Patent Abstract:
An electrode  4  for detecting a biological signal and a loop antenna  3  are integrally mounted on a support  2  placed on the surface of a living body and a transmitter  5  is placed on the support  2 . A biological signal detected on the electrode  4  is input through a connector  11  to electric circuitry  10  of the transmitter  5  and an electric signal processed by the electric circuitry  10  is output through connectors  12  and  13  to both ends of the loop antenna  3  from which the biological signal is emitted to a receiver. At this time, the opening face of the loop antenna  3  is in a direction almost perpendicular to the surface of a living body for improving sensitivity.

Full Description:
[0001]     This is a Continuation-In-Part application of Ser. No. 09/220,751 filed on Dec. 28, 1998 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of Invention  
         [0003]     This invention relates to a biological signal detection apparatus and in particular to a biological signal detection apparatus applicable to a medical telemetry system wherein a biological signal detected by an electrode attached to the living tissue surface of a patient can be appropriately processed and the provided signal can be telemetered by a transmitter and can be received at a remotely located monitor for monitoring the disease condition of the patient, and a Holter electrocardiograph incorporating the biological signal detection apparatus.  
         [0004]     Further, this invention relates to a communication system of detection data, etc., provided by detecting biological signals and in particular to a communication system for transmitting and receiving biological signals detected by a Holter electrocardiograph.  
         [0005]     2. Related Art  
         [0006]     To care for a seriously ill patient directly linked to his or her life as in an ICU (intensive care unit) or a CCU (coronary care unit), biological information needs to be continuously monitored to precisely keep track of the conditions of the patient. Thus, it is important to provide information necessary for treatment conducted at the bedside of the patient using a bedside monitor placed at the bedside of the patient. It is also important to find out an anomaly of the patient promptly and issue an alarm and send data provided from the biological information of the patient to a central monitor placed in a nurse station, a doctor room, etc.  
         [0007]     From the viewpoint, hitherto, to collect necessary data and display the data on monitors placed on the periphery to provide biological information of a patient in moving the patient in emergency, at the bedside of the patient in a hospital, etc., a medical telemetry system of transmitting and receiving wireless signals has been used simply and efficiently to input signals detected by a biological signal detection apparatus made up of various sensor electrodes, etc., attached to the living tissue surfaces of the patient.  
         [0008]     Hitherto, as a biological signal measuring apparatus of converting a biological signal of a patient, etc., into telemetry (cordless) and measuring, a biological signal measuring apparatus has been proposed (Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 2558836), the biological signal measuring apparatus comprising a sensor section made up of three electrode parts for detecting a biological signal, a transmission section for transmitting the biological signal detected by each electrode part of the sensor section to an external reception section, and a power supply section for supplying power to the transmission section, wherein the transmission section has the power supply section integrally and can be directly attached and detached by being fitted to any one of the three electrode parts, wherein three contacts corresponding to signal lines from the three electrode parts form contacts made flush with each other, wherein the biological signals detected by the three electrode parts are input to the transmission section, and wherein the electrode parts are made disposable and the transmission section can be recycled.  
         [0009]     That is, in the biological signal measuring apparatus according to the proposition, the transmission section containing the power supply section is made integral with any one of the three electrode parts and the biological signals detected by the electrode parts are input to the transmission section, whereby the constraint feeling of the patient is improved remarkably and no signal cable exists between the transmission section and the sensor section, thus extra connection points are excluded and therefore stable measuring can be conducted over a long time and the reliability is enhanced.  
         [0010]     A Holter electrocardiograph apparatus that can improve the convenience of a communication interface with a computer for analyzing, storing, and arranging data by providing an already existing portable Holter electrocardiograph apparatus with an infrared communication apparatus for inputting electrocardiogram data to a computer in noncontact for storing and analyzing the data simply or by transmitting electrocardiogram data sampled from a patient and compressed to a remotely located computer for storing and analyzing the data using a public telemetry network applied to portable telephones, portable information terminals, etc., has been proposed (JP-A-9-224917).  
         [0011]     That is, this Holter electrocardiograph apparatus according to the proposition is characterized by the fact that an already existing portable Holter electrocardiograph apparatus comprises an infrared communication apparatus as means for inputting highly compressed data stored in memory to an external machine, and the infrared communication apparatus comprises means for communicating according to a predetermined procedure for a computer and inputting monitored electrocardiogram data to the computer in noncontact at high speed. Further, the Holter electrocardiograph apparatus can be configured to use a public telemetry network applied to portable telephones and portable information terminals to transmit highly compressed electrocardiogram data to a remotely located computer for storing and analyzing the data.  
         [0012]     A portable electrocardiogram monitor for monitoring a plurality of electrocardiogram signals led by the electrode attached to the chest of a patient by a monitor circuit carried by the patient and telemetering arrhythmia information detected in the electrocardiogram signals to an emergency medical institution for receiving rescue of diagnosis, instruction for the patient, first aid to be given to the patient, etc., by the expert (JP-A-10-234688).  
         [0013]     That is, the portable electrocardiogram monitor according to the proposition comprises chest side circuitry attached to the chest of a patient and waist side circuitry attached to the waist of the patient. The chest side circuitry has addition means for adding electrocardiogram signals of a plurality of channels and intra-monitor transmission means for telemetering the added electrocardiogram signal provided by the addition means from the chest to the waist and the waist side circuitry has reception means for receiving the transmission signal of the intra-monitor transmission means, arrhythmia detection means for detecting severe arrhythmia that is unignorable in the added electrocardiogram signal received by the reception means, and external transmission means for telemetering information indicating occurrence of arrhythmia together with the identification signal of the patient to an emergency medical institution.  
         [0014]     However, in the biological signal measuring apparatus according to the proposition, if the transmission section having the three electrode parts inputs the biological signal detected by each electrode part and transmits the signal to the outside and is applied as a Holter electrocardiograph, the method of the electrode positioning for providing electrocardiogram data, namely, the position leading electrode-to-electrode potential does not match the position of the electrode that can be led properly and efficiently as a Holter electrocardiograph, thus simple and prompt electrocardiogram data cannot be provided.  
         [0015]     In the Holter electrocardiograph apparatus according to the proposition, an already existing portable Holter electrocardiograph apparatus is provided with an infrared communication apparatus, whereby electrocardiogram data is transmitted to a personal computer or a remotely located computer in non-contact for smoothly storing and analyzing the data and the existing portable Holter electrocardiograph apparatus itself is not improved or modified. Thus, for example, improvement or prevention means for occurrence of inconvenience or discomfort when the electrodes are attached to the patient or occurrence of a malfunction caused by detachment of the electrode is not considered at all. Further, the Holter electrocardiograph apparatus assumes only that the patient sends electrocardiogram data to a medical institution, and the patient must perform the operation of transmitting electrocardiogram data consciously; the operation is burdensome for the patient.  
