阅读说明：本技术 血压计 (Sphygmomanometer ) 是由 李喆 小椋敏彦 古贺俊明 鸳海明 东狐义秀 于 2020-03-17 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明的血压计包括：漏气检查部,进行空气系统的漏气检查,并获得漏气检查结果；存储部,存储漏气检查结果。在从电源断开状态向待机状态或者不能进行测量开始操作的非血压测量状态的转移的过程中或从待机状态向电源断开状态或者不能进行测量开始操作的非血压测量状态的转移的过程中,将存储于存储部的漏气检查结果以第一显示方式(DS4)显示于显示器,另一方面,在待机状态和血压测量中,不显示漏气检查结果(DS5)或将漏气检查结果以与上述第一显示方式相比强调程度较低的第二显示方式(DS6)显示。(The sphygmomanometer of the present invention comprises: a leak inspection unit for performing leak inspection of the air system and obtaining a leak inspection result; and a storage unit for storing the result of the gas leakage inspection. During a transition from a power-off state to a standby state or a non-blood pressure measurement state in which a measurement start operation is not possible, or during a transition from the standby state to the power-off state or the non-blood pressure measurement state in which the measurement start operation is not possible, the gas leakage check result stored in the storage unit is displayed on the display in a first display mode (DS4), while during the standby state and the blood pressure measurement, the gas leakage check result is not displayed (DS5) or is displayed in a second display mode (DS6) that is less emphasized than the first display mode.)

1. A sphygmomanometer having an air system for measuring blood pressure, capable of checking for leakage of the air system,

the method comprises the following steps:

a main control unit for performing main control as follows: a step of shifting to a standby state when a power-on operation is performed from a power-off state, performing a blood pressure measurement using the air system when a measurement start operation is performed in the standby state, shifting to the standby state after the blood pressure measurement, and shifting to the power-off state when the power-off operation is performed in the standby state;

a leak inspection unit that performs leak inspection of the air system and obtains a leak inspection result based on the leak inspection;

a storage unit for storing the gas leakage inspection result; and

a notification control unit for performing notification control as follows: the air leakage check result stored in the storage unit is displayed on a display in a first display mode during a transition from the power-off state to the standby state or a non-blood pressure measurement state in which a measurement start operation is not possible, or during a transition from the standby state to the power-off state or the non-blood pressure measurement state in which the measurement start operation is not possible, while the displayed air leakage check result is not displayed or the air leakage check result is displayed in a second display mode with a lower degree of emphasis than the first display mode during the standby state and the blood pressure measurement.

2. A sphygmomanometer according to claim 1,

the notification control unit executes a transition from the power-off state to the standby state or the non-blood pressure measurement state in which the measurement start operation is disabled, or a transition from the standby state to the power-off state or the non-blood pressure measurement state in which the measurement start operation is disabled, when a display stop operation is performed or a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the display of the gas leakage check result is started, and stops the display of the gas leakage check result in the first display mode.

3. A sphygmomanometer according to claim 1 or 2,

the air leakage check result at least comprises the following three air leakage levels: a first blowby gas level indicating that the blowby gas amount of the air system is smaller than a predetermined first reference value, a third blowby gas level indicating that the blowby gas amount of the air system is larger than a second reference value set larger than the first reference value, and a second blowby gas level indicating that the blowby gas amount of the air system corresponds to a value between the first reference value and the second reference value,

the notification control unit performs the notification control only when the gas leakage check result is the second gas leakage level of the three gas leakage levels, does not display the gas leakage check result when the gas leakage check result is the first gas leakage level, and displays on the display that the blood pressure measurement cannot be performed when the gas leakage check result is the third gas leakage level.

4. A sphygmomanometer according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the air leakage checking part checks air leakage of the air system along with the blood pressure measurement,

the storage unit stores a gas leakage check result based on the gas leakage check every time the gas leakage check of the air system is performed.

5. A sphygmomanometer according to claim 4,

the sphygmomanometer includes a cuff unit having a cylindrical shape into which an upper arm is inserted,

the cuff unit includes: a cylindrical outer peripheral member; a winding air bag annularly arranged along an inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral member; a collar made of a flexible plate material disposed so as to curve along an inner peripheral surface of the air bag for winding, and having a diameter reduced when the air bag for winding is pressurized and expanded radially inward; and a measurement air bag disposed along an inner peripheral surface of the cuff and pressurized for the blood pressure measurement to press the upper arm,

the air leakage inspection unit obtains the air leakage inspection result based on a pressure difference between the pressure of the air bladder for winding and the pressure of the air bladder for measurement when the blood pressure calculation is completed during the decompression process in accordance with the blood pressure measurement.

6. A sphygmomanometer according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the display of the gas leakage check result in the first display mode is a display of a message for the processing of the gas leakage check result,

the display of the gas leakage check result in the second display mode is a display of an icon corresponding to the gas leakage check result.

7. A sphygmomanometer according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the display of the gas leakage check result in the first display mode is a display in which an icon corresponding to the gas leakage check result is blinked,

the display of the air leakage check result in the second display mode is a display in which the lighting of the icon is maintained.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a sphygmomanometer, and more particularly, to a sphygmomanometer that has an air system for measuring blood pressure and is capable of checking for leakage in the air system.

Background

Conventionally, as such a sphygmomanometer, for example, a sphygmomanometer that has an air system (an air bag, an air tube, and the like) for measuring blood pressure and detects the presence or absence of air leakage by performing air leakage inspection on the air system is known as disclosed in patent document 1 (japanese patent application laid-open No. 2010-178908). In the above sphygmomanometer, when it is determined that there is an air leak, a result of the check indicating that there is an abnormality in the air leak is displayed on the display. Thus, the user of the sphygmomanometer can perform a process such as requesting the repair of the sphygmomanometer by contacting a service center of a manufacturer or the like.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent application laid-open No. 2010-178908.

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

When the sphygmomanometer is used in a general household, if it is determined that there is an air leak, the result of the check indicating that there is an abnormality in the air leak may be displayed only on the display. However, when the sphygmomanometer is used in a Medical facility such as a hospital, if the result of gas leakage inspection is known by a general patient, many patients notify the constituent staff (a reception person, a maintenance person (Medical Engineer), a doctor, a nurse, and the like) of the Medical facility of the occurrence of an abnormality in gas leakage. Therefore, in this medical institution, a trouble occurs in the operation of the facility management. Further, since air leakage progresses, even if there is no trouble in blood pressure measurement in the early stage of air leakage, it is not necessary to notify a general patient, but it is necessary to notify a member of a medical institution of the necessity of maintenance.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a sphygmomanometer that has an air system for measuring blood pressure and can perform a leak test on the air system, and that can notify a component person in a medical institution of a leak test result in a manner that is difficult for a general patient to understand.

Technical scheme for solving problems

In order to solve the above problems, a sphygmomanometer according to the present invention includes an air system for measuring blood pressure, and is capable of performing a leak check on the air system,

the method comprises the following steps:

a main control unit for performing main control as follows: a step of shifting to a standby state when a power-on operation is performed from a power-off state, performing a blood pressure measurement using the air system when a measurement start operation is performed in the standby state, shifting to the standby state after the blood pressure measurement, and shifting to the power-off state when the power-off operation is performed in the standby state;

a leak inspection unit that performs leak inspection of the air system and obtains a leak inspection result based on the leak inspection;

a storage unit for storing the gas leakage inspection result; and

a notification control unit for performing notification control as follows: the air leakage check result stored in the storage unit is displayed on a display in a first display mode during a transition from the power-off state to the standby state or a non-blood pressure measurement state in which a measurement start operation is not possible, or during a transition from the standby state to the power-off state or the non-blood pressure measurement state in which the measurement start operation is not possible, while the displayed air leakage check result is not displayed or the air leakage check result is displayed in a second display mode with a lower degree of emphasis than the first display mode during the standby state and the blood pressure measurement.

In the present specification, the "power-off state" refers to a state in which power is not supplied to the sphygmomanometer.

The "power-on operation" refers to an operation for turning on the power of the sphygmomanometer, such as an operation for turning on a power switch provided in the sphygmomanometer by a person constituting a medical institution, an operation for connecting a power cable connected to the sphygmomanometer to a power outlet, or the like. In contrast, the "power-off operation" refers to an operation for turning off the power supply of the sphygmomanometer, such as an operation for turning off a power switch provided in the sphygmomanometer by a person constituting a medical institution, an operation for pulling out a power cable connected to the sphygmomanometer from a power outlet, or the like. These "power on operation" and "power off operation" may also be remote operations using wireless communication, for example.

