous drive program P4 at a predetermined cycle. This continuous drive program P4 is executed in parallel with the driving program P2. Note that after performing the warning process (described later) once, the CPU 61 will not execute the continuous drive program P4 until the current bioinformation output device 30 is stopped.

[0049] 6, when the CPU 61 starts the continuous drive program P4, it first executes the process of step S41. In step S41, the CPU 61 performs a drive time acquisition process. In the drive time acquisition process, the CPU 61 acquires the continuous drive time CT from when the bioinformation output device 30 starts to be driven by the battery 36. Specifically, the CPU 61 acquires, as the continuous drive time CT, the time from when the switch 34 is operated to turn on the power of the bioinformation output device 30 to the current time during which the bioinformation output device 30 has been continuously driven. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S42.

[0050] In step S42, the CPU 61 performs a drive time determination process. In the drive time determination process, the CPU 61 determines whether the continuous drive time CT is equal to or greater than the specified time RT. If the continuous drive time CT is less than the specified time RT (S42: NO), the CPU 61 ends the current series of processes. That is, the CPU 61 continues driving the bioinformation output device 30. On the other hand, if the continuous drive time CT is equal to or greater than the specified time RT (S42: YES), the CPU 61 proceeds to step S43.

[0051] In step S43, the CPU 61 performs an attention process. In the attention process, the CPU 61 outputs an attention signal. The attention signal is a signal that notifies the user that the amount of power required to drive the bioinformation output device 30 for the specified time RT has been consumed. Specifically, in the attention process, the CPU 61 outputs the attention signal to the small monitor 33. This causes the small monitor 33 to display an image of a message indicating that the amount of power required to drive the bioinformation output device 30 for the specified time RT has been consumed. This message image is displayed for several seconds to several tens of seconds. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S44.

[0052] In step S44, the CPU 61 performs a stop permission process. In the stop permission process, the CPU 61 first outputs a stop permission request signal. The stop permission request signal is a signal that allows the user to select whether or not it is OK to stop driving the bioinformation output device 30. Specifically, in the stop permission process, the CPU 61 outputs the stop permission request signal to the small monitor 33. As a result, the small monitor 33 displays a message image inquiring whether or not it is OK to stop driving the bioinformation output device 30. While this message image is displayed, a predetermined operation is performed on the switch 34, and the CPU 61 acquires a signal indicating permission from the user. When the CPU 61 does not acquire a signal indicating permission from the user while this message image is displayed (S44: NO), the CPU 61 ends this series of processes. On the other hand, when the CPU 61 acquires a signal indicating permission from the user (S44: YES), the CPU 61 proceeds to step S45.

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

[0054] In step S46, the CPU 61 performs a storage process. In the storage process, the CPU 61 stores the biosensor 20 that is wirelessly communicating as the communication destination in the storage device 64. Specifically, the CPU 61 stores the unique ID of the biosensor 20 that is wirelessly communicating in the storage device 64. Thereafter, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S47.

[0055] In step S47, the CPU 61 performs a termination process. The termination process in step S47 is the same process as the process in step S14 in the drive start program P1. That is, in the termination process in step S47, the CPU 61 notifies the user that the bioinformation output device 30 will be stopped, and then stops the bioinformation output device 30. This causes the CPU 61 to end the current series of processes.

[0056] (Operation of the Embodiment) According to the above embodiment, when the user starts the activation of the bioinformation output device 30 by operating the switch 34, the control unit 60 starts executing the drive start program P1. The user can then check whether or not a message indicated by the notification signal is displayed on the small monitor 33. If a message indicated by the notification signal is displayed on the small monitor 33, the user can confirm by checking the message that the current drive of the bioinformation output device 30 cannot be driven for more than the specified time RT, i.e., for more than 12 hours. Thereafter, the control unit 60 performs a termination process, thereby stopping the drive of the bioinformation output device 30 before the current drive of the bioinformation output device 30 proceeds.

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

[0058] (2) According to the above embodiment, the CPU 61 further executes the termination process after the notification process. Therefore, in the current drive of the bioinformation output device 30, it is possible to prevent the drive of the bioinformation output device 30 from suddenly stopping due to the battery running out during the specified RT drive time. In other words, if an unexpected stop occurs during the specified RT drive time, the drive of the bioinformation output device 30 can be stopped at the start. Furthermore, because the CPU 61 executes the termination process after the notification process, the drive of the bioinformation output device 30 can be stopped in a state that the user can expect.

