HK1214861B - Blood glucose meter - Google Patents

Description

Blood glucose meter

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a blood glucose meter that displays a measured blood glucose level on a display screen.

Background

In recent years, diabetes, in which the number of patients rapidly increases, is caused by abnormal insulin secretion in the pancreas and reduced sensitivity to insulin.

In the treatment of diabetes, it is important to prevent the onset and progression of complications, and therefore, it is necessary to control the blood glucose level to be normal. Therefore, blood glucose measuring apparatuses (hereinafter, blood glucose meters) have been developed for measuring blood glucose levels easily by the patient himself or herself or by the family members at home, and the applicant developed a small-sized blood glucose meter for the purpose of self-measurement.

Among them, a patent application relating to a blood glucose meter proposed by the applicant is shown in patent document 1.

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2011-64596

As described above, a diabetic must always manage his/her blood glucose level within an appropriate range in daily life. In addition, the diabetic patient needs to go to the hospital periodically, report the measurement result of the blood glucose level to a doctor, and receive a life guide. In particular, in a patient who is undergoing a therapy using a drug, from the viewpoint of controlling the blood glucose level of the patient to be normal in order to prevent complications and the like, a doctor recommends to the patient to perform the measurement of the blood glucose level a plurality of times a day. In particular, IDF (International Diabetes Federation) guidelines recommend measurement of postprandial blood glucose levels to patients, since these levels are associated with the risk of complications.

In recent years, with the development of electronic devices, a blood glucose meter is likely to be a tool for providing information on the patient who intends to continue the management of blood glucose level from a simple measurement instrument.

As a result, the inventors have advanced the development of a blood glucose meter in high functionality by using a function of calculating and displaying an average value of a blood glucose level of a patient, particularly a function of displaying blood glucose measurement data of the patient himself in order to appropriately maintain blood glucose control of the patient, a function of displaying changes in the blood glucose level of the patient in a graph, an alarm function of urging the patient to measure the blood glucose level, and the like.

On the other hand, blood glucose meters are used for various patients, and are required to be easy to operate unlike information devices such as computers. In particular, a blood glucose meter that can be operated even by a patient who is not used to the operation of an information device, an elderly patient, and a patient who has a visual problem such as poor eyesight is desired. However, adding various functions to a glucose meter may complicate the operation of the glucose meter. Specifically, for example, it is not preferable to excessively increase the number of operation buttons for adding a function, excessively deepen the hierarchy of a menu for calling a desired function, or the like.

The new glucose meter is expected to be configured to: the purpose of a blood glucose meter, which can measure the blood glucose level easily by anyone, is not impaired, and various contents such as a graph display of the blood glucose level and an alarm function for prompting the measurement of the blood glucose level after a meal can be provided.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a blood glucose meter which can easily confirm what degree the measured blood glucose level is when measuring the blood glucose level, and which has both high functionality and simplicity.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a blood glucose meter that can flexibly respond to a patient's request by selecting a method of displaying a blood glucose level during measurement of a blood glucose level, and that has both high functionality and simplicity.

In order to solve the above problem, a blood glucose meter according to the present invention includes: a measurement unit to which a measurement test paper for measuring a blood glucose level of a patient is attached; a blood glucose measuring unit that measures a blood glucose level of a patient by obtaining a predetermined signal from the measuring unit; and a display unit for displaying the blood glucose level measured by the blood glucose level measuring unit. The input/output control unit displays a scale on one side of the display unit, the scale indicating a result of classifying blood glucose levels by a plurality of thresholds and being composed of a plurality of color schemes, and after blood glucose levels are classified into predetermined levels by comparing the blood glucose levels with the plurality of thresholds, sets the background color of the display unit to one of the plurality of color schemes corresponding to the levels, and forms a label by integrating the scale with the background color.

In order to solve the above problem, a blood glucose meter according to the present invention includes: a measurement unit to which a measurement test paper for measuring a blood glucose level of a patient is attached; a blood glucose measuring unit that measures a blood glucose level of a patient by obtaining a predetermined signal from the measuring unit; a display unit for displaying the blood sugar level measured by the blood sugar level measuring unit; and various setting information memories storing color setting information. The input/output control unit controls the display unit as follows: when the color setting information is a color setting, the blood glucose level is compared with a plurality of threshold values and classified into a predetermined class, and then the background color of the display unit is set to one of a plurality of colors corresponding to the class, and when the color setting information is a high-contrast setting, the display unit is set to a color of high contrast.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a blood glucose meter that can easily confirm what degree the measured blood glucose level is when measuring the blood glucose level, and that has both high functionality and simplicity.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a blood glucose meter which can select a method of displaying a blood glucose level at the time of measuring a blood glucose level, can flexibly respond to a request of a patient, and has both high functionality and simplicity.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an external view of a blood glucose meter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the blood glucose meter.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing software functions of a blood glucose meter.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of field configuration and record of the blood glucose value table.

Fig. 5 is a state transition diagram showing a rough change in the state of the blood glucose meter.

Fig. 6 is a state transition diagram showing a change from a state in which the blood glucose meter sounds an alarm.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a general flow of the operation of the blood glucose meter.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of the content mode of the blood glucose meter.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of the initial screen display process in the content mode of the blood glucose meter.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the abnormality processing operation in the content mode of the blood glucose meter.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the memory content display processing in the content mode of the blood glucose meter.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the memory value display processing in the content mode of the blood glucose meter.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of the average value display processing in the content mode of the blood glucose meter.

Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a change in a display screen in the memory content display processing of the content mode.

Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of the alarm sound processing of the blood glucose meter.

Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing a process in which the blood glucose meter is constantly operated in any of the content mode, the measurement mode, and the setting mode regardless of the operation mode.

Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a display screen of a warning after meal.

Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing a flow of an operation of the blood glucose meter in the setting mode.

Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation in the measurement mode of the blood glucose meter.

Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation in the measurement mode of the blood glucose meter.

Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of abnormality processing in the measurement mode of the blood glucose meter.

Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of the blood glucose level recording process in the measurement mode of the blood glucose meter.

Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of the button area display process in the measurement mode of the blood glucose meter.

Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing the flow of blood glucose level display processing in the content mode and measurement mode of the blood glucose meter.

Fig. 25 is a display screen displayed on the display unit in the blood glucose level display process in the measurement mode of the blood glucose meter.

Fig. 26 is a diagram showing changes in emoticons displayed on the display unit in the processing of displaying the blood glucose level in the content mode and the measurement mode of the blood glucose meter.

Fig. 27 is a diagram showing a change in the display screen displayed on the display unit in the process of displaying the blood glucose level in the content mode and the measurement mode of the blood glucose meter.

Fig. 28 shows a display screen in the measurement mode and a display screen in the content mode.

Fig. 29 is a table showing functions assigned to operation buttons.

Detailed Description

A schematic description of a blood glucose meter 101 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 1 and 2.

Fig. 1A, 1B, and 1C are external views of a blood glucose meter 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The blood glucose meter 101 of the present embodiment includes three operation buttons 104, i.e., an upper button 105 as a first operation button, a middle button 106 as a second operation button, and a lower button 107 as a third operation button, and further includes a micro switch 210 (see fig. 2) that is interlocked with the cap 108 that protects the optical measurement unit 109.

When the cap 108 is detached from the blood glucose meter 101, the measurement mode immediately shifts to the "measurement mode" for measuring the blood glucose level.

When the center button 106 of the blood glucose meter 101 is pressed for about less than one second (hereinafter, referred to as "short press". The case where the operation button 104 is continuously pressed for about one second or more is referred to as "long press". As an antisense word thereto), the blood glucose meter 101 shifts to a "content mode" in which the blood glucose level measured and stored up to that time is displayed on the liquid crystal display 103 and read. The time as the threshold for distinguishing between the short press and the long press is not limited to one second. For example, 0.5 second or the like is also possible.

When the down button 107 of the blood glucose meter 101 is pressed for a long time, the operation shifts to a "setting mode" in which various setting values of the blood glucose meter 101 are changed.

The blood glucose meter 101 has a function of warning after meals, and counts a predetermined time when a warning is set. Then, if the set time has elapsed, an alarm sound is generated by the buzzer 211 (see fig. 2).

Within one hour after the alarm is sounded, the elapsed time after the alarm is sounded is displayed on the liquid crystal display 103.

Then, within one hour after the alarm sound is given, a postprandial flag, which is an example of a meal flag (flag), is automatically given to the measured blood glucose level.

The meal flag is a flag indicating whether the measured blood glucose level is a blood glucose level before a meal or a blood glucose level after a meal, based on the logical value of the flag. In the present embodiment, the "mark after meal" is used as the mark standing after meal, but conversely, the "mark before meal" may be used as the mark standing before meal.

The upper button 105 of the blood glucose meter 101 of the present embodiment is assigned with the following functions: in the measurement mode, whether or not a post-meal flag is given is switched.

In addition, the following functions are assigned to the upper button 105 of the blood glucose meter 101: in the content mode, a post meal alarm is set.

That is, the upper button 105 has a function related to the concept of "after meal" in both the measurement mode and the content mode.

The blood glucose meter 101 of the present embodiment has a measurement history display function capable of tracing back and viewing blood glucose levels measured in the past one by one in the content mode. Further, an average value display function is provided for displaying the morning average value, the midday average value, and the evening average value of the blood glucose level measured in the latest month after the earliest blood glucose level is displayed.

The switching between the measurement history display function and the average value display function is performed seamlessly by operating the up button 105 or the down button 107 without intervening menu display.

In the measurement mode, the blood glucose meter 101 of the present embodiment performs five-level evaluation of the blood glucose level in addition to displaying the measured blood glucose level as a numerical value, and displays an emoticon corresponding to the evaluation result on the screen of the liquid crystal display 103. Here, the background color of the screen is displayed in five steps in a color separation manner. Then, five colors are displayed in a scale form at one end of the screen, and the color is displayed in a label (tab) shape in connection with a background color matching the scale.

