Method for generating and displaying vital information
Patent Information
- Application Number
- KR1020250026019
- Authority / Receiving Office
- KR · KR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-04
Smart Images
Figure PAT00001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technology Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for generating and displaying biometric information, and more specifically, to a method for generating and displaying biometric information that matches a signal measuring device for measuring biometric signals to a user, calibrates the device using a biometric information estimation algorithm tailored to the user, obtains biometric information values using the biometric information estimation algorithm for biometric signals additionally acquired over a predetermined period of time, and enables the display of the biometric information in various identifiable forms. Background Technology
[0002] In general, electrocardiogram (ECG) detection devices are an important tool widely used in the clinical diagnosis of heart disease and can be used to diagnose symptoms such as myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism. In particular, people who suffer from heart disease or are suspected of having heart disease need to detect sudden symptoms of cardiac abnormalities or receive early warnings.
[0003] Electrocardiogram (ECG) detection devices attach electrodes to the body to detect minute electrical signals generated when the heart beats. However, conventional ECG detection devices have the problem of being uncomfortable for the examiner to wear due to the size of the electrode devices.
[0004] Meanwhile, various wearable devices are being used to detect biosignals such as blood pressure. Conventional wearable devices are mostly worn on the wrist. However, when a wearable device is worn on the wrist in this way, there is a limitation in that the reliability of the biosignal data is low because the wearable has no components that come into contact with other parts of the body other than the body on which it is worn.
[0005] To address the problem of conventional wearable devices having low reliability of biosignal data, a ring-type sensing device capable of improving the reliability of biosignal data is being developed. Conventional ring-type sensing devices may include an inner ring, an outer ring, a top cover, etc., and ring-type sensing devices can be manufactured by assembling various parts.
[0006] A ring-type sensing device acquires a PPG signal (Photoplethysmography) from a user, calculates vascular elasticity information using the characteristic values of the PPG signal, and estimates blood pressure using the vascular elasticity information. Estimating blood pressure using the PPG signal in this way enables simpler and easier blood pressure estimation compared to the conventional method using a cuff blood pressure monitor.
[0007] However, since the method of estimating blood pressure via PPG signals using a ring-type sensing device is not a direct measurement method like a cuff, it is necessary to supplement the accuracy of the measurement. The present invention proposes a method for generating and displaying bio-information that improves the accuracy of bio-information estimates using a ring-type sensing device, and specifically enhances the accuracy for bio-signals collected over a predetermined period rather than at a specific point in time, thereby obtaining bio-signals of a reliable level and enabling the provision and display of bio-information values using them. The problem to be solved
[0008] The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems by providing a method for generating and displaying biometric information, wherein a signal measuring device for measuring biometric signals is matched to a user, calibration is performed using a biometric information estimation algorithm tailored to the user, biometric information values are obtained using the biometric information estimation algorithm for biometric signals additionally acquired over a predetermined period of time, and the values are displayed in various identifiable forms.
[0009] Furthermore, the present invention can be utilized as a system linking a user and a hospital to efficiently perform disease diagnosis and prevention for patients. For example, the biometric information estimation algorithm is calibrated at the hospital, additional biometric signals from the user are collected for a predetermined period of time at a location outside the hospital, and biometric information values corresponding to the additional biometric signals are generated using the biometric information estimation algorithm. These values are then displayed in a manner such as reporting, thereby enabling the estimated biometric information values during the observation period allocated for the predetermined time to be efficiently utilized for diagnosis.
[0010] In addition, the present invention enables the efficient identification and utilization of a user's biometric values by classifying the biometric values into different categories and providing them as visualized data in the form of a table or graph when reporting the biometric values. means of solving the problem
[0011] A method for generating and displaying biometric information according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a step of matching a signal measuring device that measures a biometric signal to a user; a step of applying the user's biometric signal measured by the signal measuring device and the user's biometric information measured and input by an external measuring device to a predetermined biometric information estimation algorithm to calibrate the biometric information estimation algorithm to suit the user; a step of additionally acquiring the user's biometric signal using the signal measuring device for a predetermined period of time; a step of generating a biometric information value for the additional biometric signal acquired during the predetermined period by applying the additionally acquired biometric signal to the biometric signal estimation algorithm; and a step of displaying the biometric information value in an identifiable form.
[0012] In addition, the step of assigning the signal measuring device to a user may involve assigning a predetermined identification information to the user and matching the identification information with the signal measuring device, wherein the assignment of the identification information and the matching of the signal measuring device may be performed through a terminal distinct from the signal measuring device.
[0013] Additionally, the calibration step is performed according to a guide provided by the terminal, and the calibration step may include a step of inputting biometric information measured from the outside into the terminal.
