JP7775786B2 - Input support device, input support method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an input support device, an input support method, and a program.

Conventionally, there are specialized calculators (electronic desk calculators for specialized use) that are used exclusively by users in specific occupations, such as nurses. Specialized calculators are known to have a calculation function for calculating values used in that occupation.

For example, there is known a financial calculator for business use in finance that simultaneously displays multiple rows for inputting one variable and its value from among the multiple variables required to calculate compound interest as the calculated value, and accepts input of the value of the variable in each row by moving the row cursor to perform compound interest calculations (see Patent Document 1). The financial calculator in Patent Document 1 has a display screen that can simultaneously display four rows, and allows previously entered variables and their values to be checked on the display screen.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-346167

However, the financial calculator described in Patent Document 1 has six variables for compound interest (calculated values), and while entering the values of each variable, it may not be possible to check the values (information) of previously entered variables (items) at once. With this configuration, for example, it is necessary to perform an input operation to display the values (information) of variables (items) that are not displayed, which is cumbersome.

The objective of this invention is to easily and reliably check information entered in the past when entering information for multiple items.

To solve the above problem, the present invention provides an input support device in which, when there are multiple items for the user to input information, the name displayed in a first display area of a display screen for an item for which the user is to input information is switched to the name of the next item to be input each time the user inputs information for that item; and the device includes a display control means that, each time the user inputs information for that item, adds the input information to the same line as the displayed name, thereby displaying a series of information in the first display area in which the name and the input information are lined up on the same line; and the display control means begins scrolling the series of information when the series of information cannot fit in the first display area.

This invention allows users to easily and reliably check information entered in the past when entering information for multiple items.

1 is a front view of an electronic desk calculator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the electronic desk calculator. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a calculation item table according to the embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a first drop number calculation process. (a) is a diagram showing press keys and a display screen in a first display state, (b) is a diagram showing press keys and a display screen in a second display state, (c) is a diagram showing press keys and a display screen in a third display state, and (d) is a diagram showing press keys and a display screen in a fourth display state. 1A is a diagram showing the press keys and the display screen in the fifth display state, FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the press keys and the display screen in the sixth display state, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing the press keys and the display screen in the seventh display state. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a calculation item table according to a modified example. 10 is a flowchart showing a second drop number calculation process. 9 is a flowchart showing a second drop number calculation process following FIG. 8 .

The following describes in detail the embodiments and modifications of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments and modifications described below are subject to various limitations that are technically preferable for implementing the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

(Embodiment)
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6(b). First, the device configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a front view of an electronic desk calculator 1 of this embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the electronic desk calculator 1.

The electronic desk calculator 1 of this embodiment is a dedicated calculator used by users such as nurses working in medical facilities and nurses providing home nursing care. Therefore, the electronic desk calculator 1 has a calculation function for calculating values (quantities) used in nursing, such as the number of drops of infusion per minute.

The electronic desk calculator 1 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, and the like. The operation unit 12 has multiple operation keys that accept user input, specifically a power on key 121, a power off key 122, a normal key 123, and a dedicated function key 124.

The power-on key 121 ("ON") is a key that accepts input to turn on the power to the electronic desk calculator 1, and in this embodiment, it also serves as an all-clear "AC" function as a calculation function. The power-off key 122 ("OFF") is a key that accepts input to turn off the power to the electronic desk calculator 1.

The normal keys 123 include numeric keys ("0" to "9"), a decimal point key ("."), calculation keys ("+", "-", "x", "÷", "=", "+/-"), a down-digit delete key (horizontal "▲"), and function keys (clear key "C" and memory keys ("M+", "M-", "MRC"). The dedicated function keys 124 include a BMI (Body Mass Index) key K1 ("BMI"), a drip count key K2 ("Drip count"), an estimated height key K3 ("Estimated height"), a pressure ulcer calculation key K4 ("Pressure ulcer calculation"), and an insulin key K5 ("Insulin").

The BMI key K1 is a key that accepts an operation to start calculating BMI and ideal weight (an operation to switch to BMI calculation mode, which is a calculation mode for calculating BMI and ideal weight). The BMI calculation is a function that calculates the BMI and ideal weight [kg] as calculated values in response to the input of the items height [cm] and weight [kg]. The formula for calculating BMI is BMI = weight [kg] / (height [m]) ^2. The formula for calculating ideal weight [kg] is ideal weight [kg] = 22 × (height [m]) ^2. In the BMI calculation mode, the multiple items for which values are to be input, the input order of the values for each item, and the calculated values calculated from the values for each item are shown in Table I below.

