JP5896801B2 - Component measuring device and medical device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a component measuring apparatus and a medical device that measure a predetermined component or vital sign in a body fluid and output the measured value from a speaker.

  In the treatment of diabetes, daily management by measuring daily blood glucose levels is recommended, and patients themselves measure blood glucose levels using a blood glucose meter.

  However, diabetics may have low vision or blindness due to complications, and even if they are not complications, vision may be diminished due to older age. It is difficult to read information such as measured values displayed on the screen.

  The following Patent Documents 1 to 3 describe a blood glucose meter and a system using a blood glucose meter that can know information such as measured values without relying on vision by installing a function for notifying information by voice. Yes.

  Patent Document 4 below describes that a backup battery is used when the voltage of the main battery is lower than a threshold value.

JP 2003-58359 A JP 2007-41920 A Japanese Patent No. 4395146 Special table 2009-540783

  When a battery is used, a voltage drop due to the internal resistance of the battery greatly affects the operation of the circuit. For example, as described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, when using a speaker that instantaneously requires a large amount of power, the influence of this voltage drop cannot be ignored. Therefore, when a large voltage drop is caused by the internal resistance of the battery, if a large amount of power is supplied to the speaker, the power supplied to the other circuit is reduced, and the other circuit may not operate normally. For example, if a circuit for detecting a measured value or calculating a measured value does not operate normally, an incorrect measured value is detected or measured, and accurate information cannot be obtained.

  Further, Patent Document 4 describes that a backup battery is used when the voltage of the main battery is lower than a threshold value. However, if a backup battery is incorporated, the device becomes large and the cost becomes high.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the conventional problems, and even when the internal resistance of the battery is increased, the power that allows the circuit to operate normally can be used without using a backup power source. It aims at providing the component measuring apparatus and medical device which can be ensured as much as possible.

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is a component measuring apparatus, comprising: a measuring unit that measures a predetermined component of body fluid; and a speaker that receives an audio signal indicating at least a measured value measured by the measuring unit. A sound output control unit that outputs power, a power source that supplies power to the measurement unit and the sound output control unit, a voltage detection unit that detects a voltage value of the power source, and a volume that is output from the speaker e Bei and volume change-over switch, wherein the sound output control unit, which said voltage detecting unit and the volume selected by the volume change-over switch in response to the voltage detected, changes the voltage level of the audio signal a is, according to the voltage value by the voltage detecting section detects drops from an initial voltage value of said power supply, said lowering the voltage level of the audio signal, the sound volume changeover switch from the speaker A switch that can switch a voice to be played between a loud volume and a normal volume that is larger than the loud volume, and is switched to the loud volume by the volume switch, and the voltage value of the power source is the initial value. In the case of a voltage value, the voltage level of the audio signal output to the speaker by the sound output control unit is the sound level meter when the distance between the component measuring device and the sound level meter microphone is 3 cm in an anechoic sound chamber. The noise level measured by is a voltage level at which the sound volume is in the range of 36 dB to 53 dB .

As described above, since the voltage level of the audio signal is lowered as the voltage value of the power supply is reduced, even if the voltage drop due to the internal resistance of the power supply becomes large, the power supplied to the measurement unit is made as much as possible. Can be secured. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a situation in which an erroneous measurement value is measured or a measurement value cannot be measured without using a backup power source. In addition, sound can be output from the speaker at a volume that takes into account patient requirements. Furthermore, if the surrounding person does not want to know the measured value, the volume of the sound output from the speaker can be switched to the whispering volume by the volume changeover switch. Will not be heard and the measured value will not leak to the people around you. When the volume is switched to the whispering volume, the user can sufficiently hear the measured value even when the surroundings are noisy by placing the component measuring device on the ear. And when there is no person around, or when the measurement value may be known to the people around, by switching the volume of the sound output from the speaker to the normal volume by the volume switch, The measured value can be sufficiently heard without the operation of placing the component measuring device on the ear.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the component measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sound output control unit is configured to output the audio signal as the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit decreases from the initial voltage value. The voltage level is gradually reduced.

  Thus, since the voltage level of the audio signal is lowered stepwise as the voltage value of the power supply decreases, the voltage level of the audio signal can be lowered in a stable state. For example, if the voltage level is changed linearly according to the voltage value of the power supply, the voltage value of the power supply changes due to environmental changes such as temperature changes, etc. The voltage level can be lowered in a stable state.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the component measurement apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sound output control unit is configured to use the measurement unit when the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit is less than or equal to a threshold value. It is characterized by prohibiting measurement.

  Thus, since measurement is prohibited when the voltage value of the power source is equal to or less than the threshold value, measurement is not performed wastefully.

The invention according to claim 4 is the component measuring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the speaker is provided inside a housing of the component measuring apparatus, and the component measuring apparatus The casing is provided with a vibration region that transmits the sound from the speaker to the outside by vibrating in accordance with the sound from the speaker, and the vibration region and the volume selector switch are provided on the component measuring device. It is provided at substantially the same position with respect to the longitudinal direction.

  As a result, if the component measuring device is held so that the thumb hits the volume switch, and the component measuring device is brought so that the thumb comes to the ear, the vibration region naturally hits the right ear. The vibration region where sound can be heard sufficiently well can be applied to the ear.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 5 is a medical device, comprising: a measurement unit that measures a vital sign of a human body; and an audio signal that indicates at least a measurement value measured by the measurement unit. A sound output control unit for output, a power source for supplying power to the measurement unit and the sound output control unit, a voltage detection unit for detecting a voltage value of the power source, and a volume for switching a volume output from the speaker e Bei and changeover switch, wherein the sound output control unit, in response to a voltage value by the voltage detecting unit with the selected volume detected by said sound volume changeover switch, intended to change the voltage level of the audio signal there, according to the voltage value by the voltage detecting section detects drops from an initial voltage value of said power supply, said lowering the voltage level of the audio signal, the sound volume changeover switch, either the loudspeaker The output sound can be switched between a loud volume and a normal volume that is larger than the loud volume, and is switched to the loud volume by the volume switch, and the voltage value of the power source is the initial value. In the case of a voltage value, the voltage level of the audio signal output to the speaker by the sound output controller is determined by the sound level meter when the distance between the medical device and the microphone of the sound level meter is 3 cm in an anechoic sound room. The noise level to be measured is a voltage level having a volume within a range of 36 dB to 53 dB .

