JP5168415B2 - Biological information measuring system, method of using biological information measuring apparatus and communication method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a biological information measuring system using a biological information measuring device realized as a pulse rate meter, a pulse wave meter, a pulse oximeter, or the like, and a method of using the biological information measuring device and a communication method.

Non-invasive measurement of pulse and blood oxygen saturation (SpO ₂ value) by irradiating a living tissue with light and determining the change in light absorption characteristics in the living tissue from the transmitted or reflected light A biological information measuring apparatus configured to do so has been used conventionally. For example, in the pulse oximeter, the SpO ₂ value can be measured noninvasively by simply fitting a probe having a light emitting element and a light receiving element for measuring the light absorption characteristics to a finger. It is a highly reliable device, and it is possible to perform measurement for a long time by continuously mounting the probe because of a small burden on the subject. On the other hand, the miniaturization of devices including recording media has progressed, and it is possible not only to use the device in a hospital room, but also to perform long-time measurements carried by the subject.

  In such a portable pulse oximeter, it is necessary to transfer data to a personal computer or the like for analysis. Therefore, in Patent Document 1 by the present applicant, a pulse oximeter is connected to a personal computer by wire to transfer data. On the other hand, Patent Document 2 discloses a monitoring device that attaches a diagnostic device to a body and wirelessly transmits acquired data to a main device.

  Therefore, for the communication interface with the outside, a connector or the like is required in the conventional technique of Patent Document 1, and a wireless communication unit is required in the conventional technique of Patent Document 2. On the other hand, the pulse oximeter performs the long-time measurement while conducting normal social life such as at bedtime. For this reason, further miniaturization is desired.

JP 2008-253579 A US Pat. No. 7,215,991

An object of the present invention is to provide a biological information measuring system, a method for using the biological information measuring device, and a communication method that can further reduce the size of the biological information measuring device.

To achieve the above object, in a method and a communication method using the raw body information measuring system as well as the biological information measuring apparatus of the present invention, a first light-emitting element for irradiating light to a living tissue, the transmitted light by the biological tissue Alternatively, the first light receiving element that receives reflected light is used as an optical communication interface with an external device.

  Therefore, it is not necessary to mount an interface such as a connector or a wireless communication circuit for communication between the biological information measuring device and an external device, and it can be downsized and optically communicated. no problem.

It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the pulse oximeter system which is the biological information measuring system which concerns on Embodiment 1 by the 1st point of focus of this invention. It is a wave form diagram which shows the light emission pattern at the time of the measurement of a pulse oximeter. It is a wave form diagram which shows an example of the light emission pattern at the time of communication by this invention of the said pulse oximeter. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the pulse oximeter system which is the biological information measuring system which concerns on Embodiment 2 by the 2nd point of focus of this invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a method of reading various setting information from the pulse oximeter shown in FIG. 4 and shows the operation on the simulator side. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a method of reading various setting information from the pulse oximeter shown in FIG. 4, and shows the operation on the pulse oximeter side.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the structure which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in each figure shows that it is the same structure, The description is abbreviate | omitted.

[First embodiment based on first focus]
Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a pulse oximeter system is a biological information measurement system according to Embodiment 1 of implementation of the present invention. The pulse oximeter system includes a pulse oximeter 1, a general-purpose personal computer 2 storing dedicated software, and an interface device 3 interposed therebetween, and the personal computer 2 and interface The device 3 corresponds to the external device and the external communication unit of the present invention.

  The pulse oximeter 1 includes a main body 4 and a probe 6. The probe 6 includes light emitting diodes 61 and 62, a photodiode 63, an identification resistor 64, and a support member 65. The light emitting diodes 61 and 62, which are first light emitting elements, irradiate a subject's finger with light of two wavelengths of red light and infrared light, respectively, as living tissue with blood flow. The photodiode 63 which is a first light receiving element receives the light having the two wavelengths transmitted from the light emitting diodes 61 and 62 transmitted or reflected (transmitted in the example of FIG. 1) by the subject's finger. To do. The identification resistor 64 represents the type of the light emitting diodes 61 and 62 in the probe 6 by its resistance value. The support member 65 sandwiches the subject's finger between the light emitting diodes 61 and 62 and the photodiode 63 facing each other.

  Different types of probes 6 are prepared so that the probe 6 can be appropriately selected depending on whether the subject is an adult, a child, or a newborn, and whether the measurement time is long or short, disposable or reusable, etc. The main body 4 can be attached and detached with a connector or the like to be exchanged. The characteristics of the light emitting diodes 61 and 62 used are different between the different types of probes 6, and the identification resistor 64 indicates the characteristics of the light emitting diodes 61 and 62 by the resistance value as described above. . For example, the resistance value of the identification resistor 64 is set to 10 kΩ in the case of a combination of 660 nm and 900 nm for red and infrared among the light emitting diodes 61 and 62, and 650 nm and 900 nm. Is set to 12 kΩ. Here, the probe 6 is shown to be separable from the main body 4, but the probe 6 may be configured integrally with the main body 4.

