JP4312776B2 - Ear thermometer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ear-type thermometer that detects body temperature by detecting infrared rays emitted from within the ear.

Conventionally, as a thermometer that measures body temperature in medical institutions such as hospitals and homes, a probe is inserted into the ear cavity (the ear canal), and infrared rays (heat rays) emitted from the eardrum and its surroundings are detected. An ear-type thermometer that measures body temperature based on strength has been proposed (Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-104086).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-104086

Such a thermometer has a short measurement time of about 1 to 2 seconds, and is particularly advantageous when measuring the temperature of infants and infants who are not good at waiting for a long time.

By the way, such an ear-type thermometer has a built-in buzzer, and is configured to notify that the measurement of the body temperature has been completed by sounding this buzzer.

The buzzer sound (notification sound) used for this notification has a constant volume by applying a constant voltage between the buzzer terminals.

This buzzer sound needs to be set to a relatively large volume in order to enable sufficient notification to the measurer, but at the end of the measurement, the probe is inserted into the ear cavity of the subject. The buzzer sound is transmitted to the measurement subject's ear through the probe and its surroundings, and there is a problem that the measurement subject (particularly, infants and infants) is uncomfortable. In particular, when the person being measured is sleeping, there is a possibility of waking up.

  The objective of this invention is providing the ear-type thermometer which can suppress giving a discomfort to a to-be-measured person, without impairing the notification function of a buzzer sound (notification sound).

Such an object is achieved by the following invention.
(1) In ear-type thermometers that measure body temperature by detecting the intensity of infrared rays emitted from the ears, the volume of the buzzer sound at the end of the measurement can be changed and set using the power switch. An ear-type thermometer.
(2) The ear thermometer according to (1) above, wherein the volume changed and set by the power switch is displayed on the volume display means.
(3) The ear thermometer according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the change setting of the volume is performed by pressing and holding the power switch for a predetermined time.
(4) The ear-type thermometer according to (2), wherein the sound volume display means includes a plurality of segments and displays the sound volume in a lighting state of the plurality of segments.
(5) In ear thermometers that measure body temperature by detecting the intensity of infrared rays emitted from within the ear, the volume of the buzzer sound at the end of measurement can be changed to ON / OFF, and the change setting is made using the power switch. The ear-type thermometer is characterized in that the change setting is performed by continuously pressing the power switch during the measurement standby time.
(6) The ear thermometer according to (5), wherein the volume changed and set by the volume setting means is displayed on the volume display means.

The present invention has the following effects.
(1) In ear-type thermometers that measure body temperature by detecting the intensity of infrared rays emitted from the ears, the volume of the buzzer sound at the end of the measurement can be changed and set using the power switch. Therefore, the volume of the notification sound at the end of measurement can be changed and set according to the environment to be used. The measurement of body temperature can be completed.
(2) Since the changed volume is displayed, it is easy to check the volume change.
(3) Also, by changing the volume of the notification sound at the end of measurement using the power switch, the number of parts can be reduced and the change setting can be easily performed with one hand without providing a new switch. be able to.
(4) The volume setting can be changed by pressing and holding the power switch for a predetermined time, making it easy to handle the power switch and easily changing the setting with one hand. .
(5) Further, by confirming the predetermined time for which the power switch is kept pressed by displaying the elapsed time, the operation of changing the volume can be performed more easily.
(6) Furthermore, since the changed volume is displayed, it is easy to check the volume change setting.
(7) Furthermore, by displaying the volume and the passage of time on the same display unit, it is easier to change the volume by checking the passage of time.
(8) Further, the display of the passage of time is provided with a first symbol mark composed of a plurality of segments, and this first symbol mark displays the passage of time by changing the number of segments to be lit or blinking with time. This makes it easier to check the passage of time.
(9) Furthermore, the volume display is provided with a second symbol mark composed of a plurality of segments, and the volume can be checked and changed by displaying the volume in the lighting state of the segment of the second symbol mark. It will be easier.
(10) Furthermore, since the elapsed time display means is a display means of the elapsed time for measurement standby, it is not necessary to provide a new elapsed time display means.
(11) Also, in ear-type thermometers that measure body temperature by detecting the intensity of infrared rays emitted from within the ear, the setting for changing the volume of the notification sound at the end of measurement is to keep pressing the power switch during the measurement standby time. Thus, the change setting operation can be easily performed with one hand without providing a new switch and without newly setting the operation time of the power switch (the time for which the power switch is kept pressed).
(12) Then, by detecting the environmental temperature change and / or cooling the thermometer during the measurement standby time, an ear thermometer with high measurement accuracy can be realized.
(13) Furthermore, since the volume set with the volume change is displayed, confirmation of the volume change is facilitated.
(14) Furthermore, the change setting of the volume can be realized with a simple circuit by changing the voltage applied to the buzzer that generates the notification sound.