In the measurement mode and the content mode, the blood glucose meter 101 of the present embodiment performs five-level evaluation of the blood glucose level in addition to displaying the measured blood glucose level or the past blood glucose level as a numerical value, and displays an emoticon corresponding to the evaluation result on the screen of the liquid crystal display 103. The background color of the screen is displayed in five-level color separation. The color separation and the presence or absence of the emoticon can be switched by setting in the setting mode.

As described above, the blood glucose meter 101 according to the present embodiment assigns different functions to the three operation buttons 104 in each of the measurement mode, the content mode, and the setting mode, thereby limiting the number of the operation buttons 104 to the minimum and realizing multiple functions.

[ appearance ]

Referring again to fig. 1A, 1B, and 1C, the appearance of the blood glucose meter 101 will be described.

The blood glucose meter 101 includes a liquid crystal display 103 capable of color display on the surface of a housing 102, and an operation button 104 including a known dome switch, a touch panel button, and the like on the right end of the liquid crystal display 103.

The operation buttons 104 are provided on the outside of the liquid crystal display 103, and include an upper button 105, a middle button 106, and a lower button 107.

The up button 105 is a button for moving a cursor displayed on the liquid crystal display 103 in an upward direction, and the down button 107 is a button for moving the cursor in a downward direction. The middle button 106 is a button for instructing the blood glucose meter 101 to perform, determine, or the like.

The upper button 105 functions as a "post-meal button" when it is pressed for a short time in the measurement mode, and records a post-meal flag, which will be described later, in a related record in the blood glucose level table 306.

When the middle button 106 is pressed for a short time in the power saving mode, it functions as a power button for instructing the blood glucose meter 101 to turn on the power supply. In the blood glucose meter 101 of the present embodiment, the function for instructing power-on is provided as a method of pressing the center button 106 for a short time, but may be provided as a method of pressing the center button 106 for a long time.

The down button 107 has a function of entering a setting mode for changing various setting values of the blood glucose meter 101 when it is pressed for a long time.

An optical measurement unit 109 protected by a removable cap 108 is provided on one short side of the housing 102 of the blood glucose meter 101. Projections, not shown, are provided on the inner side of the cap 108. When the projection is engaged with the recess 110 provided in the housing 102, a microswitch 210 (see fig. 2) incorporated in the housing 102 is turned off.

The blood glucose meter 101, which is operated by a battery not shown, is operated in a power saving mode in which it is operated to save electric power in a non-operating state.

When the centering button 106 is pressed for a short time in the blood glucose meter 101 in the power saving mode, the liquid crystal display 103 displays a predetermined menu screen and shifts to the content mode.

When the micro switch 210 is turned on by removing the cap 108 from the blood glucose meter 101 in the power saving mode, the liquid crystal display 103 displays a predetermined guide screen and shifts to the measurement mode.

When the down button 107 is pressed for a long time in the blood glucose meter 101 in the power saving mode, the liquid crystal display 103 displays a predetermined menu screen and shifts to the setting mode.

Hereinafter, the state of the power saving mode is referred to as a "power off state", and the states of the content mode, the measurement mode, and the setting mode are collectively referred to as a "power on state".

As shown in fig. 1B, when the measurement mode is switched to by removing the cap 108, an explanatory view 103a of the chip mounting guide is displayed on the liquid crystal display 103 in order to measure the blood glucose level immediately.

[ hardware ]

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the blood glucose meter 101.

The blood glucose meter 101 is constituted by a known microcomputer, and in the microcomputer, a known CPU201, a RAM202, an EEPROM203, a real time clock (hereinafter abbreviated as "RTC") 204 as a time counting section for outputting date and time information, a display section 205 as the liquid crystal display 103, and an operation section 206 as the operation button 104 are connected to a bus 207.

The D/a converter 208, an a/D converter 209, a microswitch 210, a buzzer 211, and a power supply control unit 212 are also connected to the bus 207.

A driver 213 is connected to the D/a converter 208, and an LED214 is connected to the driver 213. The LED214 is controlled to emit light based on intensity data stored in advance in the EEPROM203, which will be described later, because it is necessary to irradiate the test paper 305 (see fig. 3) in the measurement chip with light of an appropriate intensity.

A photodiode 215 is connected to the a/D converter 209.

The photodiode 215 receives light from the LED214 reflected by the test paper 305 (see fig. 3), and generates a current corresponding to the intensity of the light. The current is converted into numerical data by the a/D converter 209. Then, the numerical data is subjected to predetermined arithmetic processing and recorded in predetermined areas of the RAM202 and the EEPROM 203.

The LED214 and the photodiode 215 are housed inside the optical measurement unit 109.

The RTC204 is a well-known IC that provides a date-time data output function.

The blood glucose meter 101 according to the present embodiment records date and time information of the time at which the blood glucose level was measured in the blood glucose level table 306 (see fig. 3) together with the blood glucose level.

Various screens are displayed on the display unit 205 by a program stored in the EEPROM203 and executed by the CPU 201. The details of the display screen will be described later.

The buzzer 211 is mainly used for notifying the operator of completion of measurement of the blood glucose level measurement and a notification sound or an error message of an alarm described later.

The power supply control unit 212 connected to the battery 216 controls the power supply of the entire blood glucose meter 101. Since the blood glucose meter 101 includes the RTC204, the RTC204 needs to operate constantly regardless of the power-on state and the power-off state. In addition, in the power-off state, that is, in the power saving mode, the blood glucose meter 101 also needs to detect a change in the state of the operation unit 206 and the microswitch 210. Therefore, in the power saving mode, the power supply control unit 212 stops the supply of power to the devices such as the display unit 205, the D/a converter 208, the driver 213, and the a/D converter 209 that are only required to operate in the power on state. In the power saving mode, the power supply control unit 212 decreases the oscillation frequency of a system clock, not shown, that operates the CPU 201.

[ functional constitution ]

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing software functions of the blood glucose meter 101.

As described above, the blood glucose meter 101 is an electronic device configured mainly by a known microcomputer. The microcomputer reads a program, not shown, stored in the EEPROM203, and configures functional blocks shown in fig. 3.

The blood glucose level measuring unit 301 measures the blood glucose level by detecting the change in optical reflectance of the test paper 305 discolored in accordance with the blood 304 of the subject to be measured. The blood glucose level measuring unit 301 includes a D/a converter 208, an a/D converter 209, a blood glucose level calculating unit 302, and a measurement timer 303.

The basic method of measuring the blood glucose level of the blood glucose meter 101 is the same as that of the related art. Hereinafter, a method for measuring a blood glucose level will be briefly described.

A measurement chip, not shown, is mounted in the optical measurement unit 109, and blood 304 of the measurement subject is sucked to the measurement chip. The measurement chip contains a test paper 305 made of a porous membrane such as polyethersulfone. Then, when the blood 304 attracted to the measurement chip reaches the test strip 305, it reacts with a reagent contained in the test strip 305 and develops color. Next, the test paper 305 is irradiated with light emitted from the LED214 serving as a light emitting element, and the photodiode 215 serving as a light receiving element receives the reflected light from the test paper 305. After a predetermined reaction time has elapsed, the analog light reception intensity signal obtained from the photodiode 215 is converted into a digital value by the a/D converter 209, and the digital value is converted into a blood glucose level.

The method for measuring a blood glucose level is not limited to the optical measurement method using a color-developing reagent, and a conventionally used method for measuring blood glucose, such as an electrochemical sensor method, can be used.

The measurement timer 303 is a timer for counting a predetermined reaction time from the time when the blood 304 is drawn to the test strip 305. In the case of the blood glucose meter 101 of the present embodiment, nine seconds are counted as an example.

The blood glucose level calculation unit 302 calculates the blood glucose level by performing a predetermined calculation process based on the data indicating the intensity of the reflected light obtained from the photodiode 215 via the a/D converter 209 at the time when the reaction time is measured by the measurement timer 303.

The RTC204 outputs date-and-time information. The RTC204 is supplied with power from a battery (not shown) even in a power-off state (power saving mode), and outputs correct date and time information.

The blood glucose level table 306 is a table in which the date and time of measurement, the measured blood glucose level, and a postprandial flag described later are recorded. The blood glucose level meter 306 is provided in a nonvolatile memory such as the EEPROM 203.

The operation unit 206 is the operation button 104 described above. The display unit 205 is the liquid crystal display 103 described above.

The input/output control section 307 additionally records the blood glucose value data obtained from the blood glucose level measurement section 301 and the measurement date and time obtained from the RTC204 in the blood glucose value table 306. The measured blood glucose level is displayed on display unit 205, and various data processes are performed in accordance with the operation of operation unit 206.

The microswitch 210 is also connected to the input/output control unit 307. One end of the microswitch 210 is pulled up by the resistor R312, and the input/output control unit 307 detects a change in the potential of the microswitch 210, thereby detecting whether the cap 108 is attached to the housing 102 of the blood glucose meter 101 or detached.

The input/output control unit 307 is provided with an operation timer 308. The operation timer 308 is reset, for example, counts up to two minutes, in accordance with the state changes of the operation unit 206, the microswitch 210, and the blood glucose level measurement unit 301. When detecting that the operation timer 308 counts two minutes, the input/output control unit 307 determines that the operation has timed out and shifts to the power saving mode.

When the up button 105 is pressed for a short time while the menu screen of the content mode is displayed, the input/output control section 307 acquires current date and time information from the RTC204, and sounds the buzzer 211 (sounds an alarm) two hours later. At this time, the time for sounding the alarm is stored in the alarm time memory 309. The alarm time memory 309 is provided in the EEPROM203 which is a nonvolatile memory because it is necessary to continuously store the alarm sound time even in the power saving mode.