  The main body section 4 includes a CPU 41, a timing generation section 42, an LED driver section 43, a current / voltage conversion section 44, a waveform shaping section 45, an analog / digital conversion section 47, a measurement data storage section 48, and a display. A unit 49, a setting unit 50, a setting state storage unit 51, a model information storage unit 52, a calibration curve storage unit 53, an LED wavelength information analysis unit 54, and a calibration curve selection unit 55. .

The CPU 41 controls the overall operation of the pulse oximeter 1, and includes a light emission control unit 41a, a calculation unit 41b, and a communication unit 41c as main functions. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the light emission control unit 41 a generates a control signal for alternately emitting the red light and the infrared light, and drives the LED driver unit 43 via the timing generation unit 42. The light emitting diodes 61 and 62 on the probe 6 side are modulated at a predetermined level to emit light alternately. The calculation unit 41b calculates the SpO ₂ value based on the signal received by the photodiode 63 on the probe 6 side. The communication unit 41c communicates with the personal computer 2 as will be described later.

  The timing generator 42 generates a timing signal for alternately causing the light emitting diodes 61 and 62 to emit light in response to a signal from the light emission controller 41a of the CPU 41. The LED driver 43 is lit to drive the light emitting diodes 61 and 62 in response to a timing signal from the timing generator 42.

  The current-voltage converter 44 converts the current signal from the photodiode 63 into a voltage signal. The waveform shaping unit 45 restores a pulse component having a predetermined period from the voltage signal obtained by the current-voltage conversion unit 44. The analog / digital conversion unit 47 performs analog / digital conversion on the voltage signal obtained by the current-voltage conversion unit 44 in accordance with the timing signal from the timing generation unit 42, and converts the red light signal component and the infrared signal. This is separated into light signal components and given to the calculation unit 41b of the CPU 41.

The measurement data storage unit 48 is composed of a non-volatile memory, and stores the calculation result of the calculation unit 41b. The display unit 49 is realized by a liquid crystal display panel or the like, and displays a current measurement value (SpO ₂ value and pulse rate), and also displays a warning when a hypoxic state is reached. The setting unit 50 performs various settings such as a threshold value for determining the low oxygen state. The setting state storage unit 51 stores a setting value in the setting unit 50.

The model information storage unit 52 stores the manufacturer name, model number, product number, and the like of the pulse oximeter 1. The calibration curve storage unit 53 defines the relationship between the ratio of the red light pulse wave signal and the infrared light pulse wave signal, which varies depending on the light emission characteristics of the light emitting diodes 61 and 62 described later, and the SpO ₂ value. The calibration curve (data) is stored. In general, the calibration curve is a table in which various ratios of a pulse wave signal of red light and a pulse wave signal of infrared light and SpO ₂ values corresponding to the respective ratios are stored as a table. . However, the calibration curve may be an expression representing the relationship between the ratio of the red light pulse wave signal and the infrared light pulse wave signal and the SpO ₂ value. The relationship between the ratio of the red light pulse wave signal to the infrared light pulse wave signal and the SpO ₂ value varies depending on the characteristics of the red light and infrared light (emission intensity, peak wavelength, half width, etc.). For this reason, even if the red light and infrared light characteristics of the light emitting diodes 61 and 62 of the probe 6 are different from the standard characteristics, various red light and infrared light characteristics are calculated in order to calculate a correct SpO ₂ value. Are stored in the calibration curve storage unit 53. Then, an appropriate calibration table corresponding to the characteristics of the red light and infrared light of the probe 6 to be used is selected by the configuration curve selection unit 55 and used for the calculation of the SpO ₂ value.

  The LED wavelength information analysis unit 54 reads the resistance value of the identification resistor 64, refers to a pre-stored table, and determines the light emission characteristics of the light emitting diodes 61 and 62 corresponding to the read resistance value. Is. The calibration curve selection unit 55 selects and reads the calibration curve in the calibration curve storage unit 53 in response to the light emission characteristics of the light emitting diodes 61 and 62 obtained by the LED wavelength information analysis unit 54. .

  In the pulse oximeter 1 configured as described above, the transmitted light of the subject's finger due to the light emission of the light emitting diodes 61 and 62 is converted into a current signal according to the light reception level by the photodiode 63, and the main body 4 Is input. In the main body 4, the current signal is converted into a voltage signal by the current / voltage converter 44, and converted into a digital value by the analog / digital converter 47 in response to the timing signal from the timing generator 42. At the same time, the light component is separated into a red light component and an infrared light component and input to the calculation unit 41 b of the CPU 41.