         [0016]     In the portable electrocardiogram monitor according to the proposition, the arrhythmia detection means is attached to the patient, severe arrhythmia that is unignorable is determined by hardware or software analysis means, and electrocardiogram information at the time is sent. Thus, the information is insufficient for the doctor to finally diagnose the conditions of the patient. If determination of the arrhythmia detection means attached to the patient is only made, when erroneous detection occurs, it is feared that a serial problem that may be developed to a lawsuit against the doctor (for example, electrocardiogram information is not transmitted although the patient is in an actually critical condition) may occur.  
         [0017]     Further, in the apparatus according to the propositions, the fact that it is made possible to telemeter biological signals of a patient to a remotely located monitor is disclosed or suggested, but the configuration of a medical telemetry system for making it possible to smoothly and simply exchange information between the patient and the monitor is not specifically proposed at all.  
         [0018]     As a result of repeating research and trials assiduously, the inventor et al have found out that a communication system of detection data, etc., provided by detecting a biological signal, which can construct a medical telemetry system that can prevent detachment of an electrode from causing a malfunction to occur and can smoothly and simply exchange information between a patient and a monitor can be provided, the communication system adopting the configuration comprising a Holter electrocardiograph comprising a biological signal detection apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodes for detecting a biological signal, supports being attached to the living tissue surface of a patient for supporting the electrodes, and a transmitter for processing the signal detected by the electrode and telemetering the detected signal, a receiver for receiving the signal telemetered from the transmitter of the biological signal detection apparatus and demodulating the received signal, the receiver comprising a terminal for outputting the demodulated signal to a biological signal input section of required record means, and a recorder comprising record means for recording the demodulated signal output from the terminal of the receiver, wherein the recorder of the Holter electrocardiograph comprises transmitting and receiving means for telemetering the signal stored in the record means, receiving an external transmission signal, and telemetering some or all of the signals stored in the record means as instructed by the external transmission signal, and a biological signal input apparatus comprising transmitting and receiving means for inputting signals and transmitting and receiving communication information to and from the transmitting and receiving means of the recorder of the Holter electrocardiograph through a relay transmitter-receiver and a wide area network is provided.  
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0019]     It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a biological signal detection apparatus that can construct a medical telemetry system that can eliminate inconvenience or discomfort when the electrodes are attached to a patient and can prevent detachment of an electrode from causing a malfunction to occur and smoothly and simply exchange information between a patient and a monitor.  
         [0020]     It is another object of the invention to provide an easy-to-handle Holter electrocardiograph which enables the user to properly and promptly monitor electrocardiogram data of a patient by applying such a biological signal detection apparatus.  
         [0021]     It is therefore another object of the invention to provide a communication system of biological signals that can construct a medical telemetry system that can prevent detachment of an electrode from causing a malfunction to occur and can smoothly and simply exchange information between a patient and a monitor.  
         [0022]     To the end, according to the invention, there is provided a biological signal detection apparatus comprising a first electrode group for detecting a biological signal, a first support being attached to the living tissue surface of a patient for supporting the first electrode group, a second electrode group for detecting a biological signal, a second support being attached to the living tissue surface for supporting the second electrode group, and a transmitter comprising an electric circuit for processing the signals detected by the first and second electrode groups and telemetering the detected signals, characterized in that the transmitter comprises a first connection section for electrically connecting the first electrode group to the transmitter and fixing the transmitter directly onto the first support and a second connection section for electrically connecting signal lines from the second electrode group to the transmitter.  
         [0023]     In this case, a biological signal potential difference between at least one electrode in the first electrode group and at least one electrode in the second electrode group can be measured (CM5 lead and/or NASA lead).  
         [0024]     A potential difference between at least one pair of electrodes in the second electrode group can be measured (CC5 lead).  
         [0025]     In the biological signal detection apparatus, the electric circuit for telemetering the detected signals comprises: 
        a connection section detachment detection section for determining whether or not the second electrode group is connected in the second connection section; and     a switch section for measuring the biological signal potential difference between at least one pair of electrodes in the first electrode group if the connection section detachment detection section determines that the second electrode group is not connected in the second connection section and measuring the biological signal potential difference between at least one electrode in the first electrode group and at least one electrode in the second electrode group is measured (CM5 lead and/or NASA lead) if the connection section detachment detection section determines that the second electrode group is connected in the second connection section.        
 
         [0028]     As an alternative, according to the invention, there is provided a biological signal detection apparatus comprising a first electrode group for detecting a biological signal, a first support being attached to the living tissue surface of a patient for supporting the first electrode group, a second electrode group for detecting a biological signal, a second support being attached to the living tissue surface for supporting the second electrode group, and an electric circuit for processing the signals detected by the first and second electrode groups, wherein the electric circuit can comprise a first connection section for electrically connecting the first electrode group to the electric circuit and fixing the electric circuit directly onto the first support and a second connection section for electrically connecting signal lines from the second electrode group to the electric circuit, and wherein detachable storage means being contained in a housing for storing the signals processed by the electric circuit can be provided.  
         [0029]     According to the invention, there is provided a biological signal detection apparatus comprising a first electrode group for detecting a biological signal, a first support being attached to the living tissue surface of a patient for supporting the first electrode group, a second electrode group for detecting a biological signal, a second support being attached to the living tissue surface for supporting the second electrode group, an electric circuit for processing the signals detected by the first and second electrode groups, storage means for storing the signals processed by the electric circuit, and a transmitter-receiver for telemetering the signals processed by the electric circuit and the signals stored in the storage means and receiving an external transmission signal, wherein the transmitter-receiver can telemeter some or all of the signals stored in the storage means or the signal processed by the electric circuit as instructed by the external transmission signal.  
         [0030]     A Holter electrocardiograph provided by applying a biological signal detection apparatus according to the invention comprises: 
        a biological signal detection apparatus comprising a first electrode group for detecting a biological signal, a first support being attached to the living tissue surface of a patient for supporting the first electrode group, a second electrode group for detecting a biological signal, a second support being attached to the living tissue surface for supporting the second electrode group, and a transmitter comprising an electric circuit for processing the signals detected by the first and second electrode groups and telemetering the detected signals, the transmitter comprising a first connection section for electrically connecting the first electrode group to the transmitter and fixing the transmitter directly onto the first support and a second connection section for electrically connecting signal lines from the second electrode group to the transmitter;     a receiver for receiving the signal telemetered from the transmitter of the biological signal detection apparatus and demodulating the received signal, the receiver comprising a terminal for outputting the demodulated signal to a biological signal input section of required record mean; and     a recorder comprising record means for recording the demodulated signal output from the terminal of the receiver.        