The "measurement start operation" is an operation of, for example, pressing a measurement start switch provided in the sphygmomanometer by a subject (typically, a patient). For example, when the sphygmomanometer has a cylindrical cuff and a sensor for detecting insertion of an arm into the cuff, and starts blood pressure measurement based on an output of the sensor (indicating that the arm is inserted into the cuff), the "measurement start operation" can correspond to an operation of inserting the arm into the cuff by the subject.

The "standby state" is a state in which a measurement start operation is waited for, that is, a state in which blood pressure measurement is ready to be performed when the measurement start operation is performed. In this standby state, display itself based on the display (for example, display indicating that power is supplied) is possible. When the sphygmomanometer is installed in a medical facility such as a hospital, a patient generally views the sphygmomanometer only when the sphygmomanometer is in a standby state or during blood pressure measurement.

The "non-blood pressure measurement state in which the measurement start operation is disabled" means a state in which the measurement start operation is disabled, similarly to the above-described standby state. Examples of the "non-blood pressure measurement state in which the measurement start operation cannot be performed" include a state (maintenance mode) for performing maintenance of the sphygmomanometer, a state (setting mode) for performing various settings that define the operation of the sphygmomanometer, and the like.

The "first display mode" when the gas leakage check result is displayed is set to a mode in which a person who views the display can easily recognize the gas leakage check result, for example. The "second display mode" is a mode "with a lower degree of emphasis than the first display mode", that is, a non-obvious mode.

In the blood pressure monitor of the present invention, the main control unit performs the following main controls: the control device is configured to transition to a standby state when a power-on operation is performed, to perform a blood pressure measurement using the air system when a measurement start operation is performed in the standby state, to transition to the standby state after the blood pressure measurement, and to transition to the power-off state when a power-off operation is performed in the standby state. The air leakage inspection unit performs air leakage inspection of the air system in accordance with the blood pressure measurement, for example, and obtains an air leakage inspection result based on the air leakage inspection. The storage unit stores the gas leakage check result. The notification control unit displays the gas leakage check result stored in the storage unit on a display in a first display mode during a transition from the power-off state to the standby state or a non-blood pressure measurement state in which a measurement start operation is not possible, or during a transition from the standby state to the power-off state or the non-blood pressure measurement state in which the measurement start operation is not possible. That is, when the sphygmomanometer is installed in a medical facility such as a hospital, the leak test result is displayed on a display at a timing when the general patient does not see the sphygmomanometer. The staff constituting the Medical institution (a reception person, a maintenance person (Medical Engineer), a doctor, a nurse, or the like) can easily recognize the gas leakage inspection result by observing the gas leakage inspection result displayed on the display in the first display mode. On the other hand, the notification control unit does not display the gas leakage check result or displays the gas leakage check result in a second display mode with a lower degree of emphasis than the first display mode in the standby state and the blood pressure measurement. That is, when the blood pressure monitor is installed in a medical institution such as a hospital, the air leakage test result is not displayed or is displayed in the second display mode even when a general patient sees the blood pressure monitor. Therefore, the general patient does not usually notice the above-mentioned leak check result. In this way, in the sphygmomanometer, the gas leakage test result can be notified to the constituent person of the medical institution so as to be difficult for the general patient to understand by the notification control unit as described above.

In addition, when the air leakage check result is displayed on the display in the first display mode, the notification control unit may notify the user by a method other than the display of a buzzer sound, a voice, or the like. This makes it possible to thoroughly notify the structural personnel of the medical institution of the leak inspection result.

In a sphygmomanometer according to an embodiment, the blood pressure sensor includes,

the notification control unit executes a transition from the power-off state to the standby state or the non-blood pressure measurement state in which the measurement start operation is disabled, or a transition from the standby state to the power-off state or the non-blood pressure measurement state in which the measurement start operation is disabled, when a display stop operation is performed or a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the display of the gas leakage check result is started, and stops the display of the gas leakage check result in the first display mode.

Here, the "display stop operation" refers to, for example, an operation in which a person constituting a medical institution inputs an instruction to stop the display of the gas leakage test result according to the first embodiment. The "display stop operation" is typically an operation of pressing a display stop switch for inputting an instruction to stop the display of the first embodiment of the gas leakage check result. The "display stop operation" may be, for example, a remote operation using wireless communication.

In the sphygmomanometer according to the one embodiment, the notification control unit performs a transition from the power-off state to the standby state or the non-blood pressure measurement state in which the measurement start operation is disabled, or a transition from the standby state to the power-off state or the non-blood pressure measurement state in which the measurement start operation is disabled, when a display stop operation is performed or a predetermined period of time elapses after the display of the gas leakage check result is started, and stops the display of the gas leakage check result according to the first embodiment. Therefore, it is ensured that the display of the air leakage check result in the first embodiment is performed only temporarily. For example, even if a person constituting the medical institution forgets to press the display stop switch after starting the display of the gas leakage check result according to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent a general patient from noticing the gas leakage check result. The notification control unit may stop the display in the first display mode and then perform a display in a second display mode with a lower degree of emphasis than the first display mode.

In the blood pressure monitor of an embodiment of the present invention,

the air leakage check result at least comprises the following three air leakage levels: a first blowby gas level indicating that the blowby gas amount of the air system is smaller than a predetermined first reference value, a third blowby gas level indicating that the blowby gas amount of the air system is larger than a second reference value set larger than the first reference value, and a second blowby gas level indicating that the blowby gas amount of the air system corresponds to a value between the first reference value and the second reference value,

the notification control unit performs the notification control only when the gas leakage check result is the second gas leakage level of the three gas leakage levels, does not display the gas leakage check result when the gas leakage check result is the first gas leakage level, and displays on the display that the blood pressure measurement cannot be performed when the gas leakage check result is the third gas leakage level.

Here, the "first leakage level" includes a case where there is no leakage, and typically corresponds to a normal level. The "third leak level" typically corresponds to a failure level, i.e. a level at which a blood pressure measurement based on the above-mentioned sphygmomanometer has not been possible. The "second leak level" corresponds to a level between the first leak level and the third leak level. For example, in general, when a sphygmomanometer is repeatedly used, the air leakage amount of the air system tends to gradually increase. Therefore, the "second leakage level" corresponds to an initial stage of the air leakage of the air system starting to occur.

In the sphygmomanometer according to the embodiment, the air leakage check result includes at least three air leakage levels: the first leak level, the third leak level, and a second leak level corresponding to a leak between the first leak level and the third leak level. The notification control unit performs the notification control only when the gas leakage check result is the second gas leakage level of the three gas leakage levels, does not display the gas leakage check result when the gas leakage check result is the first gas leakage level, and displays on the display that the blood pressure measurement cannot be performed when the gas leakage check result is the third gas leakage level. For example, when the air leakage check result is the second air leakage level and the air leakage check result is displayed on the display in the first display mode in response to the second air leakage level, the member of the medical institution recognizes that the air leakage of the air system is started to occur in the initial stage. Therefore, the member (particularly, the maintenance person in charge) of the medical institution can replace the component of the air system or prepare the component for replacement. This prevents a failure from occurring or allows components to be replaced immediately even if a failure occurs, and thus the period during which blood pressure measurement cannot be performed can be shortened. Further, the notification control unit may display the fact that the blood pressure measurement cannot be performed on the display when the air leakage check result is the third air leakage level. This prevents a general patient from pressing the measurement start switch and unnecessarily attempting blood pressure measurement.

In a sphygmomanometer according to an embodiment, the blood pressure sensor includes,

the air leakage checking part checks air leakage of the air system along with the blood pressure measurement,

the storage unit stores a gas leakage check result based on the gas leakage check every time the gas leakage check of the air system is performed.

In the sphygmomanometer according to the one embodiment, the air leakage check unit performs air leakage check of the air system in accordance with the blood pressure measurement. Therefore, even if the user does not particularly input an instruction for gas leakage check, the gas leakage check can be automatically performed. Further, the storage unit stores a gas leakage check result based on the gas leakage check every time the gas leakage check of the air system is performed. Therefore, the latest gas leakage check result is stored in the storage unit. As a result, the notification control unit can display the latest gas leakage check result.

In a sphygmomanometer according to an embodiment, the blood pressure sensor includes,

the sphygmomanometer includes a cuff unit having a cylindrical shape into which an upper arm is inserted,

the cuff unit includes: a cylindrical outer peripheral member; a winding air bag annularly arranged along an inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral member; a collar made of a flexible plate material disposed so as to curve along an inner peripheral surface of the air bag for winding, and having a diameter reduced when the air bag for winding is pressurized and expanded radially inward; and a measurement air bag disposed along an inner peripheral surface of the cuff and pressurized for the blood pressure measurement to press the upper arm,

the air leakage inspection unit obtains the air leakage inspection result based on a pressure difference between the pressure of the air bladder for winding and the pressure of the air bladder for measurement when the blood pressure calculation is completed during the decompression process in accordance with the blood pressure measurement.