  On the other hand, the resistance value of the identification resistor 64 is read by the LED wavelength information analysis unit 54 and given to the calibration curve selection unit 55. The calibration curve selection unit 55 includes a light emitting diode 61 of the probe 6 that is actually attached to the main body 4 among a plurality of calibration curves corresponding to various light emitting diodes stored in the calibration curve storage unit 53. One corresponding to 62 is selected and set in the calculation unit 41b of the CPU 41. Therefore, the identification resistor 64 serves as an identification member that represents the type of the light emitting diodes 61 and 62, and the LED wavelength information analysis unit 54 serves as a reading unit that reads the resistance value of the identification resistor 64.

Accordingly, the calculation unit 41b calculates the SpO ₂ value from the ratio of the pulse wave signal of the red light and the infrared light by using the digital value of the light reception signal at the light emitting diodes 61 and 62. In addition, the calculation unit 41b obtains the pulse rate from the period of the pulse wave signal of the red light or infrared light, and sequentially stores the measurement data in the storage unit 48, and if necessary, the display unit 49. Furthermore, when the determined SpO ₂ value is set in advance by the user from the setting unit 50 and exceeds the alarm value stored in the setting state storage unit 51, the display unit 49 particularly provides voice notification. I do.

  In the pulse oximeter 1 configured as described above, conventionally, the personal computer 2 that is an external data processing device is connected to the communication unit 41c of the CPU 41 via an connector to an insulating circuit made of a photocoupler. The measurement data stored in the measurement data storage unit 48 is transferred for a long time, and various settings are made. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the pulse oximeter 1 is connected to the personal computer 2 through the interface device 3, and the measurement data is transferred and various settings are performed.

  Specifically, first, the interface device 3 includes a simulated finger 7 and a main body 8. The simulated finger 7 includes a main body 71, a photodiode 72, a light emitting diode 73, and a light shielding plate 74. The main body 71 is sandwiched (engaged) between the support members 65. A photodiode 72, which is a second light receiving element, is attached to one surface side of the main body 71 so as to face at least one of the light emitting diodes 61 and 62, and a second light receiving element is attached to the other surface side. A light emitting diode 73 which is a light emitting element is attached to face the photodiode 63. In the main body 71, a light shielding plate 74 is interposed between the light emitting diode 73 and the photodiode 72.

  The main body 8 includes an LED driver 81 that drives the light emitting diode 73 in response to an output signal of the personal computer 2, a current-voltage converter 82 that converts a current signal from the photodiode 72 into a voltage signal, The voltage signal is waveform-shaped, that is, provided with a waveform shaping unit 83 that converts the voltage signal into a binary signal and uses it as an input signal of the personal computer 2.

  On the other hand, a current-voltage conversion unit 44 and a waveform shaping unit 45 are provided on the main body 4 side of the pulse oximeter 1 in order to realize communication with the personal computer 2, and the CPU 41 includes A communication unit 41c is provided. Then, the light emitting diode 73 emits light by the personal computer 2, and the current signal obtained by the photodiode 63 is converted into a voltage signal by the current-voltage conversion unit 44 and then input to the waveform shaping unit 45. . The waveform shaping unit 45 converts the input signal into waveform shaping, that is, a binary signal, and inputs the signal to the communication unit 41c.

  It should be noted here that the personal computer 2 serving as the second communication unit, as described above, first communicates with the pulse oximeter 1 via the LED driver unit 81 in a predetermined format ( Command) to drive the light emitting diode 73. On the other hand, on the pulse oximeter 1 side, the communication unit 41c of the CPU 41, which is the first communication unit and is also a detection unit as described above, monitors the input signal from the waveform shaping unit 45, and is shown in FIG. While the optical signal for measurement as shown in FIG. 5 is being transmitted, the waveform shaping unit 45 does not output the shaped pulse, and the communication unit 41c remains on standby (monitored).

  On the other hand, when the predetermined signal (command) is received by the photodiode 63, the waveform shaping unit 45 outputs a shaped pulse, and the communication unit 41c decodes the pulse. When it is confirmed that the signal (command) has the predetermined format, the state is switched to a state where optical communication is possible. When the communication unit 41c is in a state capable of optical communication, the communication unit 41c uses at least one of the light emitting diodes 61 and 62 and the photodiode 63 as an optical communication interface to communicate with the personal computer 2 side. Communicate. Thus, the stored data in the measurement data storage unit 48 as described above can be transferred, and various settings can be made to the CPU 41.

  FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram showing an example of a communication signal between the personal computer 2 and the communication unit 41c including the signal (command) in the predetermined format. In the example of FIG. 3, a pulse having a cycle shorter than that of red light and infrared light is used, and the red light and infrared light irradiation light and transmitted light can be distinguished.

  Note that the waveform shaping unit 45 is omitted and the pulse conversion result by the waveform shaping unit 45 is not used, but the communication unit 41c is switched to a state in which optical communication is possible from the conversion result of the analog / digital conversion unit 47. Is also possible. In that case, the communication unit 41c of the pulse oximeter 1 obtains the period from the time series of the digital value of the analog / digital conversion unit 47, and if it is a predetermined period different from the period during normal measurement, Recognized as a communication signal from the computer 2.