[0014] In addition, the biometric information value for the additionally acquired biometric information can be calculated after performing an additional calibration step of recalibrating the biometric estimation algorithm using the additionally acquired biometric signal.
[0015] In addition, the step of displaying the biometric information value for the additionally acquired biometric information in an identifiable form includes the user's identification number and the period during which the additionally acquired biometric information is acquired, and the biometric information value may be displayed including a table or a graph.
[0016] In addition, when displaying the above biometric information values, the average value of each biometric information value can be provided for daytime, which is set to a predetermined time range, and nighttime, which is set to a predetermined time range, during a predetermined period.
[0017] In addition, the biometric information value may be displayed by including at least one of the following: 1) a method of displaying the biometric information value by comparing it with a predetermined reference value over a predetermined period, including a normal state or a warning state; 2) a method of displaying the daily average value of the biometric information value by comparing it with the predetermined reference value over a predetermined period, including a normal state or a warning state, on a calendar display unit; or 3) a method of displaying the number of times the biometric information value deviates from the predetermined reference value over a predetermined period in a predetermined manner.
[0018] In addition, the above biometric information values may be displayed including the ratio of each biometric information value falling within the normal range or the non-normal range for daytime, which is set to a predetermined time range, and nighttime, which is set to a predetermined time range, during a predetermined period.
[0019] In addition, in the above additional calibration step, a signal of superior quality among the additionally acquired biosignals can be selected and applied to the calibration of the biosignal estimation algorithm.
[0020] In addition, it may include the step of disinfecting and charging the signal measuring device of the user.
[0021] In addition, the matching step and the calibration step of the biometric information estimation algorithm can be performed through a medical staff terminal at the hospital for the user of the signal measuring device.
[0022] In addition, the step of displaying the above biometric information value in an identifiable form may be performed through a user's terminal or a third-party terminal.
[0023] Additionally, the above biometric information value includes at least one of blood pressure, blood glucose, or oxygen saturation, and the above biometric signal may include at least one of the user's photoplethysmography signal (PPG signal), electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, or brainwave signal (EEG).
[0024] In addition, the signal measuring device may be a ring-type measuring device that can be worn by a user.
[0025] In addition, the step of displaying the biometric information value in an identifiable form may be provided as a file in the form of a document containing the biometric information value. Effects of the invention
[0026] The method for generating and displaying biometric information according to the present invention matches a signal measuring device that measures biometric signals from a user, calibrates it using a biometric information estimation algorithm tailored to the user, and then obtains biometric information values using the biometric information estimation algorithm on biometric signals additionally acquired over a predetermined period of time. This provides the effect of collecting biometric signals during an observation period allocated to the predetermined time and calculating biometric information values. In other words, by acquiring biometric signals from the perspective of a period including a predetermined time, rather than from the perspective of a specific point in time when the biometric signals are collected, changes in biometric information values can be easily identified based on changes in the biometric signals.
[0027] In addition, the method for generating and displaying biometric information according to the present invention can provide the effect of effectively utilizing biometric information by enabling the display and reporting of various forms of biometric information, including tables and graphs, on a first terminal on the user side, such as a patient, and a second terminal on the doctor side, etc.
[0028] In addition, during the observation period, the user is not constrained by space or time, and since the user's biosignals are collected through a ring-shaped signal measuring device, user convenience is improved. Furthermore, the present invention can provide the effect of improving the accuracy of biosignals by assigning a signal measuring device to the user to perform primary calibration, and then performing secondary calibration after collecting biosignals collected through the signal measuring device for a predetermined period, thereby calculating biosignals by reflecting the user's unique biosignals change characteristics during the predetermined observation period. Brief explanation of the drawing
[0029] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method for generating and displaying bio-information according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an example of use in which a biometric information generation and display method is applied. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the feature extraction and state determination processes during the additional calibration process. FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a bio-information collection device employed in an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of Fig. 4. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a method for generating and displaying bio-information according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the process of calibrating the estimated value of bio-information by the first sensor unit, the second sensor unit, the state determination unit, the feature extraction unit, and the control unit. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the process of a state determination unit determining different states using a first sensor unit and a second sensor unit. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the process of determining the sleep state by the state determination unit. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example in which a method for generating and displaying bio-information is applied to a patient and a hospital in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating an example of displaying biometric information on a user terminal. FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating an example of displaying biometric information to another user's terminal. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of biometric information being displayed in the form of a report. Specific details for implementing the invention
[0030] This specification clarifies the scope of the present invention and explains the principles of the present invention and discloses embodiments so that those skilled in the art can practice the present invention. The disclosed embodiments may be implemented in various forms.
[0031] Expressions such as "comprising" or "may comprise" that may be used in various embodiments of the present invention indicate the existence of the disclosed corresponding function, operation, or component, and do not limit one or more additional functions, operations, or components. Furthermore, in various embodiments of the present invention, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.