Here, the "time when the blood pressure calculation is completed" means a time when the blood pressure calculation based on the pressure of the measurement air bladder is completed and immediately before the winding air bladder and the measurement air bladder are rapidly exhausted. Specifically, the wrapping cuff and the measurement cuff are pressurized and then depressurized in accordance with the blood pressure measurement, but a certain level of pressure remains in the wrapping cuff and the measurement cuff until the blood pressure calculation is completed. After the blood pressure calculation is completed, the wrapping cuff and the measurement cuff are rapidly deflated to remove the pressure. The "time when the blood pressure calculation is completed" is a time immediately before the rapid exhaust is performed.

The inventors of the present invention have empirically obtained the following findings: in the blood pressure monitor of the type having the cuff unit described above, most of the failure cases are cases in which air leakage from the wrapping cuff occurs.

In the sphygmomanometer according to the one embodiment, the air leakage test unit obtains the air leakage test result based on a pressure difference between the pressure of the wrapping cuff and the pressure of the measurement cuff when the blood pressure calculation is completed during the decompression process in accordance with the blood pressure measurement. Thus, the air leakage from the wrapping cuff can be detected with high accuracy using the pressure of the measurement cuff as a reference.

In a sphygmomanometer according to an embodiment, the blood pressure sensor includes,

the display of the gas leakage check result in the first display mode is a display of a message for the processing of the gas leakage check result,

the display of the gas leakage check result in the second display mode is a display of an icon corresponding to the gas leakage check result.

In the blood pressure monitor according to the present embodiment, the display of the air leakage check result in the first display mode is a display of a message indicating a process for the air leakage check result, and therefore, the constituent person of the medical institution can easily recognize the air leakage check result by observing the message, and can perform the process indicated by the message. On the other hand, since the display of the gas leakage check result in the second display mode is a display of an icon corresponding to the gas leakage check result, the degree of emphasis on transmitting the gas leakage check result is lower than that of the message. The general patient who does not know the meaning of the above icon does not notice that the above leak check result is displayed. The constituent person (particularly, the maintenance person in charge) of the medical institution who knows the meaning of the icon can recognize the air leakage check result by observing the icon, and can perform the processing suggested by the icon.

In the blood pressure monitor of an embodiment of the present invention,

the display of the gas leakage check result in the first display mode is a display in which an icon corresponding to the gas leakage check result is blinked,

the display of the air leakage check result in the second display mode is a display in which the lighting of the icon is maintained.

In the blood pressure monitor according to this embodiment, the display of the air leakage test result in the first display mode is a display in which an icon corresponding to the air leakage test result is blinked, and therefore is conspicuous. Therefore, the constituent person of the medical institution who knows the meaning of the icon can easily recognize the gas leakage check result by observing the icon, and can perform the processing suggested by the icon. On the other hand, the display of the air leakage check result in the second display mode is a display in which the illumination of the icon is maintained, and therefore, is less conspicuous than the blinking display. Therefore, a general patient who does not know the meaning of the icon does not notice that the leak check result is displayed.

Effects of the invention

As can be seen from the above, according to the sphygmomanometer of the present invention, the leak test result can be notified to the constituent staff of the medical institution in a manner that is difficult for the general patient to understand.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a sphygmomanometer having a main body and a cuff unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from obliquely above from the front.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the operation of the cuff unit in blood pressure measurement.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a block configuration including an air system and a control system in the sphygmomanometer in a state in which the cuff unit is attached to the main body.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a flow of main control in the sphygmomanometer.

Fig. 5(a) is a diagram illustrating a cuff pressure signal detected via the pressure sensor of the sphygmomanometer. Fig. 5B is a diagram illustrating a signal (HPF output) extracted from the cuff pressure signal by passing through a high-pass filter.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing changes in pressure during blood pressure measurement in the wrapping cuff and the measurement cuff included in the air system in the sphygmomanometer having the same configuration as the sphygmomanometer.

Fig. 7 is a scattergram showing a relationship between a differential pressure between the pressure of the wrapping cuff and the pressure of the measurement cuff when the blood pressure calculation is completed and an air leakage amount actually measured only for the wrapping air system.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a flow of the air leakage diagnosis process in the sphygmomanometer.

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a flow of notification control (air leakage level display processing before the standby transition) in a process of transitioning from the blood pressure measurement of the sphygmomanometer to the standby state.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a flow of notification control in a process (at the time of startup) of shifting from the power-off state to the standby state of the sphygmomanometer.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a flow of notification control in a process of shifting from the power-off state of the sphygmomanometer to the maintenance mode (at the time of maintenance shift).

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a flow of notification control in a process of shifting from the standby state of the sphygmomanometer to the setting mode (at the time of shifting to the setting mode).

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a flow of notification control in a process (at the end) of transition from the standby state to the power-off state of the sphygmomanometer.

Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of display in the first display mode including a message indicating the processing of the gas leakage check result when the gas leakage check result is at the second gas leakage level.

Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example in which the air leakage check result is not shown when the air leakage check result is at the second air leakage level.

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of display in which the air-leak detection result is displayed in a second display mode having a lower degree of emphasis than the first display mode (fig. 14) when the air-leak detection result is at the second air-leak level.

Fig. 17(a) is a diagram showing an example of display in the first display mode in which an icon corresponding to the gas leakage check result is blinked when the gas leakage check result is at the second gas leakage level. Fig. 17(B) is a diagram showing an example in which the air leakage check result is not displayed when the air leakage check result is the second air leakage level. Fig. 17(C) is a diagram showing an example of display in which the air-leakage detection result is displayed in a second display mode having a lower degree of emphasis than the first display mode (fig. 17(a)) when the air-leakage detection result is at the second air-leakage level.

Fig. 18 a is a diagram showing an example (display example 1) in which the air leakage detection result is displayed in a dot matrix when the air leakage detection result is at the third air leakage level. Fig. 18B is a diagram showing another example (display example 2) in which the air leakage check result is displayed in a segmented manner when the air leakage check result is of the third air leakage level.

Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a flow of a modification example of the flow of the main control in the sphygmomanometer.

Fig. 20 is a diagram specifically showing the flow of the gas leakage diagnosis process in fig. 19.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(schematic structure of main body)

Fig. 1 shows a sphygmomanometer (denoted by reference numeral 1) according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from obliquely above from the front. Note that, for ease of understanding, the XYZ rectangular coordinate system is also shown in fig. 1. The X-axis is oriented in the front-rear direction, the Y-axis is oriented in the left-right direction, and the Z-axis is oriented in the up-down direction. As shown in fig. 1, the sphygmomanometer 1 generally includes a main body 2, a cuff 3, and an arm rest 9. The sphygmomanometer 1 is a medical sphygmomanometer, and in this example, is a sphygmomanometer installed in a hospital as a medical facility. The sphygmomanometer 1 is designed to measure the blood pressure of the upper arm as a measurement target part by a measurement target person (typically, a patient) himself/herself.

A cuff 3 having a substantially cylindrical shape is disposed on a right front portion of an upper surface 2a of the main body 2. In this example, the center axis C of the cuff 3 is inclined such that the height thereof gradually decreases from the front to the rear (in the-X direction) (the Z coordinate decreases). The bottom surface 2b of the main body 2 is substantially flat and placed on a horizontal surface (a surface along the XY plane) not shown.

An arm rest 9 is disposed on the right rear portion of the upper surface 2a of the main body 2. The arm rest 9 has a substantially arc-shaped cross section that opens upward, and extends substantially straight rearward of the main body 2 from the opening on the rear surface side of the cuff 3 at a steeper inclination than the inclination of the upper surface 2a of the main body 2. When blood pressure is measured, the subject sits in front of the main body 2, and the upper arm is passed from the front surface side (the side facing the subject) of the cuff 3 to the rear surface side, whereby the upper arm of the subject is expected to be positioned in the cuff 3 and the forearm is expected to be placed on the arm rest 9.

A measurement start/stop switch 13A for instructing a subject to start or stop measurement with the left hand, a mode switch 13C for selecting a function of the sphygmomanometer 1, a measurement result display end switch 14 for instructing a user to end display of a blood pressure measurement result, and a printer 12 for instructing printing of a blood pressure measurement result are arranged on the left front portion of the upper surface 2a of the main body 2. A display (in this example, an LCD (liquid crystal display)) 11 for displaying a blood pressure measurement result is disposed on the left rear portion of the upper surface 2a of the main body 2. The display 11 may be erected on the upper surface 2a of the main body 2 so that the display screen faces the subject to be measured. Further, a measurement start/stop switch 13B for the user to indicate the start or stop of measurement with the right finger is disposed on the right side of the arm rest 9 on the upper surface 2a of the main body 2. These measurement start/stop switches 13A and 13B and the measurement result display end switch 14 are switches that are operated (instructed) temporarily only when pressed. Further, two measurement start/stop switches 13A, 13B are provided for the convenience of the measurement subject when the right and left upper arms are measured by the cuff 3. In the following example, only the measurement start/stop switch 13A of the two measurement start/stop switches 13A, 13B is used for simplicity.