  Alternatively, when detecting the connection of the external communication unit, the communication unit 41c is used as a detection unit and is not detected optically by a signal (command) in a predetermined format, for example, a magnet is provided on the simulated finger 7, By providing the probe 6 with a magnetic field detection element such as a Hall element, the communication unit 41c may magnetically recognize that the simulated finger 7 is worn and set the communicable state. By detecting by the above method, the connection can be detected without requiring an electrical connection terminal.

  Thus, by using the light emitting diodes 61 and 62 and the photodiode 63 of the pulse oximeter 1 as an optical communication interface for performing optical communication with the personal computer 2, communication between the pulse oximeter 1 and the personal computer 2 can be performed. For this reason, it is not necessary to mount an interface such as a connector or a wireless communication circuit in particular, and it is possible to reduce the size and cost, and because it is optical communication, there is no problem in insulation.

The living body information measuring apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a first light emitting element that irradiates light to a living tissue, a first light receiving element that receives the transmitted or reflected light of the light from the living tissue, and the first light receiving element. A calculation unit that calculates biological information using a light reception signal of the light receiving element, a detection unit that detects whether or not the biological information measuring device is in a communicable state, and a state in which the detection unit is communicable A first communication unit that performs optical communication with the outside using the first light emitting element and the first light receiving element as an optical communication interface with the outside. It is characterized by.

  According to said structure, the light from a 1st light emitting element is irradiated to a biological tissue, the permeation | transmission or reflected light of the said biological tissue is received with a 1st light receiving element, and the light reception signal is utilized. In the biological information measuring apparatus in which the calculation unit calculates predetermined biological information, the calculation result in the calculation unit, that is, measurement data is transferred to an external device such as a personal computer, or the biological information measurement apparatus The first communication unit provided for reading out the specifications and setting contents of the device and setting from the outside connects the first light emitting element and the first light receiving element to the optical communication interface with the external device. Use as a face.

  For example, a light reception signal from the first light receiving element is input to the first communication unit, and when the signal is monitored and a predetermined signal format, that is, a command to perform optical communication is input, the external communication Perform optical communication with the device. Alternatively, the first communication unit is configured such that the light reception signal is larger than a predetermined value because the light reception signal is outside a predetermined light reception signal range, for example, there is no living tissue between the light emitting element and the light receiving element. When it is detected, optical communication is performed. Alternatively, when the first communication unit includes an operation unit for selecting the biological information measurement device between a measurement mode for measuring biological information and a communication mode for performing optical communication, When the operation detects that the communication mode is selected, optical communication is performed.

  Therefore, it is not necessary to mount an interface such as a connector or a wireless communication circuit for communication between the biological information measuring device and an external device, and it can be downsized and optically communicated. no problem.

In particular, the present embodiment is a biological information measuring system configured to include the biological information measuring device and an external communication unit, and the external communication unit includes a second light emitting element and a second light receiving element. And a second communication unit that uses the second light emitting element and the second light receiving element as an optical communication interface with the outside, and the biological information measuring device and the external communication unit are an engaging part. When engaged, the optical communication becomes possible, and in the engaged state, the first light emitting element and the second light receiving element face each other, and the first light receiving element and the second light emitting element are opposed to each other. Are arranged so as to face each other.

  According to the above configuration, the biological information measuring apparatus originally provides the biological information by configuring the external device with the second light emitting element, the second light receiving element, and the second communication unit as described above. By using the first light emitting element and the first light receiving element to be acquired as an optical communication interface as described above, a biological information measurement system that communicates with the external device can be realized.

  Also preferably, in the biological information measuring apparatus, the first light emitting element irradiates a living tissue with blood flow with light of two wavelengths, red light and infrared light, and the first light receiving element. Receives the transmitted or reflected light of each of the two wavelengths of light in the living tissue, and the calculation unit uses the light reception signal in the first light receiving element to receive two light in the living tissue. It is a pulse oximeter that calculates blood oxygen saturation from the difference in light absorption characteristics of wavelengths.

  According to said structure, the said biometric information measuring apparatus is realizable as a pulse oximeter which calculates blood oxygen saturation.

[Embodiment 2 based on second focus]
Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the implementation pulse oximeter system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. This pulse oximeter system is similar to the pulse oximeter system shown in FIG. 1 described above, and corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. In this pulse oximeter system, the pulse oximeter 1 ′ is basically the same as the pulse oximeter 1 described above. In the present embodiment, the simulator 10 is used as an external device or an external communication unit instead of the personal computer 2.