The post-meal flag memory 310 is a storage area of a variable, for example, which is provided in the EEPROM203 as a nonvolatile memory and stores the state of the post-meal flag, and which is configured by one bit. The state of the postmeal flag stored in the postmeal flag memory 310 is changed by the operation of the upper button 105 in the measurement mode, and is also changed within one hour after the alarm sound and in a time period other than the one hour after the alarm sound.

The various setting information memory 311 is a storage area provided in the EEPROM203 as a nonvolatile memory, and stores various setting information of the blood glucose meter 101. The various setting information memory 311 includes color setting and expression display setting of the display section 205.

The alarm time Memory 309, the postprandial flag Memory 310, and the various setting information Memory 311 may be provided in a Battery-Backed Memory (Battery-Backed Memory) 202 that stores contents by Battery backup.

The input/output control unit 307 detects a state change of the operation unit 206 and the microswitch 210, and realizes a function corresponding to the state change. These functions are described in detail based on a flowchart shown later in fig. 7.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of field configuration and record of the blood glucose value table 306.

The date and time field stores date and time information of the time at which the blood glucose level was measured.

The blood glucose level field stores the measured blood glucose level.

The post-meal flag field stores a post-meal flag indicating that the measured blood glucose level is a post-meal blood glucose level when the up button 105 is pressed for a short time in measuring the blood glucose level.

In the blood glucose value table 306, records for recording blood glucose values are recorded in time series in sequence. Further, a mark (label) area different from the record of the blood glucose level table 306 is provided at the terminal of the blood glucose level table 306. The mark area stores information indicating "average in evening one month", "average in noon one month", and "average in morning one month".

When the memory value display function is executed in the content mode described later, the record of the blood glucose level table 306 pointed to by the pointer 401 provided in the RAM202 is displayed on the display unit 205, and when the pointer 401 points to the marker region, the one-month average value of the blood glucose level is displayed on the display unit 205.

[ State transition ]

Next, a change in the general state of the blood glucose meter 101 will be described with reference to the state transition diagrams of fig. 5 and 6.

First, a general change in the state of the blood glucose meter 101 will be described with reference to fig. 5.

Fig. 5 is a state transition diagram showing a rough change in the state of the blood glucose meter 101.

The initial state of the blood glucose meter 101 is a power saving mode. The power saving mode includes two modes, i.e., a power saving mode in which the cap 108 is attached, i.e., a power-off state in which the cap 108 is closed (P501), and a power saving mode in which the cap 108 is detached, i.e., a power-off state in which the cap 108 is open (P502).

When the cap 108 is removed from the state where the cap 108 is closed and the power is off (P501), the measurement mode is switched to (P503).

When the cap 108 is mounted from the state of the measurement mode (P503), the process proceeds to the cap 108, and the power supply is turned off (P501).

When the operation is left for a predetermined time (two minutes as an example) from the state of the measurement mode (P503) and the timeout is reached, or the button 106 is pressed for a long time, the process proceeds to the cap 108, and the power is turned off (P502).

When the button 106 is pressed for a short time from a state where the cap 108 is turned on and the power is off (P502), the measurement mode is switched (P503).

When the button 106 is pressed for a short time from a state where the cap 108 is closed and the power is off (P501), the mode transitions to a cap 108 closed content mode (P505).

When the cap 108 is removed from the state in which the cap 108 is closed in the content mode (P505), the measurement mode is switched to the measurement mode (P503).

When the content mode is left for a predetermined time without any operation from the state where the cap 108 is closed (P505) and a timeout is reached, or the button 106 is pressed for a long time, the process proceeds to the state where the cap 108 is closed and the power is turned off (P501).

When the operation button 104 is operated to shift from the state of the measurement mode (P503) to the content mode, the state shifts to the cap 108 to open the content mode (P504).

When the cap 108 is attached from the state where the cap 108 opens the content mode (P504), the process proceeds to the cap 108 closing power off (P501).

When the content pattern is left for a predetermined time without any operation from the state where the cap 108 is opened (P504) and a timeout is reached, or the button 106 is pressed for a long time, the process proceeds to the state where the cap 108 is turned on and the power is turned off (P502).

When the push button 107 is pressed for a long time from a state where the cap 108 is closed and the power is off (P501), the mode is shifted to the cap 108 closing setting mode (P506).

When the operation is not performed for a predetermined time from the state in which the cap 108 is in the closed setting mode (P506) and the timeout is reached, or the middle button 106 is pressed for a long time, the operation is shifted to the state in which the cap 108 is closed and the power is turned off (P501).

When the cap 108 is removed from the state in which the cap 108 is in the closed setting mode (P506), the mode is shifted to the open setting mode (P507) of the cap 108.

When the push button 107 is pressed for a long time from the state where the cap 108 is turned on and the power is off (P502), the mode is shifted to the cap 108 opening setting mode (P507).

When the operation is not performed for a predetermined time from the state where the cap 108 is opened in the setting mode (P507) and the timeout is reached, or the button 106 is pressed for a long time, the process proceeds to the state where the cap 108 is turned on and the power is turned off (P502).

When the cap 108 is attached from the state in which the cap 108 is opened in the set mode (P507), the process proceeds to the cap 108, and the power supply is turned off (P501).

When the operation of "removing the cap 108" is started from a state where the cap 108 is closed and power is off (P501) and a state where the cap 108 is closed in the content mode (P505), the blood glucose meter 101 shifts to the measurement mode (P503). That is, the removal of the cap 108 is an instruction to immediately turn on the power supply and also an instruction to start the measurement of the blood glucose level.

When an operation of "mounting the cap 108" is started from the state of the measurement mode (P503), the state of the cap 108 opening content mode (P504), and the state of the cap 108 opening setting mode (P507), the blood glucose meter 101 shifts to the cap 108 closing power off (P501). That is, the operation of attaching the cap 108 is an instruction to immediately turn off the power supply.

Fig. 6 is a state transition diagram showing a change from a state in which the blood glucose meter 101 sounds an alarm. For the sake of simplicity of description, the cap 108 is limited to the attached state when the alarm is sounded.

When the cap 108 is removed from the state where the alarm is sounded (P601), the measurement mode is switched to (P602).

When the operation is not performed for a predetermined time from the state of the alarm sound (P601), and the time-out is reached, the operation is shifted to the cap 108 to close the power supply and turn off (P603).

When the cap 108 is removed from the state in which the cap 108 is closed and the power is off (P603), the display transitions to an alarm stop elapsed time display in which the elapsed time after the alarm stop is displayed on the screen (P604).

When the button under process 106 is pressed for a short time from the state where the alarm stop elapsed time display (P604), the measurement mode is shifted to (P602).

When the button 106 is pressed short after the alarm is sounded (P601), the display transitions to the alarm stop elapsed time display (P605).

When the button 106 is pressed for a short time from a state where the cap 108 is closed and the power is turned off (P603), the display transitions to an alarm stop elapsed time display (P605).

When the button under process 106 is pressed for a short time from the state where the alarm stop elapsed time display (P605), the operation shifts to the content mode (P606).

When the cap 108 is removed from the content mode (P606), the measurement mode is switched to the measurement mode (P602).

One of the features of the blood glucose meter 101 of the present embodiment is a postprandial alarm. Since the time during which the blood glucose level after a meal can be measured is limited, an alarm is set in advance for what is considered to be the time after a meal. When the postprandial alarm reaches the set time, the alarm is sounded, and the elapsed time is also displayed on the liquid crystal display 103. By displaying the elapsed time on the liquid crystal display 103, the patient can determine whether or not the elapsed time is suitable for the post-meal blood glucose level measurement.

Further, since the post-meal flag is set to logical "true" while the post-meal alarm is sounded, it is not necessary to operate the upper button 105 to give the post-meal flag at the time of measuring the blood glucose level.

[ flow of actions ]

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a general flow of the operation of the blood glucose meter 101.

When the process is started by mounting a battery or the like (S701), the input/output control unit 307 first controls the power supply control unit 212 to set the operating state of the blood glucose meter 101 to the power saving mode (S702).

Next, the input/output control section 307 checks the states of the operation button 104, the micro switch 210, and the RTC204 in the power saving mode (S703).

When the middle button 106 is pressed for a short time (yes in S704), the input/output control unit 307 sets the operation state of the blood glucose meter 101 to the content mode, and performs the processing of the content mode (S705). When the processing in the content mode is finished, the input/output control unit 307 finishes a series of processing (S706). Then, the process starts again with step S701, and in step S702, the blood glucose meter 101 sets its operation state to the power saving mode.

If the middle button 106 is not short-pressed in step S704 (no in S704), the input/output control section 307 confirms the state of the microswitch 210. When the cap 108 is removed (yes in S707), the input/output control unit 307 sets the operating state of the blood glucose meter 101 to the measurement mode, and performs the process of the measurement mode (S708). When the process in the measurement mode is finished, the input/output control unit 307 finishes a series of processes (S706). Then, the process starts again with step S701, and in step S702, the blood glucose meter 101 sets its operation state to the power saving mode.

If the cap 108 is not removed in step S707 (no in S707), the input/output control unit 307 confirms the state of the down button 107. As a result, when the down button 107 is pressed for a long time (yes in S709), the input/output control unit 307 sets the operating state of the blood glucose meter 101 to the setting mode and performs the processing of setting the mode (S710). When the process of setting the mode is finished, the input/output control unit 307 finishes a series of processes (S706). Then, the process starts again with step S701, and in step S702, the blood glucose meter 101 sets its operation state to the power saving mode.

If the down button 107 is not pressed long in step S709 (no in S709), the input/output control section 307 then checks the state of the RTC 204. As a result, when the current time reaches the alarm setting time (yes in S711), the input/output control unit 307 performs an alarm sound processing (S712). When the alarm sound processing is finished, the input/output control unit 307 finishes a series of processing (S706). Then, the process starts again with step S701, and in step S702, the blood glucose meter 101 sets its operation state to the power saving mode.