 
         [0034]     To the end, according to the invention, there is provided a communication system of biological signals, comprising a Holter electrocardiograph comprising a biological signal detection apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodes for detecting a biological signal, supports being attached to the living tissue surface of a patient for supporting the electrodes, and a transmitter for processing the signal detected by the electrode and telemetering the detected signal, a receiver for receiving the signal telemetered from the transmitter of the biological signal detection apparatus and demodulating the received signal, the receiver comprising a terminal for outputting the demodulated signal to a biological signal input section of required record means, and a recorder comprising record means for recording the demodulated signal output from the terminal of the receiver, characterized in that the recorder of the Holter electrocardiograph comprises transmitting and receiving means for telemetering the signal stored in the record means, receiving an external transmission signal, and telemetering some or all of the signals stored in the record means as instructed by the external transmission signal, and characterized by a biological signal input apparatus comprising transmitting and receiving means for inputting signals and transmitting and receiving communication information to and from the transmitting and receiving means of the recorder of the Holter electrocardiograph through a relay transmitter-receiver and a wide area network.  
         [0035]     As an alternative, according to the invention, there is provided a communication system of biological signals, comprising a Holter electrocardiograph comprising a biological signal detection apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodes for detecting a biological signal, supports being attached to the living tissue surface of a patient for supporting the electrodes, an electric circuit for processing the signal detected by the electrode, storage means for storing the signal processed by the electric circuit, and a transmitter-receiver for telemetering the signal processed by the electric circuit and the signal stored in the storage means and telemetering some or all of the signals stored in the storage means or the signal processed by the electric circuit as instructed by an external transmission signal, wherein a biological signal input apparatus comprising transmitting and receiving means for inputting signals and transmitting and receiving communication information to and from the transmitter-receiver of the Holter electrocardiograph through a relay transmitter-receiver and a wide area network is provided.  
         [0036]     In the communication system, the relay transmitter-receiver can transmit and receive the communication information between the transmitting and receiving means or the transmitter-receiver placed in the recorder of the Holter electrocardiograph and the wide area network, and 
        the wide area network can be adapted to transmit and receive the communication information between the relay transmitter-receiver and the transmitting and receiving means of the biological signal input apparatus.        
 
         [0038]     In the communication system, the biological signal input apparatus can comprise: 
        input data instruction means for indicating data to be input among the signals stored in the record means placed in the recorder of the Holter electrocardiograph or stored in the storage means placed in the transmitter-receiver;     instruction information transmission means for transmitting instruction information specified by the input data instruction means to the record means placed in the recorder of the Holter electrocardiograph or the storage means placed in the transmitter-receiver via the wide area network and the relay transmitter-receiver;     input reception means for receiving the signal transmitted based on the instruction information from the transmitting and receiving means or the transmitter-receiver placed in the recorder of the Holter electrocardiograph via the relay transmitter-receiver and the wide area network; and     input storage means for storing the signal received by the input reception means.        
 
         [0043]     The communication system can further include: 
        non-reception signal generation means for generating a non-reception signal while a radio signal transmitted from the transmitter or the transmitter-receiver of the biological signal detection apparatus cannot be received in the Holter electrocardiograph; and     record means for recording the non-reception signal generated by the non-reception signal generation means.        
 
         [0046]     The communication system can further include: 
        electrode detachment signal generation means for recognizing detachment of one of the electrodes from the living tissue surface by a radio signal transmitted from the transmitter or the transmitter-receiver of the biological signal detection apparatus in the Holter electrocardiograph and generating an electrode detachment signal while the electrode is detached; and     record means for recording the electrode detachment signal generated by the electrode detachment signal generation means.        
 
         [0049]     Further, according to the present invention, there is provided that a biological signal detection system comprising: 
        electrodes for detecting a biological signal;     supports, attached to the living tissue, for supporting said electrodes;     a transmitter including: 
            an electric circuit for processing the signals detected by said electrodes;     storage means for storing the signals processed by said electric circuit; and 
 
 a transmitter-receiver for telemetering the signals processed by said electric circuit and the signals stored in said storage means and receiving an external transmission signal, said transmitter-receiver telementers some or all of the signals stored in said storage means or the signal processed by said electric circuit as instructed by the external transmission signal.
   
               
 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0055]     In the accompanying drawings:  
         [0056]      FIG. 1  is a schematic representation to show one embodiment of a basic system configuration of a communication system of biological signals according to the invention;  
         [0057]      FIG. 2 ( a ) is a schematic perspective view to show the separation state of main components of biological signal detection apparatus for detecting a biological signal shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0058]      FIG. 2 ( b ) is a schematic perspective view to show a modified example of the main components of the biological signal detection apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 ( a );  
         [0059]      FIG. 3 ( a ) is a schematic block diagram to show a configuration example in the joint state of the biological signal detection apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0060]      FIG. 3 ( b ) is a schematic representation to show an application example of the biological signal detection apparatus shown in  FIG. 3 ( a ) as a Holter electrocardiograph;  
         [0061]      FIG. 4  is a schematic block diagram to show a configuration example of a receiver of a Holter electrocardiograph applied to a communication system of biological signals according to the invention;  
         [0062]      FIG. 5  is a schematic block diagram to show a configuration example of a recorder and a transmitter-receiver of the Holter electrocardiograph applied to the communication system of biological signals according to the invention;  
         [0063]      FIG. 6  is a schematic block diagram to show a configuration example of a relay transmitter-receiver for relaying and transmitting/receiving detection data, etc., applied to the communication system of biological signals according to the invention;  
         [0064]      FIG. 7  is a schematic block diagram to show a configuration example of a biological signal input apparatus for receiving and recording detection data, etc., and transmitting instruction information, applied to the communication system of biological signals according to the invention;  
         [0065]      FIG. 8  is a schematic representation to show one embodiment of a flow of data and information in the communication system of biological signals according to the invention;  
         [0066]      FIG. 9  is a flowchart to describe the operation of the communication system according to the invention shown in  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0067]      FIG. 10  is a schematic representation to show another embodiment of a flow of data and information in communication system of biological signals according to the invention;  
         [0068]      FIG. 11 ( a ) is a schematic block diagram to show a configuration example of a biological signal detection apparatus applied to the communication system according to the invention shown in  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0069]      FIG. 11 ( b ) is a schematic representation to show another application example of the biological signal detection apparatus according to the invention as a Holter electrocardiograph.  