The drip count key K2 is a key that accepts an operation to start calculation of the drip count (= the number of drips per minute of infusion infused into the target patient) as a calculated value (an operation to switch to drip count calculation mode, which is a calculation mode for calculating the number of drips). The calculation of the drip count (flow rate) is a function that calculates the number of drips per minute [drops/min] as a calculated value in response to the input of the values of the infusion set (selection item for adult (=1) or pediatric (=2)), total infusion volume [mL], and infusion instruction time [hours]. The selection item is an item that can be selected from multiple pre-set options by pressing a number key, etc. The formula for calculating the number of drips per minute is:
Number of drops per minute [drops/min] = total infusion volume [mL] × infusion set (for adults: 20 [drops/mL], for children: 60 [drops/mL]) / infusion time [hours] / 60 ... (1)
In the drop count calculation mode, the multiple items for which values are to be input, the input order of the values for each item, and the values calculated from the values for each item are shown in Table II below.

The estimated height key K3 is a key that accepts an operation to start calculating the estimated height (an operation to switch to the estimated height calculation mode, which is a calculation mode for calculating the estimated height). The estimated height calculation is a function that calculates the estimated height [cm] as a calculated value based on the input of the following items for the target patient: male (=1) or female (=2) (selection item), age [years], and knee height [cm]. For example, the formula for calculating the estimated height [cm] for a man is estimated height [cm] = 64.02 + (knee height [cm] × 2.12) - (age [years] × 0.07). In the estimated height calculation mode, the multiple items for which values are input, the input order of the values for each item, and the calculated values calculated from the values for each item are shown in Table III below.

The pressure ulcer calculation key K4 is a key that accepts an operation to start calculating the size of the pressure ulcer area (an operation to switch to the pressure ulcer calculation mode, which is a calculation mode for calculating the size of the pressure ulcer). The calculation of the pressure ulcer size is a function that calculates the calculated values of the skin damage area and pocket area for the target patient in response to the input of numerical values for the following items: the longest diameter (damaged area) [cm], the largest diameter (damaged area) [cm], the longest diameter (pocket circumference) [cm], and the largest diameter (pocket circumference) [cm]. For example, the calculation formula for the skin damage area, which is the size of the pressure ulcer area, is: Skin Damage Area = Longest Diameter (Damaged Area) [cm] × Largest Diameter (Damaged Area) [cm]. The calculation formula for the pocket area, which is the size of the pressure ulcer area, is: Pocket Area = Longest Diameter (Pocket Circumference) [cm] × Largest Diameter (Pocket Circumference) [cm] - Skin Damage Area. In the pressure ulcer calculation mode, the multiple items for which values are to be input, the input order of the values for each item, and the values calculated from the values for each item are shown in Table IV below.

The insulin key K5 is a key that accepts an operation to start calculating the insulin resistance index (an operation to switch to insulin calculation mode, which is a calculation mode for calculating the insulin resistance index). The insulin resistance index calculation is a function that calculates the insulin resistance index value as a calculated value for a target patient in response to the input of numerical values for the fasting insulin level [μU/mL] and fasting blood glucose level [mg/dL]. The formula for calculating the insulin resistance index is insulin resistance index = fasting insulin level [μU/mL] × fasting blood glucose level [mg/dL] / 405. In the insulin calculation mode, the multiple fields for inputting numerical values, the input order of the numerical values for each field, and the calculated values calculated from the numerical values for each field are shown in Table V below.

The display unit 14 displays various types of display information on a display screen, and is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like. The display screen of the display unit 14 has a first display area 141 and a second display area 142. The first display area 141 is a display area located at the top of the entire display screen, and is a display area for a dot-matrix liquid crystal display, and is a display area for one line of various characters. The first display area 141 is also capable of displaying gradations of at least white (no display), gray, and black. For example, the first display area 141 may be configured to display two levels of gray: dark gray and light gray.

The second display area 142 is a display area located below the first display area 141, and is a display area for a segmented liquid crystal display, displaying one line of numbers. The second display area 142 is capable of displaying two gradations: white (no display) and black. The display unit 14 may also be a display unit of another device configuration, such as an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

Next, the internal functional (circuit) configuration of the electronic desk calculator 1 will be described with reference to Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, the electronic desk calculator 1 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 as display control means, an operation unit 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a display unit 14, and a storage unit 15. The various units of the electronic desk calculator 1 are connected via a bus 16.

The CPU 11 controls each part of the electronic desk calculator 1. The CPU 11 reads out a specified program from the various programs stored in the memory unit 15, expands it into the RAM 13, and executes various processes in cooperation with the expanded program.

The operation unit 12 has multiple keys, including a power on key 121, a power off key 122, a normal key 123, and a dedicated function key 124, and accepts operation inputs from the user via the various keys, outputting that operation information to the CPU 11.

RAM 13 is a volatile semiconductor memory that can read and write information, provides a work area for CPU 11, and temporarily stores data and programs.

The display unit 14 displays various display information input from the CPU 11 and other devices on the display screen.