[0059] (3) According to the above embodiment, when the CPU 61 determines in the second remaining amount determination process that the current remaining amount CL is equal to or less than the second remaining amount L2, the CPU 61 executes a warning process. In the warning process, the CPU 61 outputs a warning signal. The warning signal is a signal that notifies the user that the current remaining amount CL is almost complete. Therefore, the user can confirm from the warning signal that the bioinformation output device 30 can only be operated for a short time. This prevents the bioinformation output device 30 from entering a state that the user does not expect after the warning process.

[0060] (4) According to the above embodiment, the CPU 61 executes the termination process after issuing the warning. Therefore, the bioinformation output device 30 can stop driving in a state that the user can anticipate.

[0061] (5) According to the above embodiment, the CPU 61 continues driving the bioinformation output device 30 when the current remaining capacity CL is equal to or less than the first remaining capacity L1 and greater than the second remaining capacity L2. Therefore, after the bioinformation output device 30 starts driving, it continues driving as long as the current remaining capacity CL is greater than the second remaining capacity L2, even if it is equal to or less than the first remaining capacity L1. This allows the bioinformation output device 30 to be driven continuously for a longer period of time. In other words, it is possible to avoid the bioinformation output device 30 from being unnecessarily stopped.

[0062] (6) According to the above embodiment, the CPU 61 executes a warning process when the continuous drive time CT is equal to or greater than the specified time RT. In the warning process, the CPU 61 outputs a warning signal. The warning signal is a signal that notifies the user that the battery 36 has consumed the power necessary to drive the battery 36 for the specified time RT. Therefore, the user can confirm from the warning signal that the drive time of the specified time RT, which is guaranteed by the absence of the notification process, has passed. This prevents the bioinformation output device 30 from entering a state unexpected by the user after the warning process.

[0063] (7) According to the above embodiment, the CPU 61 executes the termination process after the warning process, so that the bioinformation output device 30 can stop driving in a state that the user can anticipate.

[0064] (8) According to the above embodiment, the CPU 61 executes the biometric information acquisition process via wireless communication. Therefore, even if the biometric information is monitored at a considerable distance from the biometric sensor 20, the biometric information can be acquired. Furthermore, since it is easier to provide space around the person to whom the biometric sensor 20 is attached, treatment is less likely to be interrupted.

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

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

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

[0068] (12) According to the above embodiment, the bioinformation output device 30 is powered on by operating the switch 34. At this time, the control unit 60 starts executing the drive start program P1 while the user is holding the bioinformation output device 30. Therefore, when the drive start program P1 performs a notification process, a message is displayed on the small monitor 33 while the user is holding the bioinformation output device 30. This makes it easier for the user to notice the message of the notification signal.

[0069] (Other Embodiments) The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0070] The biosensor 20 is not limited to being attached to a monitoring target via the adhesive sheet 21. The biosensor 20 may be any device capable of detecting bioinformation. The communication method between the biosensor 20 and the bioinformation output device 30 is not limited to the example in the above embodiment. The wireless communication method between them may be ZigBee (registered trademark) or wireless LAN.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the switch 34 of the bioinformation output device 30 is operated to input a signal indicating permission, but the bioinformation output device 30 may have an operable mechanism separate from the switch 34. For example, the small monitor 33 of the bioinformation output device 30 may be a touch panel that can be operated.

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

[0073] The bioinformation output device 30 may have a speaker in addition to or instead of the small monitor 33. In this case, a notification signal, a warning signal, and a caution signal may be output to the speaker, and an audio message may be output from the speaker. The notification signal, the warning signal, and the caution signal are not limited to signals that output an image, but may also be signals that output light, signals that output sound, or signals that stop the bioinformation that has been continuously displayed on the small monitor 33.

[0074] The bioinformation output device 30 is not limited to one that outputs the monitoring results of the bioinformation via the output terminal 32. For example, the bioinformation output device 30 may be connected to the display 40 by wire and output the monitoring results of the bioinformation to the display 40. Alternatively, for example, the bioinformation output device 30 may output the monitoring results of the bioinformation to the display 40 by wireless communication.

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

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

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

[0078] The control unit 60 does not have to execute the continuous drive program P4. The continuous drive program P4 does not have to be stored in the storage device 64. That is, the control unit 60 does not have to perform the drive time acquisition process in step S41, the process in step S42, or the warning process in step S43.

[0079] The control unit 60 may not execute the second connection process in step S36. In this case, the connection permission process in step S37 may also not be executed. In this case, for example, the bioinformation output device 30 may establish wireless communication only with a predetermined biosensor 20. In this case, for example, the storage device 64 may always store the predetermined biosensor 20 as the communication destination.

