Vital sign measurement device, vital sign measurement method, and program

Abstract

A vital measurement device (100) comprises: a first acquisition unit (115) which is mounted on a housing and acquires a first vital sign of a wearer on the basis of a detection result of a first sensor (110) for detecting first biological information of the wearer; a second acquisition unit (125) which is mounted on the housing and acquires a second vital sign of the wearer different from the first vital sign on the basis of a detection result of a second sensor (120) for detecting second biological information of the wearer; and an estimation unit (130) which estimates vital signs of the wearer on the basis of the first vital sign acquired by the first acquisition unit (115) and the second vital sign acquired by the second acquisition unit (125). When the first acquisition unit (115) cannot acquire the first vital sign of the wearer and the second acquisition unit (125) has acquired the second vital sign of the wearer, the estimation unit (130) estimates that an abnormality is present in the first vital sign of the wearer.

Description

Vital sign measurement device, vital sign measurement method, and program

[0001] The present invention relates to a vital sign measurement device, a vital sign measurement method, and a program.

[0002] Vital signs is a medical term meaning a sign of life. When referring to vital sign measurement, blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and body temperature are typically measured, and transcutaneous arterial oxygen saturation, pupillary reflex, and urine volume may also be included. In recent years, vital sign monitors have been proposed that use devices to measure vital signs to monitor the vital signs of patients and elderly people (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Vital sign monitors that monitor the vital signs of patients and elderly people have a function to alert doctors, nursing staff, caregivers, or family members if the vital sign measurement results indicate abnormal values.

[0003] For example, the abstract of Patent Document 1 states that "the interface unit is configured to be connectable to a first sensor for measuring first biometric information and a second sensor for measuring second biometric information. When the control unit detects that the first biometric information calculated based on the biometric signal obtained from the first sensor has become abnormal, it drives the second sensor and starts processing to measure the second biometric information."

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-165913

[0005] When a vital sign monitor issues an alert through its function of calling attention, doctors, nursing staff, caregivers, or family members need to monitor the patient or elderly person nearby.

[0006] Even if the warning from the vital sign monitor is a false alarm and there are no abnormalities in the patient's or elderly person's vital signs, if the vital sign measurement results show abnormal values, doctors, nursing staff, caregivers, or family members will pay more attention than usual to the patient's or elderly person's vital signs.

[0007] Furthermore, if a vital sign monitor fails to properly warn the patient or elderly person and issues a false alarm, doctors, nurses, caregivers, or family members will miss an opportunity to learn of an abnormality in the patient's or elderly person's vital signs. Therefore, a system for monitoring the vital signs of patients and elderly people needs to have a mechanism that prevents both false alarms and false alarms regarding abnormalities in vital signs.

[0008] The reasons for not being able to obtain vital signs include abnormalities in the patient's or elderly's vital signs, a malfunctioning vital signs monitor, and a malfunctioning vital signs monitor that is not positioned where the patient's or elderly's vital signs should be measured. A malfunctioning vital signs monitor may display inaccurate or no vital signs at all.

[0009] Furthermore, a vital sign monitor can measure vital signs when the vital sign monitor is not malfunctioning, is properly attached to the patient or elderly person, and there are vital signs of the patient or elderly person. Conventional vital sign monitors sometimes give false alarms even when there are no abnormalities in the patient's or elderly person's vital signs.

[0010] For example, if vital signs cannot be obtained due to a malfunction of the vital sign monitor or if vital signs cannot be obtained because the vital sign monitor has become detached from the patient or elderly person, a false alarm may be issued regardless of the patient's or elderly person's vital signs.

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vital sign measurement device, a vital sign measurement method, and a program that improve the accuracy of indicating an abnormality in a vital sign estimated by the vital sign measurement device.

[0012] That is, the above-mentioned object of the present invention is achieved by the following configuration: (1) A vital sign measurement device comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires a first vital sign of a wearer based on a detection result of a first sensor mounted on a housing that detects first biological information of the wearer; a second acquisition unit that acquires a second vital sign different from the first vital sign of the wearer based on a detection result of a second sensor mounted on the housing that detects second biological information of the wearer; and an estimation unit that estimates a vital sign of the wearer based on the first vital sign acquired by the first acquisition unit and the second vital sign acquired by the second acquisition unit, wherein the estimation unit estimates that there is an abnormality in the first vital sign of the wearer when the first acquisition unit is unable to acquire the first vital sign of the wearer and the second acquisition unit is able to acquire the second vital sign of the wearer. (2) The vital sign measurement device according to (1), wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are a single common sensor. (3) The vital sign measuring device according to (1), wherein the first vital sign is a numerical value of respiration and / or pulse rate. (4) The vital sign measuring device according to (1), wherein the second vital sign is a numerical value obtained by irradiating two or more lights of different wavelengths and measuring the difference in absorbance due to the wavelength. (5) The vital sign measuring device according to (1), wherein the second vital sign is body temperature. (6) The vital sign measuring device according to (4), wherein the second vital sign is blood oxygen saturation. (7) The vital sign measuring device according to (3), wherein the estimation unit estimates that the wearer may be suffering from cardiac arrest if the first acquisition unit is unable to acquire information related to the respiration and pulse rate as the first vital sign and the second acquisition unit is able to acquire the second vital sign of the wearer. (8) A vital sign measurement device as described in (7), further comprising a notification unit that issues a predetermined notification to the user, wherein when the estimation unit estimates that the wearer is in cardiac arrest, the notification unit notifies the user to check for pupillary reflex.(9) The vital sign measurement device according to (8), wherein the notification unit prompts the user to input the confirmation result of the pupillary reflex, or prompts the user to take a video of the pupillary reflex and send the taken video to a medical institution. (10) The vital sign measurement device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the user regarding the estimation content based on the estimation content estimated by the estimation unit. (11) The vital sign measurement device according to (1), wherein the estimation unit estimates a vital sign of the wearer based on the first vital sign and the second vital sign, and further comprises a notification unit that notifies the user in stages according to the estimation result of the vital sign of the wearer. (12) The vital sign measurement device according to (1), wherein the estimation unit compares each of biological information or vital signs including any one or more of the wearer's respiration, pulse, body temperature, respiratory sounds, respiratory effort, and blood oxygen saturation with a threshold value, and estimates the vital sign of the wearer. (13) The vital sign measurement device according to (12), wherein the threshold value is variable. (14) The vital sign measurement device according to (1), wherein the estimation unit does not estimate that there is an abnormality in the first vital sign of the wearer when the first acquisition unit cannot acquire the first vital sign of the wearer and the second acquisition unit cannot acquire the second vital sign of the wearer. (15) The vital sign measurement device according to (1), wherein the estimation unit estimates that the device is worn improperly when the first acquisition unit cannot acquire the first vital sign of the wearer and the second acquisition unit cannot acquire the second vital sign of the wearer.(16) A vital sign measurement method comprising the steps of: acquiring a first vital sign of a wearer based on a detection result of a first sensor mounted on a housing for detecting first biometric information of the wearer; acquiring a second vital sign different from the first vital sign of the wearer based on a detection result of a second sensor mounted on the housing for detecting second biometric information of the wearer; and, if the first vital sign of the wearer cannot be acquired but the second vital sign of the wearer can be acquired, estimating that the wearer has an abnormality in the first vital sign. (17) A program for causing a computer including: a first acquisition unit that acquires a first vital sign of a wearer based on the detection result of a first sensor mounted on a housing that detects first biometric information of the wearer; and a second acquisition unit that acquires a second vital sign different from the first vital sign of the wearer based on the detection result of a second sensor mounted on the housing that detects second biometric information of the wearer; to execute the following steps: acquiring the first vital sign with the first acquisition unit; acquiring the second vital sign with the second acquisition unit; and, if the first acquisition unit is unable to acquire the first vital sign of the wearer and the second acquisition unit is able to acquire the second vital sign of the wearer, inferring that there is an abnormality in the first vital sign of the wearer.