  In large hospitals where these pulse oximeters 1 and 1 'are used on a scale of several tens, a biological simulator is known and used as a device for evaluating the functions and performance of the pulse oximeters 1 and 1'. The simulator 10 serving as the biological simulator is configured by including a simulated finger 3 ′ in the main body 11. The simulated finger 3 ′ is similar to the simulated finger 3, and the light emitting diode 73 is a light emitting diode that generates one of red light and infrared light, and a light emitting diode 75 that generates the other light is further provided. .

  The main body 11 includes a CPU 101, a current / voltage converter 102, a waveform shaping unit 103, a waveform shaping unit 104, an LED driver unit 105, a display unit 106, a setting unit 107, and a calibration curve selection unit 108. , An R / IR setting unit 109, an AC setting unit 110, a DC setting unit 111, and a pulse rate setting unit 112.

  The CPU 101 includes a control unit 101a, a calibration curve storage unit 101b, and a communication unit 101c. The control unit 101a controls a simulation operation and an optical communication operation, which will be described later, a processing operation of measurement data obtained by the optical communication operation, and the like. The calibration curve storage unit 101b stores a calibration curve corresponding to the emission characteristics (peak intensity, peak wavelength, half-value width, etc.) of each type of light emitting diode of each manufacturer. The communication unit 101c serves as a second communication unit in the claims, and performs optical communication with the communication unit 41c 'on the pulse oximeter 1' side as described later.

  The current-voltage conversion unit 102 converts the current signal from the photodiode 72 into a voltage signal, like the current-voltage conversion unit 82 and the current-voltage conversion unit 44. Similarly to the waveform shaping unit 45, the waveform shaping unit 103 restores a pulse component having a predetermined period from the voltage signal obtained by the current-voltage conversion unit 44, and also performs the simulation of the light emitting diodes 61 and 62 during simulation. A pulse for detecting the light emission timing is generated.

On the other hand, the DC setting unit 111 sets a DC component for driving the light emitting diodes 73 and 75 to be turned on during the simulation, that is, a basic light emission intensity, and a pulse for driving the light emitting diodes 73 and 75 to be turned on during optical communication described later. The signal is generated. On the other hand, the AC setting unit 110 sets the light emission intensity of the AC component that drives the light emitting diodes 73 and 75 to turn on during the simulation, that is, the modulation component corresponding to the target SpO ₂ value. The pulse rate setting unit 112 sets the light emission intensity of a low frequency component that lights and drives the light emitting diodes 73 and 75 in the simulation, that is, a modulation component corresponding to the pulse.

  At the time of the simulation, the waveform shaping unit 104 is at a level corresponding to the set values by the AC setting unit 110, the DC setting unit 111, and the pulse rate setting unit 112, and at the light emission timing obtained by the waveform shaping unit 103, A drive signal for lighting the light emitting diodes 73 and 75 is created. Further, the waveform shaping unit 104 generates a drive signal for driving the light emitting diode 73 or 75 in response to the pulse signal from the DC setting unit 111 during the optical communication. The LED driver unit 105 drives the light emitting diodes 73 and 75 to light in response to a drive signal from the waveform shaping unit 104.

Here, the calibration curve selection unit 108 selects a calibration curve corresponding to the light emission characteristics of the light emitting diodes 61 and 62 on the pulse oximeter 1 ′ side during the simulation. The control unit 101a reads the ratio between the modulation degree of red light and the modulation degree of infrared light corresponding to the SpO ₂ value to be simulated from the selected calibration curve, and sets it in the R / IR setting unit 109. . For example, when the SpO ₂ value to be simulated is 97% and the wavelength of the light emitting diodes 61 and 62 is a combination of 660 nm and 900 nm, red light is emitted when SpO ₂ = 97% in the selected calibration curve. Since the ratio of the modulation degree to the modulation degree of infrared light is 0.6, the R / IR setting unit 109 is set to 0.6. If the wavelength of the light-emitting diodes 61 and 62 is a combination of 650 nm and 900 nm, the ratio of the red light modulation degree and the infrared light modulation degree is 0.58 when SpO _{2 of} the calibration curve is 97%. The R / IR setting unit 109 is set to 0.58.

  The control unit 101a sets the modulation degree of red light and infrared light in the AC setting unit 110. The value read from the setting unit 107 by the CPU 101 is set as the modulation degree of the infrared light. The red light modulation degree is set to a value obtained by multiplying the infrared light modulation degree by the ratio of the red light modulation degree and the infrared light modulation degree set in the R / IR setting unit 109.

The display unit 106 includes a liquid crystal display panel and the like, and can display various setting screens necessary for the simulation and the status of the simulation. The setting unit 107 sets various parameters necessary for the simulation, such as SpO ₂ value, pulse rate, and pulse wave signal intensity (modulation degree) of infrared light.