As described above, since the voltage level of the audio signal is lowered as the voltage value of the power supply is reduced, even if the voltage drop due to the internal resistance of the power supply becomes large, the power supplied to the measurement unit is made as much as possible. Can be secured. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a situation in which an erroneous measurement value is measured or a measurement value cannot be measured without using a backup power source. In addition, sound can be output from the speaker at a volume that takes into account patient requirements. Furthermore, if the surrounding person does not want to know the measured value, the volume of the sound output from the speaker can be switched to the whispering volume by the volume changeover switch. Will not be heard and the measured value will not leak to the people around you. When the volume is switched to the whispering volume, the user can hear the measurement value sufficiently even when the surroundings are noisy by placing the medical device on the ear. And when there is no person around, or when the measurement value may be known to the people around, by switching the volume of the sound output from the speaker to the normal volume by the volume switch, The measured value can be sufficiently heard without the operation of placing the medical device on the ear.

According to the present invention, since the voltage level of the audio signal is lowered as the voltage value of the power supply is lowered, even if the voltage drop due to the internal resistance of the power supply becomes large, the power supplied to the measuring unit is ensured as much as possible. be able to. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a situation in which an erroneous measurement value is measured or a measurement value cannot be measured without using a backup power source. In addition, sound can be output from the speaker at a volume that takes into account patient requirements. In addition, if you do not want to know the measured values to the people around you, you can simply switch the volume of the sound output from the speaker to the volume with the volume switch, so that the people around you can hear the sound indicating the measured values. There is no measurement value leaked to the people around. When the sound volume is switched to the whispering volume, the user can hear the measured value sufficiently even when the surroundings are noisy by placing the component measuring device or the medical device on the ear. And when there is no person around, or when the measurement value may be known to the surrounding people, the volume of the sound output from the speaker is switched to the normal volume by the volume switch, and the component measuring device Alternatively, the measurement value can be sufficiently heard without performing the operation of placing the medical device on the ear.

It is a perspective view of the blood glucose meter which is an example of a component measuring device. It is a top view of the blood glucose meter shown in FIG. It is the side view seen from the base end side of the blood glucose meter of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the chip | tip shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the volume switch shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the blood glucose meter shown in FIG. It is a block block diagram of the control part shown in FIG. It is a block block diagram of the memory | storage part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the correction coefficient table of FIG. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the voltage value of a power supply, and internal resistance. It is a figure which shows the measuring method of the noise level of a loud volume, a small volume, and a whispering volume in case the voltage value of a power supply is an initial voltage value. It is a flowchart which shows the measurement operation | movement of the blood glucose meter shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the production | generation process of the audio | voice data of an analog signal.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS A component measuring apparatus and a medical device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  1 is a perspective view of a blood glucose meter 10 which is an example of a component measuring apparatus and a medical device, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the blood glucose meter 10 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a proximal end side of the blood glucose meter 10 of FIG. It is the side view seen from.

  A tip 12 as a test tool is attached to the tip of the blood glucose meter 10. The blood glucose meter 10 is mainly used as a personal use application that is operated by the patient himself and performing the blood glucose meter side, but a medical worker or the like may be used for the patient in a medical facility. First, the chip 12 will be described. In the present embodiment, patients who use the blood glucose meter 10, medical staff, etc. may be collectively referred to as users.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the chip 12. The tip 12 includes a bottomed cylindrical base tube 14, a flange 16 projecting radially from the bottom of the base tube 14, a weight-like nozzle 18 projecting from the bottom of the base tube 14, and a bottom of the base tube 14 And a test paper 20 installed on the inner surface. The base tube 14 is provided with a plurality of slits 14a. In the center of the nozzle 18, a straight blood introduction path 24 that communicates from the spotted portion 22 at the tip to the test paper 20 is provided. The blood introduction path 24 is set to have a sufficiently small diameter so that blood is sucked up by a capillary phenomenon, and introduces blood that has come into contact with the spotting portion 22 to the test paper 20.

  Examples of the material of the test paper 20 include polyethersulfone. Examples of the reagent impregnated in the test paper 20 include color formers such as glucose oxidase (GOD), peroxidase (POD), 4-aminoantipyrine, and N-ethyl N- (2-hydroxy-3-sulfopropyl). . The reagent may contain a predetermined buffer.

  The chip 12 is a so-called disposable product, and is loosely fitted into the case 26 (see FIG. 1) as a single package and stored. When blood glucose is measured, the film (not shown) attached to the base end side of the case 26 is peeled off, and the case 26 is put on the chip mounting portion 28 (see FIG. 1), so that the difference in fitting force is reached. Thus, the chip 12 can be mounted on the chip mounting portion 28 automatically and without touching by hand. After blood glucose measurement, by pushing the ejector 30 to the tip side, the internal lever engages and pushes the tip 12, and the tip 12 can be removed.

  Returning to FIGS. 1 to 3, the blood glucose meter 10 includes a chip mounting portion 28 to which the chip 12 is mounted, an ejector 30 provided in the vicinity of the chip mounting portion 28 and on the upper surface of the housing 10 a of the blood glucose meter 10, The liquid crystal display 36 provided in the approximate center of the top surface of the housing 10a, the operation unit 38 provided on the base end side of the top surface of the housing 10a, and a plurality of steps provided near the base end portion of the side surface of the housing 10a. A volume selector switch 40 that can switch the volume, a time setting button 44 provided at the base end (see FIG. 3) on the side surface of the housing 10a, and a cap 46 that is connected by a string and protects the chip mounting portion 28. Have The blood glucose meter 10 has a slightly elongated shape that can be easily grasped with one hand, and the distal end portion becomes narrower toward the distal end and is bent slightly downward so that blood can be spotted easily.