Hereinafter, the ear thermometer of the present invention will be described based on a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an entire ear thermometer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an external front view. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing how the ear thermometer of the embodiment of the present invention is held and the power switch is operated, and FIG. 4 is a diagram of the probe during the measurement of the ear thermometer of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the insertion state to an ear cavity.

A thermometer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is an ear thermometer that measures body temperature by detecting the intensity of infrared rays emitted from the eardrum 11 and its surroundings (in the ear), and is provided on the front of the thermometer body 4 having a casing 41. A power switch 5 and a display unit 6 are installed near the center. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a probe 2 that is inserted into the ear cavity 10 and captures infrared rays is provided on the front upper portion of the thermometer body 4 (upper side in FIGS. 1 and 2), and corresponds to the position of the probe 2. A measurement switch 7 is provided at the position on the back side. At the base end of the probe 2, the ring 3 is provided, and when the probe cover (not shown) is attached to the probe 2, the ring 3 is rotated so that the probe cover is pressed against the probe 2 and attached to the probe 2. Can do. The two notches 31 provided in the ring 3 are provided to be held between fingers when the ring 3 is rotated.

Further, the lower portion of the casing 41 (the lower side of FIGS. 1 and 2) is configured by a lid body 42 that is opened and closed when a battery is inserted or converted.

The display unit 6 is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD), and displays the measured body temperature as a number, as well as a symbol mark indicating the passage of time and the volume (size) of a buzzer sound, as will be described later. Can do.

The thermometer 1 turns on the power switch 5 and, after the measurement standby time has elapsed, inserts the probe 2 into the ear cavity 10 and presses the measurement switch 7, so that infrared rays guided from the ear through the probe 2 are converted into the thermometer. It is detected by an infrared sensor (thermopile) inside the main body 4. Then, the electronic circuit inside the thermometer main body 4 derives the body temperature value from the detected infrared rays, and the measurement of the body temperature is completed in about 1 second after the measurement switch 7 is pressed. When the measurement of the body temperature is completed, the electronic circuit inside the thermometer main body 4 further displays the temperature value (body temperature value) on the display unit 6 and controls the LCD and the buzzer so as to sound the buzzer at the end of the measurement. .

The waiting time for the measurement after the power switch 5 of the thermometer 1 is turned on is described in detail in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-76175 by the same applicant. It is necessary to detect a change in environmental temperature when performing temperature correction by (2), and (b) when performing continuous measurement, it is necessary to bring the entire thermometer 1 close to the same temperature by cooling the probe tip. As an example of the waiting time, (b) is set to 4 seconds, and (b) is set to 8 seconds. In this case, a maximum waiting time of 8 seconds is set.

In the thermometer 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, after the power switch 5 is turned ON, the elapsed time of the measurement waiting time is indicated by the symbol mark 80 (the first mark) composed of a plurality of segments on the display unit 6 where the body temperature value is displayed. 1 symbol mark) is displayed so that it can be confirmed. An example of the symbol mark 80 (time passage display means) is shown in FIG. This symbol mark 80 indicates a rabbit face character, a first segment 81 indicating the left ear portion of the rabbit, a second segment 82 indicating the right ear portion of the rabbit, and a face other than the rabbit ear. And a third segment 83 showing the portion. Each segment 81-83 is controlled by an electronic circuit inside the thermometer body 4 so that it can be lit or blinked independently.

In the present embodiment, when a maximum waiting time of 8 seconds is required, for example, the first segment 81 of the symbol mark 80 is turned on for 0.5 seconds and then turned off for 0.5 seconds (flashing). Is repeated 4 times (in the case of (a)), then the second segment 82 is turned on for 0.5 seconds and then turned off for 0.5 seconds (flashing) is repeated 4 times (in the case of (b)). The segments 81 to 83 are turned on (in the case of (c)). On the other hand, when a waiting time of 4 seconds is required, for example, the display form in which the four repetitions of blinking in the case of (a) and (b) described above are repeated twice.