[0080] The control unit 60 does not need to execute the wireless communication program P3. The storage device 64 does not need to store the wireless communication program P3. For example, the bioinformation output device 30 may be connected to the biosensor 20 via a wired connection and acquire bioinformation from the biosensor 20. Alternatively, the bioinformation output device 30 may have a sensor capable of detecting bioinformation, and acquire the monitoring results of the bioinformation from the sensor. In this case, the wireless receiver 35 may be omitted. In other words, the bioinformation output device 30 does not need to be a device that relays between the biosensor 20 and the display 40. The bioinformation output device 30 only needs to be a device that outputs the monitoring results of the bioinformation.

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

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

[0083] The control unit 60 may omit the processes of steps S24 and S25 in the series of processes in the driving program P2. The control unit 60 may omit the termination process of step S26 in the series of processes in the driving program P2. In this case, for example, after the warning process of step S25, when the battery 36 runs out of power, the driving of the bioinformation output device 30 may stop due to battery exhaustion. Even in this case, the warning process may cause the battery to run out in a state that the user can expect.

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

[0085] In the termination process of step S14 in the drive start program P1, the control unit 60 may terminate the drive of the bioinformation output device 30 without outputting a stop warning signal. This also applies to the termination processes of the other programs.

[0086] The control unit 60 may omit the termination process of step S14 in the series of processes in the drive start program P1. The control unit 60 may perform the notification process at least when it determines in the series of processes in the drive start program P1 that the start-up battery level SBL is equal to or less than the first level L1.

[0087] However, in a device such as that described in Patent Document 1, if the device is continuously operated for more than the specified time RT, the device may stop unexpectedly. According to the above embodiment, the control unit 60 executes the operating time acquisition process and the warning process. This allows the user to confirm, based on the warning signal, that the operating time of the specified time RT, guaranteed by the absence of the notification process, has passed. This prevents the bioinformation output device 30 from entering a state unexpected by the user after the warning process. In this way, since the control unit 60 can confirm that the operating time of the specified time RT has passed, it is not necessary for the control unit 60 to execute the start-time remaining battery level acquisition process, the first remaining battery level determination process, and the notification process.

[0088] <Supplementary Notes> The technical concepts that can be derived from the above-described embodiment and modified examples are described below. <1> A bioinformation output device comprising a control unit that controls driving and stopping of the bioinformation output device, which is driven by power supplied from a battery and outputs bioinformation, wherein the control unit executes: a start battery remaining amount acquisition process that acquires a start battery remaining amount, which is the remaining amount of the battery when driving of the bioinformation output device is started; a first remaining amount determination process that determines whether the start battery remaining amount is equal to or less than a first remaining amount necessary to drive the bioinformation output device for a predetermined specified time; and a notification process that, when it is determined in the first remaining amount determination process that the start battery remaining amount is equal to or less than the first remaining amount, outputs a notification signal that notifies a user that driving for the specified time is not possible.

[0089] <2> The bioinformation output device according to <1>, wherein the control unit further executes a termination process for terminating the driving of the bioinformation output device by power supply from the battery after the notification process.

[0090] <3> The bioinformation output device described in <1> or <2>, wherein the control unit further executes: a current remaining amount acquisition process for acquiring a current remaining amount, which is the current remaining amount of the battery; a second remaining amount determination process for determining whether the current remaining amount is equal to or less than a second remaining amount, which is a value smaller than the first remaining amount, after the bioinformation output device is driven; and a warning process for outputting a warning signal to notify a user when it is determined in the second remaining amount determination process that the current remaining amount is equal to or less than the second remaining amount.

[0091] <4> The bioinformation output device according to <3>, wherein the control unit further executes a termination process for terminating the driving of the bioinformation output device by the power supply from the battery after the warning process.

[0092] <5> The bioinformation output device according to <3> or <4>, wherein the control unit continues driving the bioinformation output device when the current remaining amount is equal to or less than the first remaining amount and is greater than the second remaining amount.

[0093] <6> The bioinformation output device described in any one of <1> to <5>, wherein the control unit further executes: a drive time acquisition process for acquiring a continuous drive time since drive by the battery has started; and a warning process for outputting a signal notifying a user that the power required for drive over the specified time has been consumed when the continuous drive time reaches or exceeds the specified time.

[0094] <7> The bioinformation output device according to <6>, wherein the control unit further executes a termination process for terminating the driving of the bioinformation output device by the power supply from the battery after the warning process.

[0095] <8> The bioinformation output device according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein the control unit further executes a bioinformation acquisition process for acquiring the bioinformation from a biosensor that monitors the bioinformation via wireless communication.

[0096] <9> The bioinformation output device described in <8>, wherein the control unit has a storage device, and further executes a storage process of storing the biosensor that is in wireless communication in the storage device as a communication destination, and a first connection process of establishing wireless communication with the biosensor in response to a request from the biosensor when wireless communication is not established, and in the first connection process, the control unit establishes wireless communication only with the biosensor that is stored in the storage device as the communication destination.

[0097] <10> The bioinformation output device described in <9>, wherein the control unit further executes a drive time acquisition process to acquire a continuous drive time since drive by the battery has started, and executes the storage process when the continuous drive time acquired in the drive time acquisition process is equal to or longer than the specified time.

[0098] <11> The bioinformation output device described in <9> or <10>, wherein the control unit further executes a second connection process that allows establishment of wireless communication with the biosensor that is not stored in the storage device as the communication destination when wireless communication is not established with the biosensor that is stored in the storage device as the communication destination.

[0099] <12> A bioinformation output device that is driven by power supplied from a battery and that outputs bioinformation, and that includes a control unit that controls driving and stopping the device, wherein the control unit executes: a driving time acquisition process that acquires a continuous driving time since driving by the battery has started; and a warning process that, when the continuous driving time reaches or exceeds a predetermined specified time, outputs a signal to notify a user that the power required to drive the device for the specified time has been consumed.

[0100] 10...Biometric information acquisition system 20...Biometric sensor 21...Attachment sheet 30...Biometric information output device 31...Main body case 32...Output terminal 33...Small monitor 34...Switch 35...Wireless receiver 36...Battery 40...Display 60...Control unit 61...CPU 62...Peripheral circuit 63...ROM 64...Storage device CL...Current remaining capacity CT...Continuous driving time L1...First remaining capacity L2...Second remaining capacity RT...Specified time SBL...Starting battery remaining capacity

Claims

1. A control unit that controls the driving and stopping of a biological information output device that is driven by power supply from a battery and outputs biological information, wherein the control unit performs a starting battery remaining amount acquisition process of acquiring a starting battery remaining amount which is the remaining amount of the battery when the driving of the biological information output device is started; a first remaining amount determination process of determining whether or not the starting battery remaining amount is less than or equal to a first remaining amount necessary for driving the biological information output device for a predetermined specified time; and a notification process of outputting a notification signal for notifying a user that driving cannot be performed over the specified time when it is determined in the first remaining amount determination process that the starting battery remaining amount is less than or equal to the first remaining amount. A biological information output device.

2. After performing the notification process, the control unit further performs an end process of ending the driving of the biological information output device by power supply from the battery. The biological information output device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit performs a current remaining amount acquisition process of acquiring a current remaining amount which is the current remaining amount of the battery; a second remaining amount determination process of determining whether or not, after driving the biological information output device, the current remaining amount is less than or equal to a second remaining amount which is a value smaller than the first remaining amount; and a warning process of outputting a warning signal for notifying a user when it is determined in the second remaining amount determination process that the current remaining amount is less than or equal to the second remaining amount. The biological information output device according to claim 1.

4. After performing the warning process, the control unit further performs an end process of ending the driving of the biological information output device by power supply from the battery. The biological information output device according to claim 3.

5. When the current remaining amount is less than or equal to the first remaining amount and greater than the second remaining amount, the control unit continues to drive the biological information output device. The biological information output device according to claim 3.

6. The control unit performs a driving time acquisition process of acquiring a continuous driving time since the driving by the battery was started; and a caution process of outputting a signal for notifying a user that power necessary for driving over the specified time has been consumed when the continuous driving time becomes equal to or more than the specified time. The biological information output device according to claim 1.

7. ​ After performing the attention process, the control unit further executes an end process of ending the driving of the biological information output device by the power supply from the battery. The biological information output device according to claim 6.

8. The control unit further executes a biological information acquisition process of acquiring the biological information from a biological sensor that monitors the biological information by wireless communication. The biological information output device according to claim 1.

9. The control unit has a storage device. A storage process of storing in the storage device with the biological sensor performing wireless communication as a communication destination. When wireless communication is not established, a first connection process of establishing wireless communication with the biological sensor in response to a request from the biological sensor is further executed. In the first connection process, the control unit establishes wireless communication only with the biological sensor stored as the communication destination in the storage device. The biological information output device according to claim 8.

10. The control unit further executes a driving time acquisition process of acquiring the continuous driving time since the driving by the battery was started. When the continuous driving time acquired in the driving time acquisition process is equal to or longer than the specified time, the storage process is executed. The biological information output device according to claim 9.

11. The control unit further executes a second connection process of allowing the establishment of wireless communication with a biological sensor not stored as the communication destination in the storage device when wireless communication with the biological sensor stored as the communication destination in the storage device is not established. The biological information output device according to claim 9.