In the pulse oximeter 1 ′ and the simulator 10 configured as described above, the SpO ₂ value and the pulse rate as the simulation target values are input from the setting unit 107 by the user with reference to the display unit 106. , CPU 101 is set. In response to these set values, the control unit 101a of the CPU 101 sets the DC component value for driving the red and infrared light emitting diodes 73 and 75 in the DC setting unit 111, and the AC component. Is set in the AC setting unit 110, and the pulse rate value is set in the pulse rate setting unit 112. Then, based on the set values of the DC setting unit 111, the AC setting unit 110, and the pulse rate setting unit 112, the waveform shaping unit 104 forms a simulation waveform, and the light emitting diodes 73 and 75 are connected via the LED driver unit 105. By driving to emit light, the pulse oximeter 1 ′ can be simulated.

  On the other hand, for the optical communication, a current-voltage conversion unit 102 and a waveform shaping unit 103 similar to the current-voltage conversion unit 82 and the waveform shaping unit 83 for reception are provided in the main body unit 11 and for transmission. The DC setting unit 111, the waveform shaping unit 104, and the LED driver unit 105 are shared. Then, instead of the personal computer 2, the communication unit 101c of the CPU 101 serving as the second communication unit uses these to communicate with the communication unit 41c 'on the pulse oximeter 1' side.

  Prior to the simulation, the control unit 101a of the CPU 101 causes the communication unit 101c to connect one of the light emitting diodes 73 and 75 from the DC setting unit 111 and the waveform shaping unit 104 via the LED driver unit 105 in advance. The communication unit 41c ′ in the CPU 41 ′ on the pulse oximeter 1 ′ side is switched to a state capable of optical communication by being driven by a signal (command) of a predetermined format.

  Subsequently, the control unit 101a sends the calibration curve information corresponding to the type of the light emitting diodes 61 and 62 of the current probe 6 from the calibration curve selection unit 55 to the communication unit 101c, the current-voltage conversion unit 102, and the waveform. Reading is performed via the shaping unit 103.

As a result of the reading, the control unit 101a causes the calibration curve selection unit 108 to select a corresponding one of the plurality of calibration curves stored in the calibration curve storage unit 101b in the CPU 101, and from the selected calibration curve. Then, the ratio of the modulation factor of the red light and the modulation factor of the infrared light corresponding to the SpO ₂ setting value of the target value of the simulation set by the setting unit 107 is read, and the value is read to the R / IR setting unit 109. Set. Thereby, the light emission characteristics (the peak intensity, the peak wavelength, the half width, etc.) of the two light emitting diodes 61 and 62 of the current probe 6 can be reproduced in a pseudo manner by the light emitting diodes 73 and 75 on the simulator 10 side.

  The control unit 101 a also reads out alarm information set from the setting unit 50 and stored in the setting state storage unit 51 and model information stored in the model information storage unit 52.

  On the other hand, the AC setting unit 110 includes a ratio of the modulation degree of red light and infrared light set in the R / IR setting unit 109, and the modulation degree of infrared light set in the setting unit 107. Therefore, the degree of modulation of red light and infrared light is set by the control unit 101a. The pulse rate that is the target value of the simulation set in the setting unit 107 is set in the pulse rate setting unit 112 by the control unit 101a. In the waveform shaping unit 104, the base light emission intensity of the red light and the infrared light set in the DC setting unit with the modulation degree of the red light and the infrared light set in the AC setting unit 110, and the pulse rate setting unit Drive waveforms of the light emitting diodes 73 and 75 for modulating red light and infrared light are generated at a frequency corresponding to the pulse rate set to 112. The light emission timings of the light emitting diodes 73 and 75 are generated by the waveform shaping unit 103 and input to the waveform shaping unit 104 as described above. Thus, the drive waveform output from the waveform shaping unit 104 is input to the LED driver unit 105, and the light emitting diodes 73 and 75 are driven.

  In the above description, the calibration curve storage unit 101b on the simulator 10 side stores a plurality of calibration curves, and the type is selected according to the calibration curve information obtained from the calibration curve selection unit 55. However, the selected calibration curve itself may be read from the calibration curve selection unit 55. In addition, the correspondence between model information (manufacturer name, model name, serial number, etc. of the pulse oximeter) and the calibration curve is registered and stored in the simulator 10 in advance, and the simulator 10 stores the pulse oxymeter before the simulation. An appropriate calibration curve may be selected by reading the model information (the manufacturer name, model name, serial number, etc. of the pulse oximeter) stored in the model information storage unit 52 by communicating with the meter 1 ′. In this example, the simulator 10 uses two types of light emitting diodes 73 and 75. However, the simulator 10 has one light emitting diode, and the light emission timing, light emission intensity, modulation degree, and modulation frequency are set to red. Time-division driving may be performed so as to correspond to light and infrared light.

  5 and 6 are flowcharts for explaining a method of reading various setting information from the pulse oximeter 1 'as described above. First, FIG. 5 shows the operation on the simulator 10 side. In step S1, the control unit 101a requests the model information stored in the model information storage unit 52 on the pulse oximeter 1 ′ side via the communication unit 101c. If it is received in step S2, it is set in the control unit 101a in step S3.

  Next, in step S4, the control unit 101a requests information on the currently selected calibration curve from the calibration curve selection unit 55 on the pulse oximeter 1 ′ side via the communication unit 101c, and receives it in step S5. Then, in step S6, the corresponding calibration curve is read from the calibration curve storage unit 101b to the calibration curve selection unit 108 and set in the R / IR setting unit 109.

  Finally, in step S7, the control unit 101a requests the alarm setting value stored in the setting state storage unit 51 on the pulse oximeter 1 ′ side via the communication unit 101c, and when received in step S8. In step S9, the alarm setting value is set in the control unit 101a. Thus, when the collection of all parameters necessary for the simulation of the pulse oximeter 1 ′ is completed, the light emission diodes 73 and 75 are driven to emit light in the simulation mode.

  On the other hand, on the pulse oximeter 1 ′ side in FIG. 6, the signal received by the photodiode 63 by the communication unit 41c ′ in step S11 is a rectangular wave pulse within 100 ± 10 μs as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the signal is a communication signal with the simulator 10 that can be shaped by the shaping unit 45. If not, the normal measurement operation is restored. On the other hand, when the received signal is a signal for communication with the simulator 10 in the step S11, the communication unit 41c ′ is switched to a state capable of optical communication, as shown in FIG. To accept a request for data. In step S12, it is determined whether the requested data is the model information. If the requested data is model information, the communication unit 41c ′ is stored in the model information storage unit 52 in step S13. Is read out and sent back to the communication unit 101c on the simulator 10 side, once the data request is accepted, and the normal measurement operation is resumed.

  On the other hand, if the data requested in step S12 is not model information, the process proceeds to step S14, where it is determined whether the data is alarm set value information. If the data is alarm set value information, step S15 is performed. Then, the communication unit 41c ′ reads the alarm setting value information stored in the setting state storage unit 51, returns the information to the communication unit 101c on the simulator 10 side, and once completes the process of accepting the data request. Return to the measurement operation. If it is determined in step S14 that the requested data is not information on the alarm set value, the process proceeds to step S16, where it is determined whether the information is calibration curve information. If the requested data is calibration curve information, step S17 is performed. Then, the communication unit 41c ′ reads out the information of the calibration curve selected by the calibration curve selection unit 55, returns the information to the communication unit 101c on the simulator 10 side, once finishes the process of accepting the data request, Return to measurement operation.

  With this configuration, the control unit 101a can automatically and accurately set a calibration curve that differs depending on the probe 6 on the simulator 10 side, and the expected performance can be obtained in the pulse oximeter 1 ′. It is possible to easily determine whether or not the probe 6 has failed or whether the probe 6 has failed. Therefore, the control unit 101a becomes an evaluation unit and a warning unit.

  Here, US Pat. No. 5,784,151 and US Pat. No. 5,348,005 show a method for setting the model information of the pulse oximeter as described above. According to this, the user is registered in the simulator. This is a method of selecting the applicable one from the displayed model list of the pulse oximeter. However, in the conventional technology, there is a trouble for the user to select a corresponding model from a number of pulse oximeter models that are sequentially displayed on the display screen of the simulator, and the calibration curve is different even in the same model pulse oximeter. There is a problem that it is not possible to cope with such a case.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as described above, not only the model of the pulse oximeter 1 ′ can be easily and accurately set in the simulator 10, but also the oximeter having the same model but different calibration curves can be used. It becomes possible to respond. In addition, since the alarm set value of the pulse oximeter 1 ′ can be automatically transmitted to the simulator 10 and set, the SpO ₂ value near the alarm set value is automatically checked when the simulator 10 confirms the alarm function of the pulse oximeter 1 ′. The convenience can be improved by sweeping the data of the pulse rate.

In the biological information measuring system according to the present embodiment, the biological information measuring device is a pulse oximeter that calculates oxygen saturation, and includes a probe unit attached to a biological tissue, and the external communication unit includes the probe It functions as an interface of a simulator for evaluating the performance of the pulse oximeter by engaging with the unit and performing optical communication.

  According to said structure, said external communication unit is realizable as a simulator for the performance measurement of a pulse oximeter.

  Preferably, in the biological information measurement system, the pulse oximeter includes a first storage unit that stores information for selecting a calibration curve used when calculating the oxygen saturation, and the simulator includes a plurality of simulators. Information about the calibration curve is obtained by optical communication from a second storage unit storing a plurality of calibration curves corresponding to the type of pulse oximeter and the first storage unit of the pulse oximeter, and corresponds to the information And an evaluation unit that reads the calibration curve from the second storage unit and evaluates the pulse oximeter.

  According to said structure, said external communication unit is implement | achieved as a simulator for the performance measurement of the said pulse oximeter, and the setting of the complicated calibration curve with respect to this simulator can be automated.