The memory unit 15 is composed of ROM (Read Only Memory) and is a memory unit that can read information, and stores various data and programs. In particular, the memory unit 15 stores the main program P1 and a calculation item table 20. The main program P1 is the main processing program of the electronic desk calculator 1 that accepts operation input from the user via the operation unit 12, performs various calculations in response to the operation input, and displays the calculation results on the display unit 14. The main program P1 includes a BMI calculation program P11 for executing a BMI calculation process that calculates values in the BMI calculation mode, a first drop number calculation program P12 for executing a first drop number calculation process that calculates values in the drop number calculation mode, an estimated height calculation program P13 for executing a specified height calculation process that calculates values in the estimated height calculation mode, a pressure ulcer calculation program P14 for executing a pressure ulcer calculation process that calculates values in the pressure ulcer calculation mode, and an insulin calculation program P15 for executing an insulin calculation process that calculates values in the insulin calculation mode. The calculation item table 20 is an information table that stores various information used in the BMI calculation process to the insulin calculation process. The first drop number calculation program P12 and the calculation item table 20 will be described in detail below.

Next, with reference to Figure 3, the information stored in the memory unit 15 of the electronic desk calculator 1 will be explained. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the calculation item table 20. Figure 3 mainly illustrates information used in the first drop number calculation process.

As shown in Figure 3, the calculation item table 20 stored in the memory unit 15 has columns for calculation mode 21, calculation value 22, unit 23, input order 24, name 25, item information 26, unit 27, and options 28.

Calculation mode 21 is information that identifies each calculation mode, from the BMI calculation mode to the insulin calculation mode, which are the specialized functions described above. Calculation value 22 is information that indicates the content of the calculation value calculated in calculation mode 21. Unit 23 is the unit of the calculation value of calculation value 22. For example, if calculation mode 21 is "Number of drops (calculation mode)," calculation value 22 is "Number of drops per minute," and unit 23 is "drops/minute."

The input order 24 is information about the order in which the user is prompted to input the numerical values of multiple items used to calculate the calculated value 22 for the calculation mode 21. The input order 24 is an ascending natural number sequence starting from "1", and for each calculation mode 21, the final item for which a numerical value is to be input (assumed to be the final item) is marked with "E". The input order 24 for each item is the order in which the numerical values for each item are input, and corresponds to the display order in which information for each item for inputting numerical values is displayed.

Name 25 is the name of each item in input order 24, and when entering a value for each item, it is used as the name of the previously entered item that is lower in input order than the item currently being entered. For example, if calculation mode 21 is "Number of drips (calculation mode)", input order 24 is 1 to 3 and names 25 are three items: "Infusion set (adult or pediatric)", "Total infusion volume", and "Infusion instruction time", with "Infusion instruction time" being the last item. However, for "Infusion set (adult or pediatric)", "Adult" or "Pediatric" corresponding to the entered value is used as the item name. Item name 25 is identification information used to identify each item.

Item information 26 is display information corresponding to the item being entered that is displayed when entering a numerical value for each item named 25, and includes the name 25 of the item, prompting the user to enter a numerical value for that item. Unit 27 is the unit of the numerical value for each item named 25. Options 28 is information indicating the content and numerical values of the options for items named 25 that require the user to select and enter numerical values from multiple options (referred to as selection items).

Next, the operation of the electronic desk calculator 1 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6(c). Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the first drop number calculation process. Figure 5(a) is a diagram showing the press keys and display screen 14a in the first display state. Figure 5(b) is a diagram showing the press keys and display screen 14b in the second display state. Figure 5(c) is a diagram showing the press keys and display screen 14c in the third display state. Figure 5(d) is a diagram showing the press keys and display screen 14d in the fourth display state. Figure 6(a) is a diagram showing the press keys and display screens 14e to 14h in the fifth display state. Figure 6(b) is a diagram showing the press keys and display screen 14i in the sixth display state. Figure 6(c) is a diagram showing the press keys and display screen 14j in the seventh display state.

Here, we will explain the first drop number calculation process corresponding to the drop number calculation mode, representing one of the multiple pre-prepared calculation modes. The electronic desk calculator 1 is first turned on by the user pressing the power-on key 121. Then, when the user presses the drop number key K2 on the electronic desk calculator 1, the CPU 11 executes the first drop number calculation process in accordance with the first drop number calculation program P12 stored in the memory unit 15.

As shown in FIG. 4, first, the CPU 11 displays initial information indicating that the first drop number calculation process will begin in black on the display unit 14 (in the first display area 141) (step S11). Black is the display color for characters used to display display information related to the current status. Hereinafter, "black display" refers to displaying black on a white background (no display) on the display screen of the display unit 14. Then, the CPU 11 accepts operation input from the user via the operation unit 12 to transition from the initial information displayed in step S11 to the display of the next display information (executing the main process of the first drop number calculation process) (step S12).