  The upper surface portion of the blood glucose meter 10 is formed in a flat shape, and the visibility of the display 36 and the operability of the operation unit 38 are good. The display 36 displays information such as the measured blood glucose level and predetermined input operation confirmation.

  The operation unit 38 includes a power button 50 for turning on / off the control unit 80 (see FIG. 6) to which power is supplied from the power source 82, a memory call button 52 for reading a measurement value stored in the past, and the latest voice notification. And a playback button 54 for informing the contents again. Small protrusions with different patterns may be provided on the surface of the time setting button 44, the power button 50, the memory call button 52, and the play button 54, and these buttons can be identified by the touch of the fingertip. For the power source 82, for example, two alkaline batteries (1.5 V) connected in series are used.

  A vibration region 56 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 10a, and a speaker 58 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) is built in the back of the vibration region 56 (inside the housing 10a). The vibration area 56 vibrates in accordance with the sound output from the speaker 58, so that the sound output from the speaker 58 can be efficiently transmitted to the outside of the blood glucose meter 10. The vibration area 56 is provided between the power button 50 and the memory call button 52 and the play button 54.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the volume switching switch 40 is a switch that can switch the volume of the sound output from the speaker 58 in four stages, the tip side of the blood glucose meter 10 is the wrist side, and the blood glucose meter 10 It is provided at a position where it can be easily operated with the thumb when grasped with the right hand so as to cover the back surface (the surface opposite to the surface on which the display 36 is provided) (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The volume changeover switch 40 is a switch that can move (slide) in four steps in a linear direction, and in order from the left (the tip side of the blood glucose meter 10), “swing volume”, “mute”, “small volume”, “large volume”. "Can be selected respectively. In order to facilitate the slide operation of the volume changeover switch 40 by finger operation, the volume changeover switch 40 is provided with a plurality of vertical protrusions that engage with the finger.

  The volume switch 40 is provided with a triangular protrusion pointer 40a. Below the triangular protrusion pointer 40a, protrusions 60, 62, 64, 66 are formed corresponding to the position of the triangular protrusion pointer 40a of the volume changeover switch 40 in each stage. The protrusion 60 indicates the “sound volume” position, the protrusion 62 indicates the “mute” position, the protrusion 64 indicates the “volume low” position, and the protrusion 66 indicates the “volume high” position. Further, below the triangular protrusion pointer 40a and below the protrusions 60, 62, 64, 66, in order from the left, a “heart” mark corresponding to “sound volume” and “mute” corresponding to “mute”. “Wedge” and “trapezoid” marks corresponding to the numbers “0”, “low volume”, and “high volume” are respectively displayed.

  When the volume changeover switch 40 is slid to a position (first stage) where the triangular protrusion pointer 40a coincides with the protrusion 60 in the sliding direction, the volume of the sound output from the speaker 58 becomes a loud volume. When the volume changeover switch 40 is slid to a position (second stage) where the triangular protrusion pointer 40a coincides with the protrusion 62 in the sliding direction, the sound volume output from the speaker 58 becomes zero (0). No sound is output. The whispering sound volume is a sound volume at which the sound from the speaker 58 cannot be heard unless the ear is brought close to the blood glucose meter 10 (when the distance between the blood glucose meter 10 and the ear is at least 15 cm or more).

  When the volume selector switch 40 is slid to a position (third stage) where the triangular protrusion pointer 40a coincides with the protrusion 64 in the sliding direction, the volume of the sound output from the speaker 58 is low (normal volume, first volume). When the volume switch 40 is slid to a position (fourth stage) where the triangular protrusion pointer 40a matches the protrusion 66 in the sliding direction, the volume of the sound output from the speaker 58 is increased (normal volume, 2nd volume). The normal volume (low volume and high volume) means that the earphone is not brought close to the blood glucose meter 10 (for example, even when the distance between the blood glucose meter 10 and the ear is at least 15 cm or more). The volume is such that the sound can be heard, and the volume level is higher than the volume level.

  As described above, the user of the blood glucose meter 10 moves the volume switch 40 to the leftmost first stage (the front end side of the blood glucose meter 10), thereby increasing the volume output from the speaker 58. It can be switched (selected), and switching to a whispering volume becomes easy. On the other hand, if the position of the loud volume is set to the second position (second stage) or the third position (third stage) from the left without being set to the end, that is, when the middle position is set, A delicate operation is required to set the volume changeover switch 40 to the position, and it is difficult for a diabetic patient who tends to be inconvenienced to switch to a loud volume.

  Further, since the mute position (second stage) is set to the right of the whisper volume, it is more difficult to operate the volume switch 40 to switch to mute than to switch to the whisper volume located at one end. However, when the volume changeover switch 40 is slid from the low volume or high volume position to switch to mute, even if the volume changeover switch 40 cannot be stopped at the mute position and goes too far to the volume level, Since the sound volume cannot be heard unless the ear is brought close to the blood glucose meter 10, it can be used as a substitute for mute without causing any problem. Therefore, the user-friendliness can be improved by the volume switching arrangement as described above.

  In addition, the user moves the volume switch 40 to the rightmost fourth stage (the proximal end side of the blood glucose meter 10), so that the volume output from the speaker 58 is maximized (the volume is increased). Can be switched to the loudest volume. On the contrary, if the position of the loud volume is set to the second position from the right (the position of the protruding portion 62) or the third position (the position of the protruding portion 64) without setting the end, that is, the intermediate position, A delicate operation is required to set the volume changeover switch 40 to an intermediate position, and it is difficult for a diabetic patient who tends to be inconvenient to switch the volume up.