         [0070]      FIG. 12  is a flowchart to describe the basic operation of the communication system according to the invention shown in  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0071]      FIG. 13  is a flowchart to describe another operation of the communication system according to the invention shown in  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0072]      FIG. 14  is a block diagram to describe the operation in an electrode detachment detection state in the communication system of biological signals according to the invention; and  
         [0073]      FIG. 15  is a block diagram to describe the operation in a connection section detachment detection state in the communication system of biological signals according to the invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0074]     Referring now to the accompanying drawings, there are shown preferred embodiments of communication system of biological signals according to the invention.  
         [0075]     Basic system configuration for communicating detected data provided by detecting biological signal.  
         [0076]      FIG. 1  is a schematic representation to show a Holter electrocardiograph attached to the body surface of a patient PB for recording electrocardiogram data and a schematic configuration of a communication system for inputting the electrocardiogram data to a remotely located central monitor, etc. In  FIG. 1 , the Holter electrocardiograph comprises a transmitter  10  attached to the body surface of the patient PB for detecting and telemetering a biological signal (electrocardiogram signal), a receiver  14  for receiving and demodulating the signal telemetered from the transmitter  10 , and a recorder  16  made up of various record means for recording the signal (electrocardiogram signal) received and modulated by the receiver  14 . The receiver  14  and the recorder  16  are connected by wire and are attached to parts of the body of the patient PB via a belt  18 , etc.  
         [0077]     As the communication system with the Holter electrocardiograph, the recorder  16  is provided with transmitting and receiving means  17  for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the outside and the transmitting and receiving means  17  is connected to a biological signal input apparatus implemented as a personal computer PC, etc., via relay transmitting and receiving means  19  such as a portable telephone using a wide area network.  
         [0078]     The transmitter  10  will be discussed also with reference to  FIG. 2 ( a ). A first electrode group  20  for detecting a biological signal of the patient PB and a first support  22  attached to the living tissue surface of the patient for supporting the first electrode group  20  can be joined detachably and a second electrode group  24  for detecting a biological signal of the patient PB and second supports  26   a  to  26   e  attached to the living tissue surface of the patient PB for supporting the second electrode group  24  can be joined detachably.  
         [0079]     That is, as joining of the transmitter  10  and the first support  22  and the second supports  26   a  to  26   e , the first support  22  comprises on the inner side, electrodes Ed 1  (−) and Ed 2  (−) for positioning at symmetrical positions on the upper end of the sternum of the patient PB as an adhesive pad  23  directly attached to the living tissue surface, namely, the body surface (skin). Connection terminals  21   a  and  21   b  electrically connected to the electrodes Ed 1  (−) and Ed 2  (−) are placed on the outer side of the first support  22  implemented as the adhesive pad  23 . The transmitter  10  is provided with first connection sections  11  that can be joined to the connection terminals  21   a  and  21   b  placed on the first support  22 , so that the transmitter  10  can be placed directly on the top face of the first support  22  for connection thereof.  
         [0080]     The second supports  26   a  to  26   e  are implemented as adhesive pads for supporting the second electrode group  24 , namely, electrodes Ed 1  (+) and Ed 3  (+) at the fifth lib position on the left anterior axillary line of the patient PB, electrodes Ed 2  (+) and Ed 3  (−) at the fifth lib position on the right anterior axillary line of the patient PB, and an electrode EdN on the right lowest lib of the patient PB. Further, the second electrode group  24  is connected to a connection connector  28  via leads  25   a ,  25   b ,  25   c ,  25   d , and  25   e . The transmitter  10  is provided with a second connection section  12  that can be joined to the connection connector  28 , so that the transmitter  10  can be detachably connected to the second electrode group  24  supported by the second supports  26   a  to  26   ee  via the connection connector  28  and the leads  25   a  to  25   e.    
         [0081]     The electrodes Ed 1  (−) and Ed 1  (+) denote CM5 lead electrodes, Ed 2  (−) and Ed 2  (+) denote NASA lead electrodes, Ed 3  (−) and Ed 3  (+) denote CC5 lead electrodes, and EdN denotes a ground electrode. The electrodes can adopt conventionally known body surface electrodes that can be attached directly to the body surface (skin) of the patient PB and are filled with paste made of electrolyte for stably maintaining the space between the skin and each electrode.  
         [0082]     As a modification of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ( a ) as specific joining of the transmitter  10  and the first support  22  and the second supports  26   a  to  26   e , as shown in  FIG. 2 ( b ), the transmitter  10  can comprise a first connection section consisting of side clips  13  symmetrically on both sides so as to join to the connection terminals  21   a  and  21   b  placed on the first support  22 . In this case, each side clip  13  can comprise a clip part  13   a   1 ,  13   b   1  at one end and a knob part  13   a   2 ,  13   b   2  at an opposite end so that the connection terminals  21   a  and  21   b  placed on the first support  22  can be detachably joined to the clip parts  13   a   1  and  13   b   1  by operating the knob parts  13   a   2  and  13   b   2 . Other components are identical with those previously described with reference to  FIG. 2 ( a ) and are denoted by the same reference numerals in  FIG. 2 ( a ) and will not be discussed again in detail.  
         [0083]     Next, embodiments concerning the detailed configuration of the transmitter  10  in the biological signal detection apparatus for detecting a biological signal and the communication system which records detected data (electrocardiogram data) and is communicatably connected to the biological signal input apparatus PC implemented as a personal computer, etc., remotely located using a wide area network for inputting the recorded electrocardiogram data to the biological signal input apparatus PC will be discussed.  
       First Embodiment  
       [0084]      FIG. 3 ( a ) shows an embodiment of a transmitter of a biological signal detection apparatus for detecting a biological signal according to the invention. That is, the embodiment is applied to the Holter electrocardiograph shown in  FIG. 1 , and the circuit configuration of a transmitter  10  of biological signal detection apparatus with a receiver  14  and a recorder  16  attached to the body of a patient PB for use is shown. Components identical with those previously described with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 ( a ) and ( b ) are denoted by the same reference numerals in  FIG. 3 ( a ) and will not be discussed again in detail.  