[0032] When it is stated that a component is "connected or coupled" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or coupled to the other component, but that a new component may also exist between the component and the other component. On the other hand, when it is stated that a component is "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that no new component exists between the component and the other component.
[0033] The terms "first," "second," etc., as used in this specification may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by these terms. The terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.
[0035] The present invention relates to a method for generating and displaying biometric information. It aims to provide a method for generating and displaying biometric information by calibrating a signal measuring device (10) to suit a user, applying biometric signals collected over a predetermined period of time to a biometric information estimation algorithm (20) to generate a user's biometric information value, and displaying the value in an identifiable form. In particular, the present invention aims to provide a method for processing and providing biometric information values to the user in various forms, thereby enabling the biometric information value to be used intuitively and effectively.
[0036] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.
[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the method for generating and displaying biometric information according to the present invention is characterized by comprising the steps of: assigning a signal measuring device (10) to a user and matching it (100); calibrating a biometric information estimation algorithm (20) (200); acquiring additional biometric signals (300); generating biometric information values for additionally acquired biometric signals (400); and displaying biometric information values in an identifiable form (500).
[0039] The step (100) of matching a signal measuring device to the user is a step of matching a signal measuring device (10) that measures biosignals to the user. First, the signal measuring device (10) can collect at least one of PPG signals, ECG signals, and EEG signals. In this embodiment, the signal measuring device (10) may be a ring-shaped measuring device that measures the user's biosignals. Since the signal measuring device (10) is a ring-shaped measuring device, it can collect biosignals at various locations and times without being constrained by space and time. The signals measured and collected by the signal measuring device (10) are signals that can be utilized for the diagnosis of the user's disease and are not limited to those described above, and various signals may be collected.
[0040] In order to match the above signal measuring device (10) to a user, a predetermined identification number is assigned to the user, and the identification number and the above signal measuring device (10) can be matched with each other. The user's identification information is information intended to distinguish the individual user from others, and may include, for example, a user ID, a phone number, a date of birth, a patient registration number if the user is a patient, and patient ID information. The assignment of the identification information and the matching of the above signal measuring device (10) can be performed through a terminal that is distinct from the above signal measuring device (10). When an individual user directly matches the signal measuring device (10) to be used by themselves, the terminal may be a device such as a mobile phone, pad, or PC owned by the individual, and when a third party matches the signal measuring device (10) to a user who is the subject of biosignal collection, the terminal may be a mobile phone, pad, or PC owned by the third party. That is, the present invention is applicable from the perspective of direct use by an individual user or from the perspective of use in conjunction with a third party, such as medical staff, and the matching of the above signal measuring device (10) can be performed directly by the individual user or by a third party.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the matching step of the signal measuring device (10) may be performed in a hospital, including a clinic or public health center, that treats patients. When the invention is applied in a hospital, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the process may involve logging in via an application or the web, registering a patient, and connecting the signal measuring device (10) to the patient. By individually matching and assigning the signal measuring device (10) to a user, it is possible to efficiently manage that the biometric information obtained from the corresponding signal measuring device (10) was obtained from the specific user. Meanwhile, the matching step of the signal measuring device may be performed through the user's terminal or the medical staff's terminal.
[0043] The step (200) of calibrating the biometric information estimation algorithm is a step of calibrating the biometric information estimation algorithm (20) to suit the user by applying the user’s biometric signal measured by the signal measuring device (10) and the user’s biometric information measured and input by an external measuring device to the predetermined biometric information estimation algorithm (20), as illustrated in FIG. 2. The calibration step (200) may be performed according to a guide provided by a predetermined terminal and may include a step of inputting the biometric information value measured by the external measuring device into the terminal. The step (200) of calibrating the biometric information estimation algorithm (20) may be performed on the user’s terminal or the medical staff’s terminal.
[0044] The above terminal receives the user's biosignal measured by the signal measuring device (10) and the bio-information value measured by the external measuring device, and the user's biosignal measured by the signal measuring device (10) and the bio-information value measured by the external measuring device are applied to the bio-information estimation algorithm (20) to perform calibration. The biosignal collected by the signal measuring device (10) is transmitted to the terminal, and the bio-information value measured by the external measuring device can be input by the user or a third party through the user's terminal or a third party's terminal.
[0045] In one embodiment, the signal measuring device (10) is a ring-type PPG signal measuring device, and the external measuring device may be a cuff blood pressure monitor. A blood pressure value (biometric information) is obtained using the cuff blood pressure monitor, and a PPG signal is obtained from the signal measuring device (10). The blood pressure value and the PPG signal are applied to the biometric information estimation algorithm (20) through a terminal, thereby allowing the biometric information estimation algorithm (20) to be calibrated to suit a specific user.