If the current time does not reach the alarm setting time in step S711 (no in S711), the input/output control section 307 repeats the process from step S703 again, and checks the states of the operation button 104, the micro switch 210, and the RTC204 in the power saving mode (S703).

[ Contents mode ]

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of the content mode of the blood glucose meter 101. This corresponds to step S705 in fig. 7, and is also executed from step S1513 in fig. 15, step S2029 in fig. 20, and step S2107 in fig. 21, which will be described later.

When the process of step S705 in fig. 7 is started (S801), or the process of step S1513 in fig. 15, step S2029 in fig. 20, or step S2107 in fig. 21 is started (symbol "B"), the input/output control unit 307 first executes the initial screen display process (S802).

Next, the input/output control section 307 checks the states of the operation button 104 and the microswitch 210 (S803). As a result, when the up button 105 is pressed for a short time (yes in S804), the input/output control unit 307 performs timer setting change processing (S805). When the timer setting change process is completed, the input/output control unit 307 checks the states of the operation button 104 and the microswitch 210 again (S803).

If the up button 105 is not short-pressed in step S804 (no in S804), the input/output control section 307 confirms the state of the middle button 106. As a result, when the middle button 106 is pressed for a short time (yes in S806), the input/output control unit 307 performs the graph display process (S807). When the graph display processing is finished, the input/output control unit 307 checks the states of the operation button 104 and the microswitch 210 again (S803).

If the middle button 106 is not short-pressed in step S806 (no in S806), the input/output control section 307 confirms the state of the down button 107 next. As a result, when the down button 107 is pressed for a short time (yes in S808), the input/output control section 307 performs memory content display processing (S809). When the memory content display processing is finished, the input/output control unit 307 checks the states of the operation button 104 and the microswitch 210 again (S803).

If the down button 107 is not short-pressed in step S808 (no in S806), the input/output control section 307 then performs content pattern abnormality processing (S809). When the content mode abnormality processing is finished, the input/output control unit 307 checks the states of the operation button 104 and the microswitch 210 again (S803).

[ content mode: initial picture display processing

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of the initial screen display process in the content mode of the blood glucose meter 101. Corresponding to step S802 of fig. 8.

When the process is started (S901), the input/output control section 307 first obtains the current date and time information from the RTC204, observes the alarm sound time stored in the alarm time memory 309, and checks whether or not the alarm sound time is within two hours, that is, whether or not the after meal alarm sound has not been sounded (S902). When the alarm sound time is within two hours (S902: YES), the input/output control unit 307 displays the remaining time of the post-meal alarm on the display unit 205 (S903), and ends the series of processes (S904).

If the time is not two hours or less until the alarm sound is sounded at step S902 (no at S902), the input/output control section 307 then checks whether or not one hour has elapsed after the alarm sound is sounded at one hour or less after the alarm sound is sounded after meal (S905). When the alarm sound time is within one hour after the alarm sound time (S905: YES), the input/output control section 307 displays the elapsed time of the alarm after meal on the display section 205 (S906), and thereafter the input/output control section 307 checks the states of the operation button 104 and the microswitch 210 (S907). As a result, when the middle button 106 is pressed for a short time (yes in S908), the input/output control unit 307 displays the standard menu screen for the content mode on the display unit 205 (S909), and ends the series of processing (S904).

If the middle button 106 is not short-pressed in step S908 (no in S908), the input/output control unit 307 executes the abnormality processing of the content mode (S910), and then checks the states of the operation button 104 and the microswitch 210 again (S907).

[ content mode: exception handling

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the abnormality processing operation in the content mode of the blood glucose meter 101. This corresponds to step S810 in fig. 8 and step S910 in fig. 9.

When the process is started (S1001), the input/output control unit 307 checks whether the middle button 106 is pressed long (S1002). When the middle button 106 is pressed for a long time (yes in S1002), the input/output control unit 307 ends the processing of the content mode (S1003). Thereby, the blood glucose meter 101 shifts to the power saving mode (step S702 of fig. 7).

If the middle button 106 is not pressed long in step S1002 (no in S1002), the input/output control unit 307 checks the state of the microswitch 210 to see whether or not the cap 108 is attached (S1004). When the cap 108 is attached (yes in S1004), the input/output control unit 307 ends the processing of the content mode (S1003). Thereby, the blood glucose meter 101 shifts to the power saving mode (step S702 of fig. 7).

If the cap 108 is not mounted in step S1004 (no in S1004), the input/output control unit 307 checks the operation timer 308 and checks whether or not the operation timer 308 has timed out (S1005). When the time-out is reached (yes in S1005), the input/output control unit 307 ends the processing of the content mode (S1003). Thereby, the blood glucose meter 101 shifts to the power saving mode (step S702 of fig. 7).

If the time-out is not reached in step S1005 (no in S1005), the input/output control unit 307 next checks the state of the microswitch 210 to see whether or not the cap 108 is detached (S1006). When the cap 108 is removed (yes in S1006), the input/output control unit 307 shifts the processing from the content mode to the measurement mode (S1007). Thereby, the blood glucose meter 101 shifts to the measurement mode (from step S708 in fig. 7 to reference "a" in fig. 19.

If the cap 108 is not removed in step S1006 (S1006: no), the input/output control portion 307 then acquires the current date and time information from the RTC204, observes the alarm sounding time stored in the alarm time memory 309, and confirms whether or not the current time has reached the alarm sounding time (S1008).

When the alarm time has elapsed (yes in S1008), the input/output control unit 307 shifts the processing from the content mode processing to the alarm sound processing (S1009). Thereby, the blood glucose meter 101 shifts to alarm sound processing (step S712 in fig. 7 to symbol "D" in fig. 15.

If the alarm time has not been reached in step S1008 (no in S1008), the input/output control unit 307 ends the abnormality processing in the content mode (S1010).

[ content mode: memory content display processing

Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the memory content display processing in the content mode of the blood glucose meter 101. Corresponding to step S809 of fig. 8.

When the process is started (S1101), the input/output control unit 307 checks whether or not the pointer 401 is not initialized (S1102). If the pointer 401 is not initialized (S1102: yes), the input/output control unit 307 initializes the pointer 401 (S1103).

In either case where the pointer 401 is initialized in step S1103 or the pointer 401 is initialized in step S1102 (no in S1102), the input/output control unit 307 then checks whether or not the pointer 401 indicates a blood glucose level record in the blood glucose level table 306 by observing the contents of the pointer 401 (S1104). When the pointer 401 instructs the blood glucose level record (yes in S1104), the input/output control unit 307 executes a memory value display process for displaying the contents of the blood glucose level record (S1105).

If the pointer 401 does not instruct the blood glucose level record in step S1104 (no in S1104), the input/output control unit 307 executes an average value display process of displaying the average value of the blood glucose levels in the latest month in response to the average value display instruction pointed by the pointer 401 (S1106).

After executing both the memory value display processing in step S1105 and the average value display processing in step S1106, the input/output control section 307 checks the states of the operation button 104, the micro switch 210, and the RTC204 (S1107).

First, the input/output control section 307 checks whether or not the up button 105 is short-pressed (S1108). When the up button 105 is pressed for a short time (yes in S1108), the input/output control unit 307 decrements the value of the pointer 401 by 1(S1109), and the process is repeated again from step S1104.

If the up button 105 is not short-pressed in step S1108 (no in S1108), the input/output control unit 307 then checks whether or not the down button 107 is short-pressed (S1110). When the down button 107 is pressed for a short time (yes in S1110), the input/output control unit 307 increments the value of the pointer 401 by 1(S1111), and repeats the processing from step S1104 again.

If the down button 107 is not short-pressed in step S1110 (no in S1110), the input/output control unit 307 next confirms whether the in button 106 is short-pressed (S1112). When the middle button 106 is pressed for a short time (yes in S1112), the input/output control section 307 ends the memory content display processing in the content mode (S1113).

If the button 106 is not short-pressed in step S1112 (no in S1112), the input/output control section 307 executes the abnormality processing of the content mode (S1114), and then checks the states of the operation button 104, the micro switch 210, and the RTC204 again (S1107).

[ content mode: memory value display processing

Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the memory value display processing in the content mode of the blood glucose meter 101. Corresponding to step S1105 in fig. 11.

When the process is started (S1201), the input/output control unit 307 checks whether or not the record indicated by the pointer 401 is the first record of the blood glucose level table 306 (S1202). When the record indicated by the pointer 401 is the first record of the blood glucose level table 306 (yes in S1202), the input/output control unit 307 displays the button layout for the first record on the display unit 205 (S1203). Then, the blood glucose level of the record indicated by the pointer 401 is displayed on the display unit 205 (S1204), and the memory value display processing is terminated (S1205).

If the record indicated by the pointer 401 is not the first record of the blood glucose level table 306 in step S1202 (no in S1202), the input/output control unit 307 next checks whether or not the record indicated by the pointer 401 is the last record of the blood glucose level table 306 (S1206). When the record indicated by the pointer 401 is the last record of the blood glucose level table 306 (yes in S1206), the input/output control section 307 displays the button layout for the last record on the display section 205 (S1207). Then, the blood glucose level of the record indicated by the pointer 401 is displayed on the display unit 205 (S1204), and the memory value display processing is terminated (S1205).

If the record indicated by the pointer 401 is not the last record of the blood glucose level table 306 in step S1206 (no in S1206), the input/output control section 307 displays a button layout for a normal record on the display section 205 (S1208). Then, the blood glucose level of the record indicated by the pointer 401 is displayed on the display unit 205 (S1204), and the memory value display processing is terminated (S1205).

[ content mode: average value display treatment

Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of the average value display processing in the content mode of the blood glucose meter 101. Corresponding to step S1106 of fig. 11.

When the process is started (S1301), the input/output control unit 307 checks whether or not the flag indicated by the pointer 401 indicates that the average value of the blood glucose levels in the morning recorded in the blood glucose level table 306 is to be displayed (S1302). When the mark indicated by the pointer 401 indicates an instruction to display the average value of the blood glucose levels in the morning (yes in S1302), the input/output control unit 307 displays the average value of the blood glucose levels in the morning on the display unit 205 (S1303). Then, the average value display processing is ended (S1304).