A power supply connection portion (not shown) for supplying a commercial power supply (AC 100V in this example) and a power switch 10 for turning on or off the supply of electric power from the commercial power supply are provided on the rear surface (-X-side surface) of the main body 2. The power switch 10 is maintained in a state (power on state) in which power supply from the commercial power supply is supplied when it is turned on (power on operation), and in a state (power off state) in which power supply from the commercial power supply is cut off when it is turned off (power off operation).

The cuff 3 is composed of a slide bearing 4 provided in the main body 2 and a cylindrical cuff unit 5 detachably attached to the slide bearing 4.

The slide receiving portion 4 integrally includes a front surface side portion 4a having an arc-shaped (semicircular in shape in this example) cross section opening upward, and a rear surface side portion 4f continuing to the rear of the front surface side portion 4a and having a circular cross section concentric with the arc-shaped cross section of the front surface side portion 4a (central axis C).

The cuff unit 5 includes a cuff structure body 7 having a cylindrical shape into which the upper arm 90 is inserted, and a cover 6 detachably attached to the cuff structure body 7 so as to cover the cuff structure body 7.

The cover 6 integrally includes a rear surface side portion 6a having an arc-shaped (semicircular in this example) cross section that opens downward, and a front surface side portion 6e that is continuous with the front of the rear surface side portion 6a and has a circular cross section concentric with the arc-shaped cross section of the rear surface side portion 6a (central axis C).

As shown in fig. 2(a) (a cross section perpendicular to the central axis C of the cuff unit 5 is shown), the cuff structure 7 includes a cylindrical outer peripheral member 70, a wrapping cuff 79 as a wrapping air bag annularly arranged along an inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral member 70, a cuff 78 made of a flexible plate material arranged so as to be curved along an inner peripheral surface of the wrapping cuff 79, and a measurement cuff 77 as a measurement air bag arranged along an inner peripheral surface of the cuff 78 and pressurizing and pressing the upper arm 90 for blood pressure measurement.

The wrapping cuff 79 is made of an expandable resin (e.g., polyurethane), and is provided so as to be divided into six along the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral member 70 in this example.

The collar 78 is made of a resin having appropriate flexibility (for example, polypropylene), and is flat in an expanded state, but has a substantially annular shape in which the upper arm 90 is wound in the state (natural state) of fig. 2a, and is manufactured such that circumferential end portions thereof overlap each other.

The measurement cuff 77 is made of a stretchable resin (e.g., polyurethane) as in the winding cuff 79. The measurement cuff 77 is set to have a length (circumferential dimension) that can be wound around the inner circumferential surface of the cuff 78 for approximately 3-2 weeks or more of the upper arm 90 (however, in the state of fig. 2a, the circumferential ends of the measurement cuff 77 are largely separated from each other).

(Modular construction of air System and control System)

Fig. 3 is a block configuration including an air system and a control system of the sphygmomanometer 1 in a state in which the cuff unit 5 is attached to the main body 2. As shown in fig. 3, the measurement cuff 77 in the cuff unit 5 is connected to the measurement air system 20 in the main body 2 via a fluid pipe 81. The winding cuff 79 in the cuff unit 5 is connected to the winding air system 30 in the main body 2 via a fluid pipe 82. The operations of the measurement air system 20 and the winding air system 30 are controlled by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 40.

The measurement air system 20 includes an air pump 21, an air valve 22, and a pressure sensor 23 in addition to the measurement cuff 77. The air pump 21 is a mechanism for pressurizing the inside of the measurement cuff 77, and is driven by the air pump drive circuit 26 that receives an instruction from the CPU 40. The air pump 21 feeds air as a fluid so that the pressure in the measurement cuff 77 becomes a predetermined pressure during blood pressure measurement.

The air valve 22 is a mechanism for maintaining the pressure in the measurement cuff 77 or reducing the pressure in the measurement cuff 77, and the open/close state thereof is controlled by the air valve drive circuit 27 that receives a command from the CPU 40. The air valve 22 maintains or reduces the pressure in the measurement cuff 77, which is pressurized by the air pump 21 during blood pressure measurement, and rapidly exhausts the air in the measurement cuff 77 after the blood pressure calculation is completed, thereby returning the interior of the measurement cuff 77 to the atmospheric pressure.

The pressure sensor 23 is a means for detecting the pressure in the measurement cuff 77, detects the pressure in the measurement cuff 77 that changes at every moment from the start of blood pressure measurement to the completion of blood pressure calculation, and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected value to the amplifier 28. The amplifier 28 amplifies the signal output from the pressure sensor 23 and outputs it to an a/D converter (analog-digital converter) 29. The a/D converter 29 digitizes the analog signal output from the amplifier 28 and outputs it to the CPU 40.

The winding air system 30 includes an air pump 31, an air valve 32, and a pressure sensor 33 in addition to the winding cuff 79. The air pump 31 is a mechanism for pressurizing the interior of the wrapping cuff 79, and is driven by the air pump drive circuit 36 that receives an instruction from the CPU 40. The air pump 31 sends air as a fluid so that the pressure in the wrapping cuff 79 becomes a predetermined pressure at the start of blood pressure measurement.

The air valve 32 is a mechanism for maintaining the pressure in the wrapping cuff 79 or reducing the pressure in the wrapping cuff 79, and the open/close state thereof is controlled by the air valve drive circuit 37 that receives a command from the CPU 40. The air valve 32 maintains or reduces the pressure in the wrapping cuff 79, which is in a high-pressure state by the air pump 31 during blood pressure measurement, and rapidly exhausts the air in the wrapping cuff 79 to return the interior of the wrapping cuff 79 to the atmospheric pressure after the blood pressure calculation is completed.

The pressure sensor 33 is a mechanism for detecting the pressure in the wrapping cuff 79. The pressure sensor 33 detects the pressure in the wrapping cuff 79, which changes from the start of blood pressure measurement to the completion of blood pressure calculation, and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected value to the amplifier 38.

The amplifier 38 amplifies the signal output from the pressure sensor 33 and outputs it to the a/D converter 39. The a/D converter 39 digitizes the analog signal output from the amplifier 38 and outputs it to the CPU 40.

In this example, the output unit 42 includes the display 11 and the printer 12 described above.

In this example, the operation unit 43 includes the power switch 10, the measurement start/stop switches 13A and 13B, the mode switch 13C, and the measurement result display end switch 14.

The CPU40 functions as a main control unit that performs main control including blood pressure measurement, a gas leakage detection unit that performs gas leakage detection of the air systems 20 and 30, and a notification control unit that performs notification control of the gas leakage detection result. The CPU40 outputs the blood pressure measurement result and the air leakage check result described later to the display 11 of the output unit 42 and the memory unit 41. When a print instruction operation is performed (for example, a print instruction switch (not shown) is pressed), the CPU40 prints the blood pressure measurement result on paper (in this example, roll paper) by the printer 12. The mode switch 13C and the measurement result display completion switch 14 will be described later.

The memory unit 41 serves as a storage unit for storing the blood pressure measurement result and the air leakage check result.

As shown in fig. 5 a, the pressure (cuff pressure) of the measurement cuff 77 detected by the pressure sensor 23 is a signal (cuff pressure signal) in which a fluctuation component of the arterial volume changes with each pulsation is superimposed on a pressure that rises (pressure increasing process) or falls (pressure decreasing process) substantially linearly with the passage of time during the blood pressure measurement. Pulse wave waveforms (HPF output) SM1 and SM2 shown in fig. 5B are extracted from the cuff pressure signal by a high-pass filter (HPF). As will be described later, in the sphygmomanometer 1, the approximate systolic blood pressure (systolic blood pressure) is calculated by the oscillometric method based on the pulse wave waveform SM1 during pressurization, and then the systolic blood pressure (systolic blood pressure) and the diastolic blood pressure (diastolic blood pressure) are calculated with high accuracy based on the pulse wave waveform SM2 during depressurization.

(Main control)

Fig. 4 shows a flow of main control by the CPU40 in the sphygmomanometer 1 configured as described above. In this example, the main control includes a blood pressure measurement process according to the oscillometric method and an air leak diagnosis process as an air leak check.

First, in step S1 of fig. 4, the blood pressure monitor 1 is in a power-off state. In the power-off state, the display of the display 11 is off (turned off) (the same applies hereinafter). In this power-off state, when the power switch 10 is turned on by, for example, a member of a hospital, the sphygmomanometer 1 is put into a standby state through a gas leakage check result notification control described later (step S2). Here, the "standby state" refers to a state of waiting for the measurement start switch (in this example, the measurement start/stop switch 13A) to be pressed, that is, a state of preparing for blood pressure measurement when the measurement start switch is pressed as a measurement start operation. In this example, in the standby state, the same display as that shown in fig. 15 described later is performed on the display 11. The person to be measured, i.e., a general patient, is usually limited to the blood pressure monitor 1 in a standby state or during blood pressure measurement.

Next, when the subject presses the measurement start/stop switch 13A provided in the main body 2 with the upper arm 90 passing through the cuff 3 (cuff unit 5) (step S3), the sphygmomanometer 1 shifts to a blood pressure measurement operation.

When shifting to the blood pressure measurement operation, the sphygmomanometer 1 is initialized first. At this time, in the cuff unit 5 (cuff structure 7), as shown in fig. 2a, the pressures in the measurement cuff 77 and the winding cuff 79 are both zero (atmospheric pressure). In this state (natural state), the circumferential ends of the curlers 78 overlap each other, and the circumferential ends of the measurement cuff 77 are largely separated from each other.

Next, in step S4 of fig. 4, the CPU40 operates as a pressure control unit to supply only a small amount of air (in this example, the flow rate is made constant and only 250 milliseconds) from the air pump 21 to the measurement cuff 77 via the fluid pipe 81. The reason for this is that in the subsequent step S6, the pressure increase in the measurement cuff 77 detects the pressurization end time of the wrapping cuff 79.

Next, in step S5 of fig. 4, the CPU40 operates as a pressure controller to supply air from the air pump 31 to the wrapping cuff 79 via the fluid pipe 82. This starts the pressurization of the wrapping cuff 79. At this time, in the cuff unit 5 (cuff structure 7), as shown by an arrow a11 in fig. 2(B), the wrapping cuff 79 is inflated radially inward to press the curler 78 radially inward. As a result, the diameter of the curler 78 is reduced, and as indicated by an arrow a12, the overlapping dimension between the circumferential end portions of the curler 78 increases, and the circumferential end portions of the measurement cuff 77 approach each other. Then, when the pressure in the measurement cuff 77 reaches a predetermined pressure (20 mmHg in this example), the pressurization of the wrapping cuff 79 is ended (step S6 in fig. 4). As a result, as shown in fig. 2(C), the upper arm 90 is wrapped around the cuff 77 for measurement.

Next, in step S7 of fig. 4, the CPU40 operates as a pressure control unit to supply air from the air pump 21 to the measurement cuff 77 via the fluid pipe 81. This starts the pressurization of the measurement cuff 77. Based on the pulse wave waveform SM1 (see fig. 5B) during the pressurization process, the approximate systolic blood pressure (systolic blood pressure) is calculated (estimated) by the oscillometric method (step S8 in fig. 4). The pressurization of the measurement cuff 77 is continued until the pressure of the measurement cuff 77 reaches the value of the highest blood pressure +40mmHg calculated as described above, that is, until the blood flow through the artery of the upper arm 90 is reliably stopped (step S9 of fig. 4). Then, the air pump 21 is stopped.

Next, in step S10 of fig. 4, the CPU40 functions as a pressure control unit that gradually discharges air from inside the measurement cuff 77 through the fluid pipe 81 and the air valve 22, and gradually discharges air from inside the wrapping cuff 79 through the fluid pipe 82 and the air valve 32. This starts the decompression of the measurement cuff 77 and the wrapping cuff 79. In this example, the decompression speed of the measurement cuff 77 and the decompression speed of the winding cuff 79 are set to 5 mmHg/sec. Based on the pulse wave waveform SM2 (see fig. 5B) during the decompression process, the systolic blood pressure (systolic blood pressure) and the diastolic blood pressure (diastolic blood pressure) are calculated by the oscillometric method (steps S11 and S12 in fig. 4). Meanwhile, in the present example, the CPU40 operates as the air leakage detecting unit, and obtains the differential pressure (this is referred to as "Δ P") between the pressure of the wrapping cuff 79 and the pressure of the measurement cuff 77 at the time of completion of the blood pressure calculation. Further, until the blood pressure calculation is completed, a certain level of pressure remains in the wrapping cuff 79 and the measurement cuff 77. The CPU40 stores the blood pressure measurement result (the highest blood pressure and the lowest blood pressure) and the pulse rate, as well as the differential pressure Δ P at the time of completion of blood pressure calculation in the memory unit 41.

After the blood pressure calculation is completed, in step S13 of fig. 4, the CPU40 opens all the air valves 22 and 32 to start rapid deflation of the wrapping cuff 79 and the measurement cuff 77. Thereby, the pressure is removed from the wrapping cuff 79 and the measurement cuff 77. Meanwhile, in the present example, the CPU40 operates as a gas leakage detecting unit and performs gas leakage diagnosis processing as gas leakage detection (step S14), which will be described later.

Next, in step S15 of fig. 4, the CPU40 displays the blood pressure measurement results (the highest blood pressure and the lowest blood pressure) and the pulse rate on the display 11. This allows the subject to know the blood pressure measurement result (the highest blood pressure and the lowest blood pressure) and the pulse rate (the end of blood pressure measurement).

Next, in step S16 of fig. 4, when the measurement result display end switch 14 is pressed by, for example, a general patient (or a constituent person of a hospital) as a person to be measured (or when a predetermined period (for example, one minute) has elapsed (yes in step S16), the CPU40 functions as a notification control unit and executes an air leakage level display process before a standby transition, which will be described later, as a part of the notification control (step S17).

Thereafter, basically (air leak is not at the failure level), the sphygmomanometer 1 shifts to the standby state (step S18). In this example, in the standby state, the same display as that shown in fig. 15 described later is performed on the display 11. In this standby state, for example, when the power switch 10 is turned off by a member of a hospital as a power off operation, the sphygmomanometer 1 returns to the power off state through a gas leakage check result notification control described later (step S19).

The CPU40 performs a leak check of the air systems 20 and 30 in accordance with the blood pressure measurement, and stores the differential pressure Δ P at the time of completion of the blood pressure calculation in the memory unit 41, in addition to the blood pressure measurement results (the highest blood pressure and the lowest blood pressure) and the pulse rate, each time.

(air leakage diagnosis treatment)

The air leak diagnosis process of the sphygmomanometer 1 (step S14 in fig. 4) is set based on the following findings: in the blood pressure monitor of the type having the cuff unit 5 described above, most of the failure cases are cases in which air leakage from the wrapping cuff 79 occurs.

Specifically, fig. 6 shows the pressure change in the blood pressure measurement of the wrapping cuff 79 and the measurement cuff 77 in the sphygmomanometer having the same configuration as the sphygmomanometer 1 (the horizontal axis indicates the number of times of sampling the pressure in one blood pressure measurement). In one blood pressure measurement, as shown by the broken line in fig. 6, the pressure Pt of the wrapping cuff 79 rises during pressurization (steps S5 to S6 in fig. 4), and gradually falls after the peak Ptp is shown. As shown by the solid line in fig. 6, the pressure Pc of the measurement cuff 77 rises during the pressurization process (steps S7 to S9 in fig. 4), and gradually falls after showing the peak value Pcp. Here, when the blood pressure measurement is repeated a plurality of times (about 1000 times in the present example), typically, the pressure Pt of the wrapping cuff 79 gradually increases due to the air leakage, and therefore, as shown by an arrow C1 in fig. 6, the rising speed gradually decreases, and as shown by an arrow C1', the falling speed gradually increases. On the other hand, as shown by arrow C2 in fig. 6, the rate of increase of the pressure Pc of the measurement cuff 77 gradually decreases, but the rate of decrease of the pressure from the wrapping cuff 79 via the cuff 78 gradually increases, and therefore, as shown by arrow C2', the rate of decrease gradually decreases.

Therefore, in the sphygmomanometer 1, the air leakage test result is obtained based on the differential pressure Δ P between the pressure Pt of the wrapping cuff 79 and the pressure Pc of the measurement cuff 77 when the blood pressure calculation is completed during the decompression process (step S12 in fig. 4) following the blood pressure measurement. For example, the differential pressure Δ P is a positive value as indicated by an arrow Δ Po in fig. 6 at the initial stage of repeating the blood pressure measurement, gradually decreases as indicated by an arrow Δ Pi in fig. 6 when the number of repetitions increases, and is a negative value in an extreme case as indicated by an arrow Δ Pn in fig. 6. This allows detection of an air leak from the wrapping cuff 79 with reference to the pressure Pc of the measurement cuff 77.

Fig. 7 is a scattergram showing a relationship between a differential pressure Δ P (unit mmHg) when blood pressure calculation is completed, which is actually measured with respect to the same sphygmomanometer 1, and an air leakage AL (unit mmHg/minute) which is actually measured with respect to only the winding air system 30. The Δ marks in fig. 7 indicate the respective measured data D. Specifically, in fig. 7, the leakage amount AL indicated by the certain measured data D is an actually measured amount obtained by setting the leakage flow rate of the leakage valve to a certain value (this is referred to as "Lx 1") in a state where the air tank (capacity 500cc) is attached in place of the wrapping cuff 79 in the wrapping air system 30 shown in fig. 3 and the leakage valve that leaks the air in the air system 30 into the atmosphere is attached to a portion corresponding to the fluid pipe 82 (the leakage flow rate can be variably set). As the measurement sequence, first, the winding air system 30 is pressurized to 400 mmHg. Immediately after pressurization, the pressure is lowered due to a temperature change caused by air compression, and therefore, the pressure is waited for to stabilize for at least 15 seconds or more. Then, while maintaining the leakage flow rate of the leakage valve at a certain value, the pressure drop for one minute is observed, and the amount of leakage AL (unit mmHg/minute) is determined. On the other hand, in fig. 7, the differential pressure Δ P shown in the measured data D is an amount measured when the blood pressure calculation is completed by setting the leak flow rate of the leak valve to the same value Lx1 in a state where the leak valve is attached to a portion corresponding to the fluid pipe 82 in the sphygmomanometer having the same configuration as that of the sphygmomanometer 1, and performing the blood pressure measurement. The plurality of measured data D shown in fig. 7 are obtained by variably setting the leakage flow rate of the above-described leakage valve to various values (for example, Lx1, Lx2, Lx3, …) in the same order, respectively.

As can be seen from the approximate straight line AX shown in fig. 7, the differential pressure Δ P when the measured blood pressure calculation is completed and the air leakage amount AL measured only for the winding air system 30 show a strong negative correlation.

Therefore, in the sphygmomanometer 1, as the air leakage check result, the following three air leakage levels L1, L2, and L3 are set: a first leakage level L1 indicating that the amount of leakage AL of the air system 20, 30 (mainly, the air system 30; the same applies hereinafter) is smaller than a predetermined first reference value AL1, a third leakage level L3 indicating that the amount of leakage AL of the air system 20, 30 is larger than a second reference value AL2 set larger than the first reference value AL1, and a second leakage level L2 indicating that the amount of leakage AL of the air system 20, 30 corresponds to a value between the first reference value AL1 and the second reference value AL 2. The first leakage level L1 includes the case where there is no leakage, which in this example corresponds to a normal level. In this example, the third leak level L3 corresponds to a failure level, i.e., a level at which blood pressure measurement by the sphygmomanometer has not been possible. The second leakage level L2 corresponds to a level between the first leakage level L1 and the third leakage level L3, i.e., an early stage in which leakage of the air system 20, 30 begins to occur.

Specifically, in this example, the first reference value AL1 corresponds to the differential pressure Δ P of 60mmHg, and the first blowby gas level L1 is greater than 60mmHg with respect to the differential pressure Δ P. The second reference value AL2 corresponds to the differential pressure Δ P of 40mmHg, and the third leak level L3 corresponds to the differential pressure Δ P of 40 mmHg. The second blow-by level L2 is equivalent to 40mmHg < Δ P ≦ 60 mmHg.

In this setting, the gas leakage diagnosis process (step S14 in fig. 4) described above is performed as follows. That is, the CPU40 operates as the gas leakage check unit and starts gas leakage diagnosis in step S20 of fig. 8. First, in step S21, the CPU40 reads the differential pressure Δ P at the time of completion of the latest blood pressure calculation stored in the memory section 41, and determines whether the read differential pressure Δ P is larger than 60mmHg corresponding to the first reference value AL1 and larger than 40mmHg corresponding to the second reference value AL 2. Here, in the case where the differential pressure Δ P > 60mmHg, it is determined that the blowby level of the air system 20, 30 is the first blowby level L1 (step S22). In the case where 40mmHg < Δ P ≦ 60mmHg, it is determined that the blowby level of the air system 20, 30 is the second blowby level L2 (step S23). When the differential pressure Δ P is equal to or less than 40mmHg, the blowby gas level of the air system 20 or 30 is determined to be the third blowby gas level L3 (step S24). In either case, the CPU40 stores the stored gas leakage level L1, L2, or L3 in the memory section 41, respectively, and ends the gas leakage diagnosis process (step S25).

Every time the above-described gas leakage diagnosis process (fig. 8) is performed along with the blood pressure measurement, the latest gas leakage level L1, L2, or L3 as the gas leakage check result is stored in the memory unit 41. Note that, at a stage when the sphygmomanometer 1 does not perform blood pressure measurement at all (for example, at a stage immediately after the sphygmomanometer 1 is assembled and before product factory inspection), the air leakage level L1 is stored in the memory unit 41 as a default.

(Notification control)

In the blood pressure monitor 1, the CPU40 functions as a notification control unit, and performs notification control of the air leakage check result through the following five steps. This notification control is performed based on the latest gas leakage level stored in the memory unit 41.

(1) Notification control during transition from blood pressure measurement completion to standby state

Fig. 9 specifically shows the flow of the above-described air leakage level display process before the standby transition (step S17 in fig. 4) as the notification control in the process of the transition from the end of the blood pressure measurement in the sphygmomanometer 1 to the standby state. In this example, the CPU40 functions as a notification controller, and starts the gas leakage level display process before the standby transition in step S80 in fig. 9. First, the CPU40 reads the latest gas leakage level stored in the memory section 41, and determines which of L1, L2, or L3 the read gas leakage level is at (step S81). Here, when the gas leakage level is L1 or L2, the CPU40 directly shifts to the standby state without displaying the gas leakage check result (step S82). In this way, during the transition from the end of blood pressure measurement in the sphygmomanometer 1 to the standby state, the general patient is prevented from noticing the air leakage check result (here, the air leakage levels are L1 and L2). On the other hand, when the air leakage level is L3, the CPU40 immediately displays on the display 11 a message (failure notification and cuff replacement notification) that blood pressure measurement cannot be performed (i.e., even when the general patient sees the sphygmomanometer 1) (step S83). After that, the CPU40 sets the sphygmomanometer 1 to the power off state for safety (step S84).

Fig. 18(a) and 18(B) each show a display example of the display 11 in step S83 in fig. 9. In the display example DS7 shown in fig. 18 a, a message "please contact the manager" is displayed on the upper DS71, and an error code meaning and a code (dot matrix system) such as "arm band replacement error E6" are displayed on the lower DS 72. In the display example DS8 shown in fig. 18(B), only the error code "E6" (segment) mode) is displayed. In this example, the error code "E6" indicates a failure of the arm band (cuff unit 5) due to an air leak. Such display prevents a general patient from pressing the measurement start switch and unnecessarily attempting blood pressure measurement.

(2) Notification control during transition from power-off state to standby state

Fig. 10 shows a flow of notification control in a transition process (at the time of startup) from the power-off state to the standby state in the sphygmomanometer 1. In this example, in step S30 of fig. 10, the sphygmomanometer 1 is in the power-off state, as in step S1 of fig. 4. In this power-off state, when the power switch 10 is turned on by, for example, a member of a hospital (step S31 in fig. 10), the CPU40 reads the latest gas leakage level stored in the memory unit 41, and determines which of L1, L2, or L3 the read gas leakage level is (step S32). Here, when the gas leakage level is L1, the CPU40 does not display the gas leakage check result, but directly shifts to the standby state (step S36). In the standby state (step S36) in which the air leakage level is L1, the display in the normal standby state (the same as the display example shown in fig. 15 described later) is displayed on the display 11 without displaying the air leakage check result in the present example.

In addition, when the air leakage level is L3 in step S32 of fig. 10, the CPU40 displays on the display 11 a message that blood pressure measurement is not possible (failure notification and cuff replacement notification) (step S35). The display to the extent that blood pressure measurement is not possible is the same as the display shown in fig. 18(a) or 18(B), for example. By observing this display, the constituent member of the hospital can recognize that a failure has occurred and that the arm band (in this example, the cuff unit 5) should be replaced. Further, the process does not transition from step S35 of fig. 10 to the standby state. This prevents a general patient from pressing the measurement start switch and unnecessarily attempting blood pressure measurement.

In addition, when the gas leakage level is L2 in step S32 of fig. 10, the CPU40 displays the cuff replacement notification as the gas leakage check result on the display 11 in the first display mode (step S33). For example, fig. 14 shows a display example DS1 (dot matrix method) using the first display method in step S33 of fig. 10. In this display example DS1, a message indicating a process for the air leakage check result, such as "arm replacement timing, and a desire to replace the arm with a new one" is displayed on the upper DS11, and a title, such as "arm replacement notification", is displayed on the lower DS 12. Thus, the leak check result is displayed on the display 11 at a timing when the general patient does not see the sphygmomanometer 1. The constituent staff of the hospital can easily recognize the gas leakage check result by observing the gas leakage check result displayed on the display 11 in the first display mode (fig. 14), and can take the processing indicated by the message. In this example, the initial stage of the occurrence of the leakage of the air systems 20 and 30 can be known by the constituent staff of the hospital. Therefore, the members of the air systems 20 and 30 (in this example, the cuff units 5) can be replaced by a member (particularly, a maintenance person) in the hospital and the members for replacement can be prepared. This prevents a failure from occurring or allows components to be replaced immediately even if a failure occurs, and thus the period during which blood pressure measurement cannot be performed can be shortened.

The CPU40 executes transition to the standby state (step S36) when the measurement start/stop switch 13A as the display stop switch is pressed or a predetermined period (for example, one minute) elapses (yes in step S34 of fig. 10) after the display in the first display mode (fig. 14) of the gas leakage check result is started (step S33 of fig. 10). Thereby, the display of the air leakage check result in the first display mode (fig. 14) is stopped. Therefore, it is ensured that the display in the first display mode of the air leak check result is performed only temporarily. For example, even if a member of the hospital forgets to press the display stop switch (measurement start/stop switch 13A) after the start of the display of the leak check result in the first display mode, the general patient is prevented from noticing the leak check result.

In the standby state (step S36) shifted from step S33 of fig. 10 through step S34, the CPU40 displays, for example, a display in the normal standby state as shown in fig. 15 on the display 11 without displaying the gas leakage check result. In a display example DS2 shown in fig. 15, a message "measurement enabled" is displayed on the upper DS21, and a message "arm insertion" and an illustration DS22I showing a measurement posture are displayed on the middle DS 22. Further, the lower DS23 is provided with a region DS23-1 for displaying a measurement number, a region DS23-2 for displaying various icons indicating the state of the sphygmomanometer 1, and a region DS23-3 for displaying the current year, month and day. In this display example DS2, since the leak check result is not displayed, the general patient does not notice the leak check result.

For example, as shown in fig. 16, the CPU40 may display the air-leak detection result in a second display mode with a lower degree of emphasis than the first display mode (fig. 14) instead of the display example DS2 shown in fig. 15. The display example DS3 shown in fig. 16 is different from the display example DS2 shown in fig. 15 only in that: an icon IC1 formed of an illustration showing the taken-out cuff unit is additionally displayed in the icon display area DS 23-2. Since this icon IC1 is displayed in addition to only the other icons displayed in the area DS23-2, the degree of emphasis on the transmission of the air leakage check result is low and inconspicuous as compared with the display example DS1 including the message in the first display mode (fig. 14). Therefore, the average patient, who does not know the meaning of icon IC1, does not notice the leak check result. On the other hand, the constituent member of the hospital (particularly, the maintenance person in charge) who knows the meaning of the icon IC1 can recognize the gas leakage check result by observing the icon IC1 displayed on the display 11, and can take the processing suggested by the icon IC 1.

In the standby state (step S36), even when either one of the display example DS2 of fig. 15 and the display example DS3 of fig. 16 is displayed on the display 11, the measurement start/stop switch 13A is pressed by the patient, i.e., the patient, while the upper arm 90 is passing through the cuff 3 (cuff unit 5) (step S3 of fig. 4), as in the standby state in step S2 of fig. 4, whereby the blood pressure measurement can be performed. During blood pressure measurement (particularly, steps S4 to S15 in fig. 4), the air leak check result is not displayed on the display 11 or is displayed in a second display mode (fig. 16) with a lower degree of emphasis than the first display mode (fig. 14) even if displayed. Therefore, the general patient does not notice the leak check result.

(modification of display)

For example, as the first display mode, display example DS4 in fig. 17(a) may be used instead of display example DS1 in fig. 14. As an example of not displaying the air leakage check result, display example DS5 of fig. 17(B) may be used instead of display example DS2 of fig. 15. As the second display mode, display example DS6 in fig. 17(C) may be used instead of display example DS3 in fig. 16.

In the display example DS4 of fig. 17 a as the first display mode, the current year, month and day is displayed on the upper DS40, the highest blood pressure (unit mmHg) is displayed on the middle-upper DS41, the lowest blood pressure (unit mmHg) is displayed on the middle-lower DS42, and the pulse rate (unit: pulse/min) is displayed on the lower DS 43. An area DS44 in which various icons indicating the state of the sphygmomanometer 1 are displayed is provided along the right side. In this display example DS4, at the lowermost part of the region DS44, an icon IC1 composed of an illustration showing the extracted cuff unit corresponding to the air leakage test result is displayed in a blinking manner (note that the radial mark FL is not actually displayed on the display 11, but is shown in order to represent the blinking of the icon IC 1). Thus, the leak check result is displayed on the display 11 at a timing when the general patient does not see the sphygmomanometer 1. The display that causes icon IC1 to blink is conspicuous. The constituent staff of the hospital can easily recognize the gas leakage check result by observing the gas leakage check result displayed on the display 11 in the first display mode (fig. 17 a), and can perform the processing suggested by the icon IC 1. In this example, the initial stage of the occurrence of the leakage of the air systems 20 and 30 can be known by the constituent staff of the hospital. Therefore, the constituent staff (particularly, the maintenance person in charge) of the hospital can replace the components of the air systems 20 and 30 (in this example, the cuff unit 5) or prepare the components for replacement. This prevents a failure from occurring or allows components to be replaced immediately even if a failure occurs, and thus the period during which blood pressure measurement cannot be performed can be shortened.

In the display example DS5 shown in fig. 17(B), which is an example of not displaying the air leakage check result, the difference from the display example DS4 of fig. 17(a) is only that the icon IC1 is omitted. In this display example DS5, since the leak check result is not displayed, the general patient does not notice the leak check result.

The display example DS6 shown in fig. 17(C) as the second display mode is different from the display example DS4 shown in fig. 17(a) only in that the icon IC1 is kept lit. Since the icon IC1 remains lit, the degree of emphasis is low compared to the blinking display of fig. 17(a), and the highlight is inconspicuous. Therefore, a general patient who does not know the meaning of icon IC1 will not notice the leak check result. On the other hand, the constituent member of the hospital (particularly, the maintenance person in charge) who knows the meaning of the icon IC1 can recognize the gas leakage check result by observing the icon IC1 displayed on the display 11, and can take the processing suggested by the icon IC 1.

(3) Notification control during transition from power-off state to maintenance mode

Fig. 11 shows a flow of notification control in a process of transition from a power-off state of the sphygmomanometer 1 to a maintenance mode (at the time of maintenance transition) which is a non-blood pressure measurement state in which a measurement start operation cannot be performed. The maintenance mode is a mode for performing maintenance of the sphygmomanometer 1, and is a mode for checking and repairing various functions.

In this example, in step S40 of fig. 11, the sphygmomanometer 1 is in the power-off state, as in step S1 of fig. 4. In this power-off state, for example, when the power switch 10 and the mode switch 13C are turned on simultaneously by a member of the hospital (step S41 in fig. 11), the CPU40 reads the latest gas leakage level stored in the memory unit 41, and determines which of L1, L2, or L3 the read gas leakage level is (step S42). Here, when the gas leakage level is L1, the CPU40 does not perform display of the gas leakage check result, and directly shifts to the maintenance mode (step S46), as in the example of fig. 10.

In step S42 of fig. 11, when the air leakage level is L3, the CPU40 displays on the display 11 a message that blood pressure measurement is not possible (failure notification and armband replacement notification) in the same manner as in the example of fig. 10 (step S45). The display indicating that blood pressure measurement is not possible is the same as that shown in fig. 18(a) or 18 (B). The constituent member of the hospital can recognize, by observation, that a failure has occurred and the arm band (in this example, the cuff unit 5) should be replaced. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S44 in fig. 11 described later.

In addition, when the gas leakage level is L2 in step S42 of fig. 11, the CPU40 displays the cuff replacement notification as the gas leakage check result on the display 11 in the first display mode (step S43). The display in the first display mode is the same as the display shown in fig. 14 or 17 (a). The constituent staff of the hospital can recognize the air leakage check result by observing the display, and can take necessary processing.

After the display of the gas leakage check result in the first display mode (fig. 14 or 17 a) is started (step S43 in fig. 11) or after the display of the blood pressure measurement failure (fig. 18 a or 18B) is started (step S45 in fig. 11), the CPU40 executes a transition to the maintenance mode (step S46) when the measurement start/stop switch 13A as a display stop switch is pressed or a predetermined period of time (for example, one minute) elapses (yes in step S44 in fig. 11). Thereby, the display of the air leakage check result in the first display mode (fig. 14 or fig. 17 a) is stopped. Therefore, it is ensured that the display in the first display mode of the air leak check result is performed only temporarily.

In the maintenance mode (step S46), a maintenance guidance display (not shown) for assisting maintenance is provided on the display 11. The maintenance guidance display enables a member of the hospital (particularly, a maintenance person in charge) to perform maintenance of the sphygmomanometer 1. The patient generally does not see the sphygmomanometer 1 in this maintenance mode.

(4) Notification control in the process of transition from standby state to setting mode

Fig. 12 shows a flow of notification control in a process of shifting from the standby state of the sphygmomanometer 1 to the setting mode (at the time of setting mode shift) which is a non-blood pressure measurement state in which the measurement start operation cannot be performed. The setting mode is a mode for performing various settings that define the operation of the sphygmomanometer 1. The setting items include print content setting of the printer 12, volume setting of voice guidance, and content setting of voice guidance.

In this example, in step S50 of fig. 12, the sphygmomanometer 1 is in the standby state. In this standby state, for example, when the mode switch 13C is continuously pressed for three seconds or more by a member of the hospital (step S51), the CPU40 reads the latest gas leakage level stored in the memory unit 41, and determines which of L1, L2, or L3 the read gas leakage level is (step S52). Thereafter, as shown in steps S53 to S55, after the same processing as that of steps S43 to S45 in the example of fig. 11 is performed, the operation shifts to the setting mode (step S56). Thereby, the display of the air leakage check result in the first display mode (fig. 14 or fig. 17 a) is stopped. Therefore, it is ensured that the display in the first display mode of the air leak check result is performed only temporarily.

Thus, the same operational effects as those of the example of fig. 11 can be obtained in this example.

In the setting mode (step S56), a setting guidance display (not shown) for assisting various settings is displayed on the display 11. The setting guidance display allows a member of the hospital (particularly, a maintenance person) to perform various settings of the sphygmomanometer 1. The sphygmomanometer 1 in this setting mode is not generally seen by a general patient.

(5) Notification control during transition from standby state to power-off state

Fig. 13 shows a flow of notification control in a process (at the end) of transition from the standby state to the power-off state in the sphygmomanometer 1.

In this example, in step S60 of fig. 13, the sphygmomanometer 1 is in the standby state, similarly to step S40 of fig. 11. In this standby state, when the power switch 10 is turned off by, for example, a member of a hospital (step S61), the CPU40 reads the latest gas leakage level stored in the memory unit 41, and determines which of L1, L2, or L3 the read gas leakage level is (step S62). Thereafter, as shown in steps S63 to S65, after the same processing as that of steps S43 to S45 in the example of fig. 11 (or steps S53 to S55 in the example of fig. 12) is performed, the power off state is shifted (step S66). Thereby, the display of the air leakage check result in the first display mode (fig. 14 or fig. 17 a) is stopped. Therefore, it is ensured that the display in the first display mode of the air leak check result is performed only temporarily.

Thus, the present example also has the same operational effects as the example of fig. 11 (or the example of fig. 12).

(modification of the Main control)

Fig. 19 shows a modified flow of the above-described main control flow (fig. 4). In the flow of this modification, the same processing as that in the flow of the above-described main control is performed in steps S1 to S13 (in fig. 19, the same steps as those in fig. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals). In this example, when rapid deflation starts in step S13, the CPU40 displays the blood pressure measurement results (the highest blood pressure and the lowest blood pressure) and the pulse rate on the display 11.

Next, in step S94 of fig. 19, the CPU40 operates as a gas leakage checking unit and performs a gas leakage diagnosis process shown in the flow chart of fig. 20 in place of the gas leakage diagnosis process (steps S20 to S25 of fig. 8). In fig. 20, the same steps as those in fig. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

Similarly to step S20 of fig. 8, when the gas leakage diagnosis is started in step S20 of fig. 20, first, in step S21, the CPU40 reads the differential pressure Δ P at the time of completion of the latest blood pressure calculation stored in the memory unit 41, and determines whether the read differential pressure Δ P is larger than 60mmHg corresponding to the first reference value AL1 and is larger than 40mmHg corresponding to the second reference value AL 2. Here, in the case where the differential pressure Δ P > 60mmHg, it is determined that the blowby level of the air system 20, 30 is the first blowby level L1 (step S22). In the case where 40mmHg < Δ P ≦ 60mmHg, it is determined that the blowby level of the air system 20, 30 is the second blowby level L2 (step S23). In these cases, the CPU40 stores the gas leakage level L1 or L2 in the memory section 41, respectively, and ends the gas leakage diagnosis process (step S25). On the other hand, when the differential pressure Δ P is less than or equal to 40mmHg, the blowby gas level of the air system 20, 30 is determined to be the third blowby gas level L3 (step S24). In this case, the CPU40 stores the air leakage level L3 in the memory unit 41, and operates as a notification control unit to immediately display, on the display 11, a notification that blood pressure measurement is not possible (i.e., a failure notification and an armband replacement notification even when the general patient sees the sphygmomanometer 1) (step S26). The display to the extent that blood pressure measurement is not possible is the same as the display example shown in fig. 18(a) or 18(B), for example. By observing this display, the constituent member of the hospital can recognize that a failure has occurred and that the arm band (in this example, the cuff unit 5) should be replaced. After that, the CPU40 puts the sphygmomanometer 1 into the power off state for safety (step S27).

When the rapid air release is finished in step S95 of fig. 19 when the air leakage diagnosis is finished in step S25 of fig. 20, the sphygmomanometer 1 is put into a standby state (step S96). In this example, in the standby state, the same display as that shown in fig. 15 described above is performed on the display 11. Therefore, the general patient does not notice the leak check result. In this standby state, for example, when the power switch 10 is turned off by a member of a hospital, the sphygmomanometer 1 returns to the power-off state through the notification control (example of fig. 13) in the process of the transition from the standby state to the power-off state (step S97).

As described above, according to the sphygmomanometer 1, the leak check result is displayed on the display 11 at a timing when the general patient does not see the sphygmomanometer 1. The constituent staff of the hospital can observe the air leakage check result displayed on the display 11 in the first display mode (fig. 14 or fig. 17 a), and can easily recognize the air leakage check result. When the general patient sees the sphygmomanometer 1, the air leakage test result is not displayed or, even if displayed, is displayed in a second display mode (fig. 16 or fig. 17C) with a low degree of emphasis. Therefore, the general patient will not usually notice the leak check result. In this way, in the sphygmomanometer 1, the air leakage test result can be notified to the constituent staff in the hospital in a manner that is difficult for the general patient to understand by the notification control described above.

When the air leakage check result is displayed on the display 11 in the first display mode (fig. 14 or fig. 17 a), the CPU40 may notify the user in a mode other than the display mode by a buzzer sound, voice, or the like. This allows the constituent staff in the hospital to be thoroughly notified of the results of the leak test.

In the above-described embodiment, the cuff unit 5 includes the wrapping cuff 79, the cuff 78, and the measurement cuff 77 in the outer peripheral member 70, but is not limited thereto. The wrapping cuff 79 and the cuff 78 may be omitted, and only the measurement cuff 77 may press the measurement site. In this case, instead of obtaining the air leakage check result based on the differential pressure Δ P between the pressure Pt of the wrapping cuff 79 and the pressure Pc of the measurement cuff 77, the air leakage check result can be obtained by observing the pressure (therefore, the amount of air leakage) of the measurement cuff 77 only for a predetermined period. The notification control as described above can be performed based on the gas leakage level indicated by the gas leakage check result.

In the above-described embodiment, the sphygmomanometer 1 performs the air leak check each time the blood pressure is measured, but is not limited thereto. The leak check may also be performed each time a predetermined number of blood pressure measurements are made. Further, the leak check may be performed periodically with the elapse of time, unlike the number of blood pressure measurements.

In the above-described embodiment, the sphygmomanometer 1 is provided in a hospital, but is not limited thereto. The sphygmomanometer 1 may be installed in other medical facilities such as a health care facility, a school, and a health care room of a company.

The above embodiments are illustrative, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The above-described embodiments may be individually established, or may be combined. In addition, various features in different embodiments may be separately provided, but features in different embodiments may be combined with each other.

Description of the reference numerals:

1 Sphygmomanometer

2 main body

3 sleeve belt

4 sliding bearing part

5 cuff unit

6 cover

7 cuff structure

77 measuring cuff

79 Cuff for winding