When measuring continuously, in a state where the power switch 5 is not operated, the standby time from the end of the measurement to the next measurement is a predetermined time (8 seconds). However, in the case of continuous measurement in which the power switch 5 is turned OFF and then turned ON immediately (within 8 seconds after the previous measurement is completed) to perform the next measurement, the time point of the end of the previous measurement is indicated. By setting the specifications so that the timer inside the thermometer 1 works as a reference, the standby time after the power switch 5 is turned on can be made shorter than 8 seconds. In this case, the symbol mark 80 takes a display form that starts, for example, in the middle (for example, blinking of the second segment 82). Therefore, when performing continuous measurement, the measurement standby time after turning on the power switch 5 is not necessarily a predetermined time (8 seconds).

On the other hand, when the measurement is not continuously performed (when the time has elapsed from the end of the previous measurement over 8 seconds), the standby time after the power switch 5 is turned on is always the predetermined time (4 Seconds).

In addition, the sound volume (size) of the buzzer to be sounded after the measurement is completed is displayed on the display unit 6 where the body temperature value is displayed, and can be confirmed, like the background of the standby time.

An example of the buzzer volume display (volume display means) is shown in FIG. The symbol mark 90 (second symbol mark) in this display indicates a trapezoidal shape that rises to the right, and includes a first segment 91 that indicates a small trapezoid and a second segment 92 that indicates a large trapezoid. Then, two volume levels are displayed: a low volume (only for (a)) where only the first segment 91 is lit, and a high volume (when (b)) where both the first and second segments are lit. It is the composition to do.

The two-stage buzzer volume change setting is configured using the power switch 5 and a symbol mark 80 indicating the passage of the measurement standby time. That is, by pressing and holding the power switch 5 until the completion of the symbol mark 80 (rabbit face character) indicating the end of the standby time (all segments are lit), the current volume (for example, low) is changed to another level. It is configured to be changed and set to a volume (for example, high). When the volume is changed and set, a buzzer sound is generated at the changed volume and the lighting state of the trapezoidal symbol mark 90 is changed on the display unit 6 (as seen by the arrow in FIG. 6). Therefore, the user can easily confirm the change setting of the buzzer volume.

As described above, the power switch 5 is also used for setting the change of the buzzer volume without providing a new switch, so that the number of parts can be reduced and the thermometer 1 is installed as shown in FIG. By making it fit in the palm of your hand, you can easily perform change settings with one hand. Further, in order to change the buzzer volume, the time for which the power switch 5 is continuously pressed is set to be the same as the measurement standby time after the power switch 5 is turned on, so that the symbol mark indicating the elapse of the measurement standby time. At 80, the time for which the power switch 5 is kept pressed can be confirmed, and the display screen can be used effectively. Further, as shown in the display section 6 of FIG. 1, the power switch is displayed by displaying the symbol mark 90 for displaying the volume on the same display screen adjacent to the symbol mark 80 indicating that the measurement standby time has elapsed. It is easier to check the time to keep pressing 5.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing functions related to the buzzer. When the body temperature measuring unit 101 composed of an infrared sensor and an electronic circuit inside the thermometer main body 4 detects infrared rays from the ear, ends the measurement of the body temperature, and outputs a measurement end signal to the buzzer control unit 102 The buzzer control unit 102 controls the buzzer 103 to ring at the set volume according to the buzzer driving signal that drives the buzzer at the volume set by the buzzer volume setting unit 104. As described above, the volume set by the buzzer volume setting unit 104 is displayed on the display unit 6 with the symbol mark 90, and the volume set from the outside can be confirmed.

(A) of FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram inside the thermometer main body 4 regarding the change setting of the buzzer drive and the volume of the buzzer. When the buzzer drive signal is H ′, a current flows through the digital transistor (DTR) and the buzzer does not sound. When the buzzer drive signal is at L ′, no current flows through the digital transistor (DTR) and the buzzer sounds. Beeper volume changes setting terminal A for buzzer volume changes settings, B are provided, two resistors R ₁ and R ₂ differ each is connected. The voltage applied to the buzzer volume change setting terminals A and B is controlled by a microcomputer (not shown) inside the thermometer body 4, and a predetermined voltage V _D is always applied to the terminal A and applied to the terminal B. By changing the voltage between V _D and 0 (not applied), the voltage V _BUZ between the buzzer terminals can be set.