If the marker indicated by the pointer 401 is not an instruction to display the average value of blood glucose levels in the morning in step S1302 (no in S1302), the input/output control unit 307 checks whether or not the marker indicated by the pointer 401 is an instruction to display the average value of blood glucose levels at noon among the blood glucose levels recorded in the blood glucose level table 306 (S1305). When the marker indicated by the pointer 401 indicates that the average value of blood glucose levels at noon is to be displayed (yes in S1305), the input/output control unit 307 displays the average value of blood glucose levels at noon on the display unit 205 (S1306). Then, the average value display processing is ended (S1304).

If the mark indicated by the pointer 401 in step S1305 is not an instruction to display the average value of blood glucose levels at noon (no in S1305), the input/output control unit 307 displays the average value of blood glucose levels at evening on the display unit 205 (S1307). Then, the average value display processing is ended (S1304).

[ content mode: display screens in memory content display processing and average value display processing

A, B, C, D, E and F in FIG. 14 are schematic diagrams showing changes in the display screen in the memory content display processing in the content mode.

After the menu screen is displayed in the content mode (fig. 8) (step S903 or S909 in fig. 8), if the push button 107 is pressed down for a short time (step S808 in fig. 8) to select the memory content display process (step S809 in fig. 8), the input/output control portion 307 displays the content of the destination indicated by the pointer 401 on the display portion 205.

On the right side of the screen shown in A, B, C, D, E and F of fig. 14, guidance regarding the function of the operation button 104 is displayed.

When the pointer 401 indicates the first record of the blood glucose level table 306 (step S1202 in fig. 12), the input/output control unit 307 displays the screen shown in a in fig. 14 on the display unit 205 (steps S1203 and S1204 in fig. 12). On the right side of the screen shown in a of fig. 14, a guide P1401 for operating the button 104 (character string mark of "average") showing a case where the button 107 is pressed and the screen is shifted to the average value display processing is displayed.

When the pointer 401 indicates the last record of the blood glucose level table 306 (step S1206 of fig. 12), the input/output control unit 307 displays the screen indicated by C of fig. 14 on the display unit 205 (steps S1207 and S1204 of fig. 12). On the right side of the screen shown in C of fig. 14, a guide P1402 ("average" character string mark) of the operation button 104 is displayed, which indicates that the screen transitions to the average value display processing when the up button 105 is pressed.

When the pointer 401 indicates a record other than the first or last record of the blood glucose level table 306, the input/output control unit 307 displays a screen shown in B of fig. 14 on the display unit 205 (steps S1208 and S1204 of fig. 12).

When the up button 105 is further pressed from the screen shown in C of fig. 14, the pointer 401 points to a flag indicating "average value of blood glucose levels in the morning" (step S1302 of fig. 13). Therefore, the input/output control section 307 displays the screen shown by F in fig. 14 on the display section 205 (step S1303 in fig. 13).

When the up button 105 is further pressed from the screen shown in F of fig. 14, the pointer 401 points to a mark indicating "average value of blood glucose levels at noon" (step S1305 of fig. 13). Therefore, the input/output control unit 307 displays the screen shown in E of fig. 14 on the display unit 205 (step S1306 of fig. 13).

When the up button 105 is further pressed from the screen shown in E of fig. 14 or the down button 107 is further pressed from the screen shown in a of fig. 14, the pointer 401 points to a mark indicating "average value of blood glucose levels in the evening". Therefore, the input/output control unit 307 displays the screen shown by F in fig. 14 on the display unit 205 (step S1307 in fig. 13).

As is clear from the above, by operating only the up button 105 and the down button 107, the memory content display processing and the average value display processing can be performed seamlessly.

[ alarm ringing treatment ]

Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of the alarm sound processing of the blood glucose meter 101. Corresponds to step S712 of fig. 7, and is also executed from step S1009 of fig. 10.

When the processing of step S712 in fig. 7 is started (S1501) or the processing of step S1009 in fig. 10 is started (flag "D"), the input/output control unit 307 sets the postmeal flag to logic true (S1502) while sounding the buzzer 211 (alarm sound). Next, the input/output control unit 307 displays a screen indicating that the alarm is sounding on the display unit 205 (S1503). Then, the states of the operation button 104, the microswitch 210 and the RTC204 are checked (S1504).

First, the input/output control unit 307 checks whether or not the cap 108 is removed (S1505). When the cap 108 is removed (yes in S1505), the input/output control unit 307 stops the alarm (S1506) and shifts to the measurement mode (reference symbol "a" in fig. 19 from S1507.

If the cap 108 is not removed in step S1505 (no in S1505), the input/output control unit 307 then checks whether or not the middle button 106 is pressed for a short time (S1508). When the middle button 106 is pressed for a short time (yes in S1508), the input/output control unit 307 stops the alarm (S1509), and then displays the time elapsed from the alarm sound time on the display unit 205 (S1510). Then, the states of the operation button 104, the micro switch 210, and the RTC204 are checked (S1511).

Next, the input/output control unit 307 confirms whether or not the middle button 106 is short-pressed (S1512). When the middle button 106 is pressed for a short time (yes in S1512), the input/output control unit 307 shifts to the content mode (symbol "B" in fig. 8 from S1513).

If the middle button 106 is not short-pressed in step S1512 (no in S1512), the input/output control section 307 executes abnormality processing of the content mode (S1514), and then checks the states of the operation button 104, the micro switch 210, and the RTC204 again (S1511).

If the middle button 106 is not short-pressed in step S1508 (no in S1508), the input/output control section 307 executes the abnormality processing of the content mode (S1515), and then checks the states of the operation button 104, the micro switch 210, and the RTC204 again (S1504).

[ post-meal flag operation processing and operation timer 308 restart processing ]

Fig. 16A and 16B are flowcharts showing a process in which blood glucose meter 101 is operated in any one of the content mode, measurement mode, and setting mode (i.e., in a state not in the power saving mode), regardless of which operation mode is used.

Fig. 16A is a flowchart showing the post-meal flag operation processing.

When the process is started (S1601), the input/output control unit 307 first observes the alarm time stored in the alarm time memory 309, and checks whether or not one hour or more has elapsed since the alarm time at the present time (S1602).

When the current time has elapsed by one hour or more from the alarm time (yes in S1602), the input/output control unit 307 next checks whether or not the post-meal flag is set to "true" in logic (S1603).

When the post-meal flag is set to logical "true" (yes in S1603), the input/output control section 307 sets the post-meal flag to logical "false", initializes the alarm time memory 309 (S1604), and then ends the series of processes (S1605).

If the current time has not elapsed for one hour or more from the alarm time in step S1602 or if the alarm time memory 309 has already been initialized (S1602: no), or if the after meal flag is set to logical "false" in step S1603 (S1603: no), the input/output control unit 307 ends the process without performing any operation (S1605).

This postprandial flag operation processing is constantly and repeatedly executed in a state where the power saving mode is not established (from S1605 to S1601).

Fig. 16B is a flowchart showing the operation timer 308 restart processing.

When the process is started (S1611), the input/output control unit 307 checks the states of the operation button 104, the microswitch 210, and the blood glucose level measurement unit 301 (S1612). When the operation button 104 is operated, the state of the microswitch 210 is changed, or the blood glucose level measuring unit 301 executes the blood glucose level measuring process (yes in S1613), the input/output control unit 307 resets the operation timer 308 and restarts it (S1614), and then ends the series of processes (S1615).

The operation timer 308 restart process is always repeatedly executed (from S1615 to S1611) even in a state where the power saving mode is not established.

[ post-meal warning display Picture ]

Fig. 17A and B are views showing a display screen of a post-meal alarm.

Fig. 17A is a screen image displayed on the liquid crystal display 103 (display unit 205) when the current time is within two hours of the alarm sound time. Fig. 17A is a screen displayed in step S903 of fig. 9. On the screen, a message P1701 indicating that a post-meal alarm is set and a remaining time P1702 up to the post-meal alarm sound time are displayed.

Fig. 17B is a screen image displayed on the liquid crystal display 103 (display unit 205) when the current time is within one hour after the alarm sound time. Fig. 17B is a screen displayed in step S906 of fig. 9. On the screen, a message P1703 for prompting measurement of blood glucose level and a time P1704 elapsed from the post-meal alarm sound time are displayed.

By displaying the elapsed time from the alarm sound time after meals in this manner, the effect of improving the patient's own management awareness can be expected.

In addition, since the screen shown in FIG. 17B is also displayed (YES in step S905 in FIG. 9) in the case where the postprandial flag is set to "true" logically (NO in step S1602 in FIG. 16), the patient can clearly recognize the blood glucose level measurement operation after a meal and smoothly perform the operation.

[ setting mode ]

Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing a flow of the operation of the blood glucose meter 101 in the setting mode. Corresponding to step S710 of fig. 7.

When the process is started (S1801), the input/output control unit 307 initially displays a menu screen for setting the mode on the display unit 205 (S1802).

Next, the input/output control unit 307 checks the states of the operation button 104, the microswitch 210 and the operation timer 308 (S1803). As a result, when the middle button 106 is pressed for a long time (yes in S1804), the input/output control unit 307 ends the setting mode (S1805). Thereby, the blood glucose meter 101 shifts to the power saving mode (step S702 of fig. 7).

If the middle button 106 is not pressed long at step S1804 (no at S1804), the input/output control unit 307 checks the state of the microswitch 210 to confirm whether or not the cap 108 is attached (S1806). When the cap 108 is attached (yes in S1806), the input/output control unit 307 ends the process of setting the mode (S1805). Thereby, the blood glucose meter 101 shifts to the power saving mode (step S702 of fig. 7).