The CPU 11 then references the calculation item table 20 stored in the memory unit 15, selects one unselected item in the next ascending order in the input order 24 from among the multiple items required for drop number calculation in the drop number calculation mode where the calculation mode 21 is "drop number" (the input order 24 has an initial value of "1"), and displays item information 26 of the selected item in the next input order (the item to be input for the next numerical value) in black in the first display area 141 (step S13). In step S13, in addition to the item information 26, the unit 27 of the numerical value of the next item is displayed in black in the first display area 141, and the initial value (=0) of the numerical value of the next item is displayed in black in the second display area 142. Furthermore, if the next item is a selectable item, the numerical value of the option is displayed in black in the second display area 142. Hereinafter, the item selected in step S13 (next item) will be referred to as the "current (selected input target) item."

Then, the CPU 11 determines, as input information, the name 25 of the input item displayed in the step S13 executed before the immediately preceding step S13 and the numerical value (and unit) of that item input in step S18, and references the RAM 13 to determine whether or not there is input information (step S14).

If there is input information (step S14; YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the series of information, consisting of the name 25 of the current item and the input information stored in RAM 13, will fit into the empty space (excluding the currently displayed unit 27) of the first display area 141 where no display information is present (step S15). If the series of information will fit into the first display area 141 (step S15; YES), the CPU 11 displays the input information in gray in the empty space of the first display area 141, and displays the black item information of the current item and the gray input information as a series of information (step S16). Gray is the display color for characters used to display information related to items for which numerical values have been input in the past. Hereinafter, gray display refers to gray display on a white background (no display) on the display screen of the display unit 14.

If the series of information does not fit in the first display area 141 (step S15; NO), the CPU 11 displays the series of information in the free space in the first display area 141 by scrolling it in the row direction (left and right) (step S17). After executing step S16 or S17, or if there is no input information (step S14; NO), the CPU 11 accepts a numeric input from the user for the current item (the item for which item information 26 was displayed in the previous step S13) via the normal keys 123 of the operation unit 12, displays the input numeric value in the second display area 142, accepts a confirmation input of the numeric value from the user, and stores the name 25 of the current item and the confirmed numeric value in the RAM 13 as input information (step S18).

Then, the CPU 11 determines whether the current item is the final item (the item last entered in order) for calculating the number of drops (step S19). If it is not the final item (step S19; NO), the process proceeds to step S13. If it is the final item (step S19; YES), the CPU 11 reads the name 25 and numerical value of the entered item stored in RAM 13, and uses the read numerical value to calculate the number of drops per minute [drops/min] as a calculated value using the above-mentioned formula (1). The calculated value is displayed in black in the second display area 142, and the calculated value 22 "Number of drops per minute" as the calculated value (or its name) and the unit 23 "drops/min" as the unit of that value are displayed in black in the first display area 141 (step S20), and the first drop number calculation process ends.

Here, a specific example of the first drop number calculation process will be described with reference to Figures 5(a) to 6(c). First, as shown in Figure 5(a), when the user presses the drop number key K2, the first drop number calculation process is executed, and in step S11, the display screen 14a is displayed containing the initial information "Drop Calculation (Infusion Volume) Execute [=]" in black in the first display area 141. "Execute [=]" indicates that the "=" key is the execution key for transitioning to the display screen 14b for entering the next item's numerical value.

As shown in FIG. 5(b), when the user presses the "=" key in step S12, a display screen 14b is displayed in step S13, which includes the name of the item "Infusion Set" as the first item in the input order, the item information 26 for the selection item for selecting whether the infusion set is for adult or pediatric use, "Infusion Set? Adult Pediatric" in black in the first display area 141, and the numeric values "1" and "2" in black corresponding to adult and pediatric use, respectively, in the second display area 142. The numeric values of the displayed options are taken from option 28 in the calculation item table 20. In step S14, since the current item is the first item in the input order, there is no information already entered.

Then, as shown in Figure 5(c), in step S18, the user presses the "1" key for adults, and the input information "Infusion set" and "Adult (=1)" are stored in RAM 13. In step S19, since the input order 24 = 1, the infusion set is not the last item, and the process proceeds to step S13.

Then, in step S13 of the second execution, a display screen 14c is displayed that includes the item name 25 "Total Infusion Volume" as the second item in the input order, the item information 26 "Total Infusion Volume?" in black for inputting the total infusion volume, the unit 27 of the total infusion volume "mL" in the first display area 141, and the initial value of the total infusion volume, a black "0", in the second display area 142. Furthermore, in step S14, there is input information, and in step S15, the input information "For adults" fits into the available space in the first display area 141, so in step S16, the input information "For adults" in gray is fixedly displayed in the available space in the first display area 141 on the display screen 14c.