The change setting of the buzzer volume by the power switch 5 is a selection setting of whether or not the voltage V _D is applied to the buzzer volume change setting terminal B in the electronic circuit of FIG. If the voltage V _D is applied to the terminal B, the buzzer terminal voltage V _BUZ becomes V _{D and the} buzzer volume is set to be large. If the voltage V _D is not applied to the terminal B, the buzzer terminal voltage is V _D is less than _{V D · R 2 / (R} 1 + R 2) , and the buzzer volume is set to a small. The state of these voltages is shown in FIG.

An example of the voltage applied to the buzzer and the sound volume specifically corresponding to the symbol mark 90 displayed on the display unit 6 in this embodiment is shown in FIG.

The sound volume (dB) in FIG. 9 is measured at a distance of 15 cm from the display unit 6 of the thermometer 1 in the protruding direction of the probe 2. In the thermometer in the present embodiment, a battery of 3.0V is used, and the voltage between the buzzer terminals when the volume is high is set to 3.0V. At this time, the volume of 50 dB is measured at the time of measurement. And the volume is easy to hear for the measurer. When the volume is low, the voltage between the buzzer terminals is set to 1.0 V. The volume 40 dB at this time can be heard by the measurer at the time of measurement, but the person to be measured (especially an infant or an infant). The volume of the sleep is not disturbed.

As mentioned above, although the ear-type thermometer of this invention was demonstrated based on the Example shown to an accompanying drawing, this invention is not limited to this.

In particular, in the embodiment, the buzzer volume is set in two steps, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be set in multiple steps of three or more steps. Even if the volume is set in two steps, it is possible to set “Yes” or “No” for the buzzer sound by setting one volume to 0 (no volume). Moreover, not only the buzzer volume but also the buzzer sound frequency can be set arbitrarily so that the buzzer sound is generated according to the usage environment and the measurement subject's discomfort is suppressed. An ear-type thermometer can be realized.

It is a perspective view of the ear-type thermometer of this Embodiment. It is a front view of the ear-type thermometer of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the state which holds the ear-type thermometer of this Embodiment in hand and operates a power switch. It is a figure which shows the insertion state of the probe in the ear | edge in the case of measuring body temperature with the ear-type thermometer of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows a mode that the symbol mark which shows time passage shown on a display part changes. It is a figure of the symbol mark which shows the volume of the buzzer shown on a display part. It is a block diagram which shows each function regarding a buzzer. It is a figure which shows the circuit and voltage regarding a buzzer drive and volume change of a buzzer. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the voltage applied to the symbol mark which shows the volume of a buzzer, and a buzzer, and a volume.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Thermometer, 2 ... Probe, 3 ... Ring, 31 ... Notch part of ring, 4 ... Thermometer main body, 41 ... Casing, 42 ... Cover, 5. ..Power switch 6 ... Display unit 7 ... Measurement switch 80 ... Standby time display symbol mark 81 ... Standby time display first segment 82 ... Standby time display Second segment 83 ... Third segment of standby time display, 90 ... Symbol mark of volume display of buzzer sound, 91 ... First segment of volume display of buzzer sound, 92 ... Buzzer sound Second segment of volume display, 10 ... ear cavity, 101 ... body temperature measurement unit, 102 ... buzzer control unit, 103 ... buzzer, 104 ... buzzer volume setting unit, 11 ... tympanic membrane

Claims (6)

In the ear thermometer that measures body temperature by detecting the intensity of infrared rays emitted from the ear, the volume of the buzzer sound at the end of the measurement can be changed and set using a power switch. Ear thermometer. The ear-type thermometer according to claim 1, wherein the volume changed and set by the power switch is displayed on a volume display means. The ear-type thermometer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the change setting of the volume is performed by continuously pressing the power switch for a predetermined time. The ear-type thermometer according to claim 2, wherein the sound volume display means is composed of a plurality of segments, and displays the sound volume in a lighting state of the plurality of segments. In the ear thermometer that measures body temperature by detecting the intensity of infrared rays emitted from the ear, the volume of the buzzer sound at the end of measurement can be changed to ON / OFF, the change setting is made using the power switch, and the power supply The ear thermometer is characterized in that the change setting is performed by pressing and holding the switch during the measurement standby time. The ear-type thermometer according to claim 5, wherein the sound volume changed and set by the sound volume setting means is displayed on the sound volume display means.

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