If the cap 108 is not mounted in step S1806 (no in S1806), the input/output control unit 307 checks the state of the operation timer 308 to check whether the time has expired (S1807). When the time-out is reached (yes in S1807), the input/output control unit 307 ends the mode setting process (S1805). Thereby, the blood glucose meter 101 shifts to the power saving mode (step S702 of fig. 7).

If the operation timer 308 does not time out in step S1807 (no in S1807), the input/output control unit 307 executes various setting processes based on the operation information output from the operation unit 206 (S1808), and repeats the processes from step S1802 again.

[ measurement mode ]

Fig. 19 and 20 are flowcharts showing the flow of the operation in the measurement mode of the blood glucose meter 101. Corresponds to step S708 of fig. 7, and is also executed from step S1007 of fig. 10.

When the process of step S708 in fig. 7 is started (S1901) or the process of step S1007 in fig. 10 is started (mark "a"), the input/output control unit 307 starts the button area display process of displaying the button area adjacent to the operation button 104 on the screen displayed on the display unit 205 (S1902). Next, a chip mounting guide screen for guiding the patient to mount the chip on the blood glucose meter 101, which is the first stage of the blood glucose level measurement operation, is displayed (S1903).

Next, the input/output control unit 307 checks the states of the operation button 104, the microswitch 210, the operation timer 308 and the photodiode 215 (S1904). If it is not detected that the chip is normally mounted on the blood glucose meter 101 (no in S1905), the input/output control unit 307 executes abnormality processing of the measurement mode (S1906), and repeats the processing from step S1902 again.

If it is detected in step S1905 that the chip is normally mounted on the blood glucose meter 101 (yes in S1905), the input/output control unit 307 proceeds to a process of dropping blood 304 onto the chip as the next stage of the blood glucose level measurement operation.

First, as in step S1902, a button area display process is executed (S1907). Next, a blood drop guide screen for guiding the patient to drop blood 304 to the chip as a next stage of the blood glucose level measurement operation is displayed (S1908).

Next, the input/output control unit 307 checks the states of the operation button 104, the microswitch 210, the operation timer 308 and the photodiode 215 (S1909). As a result, if it is not detected that the blood 304 is dropped onto the chip normally (no in S1910), the input/output control unit 307 executes the abnormality processing in the measurement mode (S1911), and repeats the processing from step S1907 again.

If it is detected in step S1910 that blood 304 has been normally dropped onto the chip (yes in S1910), the input/output control unit 307 proceeds to a process of measuring a blood glucose level as a next stage of the blood glucose level measurement operation.

First, the input/output control unit 307 starts the measurement timer 303 for measuring the blood glucose level (S1912). The measurement timer 303 counts 9 seconds, for example. Thereafter, the process continues to fig. 20 (mark "C" from S1913 to fig. 20).

With reference to fig. 20, the flowchart will be described.

Next, the input/output control unit 307 executes the button area display processing in the same manner as in steps S1902 and S1907 (S2014). Next, a measurement display screen is displayed which guides the patient to wait until the blood glucose level measurement operation is completed, that is, until the measurement timer 303 finishes measuring the measurement time (9 seconds in the present embodiment) (S2015).

Next, the input/output control unit 307 checks the states of the operation button 104, the microswitch 210, the measurement timer 303 and the operation timer 308 (S2016). As a result, if the measurement timer 303 does not count the measurement time (S2017: no), the input/output control unit 307 checks whether or not the up button 105 is pressed short (S2018).

When the up button 105 is pressed for a short time (yes in S2018), the input/output control unit 307 sets the status of the after meal flag to logical true (S2019), and repeats the processing from step S2014 again. That is, the input/output control unit 307 sets the state of the post meal flag to a logical value indicating the effect of the post meal.

If the up button 105 is not pressed short in step S2018 (S2018: no), the input/output control unit 307 next checks whether the up button 105 is pressed long (S2020).

When the up button 105 is pressed for a long time (yes in S2020), the input/output control section 307 sets the status of the after meal flag to logical "false" (S2021), and repeats the processing from step S2014 again. That is, the input/output control unit 307 sets the state of the post-meal flag to a logical value indicating the effect of the pre-meal flag.

If the up button 105 is not pressed for a long time in step S2020 (no in S2020), the input/output control unit 307 repeats the process from step S2014 again.

When the measurement timer 303 counts the measurement time in step S2017 (yes in S2017), the input/output control unit 307 causes the blood glucose level calculation unit 302 to calculate the blood glucose level (S2022).

Next, the input/output control section 307 executes the button area display processing in the same manner as in steps S1902, S1907, and S2014 (S2023). Next, the input/output control unit 307 executes blood glucose level display processing for displaying the blood glucose level on the display unit 205 (S2024). Then, the input/output control unit 307 checks the states of the operation button 104, the microswitch 210 and the operation timer 308 (S2025).

Next, the input/output control unit 307 executes a blood glucose level recording process of recording the blood glucose level calculated in step S2022 in the blood glucose level table 306 together with the post-meal flag (S2026). Then, abnormality processing in the measurement mode is executed (S2027).

In this way, after the blood glucose level recording process of step S2026 and the measurement mode abnormality process of step S2027 are executed, the input/output control unit 307 checks whether or not the operation information obtained from the operation buttons 104 is an operation to switch to the content mode (S2028). If the operation is shifted to the content mode (yes in S2028), the input/output control section 307 shifts to the content mode (symbol "B" from S2029 to fig. 8).

If the operation information obtained from the operation button 104 is not an operation to switch to the content mode in step S2028 (no in S2028), the input/output control section 307 repeats the processing from step S2023 again.

[ measurement mode: exception handling

Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of abnormality processing in the measurement mode of the blood glucose meter 101. This corresponds to steps S1906 and S1911 in fig. 19 and step S2025 in fig. 20.

When the process is started (S2101), the input/output control unit 307 confirms whether the middle button 106 is pressed long (S2102). When the middle button 106 is pressed for a long time (yes in S2102), the input/output control unit 307 ends the processing in the measurement mode (S2103). Thereby, the blood glucose meter 101 shifts to the power saving mode (step S702 of fig. 7).

If the middle button 106 is not pressed long in step S2102 (S2102: no), the input/output control unit 307 next checks the state of the micro switch 210 to confirm whether or not the cap 108 is attached (S2104). When the cap 108 is attached (yes in S2104), the input/output control unit 307 ends the process in the measurement mode (S2103). Thereby, the blood glucose meter 101 shifts to the power saving mode (step S702 of fig. 7).

If the cap 108 is not mounted in step S2104 (S2104: no), the input/output control unit 307 next checks the operation timer 308 to check whether or not the operation timer 308 has timed out (S2105). When the time-out is reached (yes in S2105), the input/output control unit 307 ends the processing in the measurement mode (S2103). Thereby, the blood glucose meter 101 shifts to the power saving mode (step S702 of fig. 7).

If the timeout is not reached in step S2105 (no in S2105), the input/output control unit 307 confirms whether or not the operation information obtained from the operation button 104 is an operation to shift to the content mode (S2106). If the operation is to shift to the content mode (yes in S2106), the input/output control unit 307 shifts to the content mode (symbol "B" from S2107 to fig. 8).

If the operation information obtained from the operation button 104 is not an operation to switch to the content mode in step S2106 (no in S2106), the input/output control unit 307 next confirms whether or not the up button 105 is short-pressed (S2108).

When the up button 105 is pressed for a short time (YES in S2108), the input/output control unit 307 sets the status of the post meal flag to logical "true" (S2109). That is, the input/output control unit 307 sets the state of the post meal flag to a logical value indicating the effect of the post meal. Then, the input/output control unit 307 ends the abnormality processing of the content pattern (S2110).

If the up button 105 is not pressed for a short time in step S2108 (no in S2108), the input/output control unit 307 checks whether or not the up button 105 is pressed for a long time (S2111).

When the up button 105 is pressed for a long time (yes in S2111), the input/output control unit 307 sets the status of the post-meal flag to logical "false" (S2112). That is, the input/output control unit 307 sets the state of the post-meal flag to a logical value indicating the effect of the pre-meal flag. Then, the input/output control unit 307 ends the abnormality processing of the content pattern (S2110).

If the up button 105 is not pressed for a long time in step S2111 (S2111: no), the input/output control unit 307 ends the abnormality processing for the content mode (S2110).

[ measurement mode: blood sugar level recording treatment

Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of the blood glucose level recording process in the measurement mode of the blood glucose meter 101. Corresponding to step S2024 of fig. 19.

When the process is started (S2201), the input/output control unit 307 checks whether or not the blood glucose level calculated in step S2020 in fig. 20 is not yet recorded in the blood glucose level table 306 (S2202). If not recorded (S2202: YES), the input/output control unit 307 records the calculated blood glucose level in the blood glucose level table 306 together with the date and time of measurement and the postprandial flag (S2203).

When the recording of the blood glucose level is completed in step S2202 (no in S2202), the input/output control unit 307 does not record the calculated blood glucose level in the blood glucose level table 306.

Next, the input/output control unit 307 checks whether or not the current logical value of the post-meal flag does not match the post-meal flag recorded in the blood glucose level table 306, that is, whether or not the post-meal flag has changed (S2204). When the post-meal flag changes (yes in S2204), the input/output control unit 307 writes the logical value of the current post-meal flag into the post-meal flag field of the record in which the current blood glucose level is recorded in the blood glucose level table 306 (S2205).

If the post-meal flag does not change in step S2204 (S2204: no), the input/output control unit 307 does not record the post-meal flag in the blood glucose level table 306.

Whether the post-meal flag is recorded in blood glucose level table 306 (S2205) or not (S2204: no), input/output control unit 307 ends the series of processing (S2206).

[ measurement mode: button area display processing

Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of the button area display process in the measurement mode of the blood glucose meter 101. This corresponds to steps S1902 and S1907 in fig. 19 and steps S2014 and S2023 in fig. 20.

When the process is started (S2301), the input/output control unit 307 checks the state of the post-meal flag and determines whether or not the logical value of the post-meal flag indicates "before meal" (S2302).

When the logical value of the post-meal flag indicates "before meal" (S2302: YES), the input/output control unit 307 displays a character string of "after meal" in an area adjacent to the upper button 105 in the button area located at the right end of the display unit 205 (S2303).

When the logical value of the post-meal flag indicates "post-meal" (S2302: NO), the input/output control unit 307 displays a "released" character string in an area adjacent to the upper button 105 in the button area located at the right end of the display unit 205 (S2304).

In both of steps S2303 and S2304, the series of processes is terminated thereafter (S2305).

Content mode and measurement mode: blood sugar level display treatment

Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing the flow of blood glucose level display processing in the content mode and measurement mode of the blood glucose meter 101. This corresponds to step S1204 in fig. 12 and step S2022 in fig. 20.

When the process is started (S2401), the input/output control unit 307 checks whether or not the setting information of the screen displayed on the display unit 205 is the color setting by observing various kinds of setting information (S2402).

When the setting information of the screen displayed on the display unit 205 is color setting (yes in S2402), the input/output control unit 307 compares the blood glucose level to be displayed with a predetermined threshold value to perform five-level evaluation, selects a display color based on the result of the five-level evaluation, and displays the blood glucose level on the display unit 205 (S2403).

When the setting information of the screen displayed on the display unit 205 is the black-and-white setting (S2402: no), the input/output control unit 307 displays the blood glucose level to be displayed on the display unit 205 on the black-and-white screen (S2404).

In either of steps S2403 and S2404, the input/output control unit 307 then checks whether or not the setting information of the screen displayed on the display unit 205 is the setting for displaying the emoticon, by observing various kinds of setting information (S2405).

If the setting information of the screen displayed on the display unit 205 is a setting for displaying an emoticon (yes in S2405), the input/output control unit 307 compares the blood glucose level to be displayed on the display unit 205 with a predetermined threshold value to perform a five-level evaluation, selects an emoticon based on the result of the five-level evaluation, and displays the blood glucose level on the display unit 205 (S2406).

If the setting information of the screen displayed on the display unit 205 is not the setting for displaying the emoticon (S2405: no), the input/output control unit 307 does not display the emoticon on the display unit 205.

In either case of no in steps S2406 and S2405, the input/output control unit 307 then ends the series of processes (S2407).

[ measurement mode: display screen in blood sugar level display processing

Fig. 25A and 25B are display screens displayed on the display unit 205 in the blood glucose level display processing in the measurement mode of the blood glucose meter 101. More specifically, the display screens are displayed in step S2403 and step S2406 of fig. 24.

When the various setting information is color setting, the blood glucose levels are evaluated in five levels and displayed on the display 205 in color separation. The lowest blood glucose value is blue, in turn the best is yellow-green, followed by orange, followed by pink, and then the highest is red.

Fig. 25A is a screen displayed on the display unit 205 when the blood glucose level is within the second range from the bottom in the five-level evaluation. This display screen is displayed in yellow-green with the best blood glucose level, and is in a display state of being integrated with the second yellow-green portion from the bottom of the color separation scale 2501 displayed at the left end. The color separation scale 2501 is integrated with a background portion of the screen, and a label P2502 is formed on the display screen.

Fig. 25B is a screen displayed on the display unit 205 when the blood glucose level is within the second range from the top in the five-level evaluation. This display screen is displayed in pink indicating that the blood glucose level is the second highest blood glucose level, and is integrated with the pink portion second from the top of the color separation scale 2501 displayed at the left end, thereby forming a display state of the label P2503.

By providing a label formed by integrating the color separation scale 2501 with the background portion of the screen in this manner, it is possible to instantly and clearly identify what degree the current blood glucose level is under the five-level evaluation.

Fig. 26A, B, C, D and E are diagrams showing changes in emoticons displayed on the display unit 205 in the processing of displaying the blood glucose level in the content mode and the measurement mode of the blood glucose meter 101. In step S2405 of fig. 24, if the setting information on the screen displayed on the display unit 205 is the setting of the emoticon (yes in S2405), the emoticon is displayed on the display unit 205 based on the blood glucose level.

The input/output control unit 307 compares the blood glucose level to be displayed with a predetermined threshold value, performs a five-level evaluation, selects an emoticon based on the result of the five-level evaluation, and displays the blood glucose level on the display unit 205 (S2406).

The five-level evaluation uses a threshold value according to the diabetes diagnosis and treatment policy of Japan diabetes society (http:// www.lifescience.jp/ebm/cms/ms/No.19/topics. pdf), and indicates emoticons shown in FIGS. 26A, B, C, D and E.

Fig. 26A is an emoticon showing a low blood glucose level. When the blood glucose level is less than 80mg/dl (deciliter) in the fasting state and in the two hours after the meal.

Fig. 26B is an emoticon showing an appropriate blood glucose level. The blood glucose level is within the range of 80-110 mg/dl in the fasting state and is displayed under the condition that the blood glucose level is 80-140 mg/dl two hours after meal.

Fig. 26C shows an expression symbol indicating a slightly higher blood glucose level. The blood glucose level is in the range of 110mg/dl to less than 130mg/dl in the fasting state, and the blood glucose level is in the range of 140mg/dl to less than 180mg/dl two hours after a meal.

Fig. 26D is an emoticon showing a high blood glucose level. The blood glucose level is in the range of 130mg/dl to less than 160mg/dl in the fasting state, and the blood glucose level is in the range of 180mg/dl to less than 220mg/dl two hours after a meal.

Fig. 26E is an emoticon showing a risk of excessively high blood glucose level. The blood glucose level is in the range of 160mg/dl or more in the fasting state, and is displayed in the range of 220mg/dl or more in two hours after a meal.

That is, the blood glucose meter 101 of the present embodiment uses different values for the threshold value of the blood glucose level used for the five-level evaluation before and after a meal.

Thus, the emoticons shown in fig. 26A, B, C, D and E, which are different in expression, correspond to blood glucose levels. That is, the blood glucose meter 101 according to the present embodiment can instantly and clearly recognize what degree the current blood glucose level is under the five-level evaluation by applying emoticons having different expressions to the blood glucose level and displaying them on the display unit 205.

Content mode and measurement mode: display picture

Fig. 27A, B, C and D are diagrams showing changes in the display screen displayed on the display unit 205 in the processing for displaying the blood glucose level in the content mode and the measurement mode of the blood glucose meter 101. More specifically, the screen is the display screen displayed in step S1204 of fig. 12.

Fig. 27A is a display screen displayed when the various setting information is color setting (S2402: yes) and emoticon setting (S2405: yes). The screen is displayed in a background color P2701 evaluated at five levels, and an emoticon P2702 evaluated at five levels is displayed.

Fig. 27B is a display screen displayed when the various setting information is color setting (S2402: yes) and is emoticon-free setting (S2405: no). The screen is displayed in a background color P2703 evaluated at five levels, but does not display an emoticon evaluated at five levels.

Fig. 27C is a display screen displayed when the various setting information is the black-and-white setting (S2402: yes) and the emoticon setting (S2405: yes). The screen is displayed in black and white, and an emoticon P2704 evaluated by the five ranks is displayed.

Fig. 27D is a display screen displayed when the various setting information is the black-and-white setting (S2402: yes) and the setting of the emoticon is not performed (S2405: no). The screen is displayed in black and white, and the emoticon based on the five-level evaluation is not displayed.

In this manner, the state of the screen displayed on the display unit 205 changes according to the setting contents of the various setting information.

Note that, although fig. 27A, B, C and D show changes in the display screen in the content mode, changes in the display screen in the measurement mode also exist.

In the case of color display in which it is considered that the patient can easily observe the color display, if visual impairment occurs due to complications such as diabetic retinopathy, it is difficult for the patient to observe the combination of colors of the display screen displayed on the display unit 205. Therefore, by providing the blood glucose meter 101 with a setting function for switching to high-contrast display such as black-and-white display and a setting function for switching the presence or absence of symbol display, it is possible to select the optimum blood glucose level display for the display portion 205 in accordance with the progress of visual impairment.

[ post-meal button for measurement mode and post-meal alarm button for content mode ]

Fig. 28A and B show a display screen in the measurement mode and a display screen in the content mode.

Both fig. 28A and B have button display areas provided at the right end of the screen to explain the functions of the operation buttons 104 disposed adjacent thereto.

In the button display area of fig. 28A, a character string "after meal" is displayed in the area P2801 of the upper button 105. The up button 105 in the measurement mode is assigned as a function of the after meal button, and the after meal flag changes by a short press of the up button 105.

In the button display area of fig. 28B, an explanatory view of the timepiece is displayed in the area P2802 of the upper button 105. The up button 105 in the content mode is assigned with a function for setting a post-meal alarm, and a menu screen for setting a post-meal alarm is displayed by short-pressing the up button 105.

[ function assignment of operation buttons 104 ]

Fig. 29 is a table showing functions assigned to the operation buttons 104.

The main functions assigned to the operation buttons 104 have been described above with reference to flowcharts in fig. 7 to 24. The table of fig. 29 is a table showing the correspondence between the operation buttons 104 and the functions assigned for each operation mode.

In the power-off state, i.e., in the power saving mode, the input/output control section 307 detects only the short-press of the middle button 106 and the long-press of the down button 107.

When the middle button 106 is pressed for a short time, the input/output control section 307 shifts to the content mode. Namely, the power supply is turned on.

When the button 107 is pressed for a long time, the input/output control unit 307 shifts to the setting mode.

Although not shown in the table, the removal of the cap 108 is also detected by the microswitch 210. When the cap 108 is removed, the input/output control unit 307 shifts to the measurement mode.

In the measurement mode, the input/output control section 307 detects only the short press and the long press of the up button 105 and the long press of the down button 106.