  In addition, as a device for measuring biological information using a light emitting element and a light receiving element, a pulse wave meter, a pulse rate meter, an acceleration pulse wave meter, a blood vessel age measuring device derived from an acceleration pulse wave meter, a blood pressure meter, a jaundice meter, etc. There is. The shape of the engaging portion of the external communication unit may be formed in accordance with the shape of the probe used when measuring biological information.

  The present invention provides a first light emitting element that generates light when using a biological information measuring device that measures biological information of the biological tissue by irradiating the biological tissue with light and using transmitted or reflected light. And the first light receiving element that receives the transmitted or reflected light is used as an optical communication interface with the outside. As a result, measurement data from the biological information measuring device and various settings to the biological information measuring device can be performed without using a connector or a wireless communication circuit, so the biological information measuring device can be downsized. This is preferable.

Claims (7)

A biological information measuring system comprising a biological information measuring device and an external communication unit,
The biological information measuring device is a pulse oximeter for calculating oxygen saturation,
A probe unit to be attached to a living tissue;
A first light-emitting element mounted on the probe unit and irradiating light to a living tissue;
A first light receiving element mounted on the probe unit for receiving the light transmitted or reflected by the living tissue;
A calculation unit that calculates biological information using a light reception signal in the first light receiving element;
A detection unit for detecting whether or not the biological information measuring device is in a communicable state;
When the detection unit detects that communication is possible, the first light emitting element and the first light receiving element are used as an optical communication interface with the outside to perform optical communication with the outside. 1 communication unit;
With
The external communication unit is
A second light emitting element and a second light receiving element;
A second communication unit that uses the second light emitting element and the second light receiving element as an optical communication interface with the outside,
When the external communication unit is engaged with the probe unit, the biological information measuring device and the external communication unit are in a state where the optical communication can be performed. In the engaged state, the first light emitting element and the external communication unit The second light receiving element is opposed to the first light receiving element and the second light emitting element is opposed to each other, and the external communication unit performs optical communication with the biological information measuring device. the biological information measurement system characterized that you function as an interface for simulator to evaluate the performance of the pulse oximeter. The pulse oximeter includes a first storage unit that stores information for selecting a calibration curve to be used when calculating the oxygen saturation.
The simulator acquires information on the calibration curve by optical communication from a second storage unit that stores a plurality of calibration curves corresponding to a plurality of types of pulse oximeters, and a first storage unit of the pulse oximeter, It reads the calibration curve that corresponds to the information from the second storage section, the biological information measuring system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an evaluation unit for evaluating the pulse oximeter. 3. The biological information measuring system according to claim 2 , wherein the information for selecting the calibration curve is at least one of a manufacturer, a product model name, and a manufacturing number of the pulse oximeter. The pulse oximeter includes a first storage unit that stores a calibration curve used when calculating the oxygen saturation.
The simulator, from said first storage section of the pulse oximeter obtains the calibration curve by the optical communication, the biological information measuring according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an evaluation unit for evaluating the pulse oximeter system. The pulse oximeter determines whether or not the measured oxygen saturation or pulse rate is suitable for a preset determination condition, and warns when it is determined that the determination condition is not satisfied, and a setting unit for setting the determination condition; With
The simulator via the optical communication with the pulse oximeter, the readout determination condition, or, the biological information measuring system according to claim 1, wherein the rewriting the determination condition. A probe unit is attached to a living tissue, a first light emitting element mounted on the probe unit irradiates light to the living tissue, and a first light receiving element mounted on the probe unit transmits through the living tissue. Alternatively, in the method of using the biological information measuring device as a pulse oximeter that receives reflected light and uses a light reception signal from the first light receiving element to calculate oxygen saturation ,
The biological information measuring device includes a detection unit that detects whether or not the biological information measuring device is in a communicable state, and a first communication unit,
An external communication unit is provided, and the external communication unit uses the second light emitting element and the second light receiving element, and the second light emitting element and the second light receiving element as an optical communication interface with the outside. A communication unit,
By engaging the external communication unit with the probe unit, the first light emitting element and the second light receiving element are opposed to each other, and the first light receiving element and the second light emitting element are opposed to each other. and a first light emission element and the first light receiving element for generating the light, is used as an optical communication interface with the outside, the external communication unit as an interface for simulator to evaluate the performance of the pulse oximeter using the biological information measuring apparatus according to claim Rukoto to function. Applied to the biological information measuring device in the biological information measuring system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A step of receiving a received signal before Symbol first light receiving element,
Detecting whether received signal at the first light receiving element is a signal pre-defined signal form from the second light receiving element of the external communication unit by the detection unit,
When the detection unit detects that the received light signal has a predetermined signal format, the first communication unit connects the first light emitting element and the first light receiving element to an optical communication interface with the outside. And step to drive as
A communication method of a biological information measuring device, comprising:

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