Then, as shown in FIG. 5(d), in step S18, the user presses the "5" key, the "0" key, and the "0" key in that order, and display screen 14c displays display screen 14d, which includes the total infusion volume number "500" in black in the second display area 142. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6(a), in step S18, the user presses the "=" key to confirm the value, and the input information "total infusion volume" and "500 mL" are stored in RAM 13. In step S19, since the input order 24 is 2, the total infusion volume is not the last item, and the process proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, display screen 14e is displayed, which includes the item name 25 "Infusion time" as the third item in the input order, the item information 26 "Infusion time?" in black for inputting the infusion time, and the unit of infusion time 27 "hours" in the first display area 141, and the initial value of the infusion time in black "0" in the second display area 142. Furthermore, in step S14, there is input information. In step S15, the input information "Total infusion volume for adult: 500 mL" does not fit in the available space in first display area 141. Therefore, in step S17, a series of information, including the black item information "Infusion time?" and the gray input information "Total infusion volume for adult: 500 mL," is displayed in a circular scrolling manner in first display area 141, as shown in display screens 14e, 14f, 14g, and 14h, in that order. In other words, in the empty space in the first display area 141 excluding the unit "hours," the black "Infusion instruction time?" and the gray "Total infusion volume for adults: 500 mL" are displayed in order by scrolling row-wise (right to left), with the last "500 mL" followed by the first "Infusion instruction time?".

Then, as shown in FIG. 6(b), in step S18, the user presses the "6" key, and display screen 14h displays display screen 14i, which includes a black "6" for the prescribed infusion time in second display area 142. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6(c), in step S18, the user presses the "=" key to confirm the value, and the input information "prescribed infusion time" and "6 hours" are stored in RAM 13. In step S19, since input order 24 = 3E indicates that prescribed infusion time is the last item, the process proceeds to step S20.

Then, in step S20, using the input information "Infusion set for adults," "Total infusion volume: 500 mL," and "Infusion duration: 6 hours," the number of drops per minute is calculated as 28 [drops/min] using formula (1).

Then, display screen 14j is displayed, which includes the name of the calculated value "Number of Drops Per Minute" in black and the unit of drop number "Drops/Minute" in black in the first display area 141, and "28" in black in the second display area 142.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when there are multiple items for which the user is required to input information (numeric values), the item information (name) display in the first display area 141 of the display screen of the display unit 14 for an item for which the user is required to input a numeric value is switched to displaying item information for the next item to be input each time the user inputs a numeric value for that item. The electronic desk calculator 1 is equipped with a CPU 11 that displays a series of information in the first display area 141 in which the item information for the currently input item (e.g., total infusion volume?) and the input information are lined up on the same line by adding the input information (input numeric value) to the same line each time the user inputs a numeric value for that item. When the series of information cannot fit in the first display area 141, the CPU 11 begins scrolling the series of information.

As a result, when entering information (numeric values) for multiple items, the series of information, including the information already entered, is displayed in a scrolling format, allowing the user to easily and reliably check the numerical values of items previously entered.

Furthermore, when adding previously entered information to the same row as the item information (item name) of the item currently being entered, the CPU 11 adds the previously entered information in a different display format from the item information (already entered information: displayed in gray, item information: displayed in black). This allows the numerical values of previously entered items to be instantly and reliably identified from the item information of the item currently being entered.

In addition, when scrolling a series of information, the CPU 11 scrolls the series of information in a circular manner along the row direction (left and right direction) so that the beginning of the series of information is displayed immediately following the end of the series of information. Therefore, even if you miss the scrolling display of the series of information, you can reconfirm the missed series of information with confidence.

The CPU 11 also displays the numerical value being entered for the current input item in the second display area 142 on the display screen of the display unit 14. This allows the user to accurately enter the numerical value being entered for the current input item by looking at the second display area 142 while viewing the series of information being displayed in the first display area 141.

The CPU 11 also calculates a predetermined value (number of drops per minute) using the input values for multiple items, and displays the calculation result in the second display area 142 of the display screen of the display unit 14. Therefore, the predetermined value can be accurately calculated based on the accurate input of the values for multiple items, and the user can reliably confirm the accurate calculation result.

The CPU 11 also switches the display of item information for each item so that information is entered for a selection item that allows the user to select a numerical value from a list of options before other items (for example, so that the item information for the selection item is displayed in the order of first entry). The selection item, an infusion set, is an item for selecting whether it is for adult or pediatric use. The amount of item information displayed for the currently selected item is relatively large, and the available space in the first display area 141 for displaying already entered information is small, making it difficult to display the already entered information in the first display area 141. For this reason, the item information for the selection item is displayed preferentially so that information is entered before other items. This makes it possible to suppress the display of already entered information for selection items that are difficult to display in the first display area 141, thereby enabling accurate and efficient input of numerical values for multiple items.