  In addition, since the low volume position (third stage) is set between the mute position (second stage) and the high volume position (fourth stage), the volume switch 40 is operated to adjust the volume. Switching to a lower volume is more difficult than switching to a higher volume, but if switching to a lower volume is not possible, the volume can be switched to higher. Since it is better to hear the sound more reliably than you can not hear the sound, the higher priority volume level is located on the right and the lower priority volume level lower than the higher volume level is second from the right. . Further, the volume increases as it goes to the right with the mute position as a reference, so that the user can intuitively adjust the volume. In addition, with the mute position as a reference, the volume level is set to the left side, and the low volume level and the high volume level are set to the right side, so that the user can adjust the volume level and normal volume adjustment (low volume and high volume). Switching can be performed intuitively and easily.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the blood glucose meter 10. The blood glucose meter 10 controls the entire blood glucose meter 10 in an integrated manner, in addition to the display 36, the volume changeover switch 40, the time setting button 44, the power button 50, the memory call button 52, the playback button 54, and the speaker 58. A control unit 80, a power source 82, a clock 84, a storage unit 86, a measurement unit 88, and a voltage detection unit 90 are provided.

  Power is supplied from the power source 82 to the control unit 80, and the control unit 80 is activated under the action of the power button 50, and the power from the power source 82 is displayed as necessary, the display 36, the clock 84, the storage unit 86, the measurement unit 88, The voltage is supplied to the voltage detector 90 and the like. The clock 84 is adjusted by operating the time setting button 44 and notifies the control unit 80 of the current time. The clock 84 may be provided with a calendar function.

  The measuring unit 88 measures the blood glucose level optically. The light emitting unit 88a irradiates the test paper 20 (see FIG. 4) with pulsed light, and the light reflected by the colored test paper 20 is reflected. A light receiving unit 88b that receives light, and an AD converter 88c that converts a light reception signal of the light receiving unit 88b into a digital value and outputs the digital value to the control unit 80 are included. In the present embodiment, the blood glucose level is obtained by an optical method, but the blood glucose level may be obtained by an electrode method using amperometry or the like. The voltage detector 90 detects the voltage value Vb of the power source 82.

  The control unit 80 controls the entire blood glucose meter 10, calculates a blood glucose level based on the signal sent from the measurement unit 88, displays the calculated blood glucose level on the display 36, or calculates from the speaker 58. The voice indicating the blood glucose level is output.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 80 includes a voltage level output unit 100, a measurement control unit 102, a blood sugar level calculation unit 104, a display control unit 106, and a sound output control unit 108.

  The voltage level output unit 100 outputs a voltage level L corresponding to the volume selected by the volume switch 40 to the sound output control unit 108. The voltage level output unit 100 outputs the voltage level L1 to the sound output control unit 108 when “sound volume” is selected by the volume selector switch 40, and outputs the voltage level L2 when “low volume” is selected. The output level is output to the output control unit 108, and when “high volume” is selected, the voltage level L3 is output. The voltage levels L1, L2, and L3 have a relationship of L1 <L2 <L3, and the volume of the sound output from the speaker 58 increases as the voltage level L increases. The voltage level output unit 100 outputs a voltage level L of 0 (zero) when “mute” is selected by the volume switch 40. That is, in the case of “silence”, the voltage level L output to the sound output control unit 108 is zero.

  The measurement control unit 102 controls the measurement unit 88, and performs light emission control of the light emitting unit 88a, light reception control of the light receiving unit 88b, and the like. The blood sugar level calculating unit 104 calculates the blood sugar level based on the light reception signal (measurement result) supplied from the measuring unit 88 (specifically, the AD converter 88c).

  The display control unit 106 controls the display 36 to display a three-digit number indicating the blood glucose level calculated by the blood glucose level calculation unit 104 on the display 36. For example, when the calculated blood glucose level is 123 mg / dL, as shown in FIG. 2, three digits of “1”, “2”, “3” in order from the left (in order from the front end side of the blood glucose meter 10) A number is displayed on the display 36. In addition to the blood glucose level calculated by the blood glucose level calculation unit 104, the display 36 displays, for example, sentences such as “Please replace the battery” and “Now measuring”, icons indicating the contents of the sentence, and the like. Display may be possible.

  The sound output control unit 108 uses the audio data stored in the storage unit 86 to reproduce the audio data indicating the blood glucose level calculated by the blood glucose level calculation unit 104 and outputs the audio indicating the blood glucose level from the speaker 58. To do. Specifically, the digital signal audio data stored in the audio data memory 86 c is converted into analog signal audio data (audio signal), and the analog signal audio data is output to the speaker 58.

  For example, when the calculated blood sugar level is 123 mg / dL, the sound output control unit 108 outputs the digital signal audio data of “Kettuchiha”, “Hyaku”, “Niju”, “San”, “Da”. The signal is converted into an analog signal, and the audio data of the analog signal is output to the speaker 58. As a result, the sound of “blood glucose level is 123” is output from the speaker 58. The sound output control unit 108 reproduces sound data other than the sound data (for example, sound effect sound data), and outputs a sound to call attention from the speaker 58 at the start or end of the measurement or at the time of error notification. Also good.

  The sound output control unit 108 converts the audio data from a digital signal to an analog signal according to the volume selected by the volume switch 40 and the voltage value Vb of the power source 82 detected by the voltage detection unit 90. Change the voltage level of the audio data of the analog signal output to. Specifically, the sound output control unit 108 corresponds to the voltage level L output from the voltage level output unit 100 (the voltage level L corresponding to the volume selected by operating the volume switch 40) according to the voltage value Vb of the power source 82. By multiplying the correction coefficient k, the voltage level L is corrected, and an analog signal is generated so that the voltage level of the audio data of the analog signal output to the speaker 58 becomes the corrected voltage level L. For convenience, the voltage level of the audio data output to the speaker 58 (corrected audio data voltage level) is referred to as L ′. Note that the sound output control unit 108 does not output audio data to the speaker 58 when mute is selected by the volume switch 40.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the storage unit 86 includes a program memory 86a, a work memory 86b, an audio data memory 86c, a set value memory 86d, and a correction coefficient table 86e. The program memory 86a stores a program for the control unit 80 to read and execute. The work memory 86b is used for storing predetermined data when the program is executed.