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining whether there is an abnormality in a vital sign estimated by a vital sign measurement device.

[0014] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a vital sign measurement system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a vital sign measurement device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a vital sign measurement device according to the first embodiment in which sensors are common. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a vital sign measurement device according to the first embodiment in which the second sensor is a temperature sensor. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a vital sign measurement device according to the first embodiment in which the second sensor is an acceleration sensor. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a vital sign measurement device according to the first embodiment in which the second sensor is a voice detection unit. FIG. 7 is a hardware block diagram of a vital sign measurement device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure in which a vital sign measurement device according to this embodiment estimates its own state or a wearer's vital signs and notifies a warning or alarm. FIG. 9 is an estimated correspondence table (part 1) showing combinations in which an estimation unit estimates a wearer's vital signs or the state of a vital sign measurement device and displays a warning or the like on the display unit. FIG. 11 is an estimated correspondence table (part 2) showing combinations in which an estimation unit estimates a wearer's vital signs or the state of a vital sign measurement device and displays a warning or the like on the display unit. This is an estimated correspondence table (part 3) showing combinations in which the estimation unit estimates the wearer's vital signs or the state of a vital measurement device and displays warnings, etc. on the display unit.

[0015] The following describes in detail embodiments of the present invention. Note that the embodiments described below are examples for realizing the present invention, and should be appropriately modified or changed depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention may be configured by appropriately combining parts of the embodiments described below. Note that the same components are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0016] First Embodiment [Configuration of Vital Sign Measurement System] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a vital sign measurement system 400 according to a first embodiment.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1 , the vital sign measurement system 400 according to the first embodiment is configured to include a vital sign measurement device 100 , an operation terminal 200 , and an external terminal 300 .

[0018] The vital sign measuring device 100 acquires the vital signs of a wearer. Here, the wearer is a person wearing the vital sign measuring device 100, such as a patient or an elderly person. The vital sign measuring device 100 is attached to the wearer's chest, for example, by a band attached to the human body. The vital sign measuring device 100 acquires, for example, the wearer's respiration, pulse, Saturation of Percutaneous Oxygen (SPO2), body temperature, respiratory sounds, etc. In the following description, percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation will be referred to as "SPO2."

[0019] The operation terminal 200 is, for example, a smartphone or tablet, and is carried by a doctor, nursing staff, caregiver, etc. As a result, the doctor, nursing staff, and caregiver use the operation terminal 200 to monitor the vital signs of a wearer wearing the vital sign measuring device 100. By carrying the operation terminal 200, the doctor, nursing staff, and caregiver can confirm whether the vital sign measuring device 100 is worn appropriately when worn by the wearer. In addition, the doctor can compare the wearer's own diagnosis results with the vital signs and adjust the vital sign thresholds to suit the wearer's personality.

[0020] The external terminal 300 is configured as an information processing device such as a personal computer, and is installed in a hospital or a care facility. The external terminal 300 displays the vital signs of a person wearing the vital sign measuring device 100 in real time.

[0021] [Configuration of vital sign measuring device] <Functional blocks of vital sign measuring device> Fig. 2A is a functional block diagram of the vital sign measuring device 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2A, the vital sign measuring device 100 is configured to include a first sensor 110, a first acquisition unit 115, a second sensor 120, a second acquisition unit 125, an estimation unit 130, a storage unit 140, a display unit (notification unit) 150, and a transmission / reception unit 160.

[0022] In this embodiment, a method for obtaining in vivo information such as pulse rate and blood flow is employed, using photoplethysmography. Therefore, the first sensor 110 and the second sensor 120 represent optical vital sensors that obtain in vivo information using photoplethysmography. The first sensor 110 is mounted on a housing and detects first biometric information of the wearer. The second sensor 120 is mounted on a housing and detects second biometric information of the wearer. Each of the first sensor 110 and the second sensor 120 includes two light sources, for example, a red LED (Light Emitting Diode) with a wavelength of 660 nm and an infrared LED with a wavelength of 940 nm. Furthermore, each of the first sensor 110 and the second sensor 120 includes a photodiode.

[0023] Each of the first sensor 110 and the second sensor 120 emits light from an LED toward the skin, reflects off blood vessels, and detects the light exiting the skin with a photodiode. For example, oxygenated hemoglobin in the blood has strong absorption characteristics for light around 550 nm. The power of the detected 550 nm light changes according to the blood volume. Because blood volume changes with pulsation, for example, by observing the change in the power of this light over time, the first acquisition unit 115 can acquire information about the pulse.

[0024] The first acquisition unit 115 acquires a first vital sign of the wearer based on the detection result of the first sensor. Here, the first vital sign is, for example, respiration and / or pulse. In this embodiment, respiration and pulse are used as the first vital signs, but the present invention is not limited to this. The first acquisition unit 115 calculates waveform patterns of respiration and pulse (respiration waveform, pulse waveform) using the measurement result of the first sensor 110. The first acquisition unit 115 may also calculate the presence or absence of respiration and pulse. Furthermore, the first acquisition unit 115 may add up the respiration rate, apnea rate, and pulse rate. The first acquisition unit 115 calculates the respiration rate, pulse rate, number of apneas, etc. per unit time by analyzing the waveform.

[0025] The first acquisition unit 115 calculates a breathing waveform pattern from low-frequency components in the AC (Alternating Current) component of the output signal from the first sensor 110, and calculates the breathing rate from the breathing waveform pattern. Here, the first acquisition unit 115 detects the breathing waveform pattern in a broad sense as a vital sign, which is basic information indicating signs of the wearer's life, and in a narrow sense, assists in determining whether or not the wearer is breathing.

[0026] Furthermore, the first acquisition unit 115 calculates a pulse waveform pattern from high-frequency components in the AC component of the output signal of the first sensor 110, and calculates the pulse rate from the pulse waveform pattern. The first acquisition unit 115 can acquire one or more vital signs. Here, the first acquisition unit 115 detects the pulse waveform pattern in a broad sense as a vital sign, which is basic information indicating signs of the wearer's life, and assists in determining whether or not there is a pulse in a narrow sense.