(Modification)
A modification of the above embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a calculation item table 20A. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the second drop number calculation process. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the second drop number calculation process, which is a continuation of Figure 8.

As mentioned above, when calculating a calculated value, there are selectable items that should be selected to make it easier to input numerical values for options. However, because the amount of item information displayed for selectable items is relatively large, the available space for displaying input information in the first display area 141 is small, and it is difficult to display the input information in the first display area 141, it is preferable to input the selectable items before other items. In the above embodiment, the numerical values of selectable items that make it difficult to display input information in the first display area are input first in the input order, and the input information is not displayed for the selectable items. However, if the input order of the numerical values for the selectable items is not first, it is difficult to display the input information. In this modified example, if the input order of the numerical values for the selectable items is not first, the user can set whether or not to display the input information when inputting numerical values for the selectable items.

As in the above embodiment, the device configuration of this modified example uses the electronic desk calculator 1. However, in this modified example, in the drop count calculation mode selected by pressing the drop count key K2, the multiple items for which values are to be input, the input order of the values for each item, and the values calculated from the values for each item are shown in Table VI below.

In this modified example, the input order of the selected item "Infusion set (adult: 1, pediatric: 2)" is assumed to be third, rather than the input order of the items "Total infusion volume" and "Infusion instruction time."

In addition, instead of the first drop number calculation program P12 and the calculation item table 20, a second drop number calculation program for performing the second drop number calculation process described below and a calculation item table 20A are stored in the memory unit 15.

Here, the configuration of calculation item table 20A will be explained with reference to Figure 7. Calculation item table 20A has the same columns as calculation item table 20 in the above embodiment, but the input order 24 for records with names 25 of "Total infusion volume," "Infusion instruction time," and "Infusion set (adult or pediatric)" is 1, 2, and 3E, respectively.

Next, the operation of the electronic desk calculator 1 of this modified example will be explained with reference to Figures 8 and 9.

When the user presses the drop count key K2 on the electronic desk calculator 1 while the power is on, the CPU 11 executes the second drop count calculation process in accordance with the second drop count calculation program stored in the memory unit 15.

As shown in FIG. 8, steps S31 to S33 are the same as steps S11 to S13 of the first drop number calculation process in FIG. 4 of the above embodiment. The CPU 11 then references the calculation item table 20A stored in the storage unit 15, and determines whether the current item (the item to be input) in the record of the immediately preceding step S33 is a selected item based on whether or not there is an option in the options 28 (step S34). If the current item is not a selected item (step S34; NO), the process proceeds to step S35. Steps S35 to S41 are the same as steps S14 to S20 in FIG. 4.

If the current item is not a selected item (step S34; NO), as shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is an operation input from the user via the operation unit 12 to display the input information (step S42). If there is no operation input to display the input information (step S42; NO), the process proceeds to step S39.

If there is an operation input to display the entered information (step S42; YES), the process proceeds to step S43. Step S43 is the same as step S38. Here, on the display screen for entering numerical values for the selected items, there is almost no free space in the first display area 141, so it is not possible to display the entered information in a fixed manner as in step S37.

The CPU 11 then determines whether or not the user has input an operation to not display the input information via the operation unit 12 (step S44). If there is no operation input to not display the input information (step S44; NO), the process proceeds to step S39. If there is operation input to not display the input information (step S44; YES), the CPU 11 stops the scrolling display of the item information for the current item and the input information, and, as in step S33, displays the item information for the current item in a fixed black color in the first display area 141 (step S45), and the process proceeds to step S42.

Here, we will briefly explain a specific example of the second drop count calculation process. First, in steps S31 and S32, the display screen 14a in Figure 5(a) is displayed, and the drop count key K2 is pressed and input. Then, for the "Total Infusion Volume" item, whose input order is "1," steps S33 to S35 (S34: NO, S35: NO), S39, and S40 are executed, and since there is no input information, it is not displayed, and the value "500 (mL)" is input for the item name "Total Infusion Volume." Then, for the "Infusion Instructed Time" item, which is input in the "2" order, steps S33 to S37 (S34: NO, S35: YES, S36: YES) and S39 to S40 are executed, and the current item information in black, "Infusion Instructed Time?", and the gray input information, "Total Infusion Volume 500 mL," are fixedly displayed as a series of information in first display area 141, and the value "6 (hours)" is entered for the item name, "Infusion Instructed Time." Here, on the display screen for the "Infusion Instructed Time" item, the input information, "Total Infusion Volume 500 mL," fits into the empty space in first display area 141 other than the item information, "Infusion Instructed Time?", and the unit, "hours."

Then, steps S33, S34 (S34; YES), S42, and S43 are executed for the selected item "Infusion set (adult or pediatric)" whose input order is "3." If an operation input is made to display the input information (S42; YES), the item information for the current item in black, "Infusion set (adult or pediatric)," and the input information in gray, "Total infusion volume: 500 mL, Infusion instruction time: 6 hours," are displayed in a circular scrolling manner as a series of information in the first display area 141.