  The voice data memory 86c stores voice data of voices to be announced when the blood glucose meter 10 is operated. For example, “Power is turned on”, “Replace the battery”, “Measurement”. Voice data such as “In the middle” and “Set the time” are stored. The sound data memory 86c also stores sound data such as sound other than sound, such as warning sound (for example, buzzer sound) and sound effect. The set value memory 86d is a memory for storing and storing predetermined data when the control unit 80 is turned off. For example, blood glucose levels measured in the past are stored. In the correction coefficient table 86e, a correction coefficient k corresponding to the voltage value Vb of the power source 82 is stored.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the correction coefficient table 86e. The correction coefficient table 86e stores a correction coefficient k for correcting the voltage level in accordance with the voltage value Vb of the power source 82. In the present embodiment, since two alkaline batteries (1.5 V) connected in series are used as the power source 82, the initial voltage value of the power source 82 is 3.0V. The initial voltage value is the voltage value Vb of the power source 82 when the discharge is not yet performed or is hardly discharged.

  When the voltage value Vb of the power source 82 is greater than 2.5V and less than or equal to 3.0V, the correction coefficient k is 1.0. When the voltage value Vb of the power supply 82 is greater than 2.4V and less than or equal to 2.5V, the correction coefficient k is 0.7. When the voltage value Vb of the power supply 82 is greater than 2.2V and less than or equal to 2.4V, the correction coefficient k is 0.45. When the voltage value Vb of the power source 82 is greater than 2.0V and less than or equal to 2.2V, the correction coefficient is 0.3.

  Therefore, when “swing” is selected by the volume switch 40 and the voltage value Vb of the power supply 82 is 2.8 V, the voltage level L ′ of the audio data output to the speaker 58 is “L1 × When the voltage value Vb of the power source 82 is 2.3 V, the voltage level L ′ of the audio data output to the speaker 58 is “L1 × 0.45”. When “Volume Low” is selected by the volume switch 40 and the voltage value Vb of the power source 82 is 2.45 V, the voltage level L ′ of the audio data output to the speaker 58 is “L2 × 0. .7 ". In the case where “volume high” is selected by the volume switch 40 and the voltage value Vb of the power source 82 is 2.1 V, the voltage level L ′ of the audio data output to the speaker 58 is “L3”. × 0.3 ”.

  When the voltage value Vb of the power supply 82 is 2.2 V (threshold) or less, the blood glucose level measurement is prohibited, and when the voltage value of the power supply 82 is 2.0 V (predetermined value) or less, the power supply 82 is not activated. That is, the control unit 80 is forcibly turned off.

  Here, the reason why the voltage level of the audio output signal is changed according to the voltage value Vb of the power supply 82 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, it is known that the internal resistance of a battery tends to increase with discharge (with a decrease in battery voltage). When audio data is output to the speaker 58 at the same voltage level as when the voltage value Vb of the power supply 82 is the initial voltage value even though the internal resistance of the power supply 82 is increased (the voltage value Vb is decreased). The power that can be supplied to the circuits other than the speaker 58, for example, the circuits constituting the control unit 80, the measurement unit 88, and the like is reduced, and the control unit 80, the measurement unit 88, and the like may not operate normally. If the control unit 80 does not operate normally, an incorrect blood sugar level may be calculated or the blood sugar level may not be calculated. Therefore, the power supplied to the circuits other than the speaker 58 is secured by lowering the voltage level of the audio data output to the speaker 58 in accordance with the decrease in the voltage value Vb of the power supply 82. In addition, even if it becomes difficult to recognize the measurement values by voice, they are displayed on the display 36 as usual, so that they can be visually recognized.

  Next, the magnitudes of the voltage levels L1, L2, and L3 will be described. The sound volume is measured in the anechoic sound chamber by placing the microphone 122 of the noise meter 120 on the side where the vibration region 56 of the blood glucose meter 10 is located, as shown in FIG. At this time, it is assumed that there is no obstacle between the vibration region 56 of the blood glucose meter 10 and the microphone 122, and the voltage value Vb of the battery that is the power source 82 of the blood glucose meter 10 is the initial voltage value. As the sound level meter 120, a sound level meter (model number TYPE 1015) manufactured by Sotec (formerly Electronic Instruments) was used. The weight switch of the sound level meter 120 is set to “A” (set to A characteristic), and the dynamic characteristic changeover switch is set to “S” (dynamic characteristic is set to Slow). This A characteristic is defined by the standard of the sound level meter 120 of IEC 61672 and JIS C1509.

  The voltage level L ′ (in this case, L ′ = L3 × 1.0 = L3) of the audio data output to the speaker 58 when “high” (high volume) is selected by the volume switch 40 is When the distance L between the vibration region 56 of the blood glucose meter 10 and the microphone 122 is 50 cm, the noise level measured by the sound level meter 120 is a voltage level that results in a volume within the range of 60 dB ± 5 dB. Therefore, the high volume is a volume at which the sound from the speaker 58 can be sufficiently heard even if the user does not bring the ear close to the blood glucose meter 10, and can be sufficiently heard even by a patient who is far away.

  The voltage level L ′ (in this case, L ′ = L2 × 1.0 = L2) of the audio data output to the speaker 58 when “low volume” is selected by the volume switch 40 is a blood glucose meter. When the distance L between 10 and the microphone 122 of the sound level meter 120 is 50 cm, the noise level measured by the sound level meter 120 is a voltage level that results in a volume within the range of 55 db ± 5 dB. Accordingly, the low volume is a volume at which the sound from the speaker 58 can be sufficiently heard even if the user does not bring his ear close to the blood glucose meter 10.

  Further, the voltage level L ′ (in this case, L ′ = L1 × 1.0 = L1) of the audio data output to the speaker 58 when “sound volume” is selected by the volume switch 40 is a blood glucose meter. When the distance L between 10 and the microphone 122 of the sound level meter 120 is 3 cm, the noise level measured by the sound level meter 120 is a voltage level at which the sound volume is in the range of 36 dB to 53 dB. Therefore, the whispering volume is a volume at which the sound from the speaker 58 cannot be heard unless the user puts his ear close to the blood glucose meter 10. When the user touches the blood glucose meter 10 (the ear is heard in the vibration region 56 of the blood glucose meter 10). The sound volume is sufficiently high that the sound from the speaker 58 can be heard. Even when the surroundings are noisy (when surrounding noise is troublesome), the blood glucose meter 10 is in a state of closing the ear, so that the patient can sufficiently hear the sound from the speaker 58.

  Note that the loudness level, the low volume level, and the loudness level measured by the sound level meter 120 described above are noise levels measured in an anechoic chamber, that is, in an environment where there is no extra ambient noise. Further, the noise level of the sound level meter 120 during silence was 34 dB.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the vibration region 56 and the volume changeover switch 40 are provided at substantially the same position with respect to the longitudinal direction of the blood glucose meter 10 on the upper surface and the side surface of the housing 10a. Yes. That is, after gripping the blood glucose meter 10 with the right hand so that the thumb hits the volume changeover switch 40, when the vibration area 56 is applied to the right ear, the vibration area 56 and the volume changeover switch are set so that the thumb of the right hand comes to the ear. 40 is provided. As a result, if the blood glucose meter 10 is brought to the right ear so that the thumb comes to the ear, the vibration region 56 naturally hits the right ear, so that the vibration region 56 can be easily applied to the right ear.

  Next, the operation of the blood glucose meter 10 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the measurement operation of the blood glucose meter 10, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the generation processing of the audio data of the analog signal.

  First, the blood glucose level measurement operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When power is supplied from the power source 82 to the control unit 80 and the user presses the power button 50, the control unit 80 is activated. Then, the sound output control unit 108 acquires the voltage value Vb of the power supply 82 detected by the voltage detection unit 90 (step S1).

  Next, the sound output control unit 108 determines whether or not the acquired voltage value Vb is equal to or less than a threshold value (2.2 V in the present embodiment) (step S2). If it is determined in step S2 that the voltage value Vb is equal to or less than the threshold value, the sound output control unit 108 determines whether or not the voltage value Vb is equal to or less than a predetermined value (2.0 V in the present embodiment) ( Step 3).

  If it is determined in step S3 that the voltage value Vb is not less than or equal to the predetermined value, the sound output control unit 108 outputs a warning sound “Please replace the battery” from the speaker 58 (step S4). That is, when the voltage value Vb of the power supply 82 is larger than 2.0 and not more than 2.2 V, the blood sugar level measurement is prohibited and a warning sound is output. The sound output control unit 108 may output a warning sound from the speaker 58. Note that generation of analog signal audio data (conversion of digital signal audio data into an analog signal) will be described in detail later.

  In step S4, the display control unit 106 may cause the display 36 to display a sentence “Please replace the battery” and an icon that prompts the user to replace the battery.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the voltage value Vb is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the control unit 80 is forcibly turned off (step S5).

  If it is determined in step S2 that the voltage value Vb is not less than or equal to the threshold value, the sound output control unit 108 outputs a sound “Power is turned on” from the speaker 58 (step S6). At this time, the display control unit 106 may display a sentence “Power is turned on” or an icon indicating that the power is turned on on the display 36. In addition, the sound output control unit 108 may output a sound effect for calling attention from the speaker 58.

  Next, the sound output control unit 108 outputs a voice “Please insert a chip” from the speaker 58 (step S7). Based on the voice announcement, the user removes the cap 46, peels off the film attached to the base end side of the case 26, and attaches the chip 12 to the chip attachment portion 28. At this time, the display control unit 106 may display on the display 36 a sentence “please attach a chip” and an icon that prompts the user to attach the chip 12. The sound output control unit 108 may output sound effects from the speaker 58.

  Next, the blood sugar level calculating unit 104 determines whether or not the chip 12 is attached (step S8). This determination is made based on the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 88b. That is, in step S8, the blood sugar level calculating unit 104 determines the mounting of the chip 12 based on the light reception signal transmitted from the light receiving unit 88b via the AD converter 88c. When the chip 12 is mounted, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 88a is reflected by the test paper 20 and enters the light receiving unit 88b, so that the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 88b increases. Therefore, when the light quantity received by the light receiving unit 88b is equal to or greater than a certain value, it is determined that the chip 12 is attached.

  If it is determined in step S8 that the chip 12 is not mounted, it remains in step S8 until it is mounted. At this time, if the chip 12 is not mounted for a certain time or longer, the sound output control unit 108 may output a warning sound or a warning sound from the speaker 58, and the display control unit 106 performs a warning display. May be.

  If it is determined in step S8 that the chip 12 has been attached, the sound output control unit 108 outputs a sound “The chip has been attached. Please apply blood to the chip” from the speaker 58 (step S9). ). Based on this voice announcement, the user drops blood on the spotting portion 22 (see FIG. 4) of the chip 12. At this time, the display control unit 106 may display on the display 36 a sentence “Please apply blood to the chip.” Or an icon that prompts the user to apply blood. The sound output control unit 108 may output sound effects from the speaker 58.

  When blood is spotted on the chip 12, coloration is started by the reaction between glucose in the blood and the reagent impregnated in the test paper 20. The measurement control unit 102 controls the measurement unit 88 to receive the reflected light from the test paper 20 by the light receiving unit 88b to obtain a light reception signal, and the AD converter 88c converts the obtained light reception signal into a digital value. Convert.

  Next, the blood glucose level calculation unit 104 calculates a blood glucose level based on the light reception signal sent from the measurement unit 88 after a predetermined time has elapsed since it was determined that the chip 12 was attached (step S10). The sound output control unit 108 outputs a sound “measuring” from the speaker 58 during the blood glucose level measurement (until the blood glucose level is calculated). At this time, the display control unit 106 displays the remaining time (seconds) until the end of measurement in a countdown manner. Note that a sentence “measuring” or an icon indicating that measurement is in progress may be displayed on the display 36.

  Next, the sound output control unit 108 outputs a sound indicating the blood sugar level calculated by the blood sugar level calculating unit 104 from the speaker 58 (step S11). At this time, the display control unit 106 displays the measured blood sugar level on the display 36. The sound output control unit 108 may output sound effects.

  Next, the operation of the generation processing of the analog signal audio data will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The sound output control unit 108 acquires the voltage value Vb of the power source 82 detected by the voltage detection unit 90 (step S21).

  Next, the sound output control unit 108 acquires the correction coefficient k corresponding to the acquired voltage value Vb from the correction coefficient table 86e (step S22). For example, when the acquired voltage value Vb is 2.4 V, the acquired correction coefficient k is “0.45”.

  Next, the sound output control unit 108 multiplies the voltage level L of the volume selected by the volume switch 40, that is, the voltage level L output from the voltage level output unit 100, by the correction coefficient k acquired in step S22. (Step S23). Here, the voltage level output unit 100 outputs the voltage level L1 to the sound output control unit 108 when “sound volume” is selected by the volume selector switch 40, and when “low volume” is selected. The voltage level L2 is output, and when “high volume” is selected, the voltage level L3 is output.

  Next, the sound output control unit 108 acquires the sound data of the digital signal from the sound data memory 86c (Step S24). The audio data of the digital signal acquired from the audio data memory 86c is the audio data of the audio to be output from the speaker 58 from now on. For example, in the case of step S4 in FIG. 12, the voice data “Please replace the battery” is acquired, and in the case of step S6, the voice data “Power is turned on” is acquired, and step S11. In the case of, voice data indicating the calculated blood glucose level is acquired. Note that sound data such as warning sounds and sound effects may be acquired as necessary.

  Next, the sound output control unit 108 generates audio data of an analog signal at the voltage level L multiplied by the correction coefficient k, that is, the voltage level L ′ (step S25). That is, an analog signal having the voltage level L ′ obtained in step S23 is generated from the audio data of the digital signal acquired in step S24. For example, when the voltage level L2 is output from the voltage level output unit 100 and the correction coefficient k is 0.45, the voltage level L ′ of the audio data of the generated analog signal is “voltage level L2 × 0.45”. Become. As the voltage level L ′ increases, the volume output from the speaker 58 increases. Even when sound data of a digital signal such as a sound effect is acquired in step S24, sound data of an analog signal having a voltage level L ′ is generated.

  Note that when “mute” is selected by the volume switch 40, no sound is output from the speaker 58, so that it is not necessary to generate analog signal sound data or sound data. In addition, since the warning sound, sound effect, warning sound, and the like call attention to the user, even if “mute” is selected by the volume changeover switch 40, the warning sound, sound effect, and the like are output from the speaker 58. In order to output warning sound and the like, sound data of analog signals such as warning sound, sound effect and warning sound may be generated. In this case, analog signal audio data may be generated at a predetermined voltage level.

  Next, the sound output control unit 108 outputs the sound data of the generated analog signal to the speaker 58 (step S26). Thus, desired sound can be output from the speaker 58, and sound can be output at a volume corresponding to the volume selected by the volume selector switch 40 and the voltage value Vb of the power source 82. When sound data of an analog signal such as a sound effect is generated in step S25, the generated sound data of the analog signal is output to the speaker 58. When “mute” is selected by the volume switch 40, the sound output control unit 108 does not output analog signal sound data or sound data to the speaker 58.

  Note that even when “mute” is selected by the volume selector switch 40, audio data of analog signals such as warning sound, sound effect, and warning sound may be output to the speaker 58.

  In this way, when it is not desired to know the measured value to the surrounding people, the volume of the sound output from the speaker 58 can be switched to the volume by the volume selector switch 40, and the measured value is shown to the surrounding people. The measured value is not leaked to surrounding people without hearing sound.

  In addition, when the volume is switched to the whispering volume, the patient or the like can sufficiently hear the measured value even when the surroundings are noisy by putting the ear on the blood glucose meter 10. Further, when there is no person in the surroundings or when the measurement value may be known to the surrounding people, the volume of the sound output from the speaker 58 is switched to a low volume or a high volume by the volume switch 40. Thus, the measured value can be sufficiently heard without performing the operation of putting the ear on the blood glucose meter 10.

  Further, by switching the volume of the sound output from the speaker 58 by the volume switch 40 from the low volume to the high volume, the blood glucose meter 10 is applied to the ear even when the surroundings are noisy or the patient is far away. The measured value can be heard sufficiently without any operation.

  Moreover, since the voltage level L ′ of the audio data of the analog signal is lowered as the voltage value Vb of the power source 82 is lowered, the power supplied to the speaker 58 can be suppressed, and the voltage drop of the power source 82 becomes large. However, the power supplied to the circuits other than the speaker 58 can be secured as much as possible. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation where an incorrect blood glucose level is calculated or a blood glucose level cannot be calculated without using a backup power source, and the disposable chip 12 is not wasted. That is, since the chip 12 is disposable, the used chip 12 is wasted when an erroneous blood sugar level is calculated.

  Further, since the voltage level L ′ of the audio data of the analog signal is lowered stepwise as the voltage value Vb of the power supply 82 is lowered, the voltage level L ′ of the audio data of the analog signal output to the speaker 58 is stabilized. Can be lowered in state. For example, if the voltage level L ′ is linearly changed according to the voltage value Vb of the power supply 82, the voltage level V ′ of the power supply 82 changes due to an environmental change such as a temperature change. However, in the present embodiment, the voltage level can be lowered in a stable state because it is lowered step by step.

  When the voltage value Vb of the power source 82 is less than or equal to the threshold value, measurement is prohibited, so that measurement is not wasted and the chip 12 is not wasted.