[0027] The second acquisition unit 125 acquires a second vital sign, different from the first vital sign, of the wearer based on the detection result of the second sensor. The second vital sign may be a numerical value obtained by measuring the difference in absorbance due to wavelength when two or more lights of different wavelengths are irradiated. For example, the second vital sign may be an SPO2 or body temperature, which indicate the wearer's vital signs.

[0028] In this embodiment, the second vital sign is described using SPO2, but is not limited to this. The second acquisition unit 125 can acquire one or more vital signs.

[0029] A method for obtaining the wearer's SPO2 using the sensor data obtained from the second sensor 120 is to calculate the SPO2 using the DC components of each of the sensor data of the two light sources obtained from the second sensor 120.

[0030] The method of measuring the wearer's SPO2 using the second sensor 120 involves calculating the SPO2 from the DC component of the measurement results from the second sensor 120, which has two light sources. The method of measuring the wearer's respiration and pulse involves determining a respiration waveform from low-frequency components and a pulse waveform from high-frequency components. The respiration rate is calculated from the respiration waveform, and other respiration-related indices, such as the ratio of inhalation to exhalation, can be determined by analyzing the waveform. The pulse can be determined in a similar manner. Vital signs include respiration, pulse, SPO2, etc. Note that the vital signs are not the measurement results themselves from the first sensor 110 and the second sensor 120, but are results calculated from these measurement results. Vital signs are basic information indicating signs of life. Note that this embodiment is not particularly limited and may also measure vital signs directly from the first sensor 110 and the second sensor 120.

[0031] Vital signs indicating signs of the wearer's life are acquired by processing the sensor data measured by each of the first sensor 110 and the second sensor 120. For this reason, functional units that process the sensor signals are described as a first acquisition unit 115 and a second acquisition unit 125.

[0032] Furthermore, the first sensor 110 and the second sensor 120 can be one common sensor.

[0033] FIG. 2B is a functional block diagram of the vital sign measuring device 100 according to the first embodiment when the sensor 10 is common.

[0034] The vital sign measuring device 100 is placed, for example, on the sternum of the wearer's chest. The first acquisition unit 115 and the second acquisition unit 125 can calculate the respiration, pulse, and SPO2 of the wearer from the output signal of the sensor 10. In this way, the first acquisition unit 115 and the second acquisition unit 125 can acquire vital signs that indicate signs of the wearer's life based on the difference in absorbance due to the wavelength when the sensor 10 irradiates two or more lights with different wavelengths.

[0035] In this way, the first acquisition unit 115 and the second acquisition unit 125 can each acquire the corresponding vital sign from the sensor data measured by the same common sensor 10 .

[0036] In this embodiment, a temperature sensor can also be applied to the second sensor 120. Fig. 2C is a functional block diagram of the vital sign measuring device 100 according to the first embodiment in which the second sensor 120 is a temperature sensor 30.

[0037] By applying the temperature sensor 30 to the second sensor 120, the second acquisition unit 125 can acquire the body temperature of the wearer. Similar to respiration, pulse, and SPO2, body temperature is not simply determined as the output of the temperature sensor 30, but is calculated by averaging the output data of the temperature sensor 30 over time. In other words, body temperature is also one of the vital signs that indicate the life signs of the wearer. Therefore, the second acquisition unit 125 can acquire body temperature as a corresponding vital sign from the sensor data measured by the temperature sensor 30.

[0038] In this embodiment, an acceleration sensor can also be applied to the second sensor 120. Fig. 2D is a functional block diagram of the vital sign measuring device 100 according to the first embodiment in which the second sensor 120 is an acceleration sensor 71.

[0039] By applying the acceleration sensor 71 to the second sensor 120, the second acquisition unit 125 can acquire the body movements of the wearer. The acceleration sensor 71 is a sensor that detects the body movements of the wearer. Body movements themselves are a sign of life and a type of vital sign. The acceleration sensor 71 can also detect movements associated with breathing, so-called respiratory effort, and detect dyspnea and characteristic signs of imminent death, such as shoulder breathing. Furthermore, the acceleration sensor 71 detects, for example, the wearer's turning over in bed or body movements during awakening. The acceleration sensor 71 can also detect not only body movements and posture, but also falls and impacts of the wearer. Detecting falls and impacts is important because falls and impacts can cause sudden changes in vital signs.

[0040] In this embodiment, a voice detection unit can also be applied to the second sensor 120. Fig. 2E is a functional block diagram of the vital sign measuring device 100 according to the first embodiment when the second sensor 120 is the voice detection unit 72.

[0041] By applying the voice detection unit 72 to the second sensor 120, the second acquisition unit 125 can acquire the breathing sounds and heart sounds of the wearer. The voice detection unit 72 is configured, for example, with a stethoscope. Therefore, the voice detection unit 72 can detect the breathing sounds of the wearer. The voice detection unit 72 may also be intended to detect the voices of the wearer or family members. A voice recording immediately before death may be important to family members. Furthermore, voice can be used to identify non-wearers, or as a so-called ID.

[0042] The estimation unit 130 estimates the vital signs of the wearer based on the first vital sign acquired by the first acquisition unit 115 and the second vital sign acquired by the second acquisition unit 125. If the first acquisition unit 115 is unable to acquire the first vital sign of the wearer and the second acquisition unit 125 is able to acquire the second vital sign of the wearer, the estimation unit 130 estimates that there is an abnormality in the first vital sign of the wearer. Furthermore, if the estimation unit 130 estimates that the device itself is malfunctioning or is being worn improperly, it may ignore the device malfunction and not notify of an abnormality in the wearer's vital signs.

[0043] The estimation unit 130 can appropriately estimate the vital signs of the wearer by using the estimation correspondence tables shown in Figures 5A to 5C described below. Note that failures of the vital sign measuring device 100 also include failures of the first sensor 110 and the second sensor 120.

[0044] Furthermore, the estimation unit 130 may estimate that the wearer may be in cardiac arrest if the first acquisition unit 115 is unable to acquire information on respiration and pulse as the first vital sign, and the second acquisition unit 125 is able to acquire the second vital sign. Note that the criteria for estimation by the estimation unit 130 and the criteria for notification, which will be described later, can be set arbitrarily.

[0045] In addition, if the first acquisition unit 115 cannot acquire the first vital sign of the wearer and the second acquisition unit 125 cannot acquire the second vital sign of the wearer, the estimation unit 130 does not need to estimate that there is an abnormality in the first vital sign of the wearer.

[0046] In addition, the estimation unit 130 may infer that the device is not being worn properly if the first acquisition unit 115 is unable to acquire the first vital sign of the wearer and the second acquisition unit 125 is unable to acquire the second vital sign of the wearer.

[0047] The estimation unit 130 may also estimate the vital signs of the wearer by comparing each of vital data or vital signs, including any one or more of the wearer's respiration, pulse, body temperature, respiratory sounds, respiratory effort, and SPO2, with a threshold. For example, in the case of respiration, thresholds can be set for the number of apneas, the ratio of the time required for inspiration to inspiration, and the depth of respiration. For respiratory sounds, a threshold can be set for the volume of the respiratory sounds, or a criterion for determining wheezing or snoring when a predetermined threshold is exceeded can be arbitrarily set. Thus, the estimation unit 130 can estimate the vital signs of the wearer based on the vital data or vital signs acquired by the first acquisition unit 115 and the second acquisition unit 125 and the threshold. The threshold is variable, and doctors, nurses, caregivers, etc. can set or change the threshold. Therefore, by changing the threshold depending on the wearer, the estimation unit 130 can make accurate estimations based on the wearer's condition, age, gender, etc. The estimation unit 130 may also set a state or criteria for which notification is unnecessary (no warning).

[0048] Furthermore, the estimation unit 130 can suitably estimate the vital signs of the wearer by using the estimation correspondence tables shown in Figures 5A to 5C based on the first vital sign and the second vital sign. In this case, the display unit 150 notifies users, including doctors, nursing staff, caregivers, etc., by displaying the vital signs of the wearer on a display in stages according to the estimation results. The display unit 150 may be formed, for example, integrally with the estimation unit 130, or may be formed separately as shown in Figure 2. The users include doctors, nursing staff, caregivers, and family members.

[0049] The display unit 150 is configured, for example, by a 7-segment display or a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display unit 150 may also be configured by a display device such as an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. The display unit 150 is an example of a notification unit, and notifies a user, such as a doctor, nurse, caregiver, or family member, of the estimated content based on the content estimated by the estimation unit 130. The display unit 150 may also display the wearing status of the vital sign measuring device 100 worn by the wearer. For example, if the vital sign measuring device 100 is worn correctly, the display unit 150 may display "Wear OK"; if the vital sign measuring device 100 is removed, the display unit 150 may display "Wear NG." The notification unit constituting the display unit 150 is not limited to a visual notification unit, and may also be configured, for example, by a speaker to provide an audio output unit that provides an audio notification.

[0050] Furthermore, for example, when the estimation unit 130 estimates that the wearer may be in cardiac arrest, the display unit 150 can notify doctors, nursing staff, caregivers, family members, etc. to check the wearer's vital signs by displaying a message urging them to check the pupillary reflex. In this case, the display unit 150 may further prompt them to input the results of the pupillary reflex confirmation, or may notify them to take a video of the pupillary reflex and send the video to a medical institution.

[0051] The storage unit 140 stores as data the first vital sign acquired by the first acquisition unit 115. The storage unit 140 also stores as data the second vital sign acquired by the second acquisition unit 125. Furthermore, the storage unit 140 may store the estimation result of the wearer's vital signs or the state of the vital sign measuring device 100 estimated by the estimation unit 130 from the first vital sign acquired by the first acquisition unit 115 and the second vital sign acquired by the second acquisition unit 125. The storage unit 140 also stores various setting values.

[0052] The transmission / reception unit 160 transmits various data stored in the storage unit 140. The transmission / reception unit 160 transmits, for example, data related to the wearer's first vital sign and data related to the wearer's second vital sign to the operation terminal 200 and / or the external terminal 300. As a result, the various data stored in the storage unit 140 can be used to assist a doctor in diagnosis or for the vital sign measurement results described in an end-of-life plan. The transmission / reception unit 160 can also receive instructions from the operation terminal 200, for example, and store vital sign data in the storage unit 140 in accordance with the instructions.

[0053] <Hardware of Vital Sign Measuring Device> FIG. 3 is a hardware block diagram of the vital sign measuring device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 3, the vital sign measuring device 100 includes a first sensor 110, a PPG controller 20, and a temperature sensor 30. The vital sign measuring device 100 also includes an A / D (Analogue to Digital) converter 40, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 50, and a memory 60. The vital sign measuring device 100 also includes an acceleration sensor 71, a voice detection unit 72, a power port 80, and a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity: registered trademark) port 90. The first sensor 110 in Fig. 3 may be the second sensor 120 in Fig. 2A or the sensor 10 in Fig. 2B.

[0055] The PPG controller 20 is a controller that controls the first sensor 110 and the second sensor 120. That is, the PPG controller 20 controls the driving of the first sensor 110 and the second sensor 120. Therefore, the PPG controller 20 has some of the functions of the first acquisition unit 115 and the second acquisition unit 125 shown in FIG.

[0056] The PPG controller 20, for example, controls the driving of the first sensor 110 and performs data processing on the sensor data acquired from the first sensor 110. Data processing refers to performing correction, thinning, interpolation, spatial filtering, and the like on the sensor data acquired from the first sensor 110. The PPG controller 20 similarly performs data processing on the second sensor 120.

[0057] Vital signs refer to basic information indicating the wearer's vital signs, specifically, SPO2, respiratory rate, pulse rate, body temperature, etc. In this embodiment, vital data refers to data obtained by measuring each vital sign as a numerical value, and refers to objective numerical data to be communicated to doctors, nursing staff, and other nursing staff. Therefore, vital data refers to vital signs, such as respiratory rate, pulse rate, body temperature, and SPO2, that are converted into digital form and recorded by the first acquisition unit 115 and the second acquisition unit 125.

[0058] The temperature sensor 30 measures the temperature of an object or the air. Temperature sensors 30 are mainly divided into two types: contact and non-contact. Contact temperature sensors include, for example, thermocouples, platinum resistance thermometers, thermistor thermometers, bimetal thermometers, liquid-filled thermometers, and mercury thermometers. Non-contact temperature sensors include infrared sensors. Infrared sensors utilize the fact that substances with temperature emit infrared energy, and detect and utilize this infrared energy. Note that this embodiment is not limited to contact or non-contact types, as long as it can measure the body temperature of the wearer.

[0059] The A / D converter 40 converts the analog signal detected by the temperature sensor 30 into a digital signal and sends the digital signal to the CPU 50. The CPU 50 calculates the body temperature of the wearer by averaging the digital signal detected and A / D converted by the temperature sensor 30 over time. Therefore, the body temperature is also included in the vital data.

[0060] The CPU 50 is a processing unit that controls the entire vital sign measuring device 100. The CPU 50 executes, for example, a program stored in the memory 60. As a result, the CPU 50 embodies the first acquisition unit 115, the second acquisition unit 125, the estimation unit 130, and the like shown in FIG. 2A.

[0061] The first acquisition unit 115 acquires first vital signs, such as pulse and respiration, from the output data of the PPG controller 20. The second acquisition unit 125 acquires a second vital sign, SPO2, from the output data of the PPG controller 20. Furthermore, the second acquisition unit 125 can acquire the body temperature of the wearer by temporally averaging the digital signal detected by the temperature sensor 30 and A / D converted by the A / D converter 40. The vital sign measuring device 100 can also acquire the body movement of the wearer from the acceleration signal detected by the acceleration sensor 71. Furthermore, the vital sign measuring device 100 can acquire the breathing sounds or heart sounds of the wearer from the audio signal detected by the audio detection unit 72.

[0062] The memory 60 is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), etc. The RAM functions as a working memory that temporarily stores data necessary for executing a program. The memory 60 also has an auxiliary storage device, and may be composed of, for example, a USB memory (Universal Serial Bus: USB is a registered trademark).

[0063] The acceleration sensor 71 can detect not only body movements as the second sensor 120 but also posture, falls or shocks caused by a non-wearer, and vibrations caused by voice.

[0064] The voice detection unit 72 is configured, for example, by a stethoscope. The voice detection unit 72 acquires breathing sounds and heart sounds of the wearer as the second sensor 120. Furthermore, the voice detection unit 72 may be intended to detect the voices of the wearer or family members.

[0065] The power supply port 80 constitutes a port for supplying power from an external source to the CPU 50. To this end, a power supply unit 81 is connected to the power supply port 80.

[0066] The Wi-Fi port 90 transmits information on the vital signs detected by the first sensor 110 and vital data generated by the PPG controller 20 to, for example, the operation terminal 200 and / or the external terminal 300. The Wi-Fi port 90 constitutes the transmitting / receiving unit 160.

[0067] The power supply unit 81 and the display unit 150 are used as an integral part of the vital sign measuring device 100, and are attached to a belt attached to the body of the wearer, for example.

[0068] In this embodiment, the vital sign measuring device 100 is placed on the sternum of the wearer's chest. The first acquisition unit 115 of the vital sign measuring device 100 acquires the wearer's first vital signs, namely, respiration and pulse, and the second acquisition unit 125 acquires the wearer's second vital signs, namely, SPO2 and body temperature. The vital sign measuring device 100 includes an estimation unit 130, which estimates the wearer's vital signs based on the respiration and pulse acquired by the first acquisition unit 115 and the SPO2, body temperature, etc. acquired by the second acquisition unit 125. In particular, if the first acquisition unit 115 cannot acquire the wearer's respiration or pulse, but the second acquisition unit 125 can acquire the wearer's SPO2, body temperature, etc., the estimation unit 130 estimates that the wearer's respiration or pulse is abnormal.

[0069] Because the first sensor 110 and the second sensor 120 are in the same housing, the estimation unit 130 can estimate that the measurement (acquisition) of the vital sign of the wearer is appropriate if the second vital sign can be acquired by the second sensor 120. Therefore, the estimation unit 130 can estimate with high accuracy that there is an abnormality in the first vital sign acquired by the first sensor 110.

[0070] For example, if the wearer experiences cardiac arrest, the first vital sign will become unmeasurable and abnormal immediately upon cardiac arrest. In contrast, the second vital sign can continue to measure a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time even after cardiac arrest. Therefore, when the first vital sign is not being measured, the vital sign measuring device 100 can improve the accuracy of estimating cardiac arrest based on the measurement (acquisition) status of the second vital sign.

[0071] In particular, with conventional vital sign measuring devices 100, if the device is not properly attached to the wearer, it becomes impossible to immediately measure both the first vital sign and the second vital sign. In contrast, the vital sign measuring device 100 of the present embodiment can distinguish between a case where it is estimated that the wearer is in cardiac arrest and a case where the vital sign measuring device 100 is not properly attached to the wearer, and can correctly issue a warning or alarm. Note that the vital sign measuring device 100 is not limited to a device that is placed on the wearer, but can be any device that is attached to the wearer.

[0072] <Estimation Method of Vital Sign Measuring Device> Hereinafter, a method for the vital sign measuring device 100 to estimate the state of the vital sign measuring device 100 or the vital signs of the wearer will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0073] 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the vital sign measuring device 100 according to this embodiment to estimate the state of the device itself or the vital signs of the wearer and issue a warning or alarm. Note that the setting conditions and notification contents for the vital sign measuring device 100 to issue (notify) a warning or alarm are merely examples and are not limited to these.

[0074] First, the CPU 50 of the vital sign measuring device 100 acquires sensor data for a first vital sign of the wearer using the first sensor 110 (step S01). The first vital sign is, for example, two vital signs, namely, respiration and pulse rate.

[0075] Next, the CPU 50 of the vital sign measuring device 100 acquires sensor data for a second vital sign of the wearer using the second sensor 120 (step S03). The second vital sign is, for example, SPO2. In this embodiment, SPO2 is used as an example, but the second vital sign may also be body temperature, breathing sounds, or the like.

[0076] The CPU 50 of the vital sign measuring device 100 determines whether, for example, a set time N has elapsed (step S05). That is, the CPU 50 of the vital sign measuring device 100 acquires sensor data for the first vital sign and the second vital sign until the set time N has elapsed (Yes in step S05). The set time N is, for example, two minutes. This set time N is the time required to acquire the sensor data necessary for signal processing by the first acquisition unit 115 and the second acquisition unit 125, and corresponds to, for example, the time required to accumulate sensor data for Fourier transform processing.

[0077] After the set time N has elapsed (No in step S05), the first acquisition unit 115 and the second acquisition unit 125 calculate the respiration, pulse rate, and SPO2 (step S07). In this case, the first acquisition unit 115 calculates the respiration and pulse rate from the output signal of the PPG controller 20. Meanwhile, the second acquisition unit 125 calculates the SPO2 from the output signal of the PPG controller 20.

[0078] The estimation unit 130 estimates the wearer's vital signs or the state of the vital measurement device 100 from the first vital signs of respiration and pulse calculated by the first acquisition unit 115 and the second vital sign of SPO2 calculated by the second acquisition unit 125 (step S09).

[0079] The vital sign measuring device 100 displays a predetermined message on the display unit 150 in accordance with the estimation result of the estimation unit 130, and transmits the message to the operation terminal 200 and the external terminal 300 via the transmission / reception unit 160. This allows the vital sign measuring device 100 to notify the user of a warning or alarm (step S11).

[0080] 5A to 5C are estimation correspondence tables showing combinations of the estimation unit 130 estimating the wearer's vital signs or the state of the vital sign measuring device 100 and displaying warnings or the like on the display unit 150. Each of FIGS. 5A to 5C includes a first column showing the calculation results of the first acquisition unit 115, a second column showing the calculation results of the second acquisition unit 125, a column for the estimation results by the estimation unit 130, a column indicating whether or not a warning was issued, and a column for the content of the warning. If the calculation results of the first acquisition unit 115 show that no respiratory waveform pattern can be detected, the table displays "Not measured." If the calculation results of the second acquisition unit 125 show that no SPO2 can be detected, the table displays "Not measured."

[0081] FIG. 5A shows an estimation by the estimation unit 130 in a combination where the first acquisition unit 115 calculates respiration and pulse rate and the second acquisition unit 125 calculates SPO2, but the first acquisition unit 115 is unable to calculate respiration.

[0082] 5A , in Case 1, when respiration, pulse, and SPO2 are not measured, the estimation unit 130 estimates that the vital sign measuring device 100 is not properly attached or is malfunctioning. In this case, the estimation unit 130 does not issue a warning about vital signs. In other words, "not being measured" means that the first sensor 110 or the second sensor 120 of the vital sign measuring device 100 cannot measure any vital signs.

[0083] In Case 2, when respiration and pulse are not measured and the SPO2 measurement is below the threshold, the estimation unit 130 estimates that the wearer may be in cardiac arrest. In this case, the estimation unit 130 notifies the display unit 150, the operation terminal 200, and the external terminal 300 that the wearer may be in cardiac arrest, and notifies, for example, a doctor or caregiver of the wearer's possible cardiac arrest. Here, an SPO2 measurement below the threshold is, for example, set to 90% or less as the threshold for notifying an abnormal SPO2. The vital sign measuring device 100 stores the SPO2 threshold in the storage unit 140. The SPO2 threshold is variable by the user.

[0084] In Case 3, when respiration is not measured, pulse is not measured, and SPO2 is measured within the normal range, the estimation unit 130 estimates that the wearer may have cardiopulmonary arrest. In this case, the estimation unit 130 notifies the display unit 150, the operation terminal 200, and the external terminal 300 that the wearer may have cardiopulmonary arrest, and notifies, for example, a doctor or caregiver that the wearer may have cardiopulmonary arrest.

[0085] In this way, in cases 2 and 3, if breathing and pulse are not measured, the estimation unit 130 suspects the possibility of cardiac arrest and death, and notifies the display unit 150, the operation terminal 200, and the external terminal 300 of this fact.

[0086] In Case 4, when respiration is not measured, pulse is measured normally, and SPO2 is measured at or below the threshold, it is determined that an emergency is about to occur because respiration has stopped and SPO2 is also below the threshold, and the estimation unit 130 estimates that the necessity or urgency is medium. In this case, the estimation unit 130 notifies the display unit 150, the operation terminal 200, and the external terminal 300 of a medium warning, and notifies a doctor or caregiver of the medium warning, for example.

[0087] In this embodiment, the estimation unit 130 issues a warning in three stages, for example, based on vital signs. A medium level warning is issued by, for example, displaying a warning on the display unit 150, the operation terminal 200, and the external terminal 300. Furthermore, for example, in the case of a high level warning, the estimation unit 130 also issues an audio warning and flashes the warning display. Furthermore, a low level warning is issued by, for example, displaying a warning prompting confirmation on the display unit 150, the operation terminal 200, and the external terminal 300. Note that the pulse being measured normally means that the pulse threshold is set to, for example, 60 to 100 beats / m.

[0088] In case 5, when respiration is not measured, pulse is measured normally, and SPO2 is measured within the normal range, the estimation unit 130 estimates that the wearer is apneic. In this case, the estimation unit 130 does not immediately issue a warning. If this situation continues for a long time, a small warning may be issued, and the level of the warning may be changed over time.

[0089] In case 6, if respiration is not measured, pulse is measured normally, and SPO2 cannot be measured, it is highly likely that vital signs are not being measured correctly, and the estimation unit 130 estimates that there is a malfunction in the vital sign measurement device 100. In this case, the estimation unit 130 does not issue a warning about vital signs.

[0090] In Case 7, when respiration is not measured, the pulse is measured as arrhythmia, and SPO2 is equal to or less than the threshold, the estimation unit 130 estimates a high level of necessity or urgency. In this case, the estimation unit 130 notifies the display unit 150, the operation terminal 200, and the external terminal 300 of a high level of warning, and notifies a doctor or caregiver of the high level of warning, for example.

[0091] In Case 8, when respiration is not measured, the pulse is measured as arrhythmia, and the SPO2 cannot be measured, the estimation unit 130 estimates that the SPO2 is low and prompts confirmation. In this case, the estimation unit 130 does not issue a warning. In this case, the estimation unit 130 notifies the display unit 150, the operation terminal 200, and the external terminal 300 of a low-level warning, and notifies, for example, a doctor or caregiver of the low-level warning.

[0092] In Case 9, when respiration is not measured, the pulse is measured as arrhythmia, and the SPO2 is measured within the normal range, the estimation unit 130 estimates that the necessity or urgency is medium. In this case, the estimation unit 130 notifies the display unit 150, the operation terminal 200, and the external terminal 300 of a medium warning, and notifies a doctor or caregiver of the medium warning, for example.

[0093] Next, Figure 5B shows estimation by the estimation unit 130 in a combination where the first acquisition unit 115 calculates respiration and pulse rate, the second acquisition unit 125 calculates SPO2, and the first acquisition unit 115 can calculate respiration normally.

[0094] 5B , in case 11, when respiration can be measured but pulse rate and SPO2 are not measured, the estimation unit 130 determines that an emergency situation is unlikely to have occurred in the vital signs because respiration is normal, and therefore estimates that there is a malfunction in the vital sign measurement device 100. In this case, the estimation unit 130 does not issue a warning about the vital signs.

[0095] In Case 12, when respiration can be measured, pulse is not measured, and SPO2 is measured at or below the threshold, the estimation unit 130 estimates that the necessity or urgency is medium. In this case, the estimation unit 130 notifies the display unit 150, the operation terminal 200, and the external terminal 300 of a medium warning, and notifies a doctor or caregiver of the medium warning, for example.

[0096] In Case 13, when respiration can be measured, pulse cannot be measured, and SPO2 is measured within the normal range, the estimation unit 130 estimates low necessity or urgency. In this case, the estimation unit 130 notifies the display unit 150, the operation terminal 200, and the external terminal 300 of a low warning, and notifies a doctor or caregiver of the low warning, for example.

[0097] In Case 14, when respiration can be measured, the pulse is measured as arrhythmia, and SPO2 is equal to or less than the threshold, the estimation unit 130 estimates that the necessity or urgency is medium. In this case, the estimation unit 130 notifies the display unit 150, the operation terminal 200, and the external terminal 300 of a medium warning, and notifies a doctor or caregiver of the medium warning, for example.

[0098] In Case 15, when respiration can be measured, the pulse is measured as arrhythmia, and the SPO2 is measured within the normal range, the estimation unit 130 estimates a low level of necessity or urgency. In this case, the estimation unit 130 notifies the display unit 150, the operation terminal 200, and the external terminal 300 of a low level of warning, and notifies, for example, a doctor or caregiver of the low level of warning.

[0099] In case 16, if respiration can be measured, pulse is measured as an arrhythmia, and SPO2 cannot be measured, the estimation unit 130 issues a low-level warning because an arrhythmia has been detected, although there is a possibility of a malfunction of the vital sign measurement device 100.

[0100] In case 17, when respiration can be measured, pulse can be measured normally, and SPO2 cannot be measured, the estimation unit 130 estimates that there is a malfunction in the vital sign measurement device 100. In this case, the estimation unit 130 does not issue a warning about vital signs.

[0101] In Case 18, when respiration and pulse can be measured normally and SPO2 is equal to or less than the threshold, the estimation unit 130 estimates a low level of necessity or urgency. In this case, the estimation unit 130 notifies a low level of warning to the display unit 150, the operation terminal 200, and the external terminal 300, and notifies a doctor or caregiver of the low level of warning, for example.

[0102] In Case 19, if respiration can be measured, pulse can be measured normally, and SPO2 is measured within the normal range, the estimation unit 130 estimates that there is no abnormality in the wearer's vital signs. In this case, the estimation unit 130 does not issue any warning.

[0103] 5C shows an estimation by the estimation unit 130 for a combination in which the first acquisition unit 115 calculates respiration and pulse rate, the second acquisition unit 125 calculates SPO2, and the first acquisition unit 115 calculates that the respiration is irregular (irregular breathing). Note that irregular breathing refers to, for example, a state in which the rhythm and / or depth of breathing is irregular and the apnea duration is regular.

[0104] As shown in Figure 5C, in case 21, when breathing is irregular, the pulse is not measured, and SPO2 is not measured, the estimation unit 130 detects irregular breathing and issues a low-level warning and issues a low-level warning.

[0105] In case 22, when the breathing is irregular, the pulse is not measured, and the measured SPO2 is below the threshold, the estimation unit 130 estimates a high level of necessity or urgency. In this case, the estimation unit 130 notifies the display unit 150, the operation terminal 200, and the external terminal 300 of a high level of warning, and notifies a doctor or caregiver of the high level of warning, for example.

[0106] In case 23, when the breathing is irregular, the pulse is not measured, and the SPO2 is measured within the normal range, the estimation unit 130 estimates a low level of necessity or urgency. In this case, the estimation unit 130 notifies the display unit 150, the operation terminal 200, and the external terminal 300 of a low level of warning, and notifies a doctor or caregiver of the low level of warning, for example.

[0107] In case 24, when the breathing is irregular, the pulse is measured as arrhythmia, and the SPO2 is equal to or less than the threshold, the estimation unit 130 estimates a high level of necessity or urgency. In this case, the estimation unit 130 notifies the display unit 150, the operation terminal 200, and the external terminal 300 of a high level of warning, and notifies a doctor or caregiver of the high level of warning, for example.

[0108] In case 25, when the breathing is irregular, the pulse is measured as arrhythmia, and the SPO2 is measured within the normal range, the estimation unit 130 estimates that the necessity or urgency is medium. In this case, the estimation unit 130 notifies the display unit 150, the operation terminal 200, and the external terminal 300 of a medium warning, and notifies a doctor or caregiver of the medium warning, for example.

[0109] In case 26, when the breathing is irregular, the pulse is measured as arrhythmia, and the SPO2 cannot be measured, the estimation unit 130 estimates that the necessity or urgency is medium. In this case, the estimation unit 130 notifies the display unit 150, the operation terminal 200, and the external terminal 300 of a medium warning, and notifies a doctor or caregiver of the medium warning, for example.

[0110] In case 27, when the breathing is irregular, the pulse can be measured normally, and the SPO2 cannot be measured, the estimation unit 130 detects irregular breathing and estimates that the necessity or urgency is low. In this case, the estimation unit 130 notifies the display unit 150, the operation terminal 200, and the external terminal 300 of a low warning, and notifies a doctor or caregiver of the low warning, for example.

[0111] In case 28, when the breathing is irregular, the pulse rate can be measured normally, and the SPO2 is equal to or lower than the threshold, the estimation unit 130 estimates that the necessity or urgency is medium. In this case, the estimation unit 130 notifies the display unit 150, the operation terminal 200, and the external terminal 300 of a medium warning, and notifies a doctor or caregiver of the medium warning, for example.

[0112] In case 29, when the breathing is irregular, the pulse is measured normally, and the SPO2 is measured within the normal range, the estimation unit 130 estimates that the necessity or urgency is low. In this case, the estimation unit 130 notifies the display unit 150, the operation terminal 200, and the external terminal 300 of a low warning, and notifies a doctor or caregiver of the low warning, for example.

[0113] Returning to the flowchart of Fig. 4, the description will continue. In step S11, the estimation unit 130 issues a high, medium, or low level warning or a notification of cardiac arrest to the display unit 150, the operation terminal 200, and the external terminal 300. At the time of issuing the notification, it is checked whether an instruction to end the process or an input has been received, and if an instruction to end the process or an input has been received (Yes in step S13), the processing is terminated. In other words, if an instruction to end the process or an input has not been received at this point, the warning is repeated.

[0114] Even if the wearer is in critical condition, vital signs may return, so it is important to repeatedly display warnings of vital signs. This is because the wearer may return to normal after cardiac arrest. If the wearer's condition remains critical, warnings will be displayed repeatedly. In addition, it is advisable to store information on the number of warnings in a memory unit so that information on how many warnings have occurred can be found later.

[0115] As described above, the vital sign measuring device 100 according to this embodiment is configured to include a first acquisition unit 115, a second acquisition unit 125, and an estimation unit 130. The first acquisition unit 115 acquires a first vital sign of the wearer based on the detection result of a first sensor mounted on the housing for detecting first biological information of the wearer. Specifically, the first acquisition unit 115 acquires respiration and pulse. The second acquisition unit 125 acquires a second vital sign, different from the first vital sign of the wearer, based on the detection result of a first sensor mounted on the housing for detecting second biological information of the wearer. Specifically, the second acquisition unit 125 acquires SPO2. The estimation unit 130 estimates the vital signs of the wearer based on the first vital sign calculated by the first acquisition unit 115 and the second vital sign calculated by the second acquisition unit 125.

[0116] According to this configuration, if the first acquisition unit 115 cannot acquire the breathing and pulse of the wearer and the second acquisition unit 125 can acquire the SPO2 of the wearer, the estimation unit 130 can estimate that there is an abnormality in the first vital sign of the wearer.

[0117] As a result, this embodiment can improve the accuracy of the vital sign abnormality estimated by the vital sign measuring device 100.

[0118] Furthermore, the vital sign measuring device 100 does not report an abnormality in the wearer's vital signs when the estimation unit 130 estimates that the vital sign measuring device 100 is not properly worn or that there is a malfunction of the vital sign measuring device 100. Therefore, the vital sign measuring device 100 can suppress false reports when there is no abnormality in the wearer, thereby improving the reliability of reporting an abnormality in the wearer's vital signs.

[0119] In particular, if the first acquisition unit 115 cannot acquire the first vital sign of the wearer and the second acquisition unit 125 cannot acquire the second vital sign of the wearer, the estimation unit 130 does not estimate that there is an abnormality in the first vital sign of the wearer.

[0120] Furthermore, if the first acquisition unit 115 cannot acquire the first vital sign of the wearer and the second acquisition unit 125 cannot acquire the second vital sign of the wearer, the estimation unit 130 estimates that the device is not properly worn.

[0121] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress false alarms from the vital sign measuring device 100 and improve the reliability of the alarms.

[0122] Furthermore, the vital sign measuring device 100 has an estimation unit 130 that estimates the wearer's vital signs, and displays the estimation results on the display unit 150 in stages according to the estimation results, and can also transmit the results to the operation terminal 200 and the external terminal 300 via the transmission / reception unit 160. This allows the vital sign measuring device 100 to notify doctors, nursing staff, caregivers, and family members of warnings and alerts.

[0123] <Second embodiment> If the first acquisition unit 115 cannot calculate the respiration and pulse rate values ​​as the first vital signs, and the second acquisition unit 125 can calculate the second vital signs of the wearer, the estimation unit 130 may estimate that the wearer may be in cardiac arrest.

[0124] 5A , the estimation unit 130 can estimate, for example, that the wearer is in a state where there is a possibility of cardiac arrest in Cases 2 and 3. When the estimation unit 130 estimates that there is a possibility of cardiac arrest in the wearer, the display unit 150 may notify the wearer to check the pupillary reflex.

[0125] Specifically, the display unit 150 can prompt the doctor to check the pupillary reflex by prompting the doctor to input the result of checking the pupillary reflex.

[0126] Furthermore, the vital sign measurement system 400 may notify the wearer to take a video of the pupillary reflex and to send the taken video to a medical institution. In this way, when the estimation unit 130 estimates that the wearer may be in cardiac arrest, the display unit 150 may prompt the wearer to take a video of the wearer's pupils with a camera and to send the video to a medical institution in order to seek the doctor's judgment.

[0127] In this way, the vital signs measurement system 400 can notify the doctor not only of the possibility of cardiac arrest but also urge him / her to check the pupillary reflex, thereby encouraging more appropriate treatment depending on the wearer's vital signs.

[0128] <Third embodiment> The vital sign measuring device 100 estimates the vital signs of the wearer by comparing each of biological information or vital signs, including one or more of the wearer's respiration, pulse, body temperature, respiratory sounds, respiratory effort, and SPO2, with a threshold value. In this case, the estimation unit 130 can appropriately estimate the vital signs of the wearer based on the biological information or vital signs calculated by the first acquisition unit 115 and the second acquisition unit 125 and the threshold value.

[0129] That is, the vital sign measuring device 100 can estimate the current vital signs of the wearer in a stepwise manner by combining thresholds with biological information or vital signs. The vital sign measuring device 100 can arbitrarily set estimation criteria and estimate the current vital signs of the wearer in a stepwise manner, thereby changing the manner in which abnormalities in the wearer's vital signs are notified, and can appropriately notify doctors and caregivers of the level of urgency.

[0130] Furthermore, the threshold value can be variable. Therefore, the estimation unit 130 can detect even slight changes in the wearer's condition by taking into account age, gender, underlying diseases, etc., and reflecting these in the threshold value, thereby enabling more appropriate treatment and care to be provided. Furthermore, the estimation unit 130 can arbitrarily set and change the criteria for notification depending on the wearer.

[0131] 3, the vital sign measuring device 100 is configured to include an acceleration sensor 71 and a voice detection unit 72. The vital sign measuring device 100 may detect vital signs of heart failure by combining detection by the acceleration sensor 71 and detection by the voice detection unit 72.

[0132] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Sensor 20 PPG controller 30 Temperature sensor 40 A / D converter 50 CPU 60 Memory 71 Acceleration sensor 72 Voice detection unit 80 Power port 81 Power supply unit 90 Wi-Fi port 100 Vital sign measurement device (vital sign measurement device) 110 First sensor 115 First acquisition unit 120 Second sensor 125 Second acquisition unit 130 Estimation unit 140 Storage unit 150 Display unit (notification unit) 160 Transmission / reception unit 200 Operation terminal 300 External terminal 400 Vital sign measurement system

Claims

1. A vital sign measuring device comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires a first vital sign of a wearer based on the detection result of a first sensor mounted on a housing that detects first biometric information of the wearer; a second acquisition unit that acquires a second vital sign different from the first vital sign of the wearer based on the detection result of a second sensor mounted on the housing that detects second biometric information of the wearer; and an estimation unit that estimates a vital sign of the wearer based on the first vital sign acquired by the first acquisition unit and the second vital sign acquired by the second acquisition unit, wherein the estimation unit estimates that there is an abnormality in the first vital sign of the wearer when the first acquisition unit is unable to acquire the first vital sign of the wearer and the second acquisition unit is able to acquire the second vital sign of the wearer.

2. The vital sign measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are a single common sensor.

3. The vital sign measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the first vital sign is a numerical value of respiration and / or pulse rate.

4. The vital sign measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the second vital sign is a numerical value obtained by irradiating two or more lights with different wavelengths and measuring the difference in absorbance depending on the wavelength.

5. The vital sign measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the second vital sign is body temperature.

6. The vital sign measuring device according to claim 4, wherein the second vital sign is blood oxygen saturation.

7. A vital sign measuring device as described in claim 3, wherein the estimation unit estimates that the wearer may be in cardiac arrest if the first acquisition unit is unable to acquire information regarding the breathing and pulse rate as the first vital sign and the second acquisition unit is able to acquire the second vital sign of the wearer.

8. A vital sign measurement device as described in claim 7, further comprising a notification unit that issues a predetermined notification to the user, and when the estimation unit estimates that the wearer is in cardiac arrest, the notification unit issues a notification urging the user to check their pupillary reflex.

9. The vital sign measurement device according to claim 8, wherein the notification unit prompts the user to input the confirmation result of the pupillary reflex, or notifies the user to take a video of the pupillary reflex and send the video to a medical institution.

10. The vital sign measurement device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that issues a notification regarding the estimated content based on the estimated content estimated by the estimation unit.

11. The vital sign measuring device of claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that estimates the vital signs of the wearer based on the first vital sign and the second vital sign, and notifies the user in stages according to the estimation results of the vital signs of the wearer.

12. A vital sign measuring device as described in claim 1, wherein the estimation unit compares each of the biometric information or vital signs, including one or more of the wearer's respiration, pulse, body temperature, respiratory sounds, respiratory effort, and blood oxygen saturation, with a threshold value to estimate the wearer's vital signs.

13. The vital signs measuring device according to claim 12, wherein the threshold value is variable.

14. A vital sign measuring device as described in claim 1, wherein the estimation unit does not estimate that there is an abnormality in the first vital sign of the wearer if the first acquisition unit is unable to acquire the first vital sign of the wearer and the second acquisition unit is unable to acquire the second vital sign of the wearer.

15. The vital sign measuring device of claim 1, wherein the estimation unit estimates that the device is not properly worn if the first acquisition unit is unable to acquire the first vital sign of the wearer and the second acquisition unit is unable to acquire the second vital sign of the wearer.

16. A vital sign measurement method comprising the steps of: acquiring a first vital sign of a wearer based on the detection result of a first sensor mounted on a housing that detects first biometric information of the wearer; acquiring a second vital sign different from the first vital sign of the wearer based on the detection result of a second sensor mounted on the housing that detects second biometric information of the wearer; and, if the first vital sign of the wearer cannot be acquired but the second vital sign of the wearer can be acquired, inferring that there is an abnormality in the first vital sign of the wearer.

17. A program for causing a computer equipped with a first acquisition unit that acquires a first vital sign of a wearer based on the detection result of a first sensor mounted on a housing that detects first biometric information of the wearer, and a second acquisition unit that acquires a second vital sign different from the first vital sign of the wearer based on the detection result of a second sensor mounted on the housing that detects second biometric information of the wearer, to execute the following steps: acquiring the first vital sign with the first acquisition unit; acquiring the second vital sign with the second acquisition unit; and, if the first acquisition unit is unable to acquire the first vital sign of the wearer but the second acquisition unit is able to acquire the second vital sign of the wearer, inferring that there is an abnormality in the first vital sign of the wearer.

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