Then, step S44 is executed, and if an operation input is made to not display the entered information (S44; YES), the item information for the current item in black, "Infusion set for adults and children," is fixedly displayed in the first display area 141. Steps S42 and S44 allow the display of the entered information to be freely switched on or off in response to operation input from the user. Note that, when entering numerical values for a selected item, the CPU 11 may be configured to freely switch on or off the display of the item information for the current item (selected item) in black in response to operation input from the user via the operation unit 12.

As described above, according to this modified example, the CPU 11 displays the item information (name) of the selected item from among the multiple items in the first display area 141, and when an operation input to display the input information is performed, displays a series of information including the input information in the first display area 141. Therefore, even if the input order (display order) of the selected item does not precede (is not prioritized over) the input order (display order) of the other items, the item information of the selected item can be reliably displayed, and the user can freely set the display of the input information.

In the above explanation, an example has been disclosed in which a storage unit 15 (ROM) is used as a computer-readable medium for the program of the present invention, but this example is not limiting. Other computer-readable media that can be used include non-volatile memory such as flash memory and portable recording media such as CD-ROM. Furthermore, carrier waves can also be used as a medium for providing program data of the present invention via a communication line.

Note that the description in the above embodiment is an example of the input support device, input support method, and program according to the present invention, and is not intended to be limiting.

For example, in the above embodiment, a nurse's calculator is used as a specialized calculator as an input support device, but this is not limited to this. When a specialized calculator serving as an input support device is used, for example, a pharmacist's calculator used by users such as pharmacists, or a nutritionist's calculator used by users such as nutritionists, to calculate a predetermined value in response to the input of numerical values for multiple items, the input information may be displayed while the numerical values for each item are being input.

The pharmacist's calculator calculates CCr (Creatinine Clearance) [mL/min], an index of renal function, as a calculated value in response to input of values for multiple items, such as gender (male or female), age [years], weight [kg], and SCr (Serum Creatinine) [mg/dL]. The formula for CCr, for example, for a male, is CCr [mL/min] = (140 - age [years]) x weight [kg] / (72 x SCr [mg/dL]). The multiple items for which values are input, the order in which the values for each item are input, and the values calculated from the values for each item are shown in Table VII below.

The Dietitian Calculator calculates the required exercise time [minutes] as an index of the amount of exercise (estimated) as a calculated value in response to input values for multiple items, such as type of exercise (walking: 4, running: 7, or swimming: 10 (MET value: a multiple of the amount of calorie expenditure with 1 being the value at rest)), calorie intake [kcal], and body weight [kg]. The formula for calculating the required exercise time is, for example, required exercise time [minutes] = calorie intake [kcal] / (type of exercise (MET value) × body weight [kg]) × 60. The multiple items for which values are input, the order in which the values for each item are input, and the values calculated from the values for each item are shown in Table VIII below.

In the above embodiment and modified example, a single press of the drop count key K2 calculates the drop count (infusion volume) = drop count per minute [drops/min], but this is not limited to this. For example, a second press of the drop count key K2 may calculate the drop count (flow rate) = drop count per minute [drops/min] based on the input of the infusion set (selection item) as adult (=1) or pediatric (=2) and the flow rate per hour [mL/h]. The formula for calculating the drop count (flow rate) is drop count per minute [drops/min] = flow rate per hour [mL/h] / 60 × infusion set (adult: 20 [drops/mL], pediatric: 60 [drops/mL]).

In addition, in the above embodiment and modified examples, the item information for the item currently being input and the input information are displayed in different colors (black, gray), but this is not limited to this. For example, the item information for the item currently being input and the input information may be displayed in different display modes, such as whether or not italics are used, bold/thin, character size, font, etc.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the electronic desk calculator 1 is used as the input support device, but this is not limited to this. The input support device may be not only an electronic desk calculator, but also other information equipment for inputting multiple items of information.