         [0000]     (1) Configuration of Transmitter as Biological Signal Detection Apparatus  
         [0085]     The transmitter  10  as the biological signal detection apparatus shown in  FIG. 3 ( a ) is connected to a first electrode group  20  via first connection section  11  and is connected to a second electrode group  24  via a second connection section  12 . The transmitter  10  comprises CM5 lead differential amplifiers AMP 1   a , AMP 1   b , and AMP 1   c , NASA lead differential amplifiers AMP 2   a , AMP 2   b , and AMP 2   c , and CC5 lead differential amplifiers AMP 3   a , AMP 3   b , and AMP 3   c  connected to CM5 lead electrodes Ed 1  (−) and Ed 1  (+), NASA lead electrodes Ed 2  (−) and Ed 2  (+), and CC5 lead electrodes Ed 3  (−) and Ed 3  (+) set in the first electrode group  20  and the second electrode group  24 . A ground electrode EdN is grounded. Output signals of the differential amplifiers AMP 1   c , AMP 2   c , and AMP 3   c  at the last stages of the differential amplifiers are input to an A/D (analog-digital) conversion section  32 .  
         [0086]     On the other hand, a CM5 lead electrode detachment detector  30 A, a NASA lead electrode detachment detector  30 B, and a CC5 lead electrode detachment detector  30 C are placed in connection circuits of the differential amplifiers, and a connection section detachment detection section  31  is provided for the second connection section  12 . Each of the electrode detachment detectors  30 A,  30 B, and  30 C detects an electrode detachment state from the living tissue of the patient PB for each of the electrodes Ed 1  (+), Ed 3  (+), Ed 2  (+), and Ed 3  (−) in the second electrode group  24  connected to the second connection section  12 , and outputs a detection signal.  
         [0087]     The detection signals thus provided by the electrode detachment detectors  30 A,  30 B, and  30 C are input to a time division multiplexing section  33  together with output of the A/D conversion section  32 . For a detection signal of the connection section detachment detection section  31 , the switch connection operation (described later) is performed for a switch section SW placed between the connection circuits of the differential amplifiers AMP 1   b  and AMP 1   c  and AMP 2   a  and AMP 2   c  on the first connection section  11  side, whereby the potential difference between the electrodes Ed 1  (−1) and Ed 2  (−) in the first electrode group  20  is detected. Numeral  38  denotes a power supply for supplying power to the sections of the electric circuit.  
         [0088]     Further, a real-time biological signal (electrocardiogram data) of the patient PB provided by the time division multiplexing section  33  is modulated by a modulation section  34  together with each electrode detachment detection signal and a connection section detachment signal whenever necessary, and the modulation result is telemetered through a transmission section  35  from a transmission antenna  36  to the outside. The antenna  36  is wired via a capacitor to at least one of terminals connected to leads of the electrodes in the second electrode group  24 , for example, the terminal connected to the lead  25   a  in the transmitter  10 , whereby the lead  25   a , one of the leads in the second electrode group  24  can be used as an antenna.  
         [0089]     As described above, the signal telemetered from the transmitter  10  of the biological signal detection apparatus is recorded in the record section  16  through the receiver  14  attached to the body of the patient PB, as shown in  FIG. 3 ( b ). The record section  16  is connected to a personal computer PC, whereby the electrocardiogram data recorded in the record section  16  can be input to the personal computer PC.  
         [0000]     (2) Configuration of Receiver  14  as Holter Electrocardiograph  
         [0090]     In the embodiment, the receiver  14  and the recorder  16  for receiving and recording an electrocardiogram signal transmitted from the transmitter  10  are configured as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  respectively.  
         [0091]     First, in  FIG. 4 , the receiver  14  is provided with a reception section  50  and a demodulation section  51  through a reception antenna  39 . A radio wave cutoff detector  52  for detecting a radio wave cutoff from the transmitter  10  is connected to the reception section  50  and an electrode detachment detection section  53  for detecting an electrode detachment state signal transmitted from the transmitter  10  is connected to the demodulation section  51 . A waveform generation section  54  forms required waveforms of detection signals provided by the radio wave cutoff detector  52  and the electrode detachment detection section  53 .  
         [0092]     On the other hand, the electrocardiogram signal provided by the demodulation section  51  is appropriately divided and input through D/A (digital-analog) converters  55   a  to  55   c  to amplitude adjustment sections  56   a  to  56   c , which then make amplitude adjustment. The electrocardiogram signal thus undergoing the amplitude adjustment is sent via a switch  57  and an imbalance-to-balance converter  58  to an output section connector  60  for connection to an input section connector  61  of the recorder  16  described later so that the electrocardiogram signal and the signal whose waveform is formed accompanying the detection state in the radio wave cutoff detector  52  and the electrode detachment detection section  53  can be output selectively. Numeral  59  denotes a power supply section for supplying power to the sections making up the receiver  14 .  
         [0000]     (3) Configuration of Recorder  16  and Transmitter-Receiver  17  as Holter Electrocardiograph  
         [0093]     Next, in  FIG. 5 , in the recorder  16 , differential amplification sections  62   a  to  62   c  are connected via the input section connector  61  and differentially amplified signals are input through an A/D (analog-digital) conversion section  63  to a CPU (central processing unit)  64  for system control. A call button switch  65 , a display section  66 , and a data storage section  67  are connected to the CPU  64  and a transmitting and receiving section  70  is also connected via a signal conversion section  68  to the CPU  64 . Numeral  69  denotes a power supply section for supplying power to the sections making up the recorder  16 . Numeral  71  denotes a transmitting and receiving antenna connected to the transmitting and receiving section  70 . For example, the transmitting and receiving antenna  71  is placed as a part of a transmitter-receiver  17  for enabling connection to a wide area network to transmit and receive data and instruction information to and from remotely located biological signal input apparatus PC directly or via a relay transmitter-receiver  19  such as a portable telephone (see  FIG. 1 ).  
         [0000]     (4) Configuration Of Relay Transmitter-Receiver  19  in Communication System  
         [0094]     Then,  FIG. 6  shows the configuration of the relay transmitter-receiver  19  such as a portable telephone for communicating electrocardiogram data recorded in the data storage section  67  of the recorder  16  to the remotely located biological signal input apparatus PC via the wide area network.  
         [0095]     That is, in  FIG. 6 , in the relay transmitter-receiver  19 , a transmitting and receiving section  73  and a signal conversion section  74  are connected via a transmitting and receiving antenna  72  connected by telemetering to the transmitting and receiving antenna  71  of the transmitter-receiver  17  (see  FIG. 5 ) placed on the recorder  16 . The signal conversion section  74  is connected to a main controller  75 . The main controller  75  is connected to a data storage section  76 , a communication information storage section  77 , and a key input unit  78 . Further, the main controller  75  and the data storage section  76  are connected to a channel codec  80 , and a voice output system consisting of a voice decoder  81 , a D/A converter  82 , and a speaker  83  and a voice input system consisting of a microphone  84 , an A/D converter  85 , and a voice coder  86  are placed for inputting and outputting voice from and to the outside through the channel codec  80 .  