  Since the vibration region 56 and the volume switching switch 40 are provided at substantially the same position with respect to the longitudinal direction of the blood glucose meter 10, the blood glucose meter 10 is held so that the thumb hits the volume switching switch 40, and the thumb comes to the ear. If the blood glucose meter 10 is brought in such a manner, the vibration region 56 naturally hits the ear, so that it is possible to easily hit the vibration region 56 where the sound can be heard sufficiently.

  The above embodiment may be modified as follows.

  (Modification 1) In the above embodiment, the blood glucose meter 10 for measuring blood sugar in body fluid has been described. However, a predetermined component in body fluid other than blood sugar may be measured. In this case, the measurement unit 88 has a function of measuring a predetermined component in body fluid other than blood sugar. Moreover, it is applicable also to the medical device which measures vital signs other than a body fluid component. In this case, the measuring unit 88 has a function of measuring vital signs. Vital signs include body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, electrocardiogram, blood flow, skin moisture, activity, and the like. In addition, the component measuring device and the medical device here are not limited to so-called personal use products, but of course include, for example, devices or devices handled by medical personnel for patients.

  (Modification 2) In the above embodiment, as the slide position of the volume changeover switch 40, the position of the loud volume (first stage) is the leftmost, the mute position (second stage) is the second from the left, The position where the volume is high (fourth stage) is the rightmost position, and the position where the volume is low (third stage) is the second position from the right. The position where the volume is high may be the leftmost position, and the position where the volume is low may be the second position from the left. That is, one end of the slidable range of the volume changeover switch 40 may be set as the volume level, and the mute position may be adjacent to the volume level.

  (Modification 3) In the above-described embodiment, the normal volume can be adjusted in two stages of low volume and high volume, but the normal volume may be adjusted in three or more stages. May not be adjusted. Even when the volume can be adjusted in three or more stages, the sound volume decreases as it is closer to the mute position, and the sound volume increases as it is farther from the mute position. Of course, the position of the normal sound volume is provided on the opposite side of the position of the loud sound volume with reference to the mute position.

  (Modification 4) In the above embodiment, the voltage level of the audio data of the analog signal is decreased stepwise by decreasing the correction coefficient stepwise as the voltage value Vb of the power source 82 decreases. The voltage level of the audio data of the analog signal may be continuously decreased in accordance with the decrease in the voltage value Vb of 82.

  (Modification 5) The aspect which combined the said modifications 1-4 arbitrarily may be sufficient.

  As described above, the present invention has been described using the preferred embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be added to the above embodiment. It is apparent from the description of the scope of claims that embodiments with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Blood glucose meter 10a ... Case 12 ... Chip 20 ... Test paper 22 ... Spotting part 24 ... Blood introduction path 26 ... Case 28 ... Chip mounting part 36 ... Display 38 ... Operation part 40 ... Volume selector switch 56 ... Vibration region 58 ... Speaker 80 ... Control unit 82 ... Power supply 84 ... Timepiece 86 ... Storage unit 88 ... Measurement unit 90 ... Voltage detection unit 100 ... Voltage level output unit 102 ... Measurement control unit 104 ... Blood glucose level calculation unit 106 ... Display control unit 108 ... Sound Output control unit 120 ... Sound level meter 122 ... Microphone

Claims (5)

A measurement unit for measuring a predetermined component of body fluid;
A sound output control unit that outputs a sound signal indicating a measurement value measured at least by the measurement unit to a speaker;
A power supply for supplying power to the measurement unit and the sound output control unit;
A voltage detector for detecting a voltage value of the power supply;
A volume switch for switching the volume output from the speaker;
Bei to give a,
The sound output control unit changes a voltage level of the audio signal according to a volume selected by the volume switch and a voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit , and the voltage detection unit As the detected voltage value decreases from the initial voltage value of the power supply, the voltage level of the audio signal is reduced ,
The volume switch is a switch capable of switching the sound output from the speaker to a loud volume and a normal volume larger than the loud volume,
The voltage level of the audio signal output to the speaker by the sound output control unit when the voltage level of the power source is switched to the volume level by the volume switch and the voltage value of the power source is the initial voltage value is an anechoic sound. In a room, when the distance between the component measuring device and the microphone of the sound level meter is 3 cm, the noise level measured by the sound level meter is a voltage level that results in a volume within a range of 36 dB to 53 dB. apparatus. The component measuring apparatus according to claim 1,
The sound output control unit gradually decreases the voltage level of the audio signal as the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit decreases from the initial voltage value. The component measuring apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The said sound output control part prohibits the measurement by the said measurement part, when the voltage value which the said voltage detection part detected is below a threshold value. The component measurement apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The component measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The speaker is provided inside the housing of the component measuring device,
The casing of the component measuring device is provided with a vibration region that transmits the sound from the speaker to the outside by vibrating according to the sound from the speaker.
The component measuring apparatus, wherein the vibration region and the volume changeover switch are provided at substantially the same position with respect to the longitudinal direction of the component measuring apparatus. A measuring unit for measuring vital signs of the human body;
A sound output control unit that outputs a sound signal indicating a measurement value measured at least by the measurement unit to a speaker;
A power supply for supplying power to the measurement unit and the sound output control unit;
A voltage detector for detecting a voltage value of the power supply;
A volume switch for switching the volume output from the speaker;
Bei to give a,
The sound output control unit changes a voltage level of the audio signal according to a volume selected by the volume switch and a voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit , and the voltage detection unit As the detected voltage value decreases from the initial voltage value of the power supply, the voltage level of the audio signal is reduced ,
The volume switch is a switch capable of switching the sound output from the speaker to a loud volume and a normal volume larger than the loud volume,
The voltage level of the audio signal output to the speaker by the sound output control unit when the voltage level of the power source is switched to the volume level by the volume switch and the voltage value of the power source is the initial voltage value is an anechoic sound. A medical device characterized in that, in a room, when the distance between the medical device and the microphone of the sound level meter is 3 cm, the noise level measured by the sound level meter is a voltage level having a volume within a range of 36 dB to 53 dB .

Images