Although embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, but includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.
The inventions described in the claims originally attached to this application are as follows. The claim numbers described in the appendix are the same as those of the claims originally attached to this application.
[Note]
<Claim 1>
An input support device in which, when there are a plurality of items for which a user is to input information, a name display in a first display area of a display screen for an item for which a user is to input information is switched to a name display of an item to be set as a next input target each time information is input by the user for the item,
a display control means for displaying a series of information in which the name and the input information are arranged in the same line in the first display area by adding the input information to the same line as the displayed name each time the user inputs information for the item;
the display control means starts scrolling the series of information when the series of information cannot be displayed in the first display area.
An input support device comprising:
<Claim 2>
When the input information is to be added to the same line as the name, the display control means adds the input information in a display mode different from that of the name.
2. The input support device according to claim 1, wherein:
<Claim 3>
When the series of information is scrolled, the display control means scrolls the series of information along the line direction so that the beginning of the series of information is displayed following the end of the series of information.
2. The input support device according to claim 1, wherein:
<Claim 4>
the display control means displays information being input into the current input target item in a second display area of the display screen;
2. The input support device according to claim 1, wherein:
<Claim 5>
the display control means calculates a predetermined value using the input information of the plurality of items, and displays the result of the calculation in a second display area of the display screen;
2. The input support device according to claim 1, wherein:
<Claim 6>
the display control means switches the display of names of the items so that information to be input for a selection item that allows the user to select information to be input from options among the plurality of items is input before information for other items.
6. The input support device according to claim 1, wherein the input support device is a device for inputting a command to a user.
<Claim 7>
the display control means displays in the first display area a name of a selection item from which an option is selected, and when an operation input for displaying the input information is performed, displays in the first display area a series of information including the input information.
6. The input support device according to claim 1, wherein the input support device is a device for inputting a command to a user.
<Claim 8>
An input assistance method in which, when there are a plurality of items for which a user is to input information, a name display in a first display area of a display screen for an item for which a user is to input information is switched to a name display of an item to be set as a next input target each time information is input by the user for the item,
a display control step in which a display control means adds the input information to the same line as the displayed name each time the user inputs information for the item, thereby displaying a series of information in which the name and the input information are arranged in the same line in the first display area;
In the display control step, when the series of information cannot be displayed in the first display area, the display control means starts scrolling the series of information.
An input assistance method comprising:
<Claim 9>
When there are a plurality of items for which a user is to input information, a name display in a first display area of a display screen for an item for which a user is to input information is switched to a name display of an item to be set as a next input target each time information is input by the user for the item,
and functioning as a display control means for displaying a series of information in which the name and the input information are arranged in the same line in the first display area by adding the input information to the same line as the displayed name each time the user inputs information for the item;
the display control means starts scrolling the series of information when the series of information cannot be displayed in the first display area.
A program characterized by:

1 Electronic desk calculator 11 CPU
12 Operation unit 121 Power on key 122 Power off key 123 Normal key 124 Special function key K1 BMI key K2 Drop number key K3 Estimated height key K4 Bedsore calculation key K5 Insulin key 13 RAM
14 Display unit 15 Memory unit 16 Bus

Claims (9)

An input support device in which, when there are a plurality of items for which a user is to input information, a name display in a first display area of a display screen for an item for which a user is to input information is switched to a name display of an item to be set as a next input target each time information is input by the user for the item,
a display control means for displaying a series of information in which the name and the input information are arranged in the same line in the first display area by adding the input information to the same line as the displayed name each time the user inputs information for the item;
the display control means starts scrolling the series of information when the series of information cannot be displayed in the first display area.
An input support device comprising: When the input information is to be added to the same line as the name, the display control means adds the input information in a display mode different from that of the name.
2. The input support device according to claim 1, wherein: When the series of information is scrolled, the display control means scrolls the series of information along the line direction so that the beginning of the series of information is displayed following the end of the series of information.
2. The input support device according to claim 1, wherein: the display control means displays information being input into the current input target item in a second display area of the display screen;
2. The input support device according to claim 1, wherein: the display control means calculates a predetermined value using the input information of the plurality of items, and displays the result of the calculation in a second display area of the display screen;
2. The input support device according to claim 1, wherein: the display control means switches the display of names of the items so that information to be input for a selection item that allows the user to select information to be input from options among the plurality of items is input before information for other items.
6. The input support device according to claim 1, wherein the input support device is a device for inputting a command to a user. the display control means displays in the first display area a name of a selection item from which an option is selected, and when an operation input for displaying the input information is performed, displays in the first display area a series of information including the input information.
6. The input support device according to claim 1, wherein the input support device is a device for inputting a command to a user. An input assistance method in which, when there are a plurality of items for which a user is to input information, a name display in a first display area of a display screen for an item for which a user is to input information is switched to a name display of an item to be set as a next input target each time information is input by the user for the item,
a display control step in which a display control means adds the input information to the same line as the displayed name each time the user inputs information for the item, thereby displaying a series of information in which the name and the input information are arranged in the same line in the first display area;
In the display control step, when the series of information cannot be displayed in the first display area, the display control means starts scrolling the series of information.
An input assistance method comprising: When there are a plurality of items for which a user is to input information, a name display in a first display area of a display screen for an item for which a user is to input information is switched to a name display of an item to be set as a next input target each time information is input by the user for the item,
and functioning as a display control means for displaying a series of information in which the name and the input information are arranged in the same line in the first display area by adding the input information to the same line as the displayed name each time the user inputs information for the item;
the display control means starts scrolling the series of information when the series of information cannot be displayed in the first display area.
A program characterized by: