U.S. patent application number 10/525749 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-03 for biological information trend display and its method.
Invention is credited to Kouchi, Kenji, Nagai, Ryuji, Nagata, Shinya.
Application Number | 20050246366 10/525749 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31986232 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050246366 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kouchi, Kenji ; et
al. |
November 3, 2005 |
Biological information trend display and its method
Abstract
A biological information trend display device and method which
allow the trend and an abnormal value of biological information to
be checked with ease are provided. When a curve (50) showing the ST
level in lead V3 exceeds the upper limit of a normal range, the
part of the curve above the upper limit is displayed in an abnormal
color "b" (red, for example). To indicate that the ST level derived
from the lead V3 has exceeded the upper limit, a lead icon (32) in
an upper part of the display screen is displayed in the abnormal
color "b."
Inventors: |
Kouchi, Kenji; (Osaka,
JP) ; Nagai, Ryuji; (Osaka, JP) ; Nagata,
Shinya; (Hyogo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MILES & STOCKBRIDGE PC
1751 PINNACLE DRIVE
SUITE 500
MCLEAN
VA
22102-3833
US
|
Family ID: |
31986232 |
Appl. No.: |
10/525749 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
August 26, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP03/10735 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 ;
707/999.102 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01D 7/005 20130101;
G16H 40/63 20180101; G01D 1/18 20130101; A61B 5/339 20210101; G01D
7/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
707/102 |
International
Class: |
G06F 007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 27, 2002 |
JP |
2002-246633 |
Claims
1. A biological information trend display device for displaying a
time series trend of biological information, comprising: means for
obtaining a plurality of biological information; means for
determining whether the obtained biological information is abnormal
biological information or not; and means for displaying time-series
trend for each of the plurality of biological information, wherein
the displaying means changes trend display style for biological
information that is determined as the abnormal biological
information.
2. A computer readable medium having stored thereon the computer
program for a biological information trend display device that
displays a time-series trend of biological information, wherein the
program is implemented in a computer and capable of causing the
computer to perform: means for obtaining a plurality of biological
information; means for determining whether the obtained biological
information is abnormal biological information or not; and means
for displaying time-series trend for each of the plurality of
biological information, wherein the displaying means changes trend
display style for biological information that is determined as the
abnormal biological information.
3. A biological information trend display device for displaying a
time-series trend of biological information, comprising: means for
obtaining a plurality of biological information and information
regarding whether the biological information is abnormal biological
information or not; and means for displaying time-series trend for
each of the plurality of biological information, wherein the
displaying means changes trend display style for biological
information that is determined as the abnormal biological
information.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the displaying means
further displays biological information determined as the abnormal
biological information in association with information relating to
the source of the biological information.
5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the displaying means
further displays a source for obtaining biological information that
is determined as the abnormal biological information, while not
displaying a source for obtaining biological information that is
not determined as the abnormal biological information.
6. The device according to claim 4, wherein the determination of
the abnormal biological information comprises determination whether
the biological information exceeds certain level or falls below
certain level; and the displaying means further displays a source
for obtaining biological information at an upper portion of the
time-series trend when the biological information exceeds certain
level, and displays a source for obtaining biological information
at a lower portion of the time-series trend when the biological
information falls below certain level.
7. The device according to claim 4, when subsequent biological
information of the determined abnormal biological information is
not determined as the abnormal biological information, wherein the
displaying means further displays the trend of the subsequent
biological information in the original style, and maintains the
indication of the information relating to the source of the
biological information.
8. The device according to claim 4, wherein the displaying means
further displays the information relating to the source for
obtaining biological information and the source related information
allows to discriminate the cases: a case in which current
biological information is determined as the abnormal biological
information, a case in which past and current biological
information are determined as the abnormal biological information,
and a case in which past biological information is determined as
the abnormal biological information while current biological
information is not determined as the abnormal biological
information.
9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the device further
comprises display area for displaying the information relating to
the source of biological information, wherein the display area
includes an inner indication area and an outer indication area that
surrounds the inner indication area, and wherein the displaying
means further displays at least the inner indication area in
association with biological information that is determined as the
abnormal biological information when current biological information
is determined as the abnormal biological information, and displays
at least the outer indication area in association with the
biological information determined as the abnormal biological
information when the biological information is determined as
abnormal biological information in the past.
10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the displaying means
further displays time-series trend of biological information with
information relating to the source of the biological
information.
11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the displaying means
displays different biological information in the same trend display
style, which are derived from different sources for the biological
information that is not determined as the abnormal biological
information.
12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the changing trend
display style comprises changing the trend display color.
13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the displaying means
further conforms the trend display color of biological information
that is determined as the abnormal biological information to
display color of information relating to the source of the
biological information.
14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the biological
information comprises information that shows different behaviors
depending on the sources.
15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the biological
information comprises information related to ST level of an
electrocardiogram, and the source-related information comprises
information relating to electrocardiogram lead.
16. A biological information trend displayed object representing
time-series trend of the biological information, wherein the
biological information trend displayed object represents
time-series trend for each of a plurality of biological
information, and trend display style for the determined abnormal
biological information is changed.
17. A data display device for obtaining different types of data in
time-series as indicator and displaying each of the obtained data
in a graph form, wherein the data display device sets display area
for indicating data type, and is to execute the procedures of:
determining whether content represented based on the obtained data
is matter to be informed or not; displaying the data determined as
the matter to be informed in a graph form by using different graph
display style from that of data not determined as the matter to be
informed; and conforming all or a part of display style for
indicating the data type to all or a part of the graph display
style of the data.
18. A biological information trend display device for displaying a
time-series trend of biological information, a central processing
unit (CPU) of the biological information trend display device is to
execute the procedures of: obtaining a plurality of biological
information; determining whether the obtained biological
information is abnormal biological information or not; and
instructing to display time-series trend for each of the plurality
of biological information and to change trend display style for
biological information that is determined as the abnormal
biological information.
19. A biological information trend display device for displaying a
time-series trend of biological information, a central processing
unit (CPU) of the biological information trend display device is to
execute the procedures of: obtaining a plurality of biological
information and information regarding whether the biological
information is abnormal biological information or not; and
instructing to display time-series trend for each of the plurality
of biological information and to change trend display style for
biological information that is determined as the abnormal
biological information.
20. A data display device for obtaining different types of data in
time-series as indicator and displaying each of the obtained data
in a graph form, wherein the data display device sets display area
for indicating data type, and a central processing unit (CPU) of
the data display device is to execute the procedures of:
determining whether content represented based on obtained data is
matter to be informed or not; instructing to display the data that
is determined as the matter to be informed in a graph form by using
different graph display style from that of data that is not
determined as the matter to be informed; and instructing to conform
all or a part of display style for indicating the data type to all
or a part of the graph display style of the data.
21. A method for displaying a time-series trend of biological
information comprising the steps of: obtaining biological
information; determining whether the obtained biological
information is abnormal biological information or not; and
displaying time-series trend for each of a plurality of biological
information, wherein the trend display style for biological
information that is determined as the abnormal biological
information is changed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of patent
application number 2002-246633, filed in Japan on Aug. 27, 2002,
and the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a device and a method for
displaying a biological information trend and more particularly for
facilitating check of the biological information trend.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In the technical field of displaying biological information
such as blood pressure or electrocardiogram, some techniques have
been developed to allow the biological information to be easily
checked. There is a technique for displaying an event mark at a
time position corresponding to electrocardiographic data during an
attack on a trend graph of an electrocardiographic parameter such
as heart rate or ST level of electrocardiogram (herein after
referred to "ST level") (see Patent Document 1, for example).
Patent Document 1: JP-A-Hei 4-352939 (FIG. 8).
[0006] According to the technique, it is possible to determine when
attacks occurred with the event marks. That is, according to the
existing technique, it is possible to obtain information about when
abnormal values of biological information appeared.
[0007] In a medical site, however, a technique to allow for easily
and simultaneously understanding of trend (or tendency) of a
plurality of biological information and their abnormal values in
addition to the determination of individual abnormal values may be
demanded.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one aspect, the invention provides a biological
information trend display device and method thereof that are
capable of facilitating check of the biological information trend
and identification of abnormal value. The invention includes the
following:
[0009] (1) A biological information trend display device in
accordance with the present invention for displaying a time-series
trend of biological information, comprises means for obtaining a
plurality of biological information, means for determining whether
the obtained biological information is abnormal biological
information or not, and means for displaying time-series trend for
each of a plurality of biological information, wherein the
displaying means changes trend display style for biological
information that is determined as the abnormal biological
information.
[0010] The user who utilizes the results outputted by the
displaying means can easily understand trend of the biological
information. For example, if multiple trends of a plurality of
biological information are displayed, the user can easily
understand that the presence or absence of abnormal biological
information and the trend since the determined abnormal biological
information is changed its trend display style.
[0011] (3) A biological information trend display device in
accordance with the present invention for displaying a time-series
trend of biological information, comprises means for obtaining a
plurality of biological information and information regarding
whether the biological information is abnormal biological
information or not, and means for displaying time-series trend for
each of a plurality of biological information, wherein the
displaying means changes trend display style for biological
information that is determined as the abnormal biological
information.
[0012] The user who utilizes the results outputted by the
displaying means can easily understand the trend of the biological
information. If multiple trends of a plurality of biological
information are displayed, the user can easily understand that the
presence or absence of abnormal biological information and the
trend since the determined abnormal biological information is
changed its trend display style.
[0013] (4) The device in accordance with the present invention is
characterized in that the displaying means further displays
biological information determined as the abnormal biological
information in association with information relating to the source
of the biological information.
[0014] The user who utilizes the results outputted by the
displaying means can easily understand the trend of determined
abnormal biological information and the source for obtaining the
biological information (i.e. basis for the determination).
[0015] (5) The device in accordance with the present invention is
characterized in that the displaying means further displays a
source for obtaining biological information that is determined as
the abnormal biological information, while not displaying a source
for obtaining biological information that is not determined as the
abnormal biological information.
[0016] The biological information trend display device displays
information with respect to the source only for the biological
information that is determined as the abnormal biological
information. Therefore, the biological information trend display
device can effectively execute the announce (or caution,
presentation) of information with respect to the trend of
determined abnormal biological information and the source for
obtaining the biological information in directing the user's
greater attention to the information.
[0017] (6) The device in accordance with the present invention is
characterized in that the determination of the abnormal biological
information comprises determination whether the biological
information exceeds certain level or falls below certain level, and
the displaying means further displays a source for obtaining
biological information at an upper portion of the time-series trend
when the biological information exceeds certain level, and displays
a source for obtaining biological information at a lower portion of
the time-series trend when the biological information falls below
certain level.
[0018] The user who utilizes the results outputted by the
displaying means can visually and easily understand the trend of
determined abnormal biological information and whether the
biological information exceeds the certain level or falls below the
certain level.
[0019] (7) The device in accordance with the present invention is
characterized in that when subsequent biological information of the
determined abnormal biological information is not determined as the
abnormal biological information, wherein the displaying means
further displays the trend of the subsequent biological information
in the original style, and maintains the indication of the
information relating to the source of the biological
information.
[0020] Even though the subsequent biological information is not
determined as abnormal biological information, the user who
utilizes the results outputted by the displaying means can grasp
information with respect to a source for obtaining the biological
information with a history of abnormal biological information.
[0021] (8) The device in accordance with the present invention is
characterized in that the displaying means further displays the
information relating to the source for obtaining biological
information and the source related information allows to
discriminate the cases: a case in which current biological
information is determined as the abnormal biological information, a
case in which past and current biological information are
determined as the abnormal biological information, and a case in
which past biological information is determined as the abnormal
biological information while current biological information is not
determined as the abnormal biological information.
[0022] Even though the current biological information is not
determined as abnormal biological information, the user who
utilizes the results outputted by the displaying means can grasp
information with respect to a source for obtaining the biological
information with a history of abnormal biological information.
[0023] (9) The device in accordance with the present invention is
characterized in that the device further comprises display area for
displaying the information relating to the source of biological
information, wherein the display area includes an inner indication
area and an outer indication area that surrounds the inner
indication area, and wherein the displaying means further displays
at least the inner indication area in association with biological
information that is determined as the abnormal biological
information when current biological information is determined as
the abnormal biological information, and displays at least the
outer indication area in association with the biological
information determined as the abnormal biological information when
the biological information is determined as abnormal biological
information in the past.
[0024] Even though the current biological information is not
determined as abnormal biological information, the user who
utilizes the results outputted by the displaying means can grasp
information with respect to a source for obtaining the biological
information with a history of abnormal biological information based
on the outer display area.
[0025] (10) The device in accordance with the present invention is
characterized in that the displaying means further displays
time-series trend of biological information with information
relating to the source of the biological information.
[0026] The user who utilizes the results outputted by the
displaying means can visually and easily grasp the multiple trends
of a plurality of biological information and sources for obtaining
the biological information.
[0027] (11) The device in accordance with the present invention is
characterized in that the displaying means displays different
biological information in the same trend display style, which are
derived from different sources for the biological information that
is not determined as the abnormal biological information.
[0028] The user who utilizes the results outputted by the
displaying means can visually and easily understand that the
biological information is not determined as the abnormal biological
information (i.e. the biological information is normal), even
though the user visually check multiple trends of a plurality of
biological information at the same time.
[0029] (12) The device in accordance with the present invention is
characterized in that the changing trend display style comprises
changing the trend display color.
[0030] For example, if multiple trends of a plurality of biological
information are displayed, the user who utilizes the results
outputted by the displaying means can visually and easily
understand that the presence or absence of abnormal biological
information and the trend since the trend display color of
biological information is changed to the color for abnormal.
[0031] (13) The device in accordance with the present invention is
characterized in that the displaying means further conforms the
trend display color of biological information that is determined as
the abnormal biological information to display color of information
relating to the source of the biological information.
[0032] The user who utilizes the results outputted by the
displaying means can visually and easily understand the trend of
determined abnormal biological information and the source for
obtaining the biological information.
[0033] (14) The device in accordance with the present invention is
characterized in that the biological information comprises
information that shows different behaviors depending on the
sources.
[0034] The user who utilizes the results outputted by the
displaying means can easily understand the trend of information
that changes its behavior according to a source for obtaining the
information.
[0035] (15) The device in accordance with the present invention is
characterized in that the biological information comprises
information related to ST level of an electrocardiogram, and the
source-related information comprises information relating to
electrocardiogram lead.
[0036] The user who utilizes the results outputted by the
displaying means can understand trend of the information related to
ST level and the electrocardiogram lead (hereinafter referred to as
the "lead") for obtaining the information.
[0037] (16) A biological information trend displayed object in
accordance with the present invention, representing time-series
trend of the biological information, is characterized in that the
biological information trend displayed object represents
time-series trend for each of a plurality of biological
information, and trend display style for the determined abnormal
biological information is changed.
[0038] The user who utilizes the biological information trend
displayed object can easily understand the trend of the biological
information. For example, if multiple trends of the plurality of
biological information are displayed, the user can easily
understand that the presence or absence of abnormal biological
information and the trend since the trend display style of
biological information is changed to the style for abnormal.
[0039] (17) A data display device in accordance with the present
invention is characterized in that for obtaining different types of
data in time-series as indicator and displaying each of the
obtained data in a graph form, wherein the data display device sets
display area for indicating data type, and is to execute the
procedures of determining whether content represented based on the
obtained data is matter to be informed or not, displaying the data
determined as the matter to be informed in a graph form by using
different graph display style from that of data not determined as
the matter to be informed, and conforming all or a part of display
style for indicating the data type to all or a part of the graph
display style of the data.
[0040] The user can understand both the graph for data determined
as the matter to be informed and the data type corresponding to the
data in associating with each other.
[0041] The followings are definitions of the terms.
[0042] In this invention, "Biological information" is a concept
that includes any information which can be obtained from a living
body (biological signals, vital signs, etc.). The "biological
information" includes individual values (parameters) that represent
information about a living body and information which can be
obtained based on a plurality of such parameters. In the
embodiment, ST levels correspond to this concept.
[0043] "Time-series trend" is a concept that includes something
which represents information about changes over time in a subject
matter (action, variation, behavior, etc. thereof). For example,
the concept includes information about changes over time in the
difference between a subject matter and a prescribed reference
value in addition to changes over time in the subject matter
itself. In the embodiment, a trend graph of ST levels corresponds
to the concept of "time-series trend."
[0044] "Trend display style" is a concept that includes the style
of displaying information about changes over time in a subject
matter. For example, the concept includes the shapes, types
patterns, codes, symbols or colors for the graph showing the
changes over time in a subject matter, and the shapes, patterns,
codes, symbols or colors of curves (or plot points or indication
points) for modifying the graph curves (or plot points or
indication points). In the embodiment, the colors or hues of the
curves of the ST level trend graph correspond to this concept.
[0045] "Abnormal biological information" is a concept that includes
biological information which is out of a prescribed normal range
(or which does not show a prescribed normal value) or which is
within a prescribed abnormal range (or show a prescribed abnormal
value). For example, the concept includes biological information
which is out of the range within which it falls when a living body
is in good (normal, right or ordinary) condition and biological
information determined as abnormal (or pathological) by a specific
determination method. In the embodiment, an ST level out of the
range from -0.1 mV to 0.1 mV corresponds to this concept.
[0046] "To determine whether the information is abnormal biological
information" includes to determine the presence or absence of
abnormal biological information (or the degree of the abnormality
thereof), to determine the presence or absence of normal biological
information (or the degree of the normality thereof), or to
determine whether the information is normal biological information
or abnormal biological information (, or to determine the degree of
the state).
[0047] "Information relating to the source of the biological
information" is a concept that includes something representing
information used to obtain the biological information. For example,
the concept includes the name of the part (source) from which the
biological information is obtained, the name of the derivation of
the biological information, or the name of the criterion for
determining the biological information. In the embodiment, the
"name of lead" in which a recognized waveform which can be used to
obtain an ST level appears corresponds to this concept.
[0048] "Matter to be informed" is a concept that includes anything
to be informed. For example, the concept includes something
indicating a failure of the device, something useful (or effective)
to determine biological information, or something relating to an
abnormality of biological information. In the embodiment,
information about an ST level in the case where the ST level in an
abnormal range corresponds to this concept.
[0049] The features of the present invention can be described
broadly as set forth above. The structures and characteristics of
the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed
description of the invention together with those features, effects,
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0050] FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic views illustrating examples of
a displayed ST level trend according to an embodiment.
[0051] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an ST level trend
display device.
[0052] FIG. 3 is an example of the hardware configuration of the ST
level trend display device.
[0053] FIG. 4 is a graph schematically illustrating recorded
electrocardiographic waveform data.
[0054] FIG. 5 is an example of a screen displayed on the ST level
trend display device.
[0055] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an ST level trend creation
process.
[0056] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a VPC determination process.
[0057] FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are modifications of the screen
displayed on the ST trend level display device.
[0058] FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic views of identified value data
as an object of the ST level trend creation process.
[0059] FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C are schematic views illustrating the
changes in the display style of a lead icon.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0060] An ST level trend display device as an embodiment of the
"biological information trend display device" will be described
below. The embodiments illustrates process for displaying ST level
of the patient ECG data as a trend graph. According to the
following embodiments, for example, the device displays ST level
trend graphs from all lead waves of 12-lead ECG. In addition, when
there is abnormal ST level derived from certain lead(s), the user
of the device can intuitively and easily obtain information about
from which leads the abnormal ST levels. The 12-lead ECG are
twelve-pattern electrocardiograms which are obtained from plurality
of to dozen electrodes attached to a living body.
[0061] An overview of the embodiments, hardware configurations of
devices, embodiments and structures corresponding to the terms in
claims, and details of embodiments will be described below.
[0062] Table of Contents for the Embodiments
[0063] 1. Outline of ST Level Trend to be Displayed
[0064] 2. Hardware configurations of devices
[0065] 3. Embodiments
[0066] 4. Example of ST Level Trend to be Displayed
[0067] 5. ST Level Trend Creation Process etc.
[0068] 6. Effects of Embodiment
[0069] 7. Other functions of the ST level trend display device
[0070] 8. Other embodiments
[0071] 1. Outline of ST Level Trend to be Displayed
[0072] An ST level trend is a displayed trend graph of ST levels
obtained from electrocardiograms (ECG) of a patient. An ST level
trend display device 100 for performing the display will be
described later. This device is suitable for the use in emergency
situations or in ambulances and hospitals. In this embodiment,
description will be made taking as an example a case where it is
used by an emergency medical technician in an ambulance carrying a
patient.
[0073] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an example of a
displayed ST level trend graph. In the drawing, for example, the
trends of ST levels recognized from lead waveforms derived from
leads V1, V2 and V3 are displayed simultaneously (in parallel) in
the graph. The vertical axis and horizontal axis of the ST level
trend graph represent voltage (mV) and time (minute), respectively.
The ST level trend graph is drawn (plotted) from left to right on
the display screen as the measurement of electrocardiograms
proceeds.
[0074] The items shown in FIG. 1 are as follows.
[0075] A lead icon 30 representing the lead V1, a lead icon 31
representing a lead V2 and a lead icon 32 representing the lead V3
are displayed in an upper part of the display screen. A lead icon
33 representing the lead V1, a lead icon 34 representing the lead
V2 and a lead icon 35 representing the lead V3 are displayed in a
lower part of the display screen. A curve 50 showing the ST level
in the lead V3, a curve 52 showing the ST level in the lead V2, and
a curve 54 showing the ST level in the lead V1 are also displayed
on the display screen.
[0076] FIG. 1A shows the state in which the ST levels recognized
from the lead waveforms derived from the leads V1, V2 and V3 are
all in the normal range (-0.1 mV to 0.1 mV). The normal range is
the range indicated by a dotted line arrow 40 (the dotted line
arrow 40, which is shown for explanation and thus is not displayed
on a display screen 14, may be displayed). In FIG. 1A, all the
curves 50, 52 and 54 are displayed in a normal value color "a"
(blue, for example) to indicate that the values are in the normal
range. The backgrounds (areas) of all the lead icons 30 to 35 (or
the letters representing the names of the leads) are also displayed
in the normal value color "a".
[0077] FIG. 1B shows the state in which some measurement time has
passed from the moment shown in FIG. 1A and some of the ST levels
recognized from the lead waveforms are out of the normal range.
[0078] In FIG. 1B, a curve segment 56 showing the ST level in the
lead V3 is above the upper limit of the normal range, and the part
of the curve above the upper limit is displayed in an abnormal
value color "b" (red, for example) (change of trend display color).
To indicate that the ST level derived from the lead V3 has exceeded
the upper limit, the lead icon 32 in the upper part of the display
screen (above the time-series trend) is also displayed in the
abnormal value color "b" as shown in the drawing (the trend of
biological information and the information relating to the source
of the biological information are displayed in the same color).
[0079] Also in FIG. 1B, a curve segment 58 showing the ST level in
the lead V1 is below the lower limit of the normal range, and the
part of the curve below the lower limit is displayed in an abnormal
value color "c" (yellow, for example). To indicate that the ST
level derived from the lead V1 has become lower than the lower
limit, the lead icon 33 in the lower part of the display screen
(below the time-series trend) is also displayed in the abnormal
value color "c" as shown in the drawing.
[0080] According to the display as described above, the trends of
ST levels recognized from a plurality of lead waveforms can be
displayed simultaneously. Also, when one or more of the ST levels
show abnormal values, information about leads from which the ST
levels are derived can be visually recognized with ease.
[0081] Although each graph curve and the corresponding lead icon
are displayed in the same color "to display the trend of biological
information and the information relating to the source of the
biological information in the same color" in the above embodiment,
the present invention is not limited thereto. The state in which
displayed colors are "the same" includes the case in which two or
more colors can be determined to be visually similar (or close) to
each other.
[0082] In the embodiment, each ST level is the value (mV) at a
point (ST1) 60 msec after the inflection point of an ST segment.
The measurement point of ST level may be changed by means known to
those skilled in the art. For example, STj, ST1, or ST2 may be
used.
[0083] 2. Hardware Configurations of Devices
[0084] FIG. 2 illustrates a function block diagram of a ST level
trend display device. The ST level trend display device includes
biological information obtaining means 2, determining means 4, and
displaying means 6.
[0085] The biological information obtaining means 2 obtains
biological information (or biological signal or vital sign). The
determining means 4 determines whether the biological information
represents a normal value or an abnormal value (or whether a living
body condition represented by the biological information is normal
condition or abnormal condition). The displaying means 6 displays a
biological information trend in a trend display style that is based
on the determination result.
[0086] FIG. 3 illustrates a hardware configuration example of the
ST level trend display device shown in FIG. 2 by use of a central
processing unit (CPU). The ST level trend display device 100
includes CPU 10, amplifier 11, analog-digital converter 12,
mouse/keyboard 13, display 14 (display device), speaker 15, memory
17, Flash-ROM 18 (which corresponds to a rewritable read-only
memory device from which recorded data can be electrically erased
(e.g. the flash-memory), and will be described as "F-ROM 18"),
display controller 19, and ECG electrodes 20 (biological signal
detector).
[0087] The ECG electrodes 20 are used for measuring a cardiac
electric current. The amplifier 11 amplifies the cardiac electrical
current obtained through ECG electrodes 20. The CPU 10 controls
operations of the ST level trend display device 100, executes a
process that converts data obtained from the cardiac electric
current to ECG data (or identified value data), and executes a
process that generates a ST level trend. The F-ROM 18 stores a
computer program for controlling the ST level trend display device
100. The memory 17 acts as a storage area for data processing
performed by the CPU 10. Operation information generated via
operations of the mouse/keyboard 13 or the display controller 19 is
inputted to the CPU 10, and the CPU 10 generates display
information and sound information for the display 14 and the
speaker 15 to output.
[0088] In the embodiments, examples of operating systems (OS) for
the ST level trend display device 100 are Microsoft's Windowsm XP,
NT, 2000, 98SE, ME, or CE. In alternative embodiments, the
functions of the ST level trend display device 100 are accomplished
with hardware logic (not shown) without the use of a CPU. The
hardware configuration or CPU configuration can be modified by
well-known techniques by those skilled in the art.
[0089] The "ECG" described in the embodiments is obtained by
measuring cardiac electrical potential difference on the heart
between two points on the patient's body. Therefore, the terms "ECG
measurement" etc. used herein include the operations of measuring
the cardiac electrical potential etc.
3. Embodiments
[0090] The "biological information trend display device" includes
any device that displays biological information trend. For example,
the "biological information trend display device" corresponds to ST
level trend display device 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 as an
embodiment. The "biological information obtaining means" includes
any means that has a function for obtaining biological information.
In the embodiments, the biological information obtaining means
corresponds to CPU 10 of the ST level trend display device 100 that
executes a process of step S605 in FIG. 6 for plurality of lead
waveforms. The "determining means" includes any means that has a
function for determining whether obtained biological information
corresponds to abnormal biological information or not. In the
embodiments, the determining means corresponds to CPU 10 that
executes a process of step S613 in FIG. 6. The "displaying means"
includes any means that has a function of displaying. In the
embodiments, the displaying means corresponds to CPU 10 that
executes a process of step S615, S623, S619, or step S621.
[0091] 4. Example of ST Level Trend to be Displayed
[0092] Description will be made of an example of an ST level trend
to be displayed. The ST level trend creation process will be
described in the next section. FIG. 5 is an example of the screen
displayed by a ST level trend creation process (which will be
described later) performed by the CPU 10.
[0093] As shown in FIG. 5, ST level trend curves obtained from
identified value (recognized value) data of waveforms derived from
12 leads are displayed on the display screen 14.
[0094] The 12 leads are leads I, II, III, aVL, aVR, aVF, V1, V2,
V3, V4, V5 and V6. Lead icons representing them are displayed in
upper and lower parts of the display screen 14. The areas in which
the lead icons (types of data) are displayed (data type indication
area) are located in fixed positions on the display screen (the
indication area of the information relating to the source of
biological information is associated with each information relating
to the source). Thus, 12 ST level trend curves are displayed on the
display screen 14 (curves showing similar values may overlap with
each other).
[0095] The vertical axis and horizontal axis of the ST level trend
graph represent voltage (in the range from -0.5 mV to 0.5 mV) and
time (min.), respectively. More specifically, the area from left to
right of the display screen 14 is a graph display area
corresponding to a measurement period of 30 min. The upper and
lower limits of the normal range of the ST levels are 0.1 mV and
-0.1 mV, respectively. The upper and lower limits are indicated by
dotted lines on the display screen 14. The display of the dotted
lines on the display screen may be omitted.
[0096] A plot point moves (to the right on the display screen) as
the measurement of electrocardiograms proceeds and draws the ST
level trend graph. In FIG. 5, the drawing point is currently at a
point about 30 minutes after the start of the measurement. The
parts of the curves within the normal range are displayed in the
normal value color "a" (blue, for example).
[0097] In FIG. 5, a case in which some of the ST levels of the
waveforms derived from the 12 leads show abnormal values is shown
as an example. Each of the abnormal values will be described.
[0098] A curve 70 showing the ST level of the lead waveform derived
from the lead III is above the upper limit and displayed (plotted)
in an abnormal value color X (graph display style). To indicate
that the ST level derived from the lead III is higher than the
upper limit, a lead icon 60 (for the lead III) in the upper part of
the display screen is displayed in the same abnormal value color X
as the curve 70 in the drawing (the type of data is displayed in
the same style as the curve of the data).
[0099] A curve 72 showing the ST level of the waveform derived from
the lead V5 has become lower than the lower limit, and the part of
the curve below the lower limit is displayed in an abnormal value
color Y. To indicate that the ST level derived from the lead V5 has
become lower than the lower limit, a lead icon 62 (for the lead V5)
in the lower part of the display screen is displayed in the same
abnormal value color Y as the curve 72 in the drawing.
[0100] A curve 71 showing the ST level of the waveform derived from
the lead a V.sub.F has a part above the upper limit and the part is
displayed in an abnormal value color Z. To indicate that the ST
level derived from the lead a V.sub.F was higher than the upper
limit, an outer frame 61 of a lead icon (for the lead a V.sub.F) in
the upper part of the display screen is displayed in the same
abnormal value color Z as the part above the upper limit of the
curve 71. An inner area 61a of the lead icon is displayed in the
normal value color since the ST level derived from the lead a
V.sub.F has returned to the normal range.
[0101] FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating the changes in the
display style of a lead icon described above.
[0102] FIG. 10A shows an example of a lead icon 500 (for the lead
V5) in the case where the ST level has been in the normal range. In
this case, the lead icon 500 is displayed in a normal value color
P.
[0103] FIG. 10B shows an example of a lead icon 501 in the case
where the ST level shows an abnormal value at the present time (or
at the moment when the ST level was displayed). In this case, the
lead icon 501 is displayed in an abnormal value color Q. At this
time, the abnormal value color Q is the same as the color of the
trend curve (or the part of the curve in the abnormal range) of the
ST level in the corresponding lead V5 (which corresponds to "when
the current biological information is determined as abnormal
biological information, the display means displays at least the
inner indication area in association with the biological
information determined as abnormal biological information").
[0104] FIG. 10C shows an example of a lead icon 502 in the case
where some time has passed from the moment shown in FIG. 10B and
the ST level in the lead V5 has returned to the normal range. In
this case, an icon frame 504 (outer indication area) of the lead
icon 502 is maintained in the abnormal value color Q (which
corresponds to "when the biological information is determined as
abnormal biological information in the past, the display means
displays at least the outer indication area in association with the
biological information determined as abnormal information"). At
this time, an inner area 506 (inner indication area) of the icon is
displayed in the normal value color P.
[0105] The shape of the ST level trend graph, the direction in
which the graph is created as time passes, the style of displaying
the curves, the style of displaying the names of leads, the style
of displaying normal and abnormal values (colors, etc.) are
illustrative and may be changed by means known to those skilled in
the art.
[0106] For example, when the ST levels are in the normal range, the
ST level curves and the corresponding leads icons may be displayed
in different colors.
[0107] Unlike the curve 71 and the lead icon 61 shown in FIG. 5,
when there was a period in which an ST level was out of the normal
range in the history but the ST level has returned to the normal
range, the parts of the curve 71 in the normal range may be
displayed in the normal value color with the entire lead icon (the
outer frame 61 and the inner area 61a) displayed in an abnormal
value color (which corresponds to "when the subsequent biological
information is not determined as abnormal information, the display
means displays the trend of the subsequent biological information
in the original style and maintains the indication of the
information relating to the source of the biological information").
The present invention is not limited to the above example. When the
value returns to the normal range, the entire corresponding lead
icon may be returned to the normal value color (return the
indication of the information relating to the source of the
subsequent biological information (cancel the association of it
with the biological information)).
[0108] Although only the part of the curve above the normal range
is displayed in an abnormal value color in FIG. 5, the present
invention is not limited thereto. When an ST level gets out of the
normal range, the entire curve may be displayed in an abnormal
value color (the entire style of displaying is changed for the
trend of biological information determined as abnormal biological
information).
[0109] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the curve 70
and the lead icon 60 are displayed in the same abnormal value color
X to associate them with each other and the part of the curve 72 in
the abnormal range and the lead icon 62 are displayed in the same
abnormal value color Y to associate them with each other. Thus,
even when a plurality of ST levels show abnormal values, it is
possible to determine the lead (source or base) from which each ST
level is derived easily. However, the present invention is not
limited to this. When there is no need to associate abnormal values
with their sources, the association by changing the colors may be
omitted.
[0110] The electrocardiogram of the lead II as a representative
lead and so on are also displayed on the display screen 14. The
electrocardiogram can be displayed in a different style depending
on the selection of the user. An electrocardiogram of another lead
may be displayed or the display may be omitted. In this embodiment,
a lead in which the amplitude is large is automatically selected
and displayed as a representative lead.
[0111] The CPU 10 continuously records digital data
(electrocardiographic waveform data) obtained via the ECG
electrodes 20 in the memory 17 (or the F-ROM 18) for each of the 12
leads. FIG. 4 is a graph schematically showing the
electrocardiographic waveform data (vertical axis: electric
potential (voltage), horizontal axis: time) recorded for one of the
leads. As shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 10 extracts identified value
(recognized value) data R (R potential or R-wave height), T (T
potential or T-wave height), Q (Q potential or Q-wave height), ST
(ST level), QT (QT interval), and RR (RR interval) based on the
recognition of P-wave, Q-wave, R-wave, S-wave, ST-segment, and
T-wave, respectively, in the electrocardiogram and records them in
the memory 17 (or the F-ROM 18). The CPU 10 recognizes a heartbeat
and each wave in the electrocardiogram by the following process,
for example, when the waveform is normal.
[0112] (1) Recognition of a Heartbeat: After sampling
electrocardiographic waveform data (potential or voltage value) for
a predetermined period of time, the CPU 10 recognizes an R-wave,
which is a local maximum component exceeding a prescribed
threshold, and the next R-wave (a local maximum component exceeding
a prescribed threshold) and recognizes the RR interval as a
heartbeat. At this time, T-wave components, which are local
maximums other than the R-waves (having a frequency lower than that
of R-waves) may be removed with a low-cut filter.
[0113] (2) P-wave: A local maximum which appears 200 to 300 msec
before an R-wave is recognized as a P-wave.
[0114] (3) Q-wave: A local minimum which appears immediately before
an R-wave is recognized as a Q-wave.
[0115] (4) S-wave: A local minimum which appears immediately after
an R-wave is recognized as an S-wave.
[0116] (5) T-wave: A local maximum which appears between two
R-waves is recognized as a T-wave.
[0117] (6) ST-segment: A linear interpolation is performed between
an S-wave and a T-wave on the electrocardiogram, and the part which
appears as a local maximum component between them is recognized as
an ST-segment.
[0118] In this embodiment, the trend of ST (ST level) (unit: mV,
for example) is shown for each of the 12 leads in a graph.
[0119] Noises with abnormal periods may be generated and the
extraction of identified value data cannot be made precisely
depending on the motion of the patient during the measurement of
electrocardiograms. As a method for removing such noises and
obtaining precise identified value data, the technique disclosed in
JP-A-Hei 6-261871, for example, may be used.
[0120] 5. ST Level Trend Creation Process etc.
[0121] 5-1. ST Level Trend Creation Process
[0122] Description will made of an ST level trend creation program
of this embodiment with reference to the flowchart etc. in FIG. 6.
The flowchart in FIG. 6 shows the content of an ST level trend
creation program which is performed for one lead at a heartbeat.
Thus, during the measurement of vital signs, the ST level trend
creation process program shown in FIG. 6 is repeated at every
heartbeat for all the 12 leads.
[0123] As a precondition of the ST level trend creation process,
the CPU 10 of the ST level trend display device 100 displays lead
icons in a normal value color (blue, for example) in the upper and
lower part of the display screen 14 (step S601 in FIG. 6). The lead
icons to be displayed are determined depending on the number of the
ECG electrodes 20 for use in the measurement of electrocardiograms
of the patient, that is, the subject leads. More specifically, when
four ECG electrodes are used, six leads are displayed. Here, an
example will be described in which 12-lead electrocardiograms are
employed and 12 lead icons are displayed (see FIG. 5).
[0124] The CPU 10 measures 12-lead electrocardiograms via ECG
electrodes 20 attached to the patient's body and an amplifier 11
and obtains lead waveforms (electrocardiographic waveforms) during
one heartbeat (step S602).
[0125] The CPU 10 calculates identified value data of the lead
waveforms (step S603 in FIG. 6) (refer FIG. 4 for the identified
value data). The CPU 10 records the identified value data as the
object of the ST level trend creation process in the F-ROM 18 or
the memory 17 (step S605).
[0126] The identified value data as the object of the ST level
trend creation process are the ST levels of five consecutive
heartbeats including a heartbeat as the object to be displayed in
the ST level trend graph and identified value data necessary for
determination of a VPC, which will be described later.
[0127] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of identified value data as the
object of the ST level trend creation process. The "No." is the
number of heartbeat. For example, "-4" means the heartbeat which is
four heartbeat before the present ("pre") heartbeat. In FIG. 9A,
the ST level and so on designated as "Pre" are (current) identified
value data to be obtained and calculated in step S602 and S603 in
FIG. 6. At this time, the object of the ST level trend display is
the ST level (designated as 202 in the drawing) of the heartbeat
designated as No. "-2."
[0128] As described above, in this embodiment, the heartbeat on
which the lead waveform obtaining process is performed and the
heartbeat on which the ST level trend creation process is performed
are different. The reason for it is, as described later, that the
ST level of the heartbeat to be displayed is the average of the ST
levels of five heartbeats including it. More specifically, the
"identified value data as the object of the ST level trend creation
process" which are recorded in step S605 include the ST levels of
the "pre" to "-5" heartbeats (the data encircled by dotted line 200
in the drawing) and identified value data necessary for
determination of a VPC in the heartbeat No. "-2." Description will
be hereinafter made on the assumption that the object of the ST
level trend display is the heartbeat No. "-2."
[0129] The CPU 10 performs a process for determining the presence
or absence of a VPC (ventricular premature contraction) based on
the identified value data (necessary for determination of a VPC in
the heartbeat No. "-2") (step S607). The VPC determination process
will be described later.
[0130] If it is determined that there is a VPC as a result of the
VPC determination process, the CPU 10 performs the process in step
S613 (on the ST level of the heartbeat No. "-2" (see the reference
number 202 in FIG. 9)).
[0131] If it is determined that there is no VPC as a result of the
VPC determination process in step S607, the CPU 10 calculates the
average of the ST levels of five heartbeats including the heartbeat
being currently processed (see the dotted line 200 in FIG. 9) and
regards it as the ST level of the heartbeat being currently
processed (step S611). When there is an ST level determined as
indicating a VPC in the ST levels of the five heartbeats in step
S609, the average of the ST levels is calculated excluding the
value.
[0132] More specifically, when the display object is the ST level
of the heartbeat No. "-2" (designated as 302) in FIG. 9B, and when
the ST level of the heartbeat No. "-1" (designates as 304) has been
determined as indicating "the presence of VPC", the value
designated as 304 is excluded and the average of the four ST level
values encircled by the dotted line 300 is calculated in step
S611.
[0133] In this embodiment, determination of a VPC is exemplarily
performed. One of the reasons for the VPC determination is to
exclude (sudden) abnormal values which the ST levels may show when
a VPC occurs from the calculation of average of the ST levels in
the process in step S611 in FIG. 6. Thus, when a VPC occurred, only
the ST level of the heartbeat is plotted on the graph.
[0134] After the process in step S609 or S611, the CPU 10
determines whether the ST level (or average of the ST levels) is in
a normal range (step S613). In this embodiment, the normal range is
-0.1 mV to 0.1 mV (upper limit: 0.1 mV, lower limit: -0.1 mV).
[0135] If it is determined that the ST level is in the normal range
in the process in step S613, the CPU 10 draws (plots) the ST level
on the trend graph in a normal value color (blue) (step S623).
[0136] If it is determined that the ST level is out of the normal
range in the process in step S613, the CPU 10 draws the ST level on
the trend graph in an abnormal value color X (step S615). Different
colors are set as abnormal value colors (yellow, red, green, etc.,
for example) for each leads.
[0137] The CPU 10 then determines whether the ST level is higher
than the upper limit (0.1 mV) (prescribed level) of the normal
range (step S617). If it is determined that the ST level is higher
than the upper limit, the CPU 10 changes the color of the lead icon
in the upper part of the display screen 14 (the icon displayed in
the upper part of the display screen of the lead icons for the lead
from which the ST level is derived) to the abnormal value color X
(step S619).
[0138] If it is determined that the ST level is not higher than the
upper limit (that is, lower than the lower limit (prescribed
level)) in step S617, the CPU 10 changes the color of the lead icon
in the lower part of the display screen 14 (the icon displayed in
the lower part of the display screen of the lead icons for the lead
from which the ST level is derived) to the abnormal value color X
(step S621).
[0139] When the ST level is higher than the upper limit, the trend
curve of the ST level and the corresponding lead icon are displayed
in the same manner as the curve 70 and the lead icon 60 shown in
FIG. 5. When the ST level is lower than the lower limit, the trend
curve of the ST level and the corresponding lead icon are displayed
in the same manner as the curve 72 and the lead icon 62 shown in
FIG. 5.
[0140] After the process in step S619, S621 or S623, the CPU 10
determines whether the measurement of the electrocardiogram has
been completed (step S625). If not, the processes in and after step
S602 are repeated. If it is determined that the measurement of the
electrocardiogram has been completed, the CPU 10 finishes the ST
level trend creation process.
[0141] The ST level trend creation process has been described. The
program or algorithm for the process is illustrative and can be
changed by means known to those skilled in the art. For example, in
step S617, it may be determined whether the value is lower than the
lower limit or whether the value shows an upper abnormal value
(when it is higher than the upper limit) or a lower abnormal value
(when it is lower than the lower limit) instead of determining
whether the ST level is higher than the upper limit (abnormality
rank determination means).
[0142] The process of calculating the average of ST level values of
five heartbeats in step S611 in FIG. 6 is illustrative. The average
of the ST level values of a different number of heartbeats may be
calculated. The process of calculating the average in step S611 and
the VPC determination process in step S607 and S609 described later
may be omitted.
[0143] 5-2 VPC Determination Process
[0144] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an abnormality determination
process for a ventricular premature contraction (VPC) which the CPU
10 performs in step S607 in FIG. 6. The determination of a VPC is
to determine whether a ventricular premature contractions is
occurring based on the ST level.
[0145] The CPU 10 of the ST level trend display device 100
determines whether there is a P-wave (step S701 in FIG. 7). If it
is determined that there is a P-wave, the CPU 10 determines that
"there is no VPC" (step S707). If it is determined that there is no
P-wave, the CPU 10 determines whether the primary directions of
QRS-waves are the same as the direction of T-waves (step S703).
[0146] If it is determined that the primary directions of QRS-waves
are the same as the direction of T-waves, the CPU 10 performs the
process in step S707. If it is determined that the primary
directions of QRS-waves are not the same as the direction of
T-waves, the CPU 10 determines whether the RR interval is greater
than 80% of the average RR intervals in normal waveforms (step
S705).
[0147] If it is determined that the RR interval is greater than 80%
of the average RR intervals in normal waveforms, the CPU 10
performs the process in step S707. If it is determined that the RR
interval is not greater than 80% of the average RR intervals in
normal waveforms, the CPU 10 determines that "there is a VPC" (step
S709).
[0148] Then, the CPU 10 performs the processes in and after step
S609 in FIG. 6 based on the determination result obtained in the
process in step S707 or step S709.
[0149] The VPC determination process has been described above. The
determination process is illustrative and may be changed by means
known to those skilled in the art. For example, a VPC may be
determined by a method based on Minnesota Code criteria (or
corrected criteria thereof). Also, something other than the ST
level indicating a VPC (noises, for example) may be selected as the
object to be excluded from the calculation of the average of ST
levels in step S611.
[0150] 6. Effects of Embodiment
[0151] According to the above embodiment, the user of the ST level
trend display device 100 can check and determine the time-series
trends of the ST levels obtained from lead waveforms derived from a
plurality (12 at most) of leads (see FIG. 5).
[0152] In the embodiment, the lead icon 60 (for lead III) in the
upper part of the display screen is displayed in the same abnormal
value color X as the curve 70 to indicate that the ST level derived
from the lead III (curve 70) is above the upper limit, for example,
as shown in FIG. 5. Thus, there is a merit that the trend curves of
ST levels obtained from a plurality of lead waveforms can be
displayed simultaneously and that when some of the ST levels show
abnormal values, the user can determine the names of the leads
corresponding to the trend curves quickly and easily. In addition,
the time at which the abnormal values appeared can be specified on
the horizontal axis of the graph as shown in FIG. 5.
[0153] In the embodiment, the leads in which the ST level trend
display device 100 is performing measurement are indicated by lead
icons (see FIG. 5 and step S601 in FIG. 6). Thus, the user can
visually determine the leads in which the ST level trend display
device 100 is performing measurement (the information relating to
the source of biological information).
[0154] In the embodiment, when an ST level shows an abnormal value,
the corresponding lead icon is displayed in an abnormal value
color, and, when the ST level returns to a normal value, the outer
frame of the lead icon (the outer indication area) is maintained in
the abnormal value color (while the inner area (inner indication
area) of the lead icon is displayed in the normal value color) (see
FIG. 5) (which corresponds to "the display means displays the
information relating to the source of the biological information in
such a manner that the case where the biological information is
determined as abnormal biological information at the moment, the
case where the biological information has not been determined as
abnormal biological information, and the case where the biological
information was determined as abnormal biological information in
the past whereas it is not determined as abnormal biological
information at the moment can be discriminated"). Thus, the user
can visually recognize whether each of the ST levels derived from
the leads has shown an abnormal value in the past with ease. The
manner of displaying the history of abnormal values of the ST
levels is not limited to this. The following variation can be
used.
[0155] The variation of the manner of displaying the history of
abnormal values of the ST levels is to change the color saturation
of the information (lead icons) relating to the sources of the
biological information depending upon whether the ST levels have
shown abnormal values in the past. More specifically, the lead
icons corresponding to the ST level trend curves which have shown
abnormal values in the past (the values are normal at the moment)
are displayed in an abnormal value color with low saturation (or a
light color), and, when the ST levels show abnormal values, the
lead icons are displayed in an abnormal value color with high
saturation (or a dark color).
[0156] The method of displaying the history of abnormal values
together with the trend of biological information can be expressed
as follows.
[0157] "An indication area for indicating information relating to
the source of the biological information, the indication area
having an indication area for indicating the state of the
biological information at the moment and an indication area for
indicating the state of the biological information in the past, in
which, when the biological information includes information
determined as abnormal biological information in the past, the
display means displays the indication area for indicating the state
of the biological information in the past in association with the
biological information determined as abnormal information."
[0158] In the embodiment, all the parts of the ST level trend curve
within the normal range are displayed in the normal value color "a"
(blue for example) (in the same trend display style) regardless of
lead wave from which the ST levels are derived, as shown in FIG. 5.
To display "in the same trend display style" includes to display
the trends are displayed in the same style and to display them in
such a manner that they can be determined as visually similar (or
close) to each other. Thus, the display screen 14 can give a clear,
not cluttered, impression to the user even when a plurality of ST
level trend curves are displayed simultaneously on it. In addition,
since the trend curves showing abnormal values and the
corresponding lead icons are displayed in an abnormal value color
on the display screen 14, the user can recognize the ST levels in
abnormal conditions and the corresponding leads with ease.
[0159] 7. Other functions of the ST Level Trend Display Device
[0160] Functions other than the above-mentioned ST level trend
generating process, of the ST level trend display device 100 will
be described below.
[0161] 7-1. Display of Heartbeat Condition
[0162] The ST level trend display device 100 displays a specific
flashing symbol (or mark) in order to show a heartbeat condition
(which corresponds to the term "means for outputting
heartbeat-related information by varying display style"). More
specifically, the CPU 10 processes a display of the flashing heart
mark according to the heart rhythm measured, as illustrated in FIG.
5.
[0163] The user can confirm that the ST level trend display device
100 is running normally, and can also check the patient's heartbeat
condition. In an alternative embodiment, the device outputs a
specific sound (e.g. bleep sound) from the speaker 15 according to
the heart rhythm, in conjunction with the flashing mark or instead
of the flashing mark.
[0164] 7-2. Warning for Impracticable Analysis
[0165] The ST level trend display device 100 displays a certain
warning during the ST level trend generating process when an ECG
electrode 20 etc. is detached from the patient or when trouble
occurs in the generating process (which corresponds to the term
"means for outputting warning signal when the biological
information display process can not be executed"). More
specifically, the CPU 10 displays a warning message stating
"electrode detached" etc., on displaying area of "diagnostic
information" on display 14.
[0166] The user who sees the warning can promptly understand that
the ST level trend generating process has been interrupted by the
trouble. In alternative embodiments, in order to draw the user's
attention to the display, the CPU 10 changes the color of the whole
display or the color of part of the display, or outputs a warning
sound (e.g. an alarm sound).
8. Other Embodiments
[0167] 8-1. Modification of Style of Displaying Trend of Biological
Information
[0168] Although an example of the style of displaying the trend
graph of biological information is shown in FIG. 5 in the above
embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. As
another embodiment of the style of displaying the trend graph of
biological information, display styles as shown in FIG. 8 may be
employed. The outline of each display style will be described.
[0169] FIG. 8A shows an example in which the display position of
the lead icons (source icons) is changed. In the drawing, the lead
icons are displayed in a right part of the display screen. The
color of the part of a curve 91 below the lower limit is changed to
a color "a" and the color of a lead icon 90 is also changed to the
color "a" to indicate that the source of the biological information
for the curve 91 is the lead V1. The indicators showing the names
of leads may be displayed in any part of the display screen.
[0170] FIG. 8B shows an example in which, when biological
information gets out of the normal range, the information showing
the source of the biological information (information relating to
the source, the name of lead) is shown in the vicinity of the
corresponding trend curve. A curve 92 has a part above the upper
limit of the normal range, and a lead indicator 93 (for the lead
V3) is shown in the vicinity of the indicating point (plot point)
of the curve. A curve 95 has a part below the lower limit of the
normal range, and a lead indicator 94 (for the lead V1) is shown in
the vicinity of the indicating point of the curve.
[0171] In the case shown in FIG. 8B, the information about the
source is not shown when the biological information is in the
normal range and shown only when the biological information shows
an abnormal value. The trend curves of biological information
within the normal range may not be shown depending on the setting
by the user. Only when the biological information shows an abnormal
value, the trend curve and the information about the source of the
biological information are shown in association with each other. A
trend curve of a representative value (or an average value) of a
plurality of biological information may be displayed usually
instead of displaying a plurality of biological information
simultaneously. Individual curves of the biological information are
shown only when the biological information shows an abnormal
value.
[0172] FIG. 8C shows a modification of the display style of lead
icons (source icons). A curve 97 has exceeded the upper limit of
the biological information, and the size of a lead icon 96 is
changed to indicate that the source of the biological information
shown as the curve 97 is the lead V2.