         [0096]     The channel codec  80  is connected to a transmitting and receiving section  89  via a modulation section  87  and a demodulation section  88  and further the transmitting and receiving section  89  is connected switchably to a transmission antenna  91   a  and a reception antenna  91   b  via a switch  90  controlled by a signal from the main controller  75 . The transmission antenna  91   a  and the reception antenna  91   b  are joined to the wide area network connected to the remotely located biological signal input apparatus PC. Numeral  79  denotes a power supply section for supplying power to the sections making up the relay transmitter-receiver  19 .  
         [0000]     (5) Configuration of Biological Signal Input Apparatus PC in Communication System  
         [0097]      FIG. 7  shows the configuration of the biological signal input apparatus PC implemented as a personal computer, etc., that can communicate electrocardiogram data recorded in the data storage section  67  of the recorder  16  by connecting the transmitting and receiving antenna  71  of the transmitter-receiver  17  (see  FIG. 5 ) of the recorder  16  and the remotely located biological signal input apparatus PC directly or with the relay transmitter-receiver  19  of a portable telephone, etc., (see  FIG. 6 ) through the wide area network.  
         [0098]     That is, in  FIG. 7 , in the biological signal input apparatus PC, a transmitting and receiving section  93  and a signal converter  94  are connected via a transmitting and receiving antenna  92  for directly connecting by telemetering to the transmitter-receiver  17  (see  FIG. 5 ) of the recorder  16 . The signal converter  94  is connected to a CPU  95  for system control. The CPU  95  is connected to a data storage section  96 , a display section  97 , a database  98 , a data analysis program  100 , and a keyboard  101 . Numeral  99  denotes a power supply section for supplying power to the sections making up the biological signal input apparatus PC. An intranet connection section  102  is provided for the system control CPU  95  of the biological signal input apparatus PC and the biological signal input apparatus PC is connected through the intranet connection section  102  to the transmission antenna  91   a  and the reception antenna  91   b  (see  FIG. 6 ) of the relay transmitter-receiver  19  of a portable telephone, etc., (see  FIG. 6 ) by the wide area network.  
         [0000]     (6) General System Configuration and Operation Flow of Communication System  
         [0099]     Therefore, the general system configuration of the communication system in the embodiment can be provided as shown in  FIG. 8 . In this case, an operation flow can be set as shown in  FIG. 9 .  
         [0100]     That is, according the communication system configuration shown in  FIG. 8 , the electrocardiogram data recorded in the recorder  16  of the Holter electrocardiograph can be communicated with the biological signal input apparatus PC about inputting the electrocardiogram data etc. together with instruction information (message information) over the wide area network through the transmitter-receiver  17  of the Holter electrocardiograph and the relay transmitter-receiver  19 .  
         [0101]     In this case, in the operation flow, as shown in  FIG. 9 , in the Holter electrocardiograph, a biological signal (electrocardiogram data) is detected and transmitted in the transmitter  10  of the biological signal detection apparatus at step S 1 . Next, in the receiver  14 , the detection signal transmitted from the transmitter  10  is received at step S 2  and is recorded as electrocardiogram data in the data storage section  67  of the recorder  16  at step S 3 . Then, in the biological signal input apparatus PC, the ID (identification label) of the patient is input at step S 4 , next instruction information (message) is added at step S 5  and a data input request instruction is given at step S 6 . The data input request instruction thus given is transmitted to the Holter electrocardiograph via the wide area network (relay transmitter-receiver  19 ). In this case, in the relay transmitter-receiver  19 , the ID is checked for validity at step S 7  and if the ID is valid, the contents of the instruction information are displayed on the recorder  16  of the Holter electrocardiograph at step S 8 , the required electrocardiogram data recorded in the data storage section  67  is read at step S 9  and is transmitted to the biological signal input apparatus PC over the wide area network (relay transmitter-receiver  19 ) through the transmitter-receiver  17  consisting of the transmitting and receiving section  70  and the transmitting and receiving antenna  71  at step S 10 . At this time, the ID of the patient is added to the electrocardiogram data at step S 11  and is checked for validity in the biological signal input apparatus PC at step S 12 . If the ID is valid, the data is analyzed by the data analysis program  100  and is recorded in the data storage section  96  at step S 13 . If the patient PB to whom the Holter electrocardiograph is attached makes a request for conversation with a doctor on the biological signal input apparatus PC side, the patient can operate the call button switch  65  of the recorder  16 , so that they can converse with each other using the wide area network.  
       Second Embodiment  
       [0102]      FIG. 10  shows another embodiment of transmitter of biological signal detection apparatus for detecting a biological signal according to the invention. That is, in the embodiment, a data storage section and a transmitting and receiving section are contained in the transmitter of the biological signal detection apparatus in the first embodiment to form a transmitter-receiver  10 A, and as a communication system, the transmitter-receiver  10 A is communicatably connected to a biological signal input apparatus PC implemented as a remotely located personal computer, etc., directly or via a relay transmitter-receiver  19  of a portable telephone, etc., using a wide area network, whereby electrocardiogram data recorded in the data storage section is input to the biological signal input apparatus PC. Of course, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the transmitter-receiver  10 A is communicatably connected to the biological signal input apparatus PC via a receiver  160  to input electrocardiogram data recorded in the data storage section to the biological signal input apparatus PC.  
         [0000]     (1) Configuration of Transmitter-Receiver as Biological Signal Detection Apparatus  
         [0103]     Therefore, the transmitter-receiver  10 A as the biological signal detection apparatus in the embodiment can adopt the circuit configuration as shown in  FIG. 11 . Components identical with those previously described with reference to  FIG. 3  are denoted by the same reference numerals in  FIG. 11  and will not be discussed again in detail.  
         [0104]     That is, in  FIG. 11 ( a ), in the embodiment, a CPU  40  is provided in place of the time division multiplexing section  33  in the first embodiment. In the CPU  40 , based on time data  41  and an operation program set in a memory section  42  consisting of ROM and RAM, detection signals of electrode detachment detectors  30 A,  30 B, and  30 C and output of an A/D converter  32  are input and required electrocardiogram data is input to and recorded in a data storage section  43 . The data signal recorded in the data storage section  43  is modulated by a modulation section  44  and is telemetered to the outside via a transmitting and receiving section  46  and a transmitting and receiving antenna  47  and a signal received from the outside via the transmitting and receiving antenna  47  and the transmitting and receiving section  46  is demodulated by a demodulation section  45  and is input to the CPU  46 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 11 ( b ), detachable storage means  44 , such as a memory card is placed in the data storage section of the transmitter-receiver  10 A and is connected to a personal computer PC, whereby electrocardiogram data recorded in the storage means  44 , could input to the personal computer PC.  
         [0105]     Using the biological signal detection apparatus of the embodiment described above, the transmitter-receiver  10 A of the biological signal detection apparatus is connected to a remotely located personal computer PC over a wide area network of telephone lines, etc., via the relay transmitter-receiver such as a portable telephone, whereby electrocardiogram data and instruction information of conversation, etc., can be transferred between a patient and a doctor.  
         [0000]     (2) Configuration of Relay Transmitter-Receiver  19  and Biological Signal Input Apparatus PC in Communication System  
         [0106]     In the embodiment, the electrocardiogram data detected and recorded in the transmitter-receiver  10 A of the biological signal detection apparatus is communicated with the remotely located biological signal input apparatus PC over the wide area network directly by the transmitter-receiver  10 A or via the relay transmitter-receiver  19  of a portable telephone, etc., not via the receiver  14 , the recorder  16 , or the transmitter-receiver  17  as the Holter electrocardiograph in the first embodiment, whereby the electrocardiogram data and instruction information of conversation, etc., can be transferred between a patient and a doctor. Therefore, in the embodiment, the receiver  14  (see  FIG. 4 ), the recorder  16 , and the transmitter-receiver  17  (see  FIG. 5 ) as the Holter electrocardiograph can be omitted. In the embodiment, the relay transmitter-receiver  19  (see  FIG. 6 ) and the biological signal input apparatus PC (see  FIG. 7 ) described in the first embodiment can be used as they area.  
         [0107]     With the relay transmitter-receiver  19  (see  FIG. 6 ) used in the second embodiment, data or instruction information transferred to and from a transmitting and receiving section  73  via a transmitting and receiving antenna  72  is transferred to and from the transmitting and receiving antenna  47  of the transmitter-receiver  10 A as the biological signal detection apparatus shown in  FIG. 11 . Likewise, with the biological signal input apparatus PC (see  FIG. 7 ) used in the embodiment, data or instruction information transferred to and from a transmitting and receiving section  93  via a transmitting and receiving antenna  92  is also transferred to and from the transmitting and receiving antenna  47  of the transmitter-receiver  10 A as the biological signal detection apparatus shown in  FIG. 11 .  
         [0000]     (3) General System Configuration and Operation Flow of Communication System  
         [0108]     The general system configuration of the communication system in the embodiment can be provided as shown in  FIG. 10 . In this case, an operation flow can be set as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 .  
         [0109]     That is, according the communication system configuration shown in  FIG. 10 , as the basic operation, the electrocardiogram data recorded in the data storage section  43  of the transmitter-receiver  10 A in the biological signal detection apparatus as the Holter electrocardiograph can be communicated with the biological signal input apparatus PC about inputting the cardiogram data etc. together with instruction information (message information) over the wide area network through the transmitter-receiver  10 A and the relay transmitter-receiver  19 .  
         [0110]     If the patient PB to whom the Holter electrocardiograph is attached requests a doctor on the biological signal input apparatus PC side to disclose information concerning the data analysis result, etc., a portable information terminal  104  is communicatably connected to the relay transmitter-receiver  19  connected to the wide area network, whereby communications with the biological signal input apparatus PC can be conducted.  
         [0111]     Then, in the basic operation flow of the communication system in the embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 12 , in the Holter electrocardiograph, a biological signal (electrocardiogram data) is detected in the transmitter-receiver  10 A of the biological signal detection apparatus at step S 20  and is recorded as electrocardiogram data in the data storage section  67  at step S 21 . Then, in the biological signal input apparatus PC, the ID (identification label) of the patient is input at step S 22 , next instruction information (message) is added at step S 23  and a data input request instruction is given at step S 24 . The data input request instruction thus given is transmitted to the Holter electrocardiograph via the wide area network (relay transmitter-receiver  19 ). In this case, in the relay transmitter-receiver  19 , the ID is checked for validity at step S 25  and if the ID is valid, the contents of the instruction information are displayed on the relay transmitter-receiver  19  at step S 26 , the required electrocardiogram data recorded in the data storage section  67  of the transmitter-receiver  10 A is read at step S 27  and is transmitted to the biological signal input apparatus PC over the wide area network (relay transmitter-receiver  19 ) through the transmitting and receiving section  46  and the transmitting and receiving antenna  47  at step S 28 . At this time, the ID of the patient is added to the electrocardiogram data at step S 29  and is checked for validity in the biological signal input apparatus PC at step S 30 . If the ID is valid, the data is analyzed by a data analysis program  100  and is recorded in a data storage section  96  at step S 31 . If the patient PB to whom the Holter electrocardiograph is attached makes a request for conversation with a doctor on the biological signal input apparatus PC side, the patient can operate the relay transmitter-receiver  19  of the recorder  16 , so that they can converse with each other using the wide area network.  
         [0112]     If the patient PB to whom the Holter electrocardiograph is attached requests the doctor on the biological signal input apparatus PC side to disclose information concerning the data analysis-result, etc., the operation flow is as follows: As shown in  FIG. 13 , first in the biological signal input apparatus PC, record data is input based on a data request signal and the analysis result of the record data is prepared and is stored in a database  98  at step S 40 . Then, in the portable information terminal  104 , the ID (identification label) of the patient is input at step S 41 , next a request for sending the data analysis result is made at step S 42 . The request for sending the data analysis result is transmitted to the biological signal input apparatus PC via the wide area network (relay transmitter-receiver  19 ). In this case, in the relay transmitter-receiver  19 , the ID is checked for validity at step S 43  and if the ID is valid, the ID is added at step S 44  and is checked for validity in the biological signal input apparatus PC at step S 45  and the required analysis result stored in the database is input at step S 46  and is transmitted with the ID added over the wide area network (relay transmitter-receiver  19 ) to the portable information terminal  104  at steps S 47  and S 48 . In this case, in the relay transmitter-receiver  19 , the ID is checked for validity at step S 49  and if the ID is valid, the ID is added at step S 50  and is received at the portable information terminal  104 . Also in the portable information terminal  104 , the ID is checked for validity at step S 51  and if the ID is valid, the received data analysis result can be displayed on a display section of the portable information terminal  104  at step S 52 .  
         [0113]     Next, in the second connection section  12  in the biological signal detection apparatus adopting the configuration described above, the operation of the connection section detachment detector  31  and the switch SW and the biological signal detection operation in a normal connection state will be discussed with reference to  FIG. 14  and the operation of the connection section detachment detector  31  and the switch SW and the biological signal detection operation in a connection section detachment state will be discussed with reference to  FIG. 15 . Components identical with those previously described with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 11  are denoted by the same reference numerals in FIGS.  14  an  15  and will not be discussed again in detail.  
         [0000]     Operation in Normal Connection State  
         [0114]     When the first connection section  11  and the second connection section  12  and the transmitter  10  are in the normal connection state, the contacts of the switch SW are placed in a connection state, as shown in  FIG. 14 . That is, the differential amplifiers AMP 1   b  and AMP 1   c  (CM5 lead) are placed in a connection state and the differential amplifiers AMP 2   a  and AMP 2   c  (NASA lead) are placed in a connection state. Consequently, the CM5 lead differential amplifiers AMP 1   a , AMP 1   b , and AMP 1   c , the NASA lead differential amplifiers AMP 2   a , AMP 2   b , and AMP 2   c , and the CC5 lead differential amplifiers AMP 3   a , AMP 3   b , and AMP 3   c  are properly brought into conduction unless electrode detachment is not detected in the electrode detachment detector  30 A,  30 B, or  30 C, whereby required biological signal can be provided in the A/D conversion section  32 .  
         [0000]     Operation in Connection Section Detachment State  
         [0115]     When a connection section detachment state is entered in the second connection section  12  and the transmitter  10  as shown in  FIG. 15 , the connection section detachment detector  31  detects this state and switches the contacts of the switch SW in connection. That is, the differential amplifiers AMP 1   b  and AMP 1   c  (CM5 lead) are disconnected and the connection of the differential amplifiers AMP 2   a  and AMP 2   c  (NASA lead) is switched to connection of the differential amplifiers AMP 2   a  and AMP 1   c  and a part of the input side connection circuit of the differential amplifier AMP 2   a  is grounded. Consequently, the potential difference between the electrodes Ed 1  (−) and Ed 2  (−) in the first electrode group  20  can be provided in the A/D conversion section  32 . That is, an electrocardiogram waveform sufficient for detecting a heart rate can be provided by measuring the potential difference.  
         [0116]     Although the invention has been described in its preferred embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments thereof and, for example, the configurations of the supports of the electrodes of the biological signal detection apparatus shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  and the configuration and placement of the connection sections can be changed in design in various manners and other configurations can also be changed in design in various manners without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.  
         [0117]     As seen from the described configuration, according to the apparatus of the invention, the first electrode group is supported collectively on a single support, whereby the number of attached electrodes can be decreased and the attachment work is facilitated. That is, according to the invention, one-touch attachment is enabled and the attachment speed can be increased. Thus, in the apparatus of the invention, a simple electrocardiogram waveform can be measured and moreover the potential difference between the electrodes by CM5 lead, etc., can be measured simply by fitting an electrocardiograph electrode code into the second connection section for the second electrode group without changing electrode attachment. For example, in the apparatus of the invention, for a patient requiring a first aid, first a simple electrocardiogram is measured by the transmitter comprising the first electrode group and the transmitter in one piece, then if the conditions of the patient become calm and a long-term or accurate electrocardiogram waveform (CM5 lead) becomes necessary, an electrocardiogram waveform can be easily led simply by connecting the second electrode group to the second connection section without changing electrode attachment.  
         [0118]     As seen from the described embodiments, the biological signal detection apparatus according to the invention comprises a first electrode group for detecting a biological signal, a first support being attached to the living tissue surface of a patient for supporting the first electrode group, a second electrode group for detecting a biological signal, a second support being attached to the living tissue surface for supporting the second electrode group, and a transmitter comprising an electric circuit for processing the signals detected by the first and second electrode groups and telemetering the detected signals, the transmitter comprising a first connection section for electrically connecting the first electrode group to the transmitter and fixing the transmitter directly onto the first support and a second connection section for electrically connecting signal lines from the second electrode group to the transmitter. Thus, a large number of excellent advantages can be provided such that a medical telemetry system that can eliminate inconvenience or discomfort when the electrodes are attached to a patient and can prevent detachment of an electrode from causing a malfunction to occur and smoothly and simply exchange information between a patient and a monitor can be constructed. The described biological signal detection apparatus according to the invention can be applied to easily provide an easy-to-handle Holter electrocardiograph which enables the user to properly and promptly monitor electrocardiogram data of a patient.  
         [0119]     As seen from the described embodiments, the communication system of biological signals according to the invention comprises a Holter electrocardiograph comprising a biological signal detection apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodes for detecting a biological signal, supports being attached to the living tissue surface of a patient for supporting the electrodes, and a transmitter for processing the signal detected by the electrode and telemetering the detected signal, a receiver for receiving the signal telemetered from the transmitter of the biological signal detection apparatus and demodulating the received signal, the receiver comprising a terminal for outputting the demodulated signal to a biological signal input section of required record means, and a recorder comprising record means for recording the demodulated signal output from the terminal of the receiver, wherein the recorder of the Holter electrocardiograph comprises transmitting and receiving means for telemetering the signal stored in the record means, receiving an external transmission signal, and telemetering some or all of the signals stored in the record means as instructed by the external transmission signal, and a biological signal input apparatus comprising transmitting and receiving means for inputting signals and transmitting and receiving communication information to and from the transmitting and receiving means of the recorder of the Holter electrocardiograph through a relay transmitter-receiver and a wide area network is provided. Thus, a large number of excellent advantages can be provided such that a medical telemetry system that can prevent detachment of an electrode from causing a malfunction to occur and can smoothly and simply exchange information between a patient and a monitor can be constructed.  
         [0120]     Particularly, according to the communication system of the invention adopting the configuration described above, if instruction information including a request for sending detection data is transmitted periodically, for example, every 30 minutes from the remotely located biological signal input apparatus to the Holter electrocardiograph, the conditions of the patient can be grasped in time series and moreover the biological signal input apparatus can always make proper data analysis easily and promptly.  
         [0121]     In the communication system of the invention, data different from the disease conditions of the patient, such as an electrode detachment state from the patient and a radio wave cutoff state with the transmitter-receiver can be detected reliably, so that the reliability of the detection data of a biological signal can be enhanced sufficiently and the accuracy of the data analysis result can also be enhanced; the advantages for patient management are extremely large.  
         [0122]     The disclosures of U.S. Ser. No. 09/220,751 are incorporated herein by reference.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8