When the up button 105 is pressed for a short time, the input/output control unit 307 sets the post meal flag to "true" logically. I.e. to open the post-meal setting.

When the up button 105 is pressed for a long time, the input/output control unit 307 sets the post meal flag to "false" logically. I.e. to close the post-meal setting.

When the middle button 106 is pressed for a long time, the input/output control unit 307 shifts to the power saving mode. Namely, the power supply is turned off.

In the content mode state, the input/output control section 307 detects only the long press of the up button 105, the short press and the long press of the down button 106, and the short press of the down button 107.

When the up button 105 is pressed for a long time, the input/output control section 307 activates the alarm setting function.

When the button 106 is pressed for a short time, the input/output control section 307 activates the graph display function.

When the middle button 106 is pressed for a long time, the input/output control unit 307 shifts to the power saving mode. Namely, the power supply is turned off.

When the button 107 is pressed for a short time, the input/output control section 307 activates the memory display function.

In the state of the graph display function and the memory display function, the input-output control portion 307 detects the short-press and the long-press of the up button 105, the short-press and the long-press of the middle button 106, and the short-press and the long-press of the down button 107, in other words, detects the short-press and the long-press of all the buttons.

When the up button 105 is pressed for a short time, the input/output control unit 307 moves the pointer 401 indicating the currently displayed data to the new data, and displays the new data on the display unit 205.

When the up button 105 is pressed for a long time, the input/output control unit 307 moves the pointer 401 indicating the currently displayed data to the new data, and displays the new data on the display unit 205. In this operation, if possible, the input/output control section 307 continuously displays data on the display section 205.

When the button 106 is pressed for a short time, the input/output control unit 307 returns to the previous screen on which the currently executed function is called.

When the middle button 106 is pressed for a long time, the input/output control unit 307 shifts to the power saving mode. Namely, the power supply is turned off.

When the button 107 is pressed for a short time, the input/output control unit 307 moves the pointer 401 indicating the currently displayed data to the old data, and displays the old data on the display unit 205.

When the button 107 is pressed for a long time, the input/output control unit 307 moves the pointer 401 indicating the currently displayed data to the old data, and displays the old data on the display unit 205. In this operation, if possible, the input/output control section 307 continuously displays data on the display section 205.

In the state of the set mode, the input-output control portion 307 detects short and long presses of the up button 105, short and long presses of the middle button 106, and short and long presses of the down button 107, in other words, detects short and long presses of all the buttons.

When the up button 105 is pressed for a short time, the input/output control unit 307 increments the setting value to be currently operated by ("+ 1").

When the up button 105 is pressed for a long time, the input/output control unit 307 successively increments the setting value to be the current operation target.

When the button 106 is pressed for a short time, the input/output control unit 307 determines the set value of the current search target or selects one of a plurality of options.

When the middle button 106 is pressed for a long time, the input/output control unit 307 shifts to the power saving mode. Namely, the power supply is turned off.

When the button 107 is pressed for a short time, the input/output control unit 307 decrements the setting value to be currently operated ("-1").

When the button 107 is pressed for a long time, the input/output control unit 307 continuously decrements the set value to be currently operated.

In the present embodiment, a blood glucose meter 101 is disclosed.

A cap 108 for protecting the optical measurement unit 109 is provided, and a microswitch 210 for detecting a state in which the cap 108 is attached to or detached from the housing 102 is provided. When the input/output control unit 307 detects that the cap 108 is detached from the housing 102, the power saving mode is switched to the measurement mode. By using the cap as one of the operation buttons 104, the blood glucose meter 101 having an operation system that is clear and easy to understand for the patient can be provided with the minimum number of operation buttons 104.

The operation button 104 is implemented by a known membrane switch or the like, but an electrostatic or pressure-sensitive touch panel which has been widely used in recent years in smart phones and the like may be used. In this case, an operation button for starting up the touch panel from the power saving mode is required.

The blood glucose meter 101 is provided with a postprandial alarm function for notifying the patient of the blood glucose level measurement time after the arrival of a meal. When the input/output control unit 307 detects that the current time obtained from the RTC204 has reached the alarm sound time stored in the alarm time memory 309, it sounds an alarm (buzzer 211), sets the post-meal flag in the post-meal flag memory 310 to logical "true" until a predetermined time after the alarm sound time, and records the post-meal flag in the blood glucose level table 306 together with the blood glucose level measured by the blood glucose level measuring unit 301. By linking the post-meal alarm with the post-meal flag in this way, the patient can more reliably perform the post-meal blood glucose level measurement operation.

The blood glucose meter 101 is provided with three operation buttons 104, i.e., an up button 105, a middle button 106, and a down button 107. In the measurement mode for measuring the blood glucose level, the upper button 105 is given a function of operating a post-meal flag indicating whether or not the measured blood glucose level recorded in the blood glucose level table 306 is a post-meal flag. On the other hand, when the content pattern of the blood glucose level recorded in blood glucose level table 306 is referred to, a function of setting a post-meal alarm for notifying the patient of the time until the post-meal blood glucose level measurement is reached is provided. By assigning a function related to the concept of "after meal" to one operation button such as the upper button 105 at the time of measuring the blood glucose level and at the time of checking the blood glucose level in this manner, it is possible to realize a blood glucose meter which is easy for a patient to remember to operate, and which has both high functionality and simplicity.

The blood glucose meter 101 is provided with three operation buttons 104, i.e., an up button 105, a middle button 106, and a down button 107. When the push button 107 is continuously pushed while referring to the content pattern of the blood glucose level recorded in the blood glucose level table 306, the record of the blood glucose level table 306 is reached. When button 107 is further pressed, the average value of blood glucose levels in the morning of the last month stored in blood glucose level table 306 is displayed. In other words, the blood glucose level display function and the average value display function can be switched seamlessly only by referring to the movement of the record. Therefore, a cumbersome operation such as mode switching is not required, and the operation is easy for the patient to remember.

The blood glucose level measured by the blood glucose level measuring unit 301 of the blood glucose meter 101 is compared with a plurality of thresholds, and five-level evaluation is performed. Five colors are assigned in accordance with the evaluation result of the five ranks, and the color of the blood glucose level is displayed on the liquid crystal display 103. Then, a scale of five colors is displayed on one end of the liquid crystal display 103, and the scale is integrated with a uniform background color and displayed in a label shape. By displaying the label-like display in this manner, the degree of the measured blood glucose level can be determined at a glance using the position of the label.

The input/output control section 307 controls the display state of the liquid crystal display 103 based on the color setting and the expression display setting stored in the various setting information memory 311. In the color setting, the blood glucose level measured by the blood glucose level measuring unit 301 is compared with a plurality of thresholds, five-level evaluation is performed, five colors are assigned in accordance with the evaluation result, and the color of the blood glucose level is displayed on the liquid crystal display 103. In the setting for displaying the emoticon, the emoticon corresponding to the result of the five-level evaluation is displayed on the liquid crystal display 103. By providing the blood glucose meter 101 with a detailed setting function related to display in this manner, an optimum blood glucose level display function can be realized in the case where there is visual impairment or according to the preference of the patient.

The blood glucose meter 101 is provided with three operation buttons 104, i.e., an up button 105, a middle button 106, and a down button 107. In the measurement mode for measuring the blood glucose level, the function of operating the post-meal flag indicating whether or not the measured blood glucose level recorded in the blood glucose level table 306 is post-meal is assigned to the up button 105. On the other hand, when referring to the content pattern of the blood glucose level recorded in blood glucose level table 306, a function of setting a post-meal alarm for notifying the patient of the blood glucose level measurement time after the meal is reached is assigned to up button 105. In both the measurement mode and the content mode, the centering button 106 is assigned a function of turning off the power supply. By assigning different functions to a small number of operation buttons according to the operation mode, a large number of functions can be realized with a minimum number of operation buttons.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and other modifications and application examples are also included without departing from the spirit of the present invention described in the claims.

Description of reference numerals: 101 … blood glucose meter, 102 … casing, 103 … liquid crystal display, 104 … operating button, 105 … up button, 106 … middle button, 107 … down button, 108 … cap, 109 … optical measurement section, 201 … CPU, 202 … RAM, 203 … EEPROM, 204 …, 205 RTC 205 … display section, 206 … operation section, 207 … bus, 208 … D/a converter, 209 … a/D converter, 210 … microswitch, 211 … buzzer, 212 … power control section, 213 … driver, 214 … LED, 215 … photodiode, 216 … battery, 301 … blood glucose measurement section, 302 … blood glucose value calculation section, 303 … measurement timer, 304 … blood, 305 …, 306 … blood glucose test paper table, … input and output control section, 308 … operating timer, 309 … alarm time memory, 310 … post-flag memory, … flag memory …, … information setting pointer 36401.

Claims (3)

1. A blood glucose meter is provided with:

a measurement unit to which a measurement test paper for measuring a blood glucose level of a patient is attached;

a blood glucose measuring unit that obtains a predetermined signal from the measuring unit and measures a blood glucose level of the patient;

a display unit for displaying the blood glucose level measured by the blood glucose level measuring unit; and

and an input/output control unit that displays a scale on one side of the display unit, the scale indicating a plurality of levels that classify blood glucose levels by a plurality of thresholds, and associating different colors with each of the plurality of levels, determines a matching level among the plurality of levels by comparing the measured blood glucose level with the plurality of thresholds, sets a background color of the display unit as a corresponding color of the matching level of the scale, and integrates a portion of the scale in which the matching level is matched with the corresponding color with a background portion of the display unit to form a label.

2. The blood glucose meter of claim 1,

the input/output control unit compares the measured blood glucose level with a plurality of thresholds to determine a matching level among the plurality of levels, and displays a symbol corresponding to the matching level on the display unit, in addition to the background color.

3. The blood glucose meter of claim 2,

the plurality of thresholds are set to different values in the case where the blood glucose level is a measurement value before a meal and in the case where the blood glucose level is a measurement value after a meal.