[0173] In the embodiments, displaying trend graph of ST level on
display 14 is illustrated as an example of the "displaying means".
In alternative embodiments of the "display means (or "output
means"), the biological information can be outputted in
computer-readable storage media such as memory card or CD-ROM. The
biological information can be outputted to connection means (e.g.
telephone lines, wireless communication, the Internet, wire
communication, infrared data communication, mobile phone,
Bluetooth, PHS, or the like). The biological information can be
outputted as printed hard copy, facsimile, or the like.
[0174] The "biological trend displayed object" included in the
claims is a concept that includes anything outputted so that the
trend of biological information can be visually recognized. For
example, a trend graph displayed on a display screen, outputted as
a hard copy, outputted by a facsimile machine and so on are
included in this concept.
[0175] 8-2. Modification of Display Style of Abnormal Biological
Information
[0176] The above embodiment is characterized in that when
biological information shows an abnormal value, the information
indicating the source of the biological information becomes easily
recognizable to draw the attention of the user. As a method for
associating abnormal biological information and the ground for it
(source of the biological information) when a patient gets into an
abnormal condition, the following variations may be employed.
[0177] A first variation for associating abnormal biological
information and the source of it is to blink or flash the
information (icon, for example) indicating the source of the
biological information when the biological information shows an
abnormal value.
[0178] A second variation is to perform a process for adding (or
changing) a pattern (shape, symbol or code) indicating the source
of the biological information when an abnormal value is detected.
In this case, a process for adding (or changing) a pattern (type,
shape, symbol or code) to the curve of the biological information
may be performed to associate the source and the biological
information obtained from the source. For example, the information
indicating the source of the biological information showing an
abnormal value (and/or the part of the graph of the biological
information) may be displayed three-dimensionally so that it can
look raised out.
[0179] Although blue is employed as a normal value color and red
and yellow are employed as abnormal value colors in the above
embodiment, other colors may be used. In general, however, it is
advisable to use a discreet color with low saturation
(low-saturation color or less recognizable color) for normal values
and a outstanding color with high saturation (high-saturation color
or highly recognizable color) for abnormal values. The color may be
changed depending on the level of the abnormal value (the level of
abnormality). More specifically, a color with low saturation is
used when the difference from a normal value is small and a color
with high saturation is used when the difference from the normal
value is large.
[0180] Also, an alarm sound may be generated from speaker 15 as an
aid to make the user recognize that biological information shows an
abnormal value. In this case, the loudness or pitch of the sound
may be changed depending on the source in which the abnormal value
appears or the level of abnormality.
[0181] 8-3. Modification of Biological Information
[0182] Although ST levels are shown as an example of biological
information in the above embodiment, the present invention is not
limited thereto. The present invention is applicable to biological
information which is prescribed parameters acquired from a
plurality of sources or measurement points and show different
behaviors depending on the sources or the measurement points (which
corresponds to "show different behaviors depending on the
sources").
[0183] More specifically, in the case of an electrocardiogram, for
example, R (R potential or R-wave height), T (T potential or T-wave
height), Q (Q potential or Q-wave height), QT (QT interval) or RR
(RR interval), which are values obtained by extracting the apex,
start and end points of P-wave, Q-wave, R-wave, S-wave, ST segment,
and T-wave, respectively, as components of a electrocardiographic
waveform, may be employed as the "biological information."
[0184] More specifically, for example, trend curves of QT intervals
in a plurality of leads are displayed and, when the QT intervals
show abnormal values, the abnormal values and the name of the leads
in which the abnormal values appeared are displayed in association
with each other.
[0185] Alternatively, trend curves of identified values, such as ST
level, QT interval, RR interval, in specific leads may be displayed
as a plurality of pieces of "biological information." When the
identified values show abnormal values, the trend curves having the
abnormal values and the identified value names ("QT interval," for
example) showing the abnormal values are displayed associated with
each other.
[0186] The "data display device" according to the present invention
can be implemented as a device for simultaneously monitoring the
trends of a plurality of process values in a plant, for example,
instead of biological information shown as an example in the above
embodiment. In this case, when the process values are abnormal, the
abnormal values are displayed on curves as "matters to be
informed," and information indicating the devices in the plant (or
parts of a device, component parts or the process values
(parameters)) from which the process values were obtained are
displayed in association with the curves. "To display in
association with something" includes to display in a visually
recognizable manner that the type of data and the curve of the data
have a relation with each other, for example. For example,
displaying the name of a parameter (type of data) and the curve of
the data (a part of the curve display, the attribute of the curve
display style or a component of the graph display style) in the
same color is included.
[0187] 8-4. Embodiments of Device Configuration
[0188] In the embodiments, the ST level trend display device 100
executes both ECG measurement and processes that generate and
display ST level trend. In alternative embodiments, those functions
can be separately executed by two or more discrete devices. For
example, one device can execute an ECG measurement, outputting
process for ST level (or identified value data), abnormality
determining process for ST level, and outputting process for the
determining result. The other device (which corresponds to
"biological information trend display device") can execute
inputting process for ST level and inputting process for the
determining result of abnormality determination for ST level (which
corresponds to "obtaining means"), and outputting process for ST
level trend.
[0189] The configuration of the devices (the number and combination
of devices) for performing the process of measuring
electrocardiograms, the VPC determination process, the ST trend
graph creation and display process, respectively, and the
configuration of the CPU may be changed by means known to those
skilled in the art.
[0190] Other auxiliary devices may be connected to the ST level
trend display device 100. More specifically, a blood pressure meter
may be connected to the ST level trend display device 100 as an
auxiliary device to display "blood pressure (BP)" and a blood
oxygen level meter to display "blood oxygen level (SpO.sub.2)."
[0191] 8-5. Application Embodiments of ST Level Trend Display
Device
[0192] In the embodiments, the ST level trend display device 100 is
used in ambulances. In alternative embodiments, the device can be
used in any emergency medical arena in a portable form, used for
home medical care by setting the device in a home, or used for
living bodies including human or animals.
[0193] Devices that have similar functions with that of the ST
level trend display device 100 can be installed in the driver's
seat of an automobile or an electric train, an airplane cockpit, or
the like, in order to prevent a serious accident from occurring
when the driver develops a heart attack due to myocardial
infarction etc. In other embodiments, such devices can be installed
on a toilet seat, etc., for daily health care. For those
applications, it is advantageous for the ECG electrodes 20 to be
installed in an area with which the subject's body necessarily
makes contact, such as a handle, toilet seat, handrail, or the
like.
[0194] 8-6. Program Execution
[0195] In the embodiments, the computer program for the CPU 10 is
stored in the F-ROM 18. The computer program can be installed on
the hard disk etc. from an installation CD-ROM (not shown). In
alternative embodiments, the program can be installed from
computer-readable storage media such DVD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD)
or IC card (not shown). Alternatively, the program can be
downloaded to the devices via the communications lines. The program
storied on CD-ROM may also be directly executed although the
program stored on CD-ROM can be executed indirectly by installing
the program.
[0196] Computer-executable programs used in the embodiments include
a program to be executable just after installation, a program that
needs to be converted to another format (e.g. decompressing
compressed data), or a program to be executable within a
module.
[0197] A general description of the present invention as well as
preferred embodiments of the invention has been set forth above. It
is to be expressly understood, however, the terms described above
are for purpose of illustration only and are not intended as
definitions of the limits of the invention. Those skilled in the
art to which the present invention pertains will recognize and be
able to practice other variations in the system, device, and
methods described which fall within the teachings of this
invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are deemed to be
within the scope of the invention.
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