[0046] In the present invention, the term "biometric information" may include the user's blood pressure, blood sugar, or oxygen saturation. For example, blood pressure may be measured by a conventional cuff blood pressure monitor, etc. In addition, the biometric signal may include, in addition to the PPG signal obtained from the user, an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal, etc. The signal measuring device (10) may collect at least one of the PPG signal, the ECG signal, and the EEG signal. The biometric information and biometric signal are not limited to those described above as long as they are information or signals that can be utilized for the diagnosis of a user's disease, and various information or signals may be used.
[0048] The step of additionally acquiring the user's biosignal (300) is a step of additionally acquiring the user's biosignal through the signal measuring device (10) for a predetermined period of time. According to the present embodiment, the step of additionally acquiring the biosignal (300) can track the user's biosignal by collecting the user's biosignal for a predetermined period of time using the signal measuring device (10) matched to the user. The user can collect their own biosignal without being restricted by time or place while wearing only the signal measuring device (10). As shown in FIG. 2, the matching of the signal measuring device (10) is performed at a hospital, and the step of additionally acquiring the biosignal (300) can be performed at a location other than the hospital after medical treatment. The predetermined period for additionally acquiring the biosignal can be appropriately selected as needed, such as hours, days, or months, and the biosignal can be additionally acquired continuously or discontinuously. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the user can wear the signal measuring device (10) and have the signal measuring device (10) acquire their biometric information continuously or discontinuously for a period of about 1 to 3 days after returning home from the hospital.
[0050] The step (400) of generating a bio-information value for the additional bio-signal is, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a step of generating a bio-information value for the additional bio-signal corresponding to the predetermined period by applying the additionally acquired bio-signal to the bio-information estimation algorithm (20). The additionally acquired bio-signal may be provided to the bio-information estimation algorithm (20) by being transmitted in real time from the signal measuring device (10), or may be provided to the bio-information estimation algorithm (20) in batches after being stored in the memory of the signal measuring device (10). For example, the bio-information estimation algorithm (20) may be provided on a server, and the additionally acquired bio-signal may be transmitted to the server in real time through the user's terminal, or transmitted to the server by medical staff at a hospital and applied to the bio-information estimation algorithm (20). Through this process, the bio-information estimation algorithm (20) can calculate a bio-information value corresponding to the additionally acquired bio-signal.
[0052] In this embodiment, the bio-information estimation algorithm (20) may further include an additional calibration step (600). The additional calibration step (600) is a step of recalibrating the bio-information estimation algorithm using the additional bio-signal. As described above, when the bio-information estimation algorithm calculates a blood pressure value, the additional calibration may be performed based on a PPG signal additionally obtained from the user. That is, according to this embodiment, the bio-information estimation algorithm (20) may be additionally calibrated by the additionally obtained bio-signal.
[0053] For example, a first calibration of the biometric information estimation algorithm (20) may be performed at the hospital, and after additional biometric information is acquired, additional calibration of the biometric information estimation algorithm (20) may be performed again at the hospital. This means that during the process of a patient visiting the hospital for medical treatment, the first calibration may be performed when the signal measurement device (10) is first matched, and the additional calibration may be performed when the patient revisits the hospital. The step of generating a biometric information value for the additional biometric signal may be performed after the additional calibration is performed to calculate a biometric information value for the additional biometric signal. However, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the additional calibration may be performed optionally. When the additional calibration is performed, the biometric information value calculated by applying the additionally acquired biometric signal to the biometric estimation algorithm (20) may be provided to the user as a biometric information value that is more suitable.
[0055] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the additional calibration is performed, the biometric estimation algorithm can be calibrated by reflecting the unique biometric information change characteristics of the user. Since the biometric estimation algorithm is calibrated by reflecting the unique characteristics of the user, more precise biometric information values can be derived. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a user state determination step (501) and a characteristic extraction step (502) may be included to reflect the unique characteristics of the user.
[0056] The above state determination step (501) is a step of determining the different states of the user from the biosignals measured in at least two different states of the user. The different states may be states in which the user's heart rate or peripheral resistance is under different environments. The above feature extraction step (502) is a step of deriving the unique biosignal change characteristics of the user from the biosignals obtained in the different states. Since the unique biosignal change characteristics of the user extracted by the state determination step (501) and the feature extraction step (502) are reflected, the biosignal values derived by the biosignal estimation algorithm (20) are adapted to the individual characteristics of the user, thereby improving reliability.
[0058] The step (500) of displaying the above biometric information value in an identifiable form is a step of processing and displaying the biometric information value in various forms through a display unit (60). The identifiable form may include the user's identification information, the time at which the additional biometric signal is acquired, whether additional calibration is performed, etc. In addition, the biometric information value may be displayed in the form of a table or a graph, or may have a predetermined report form. The biometric information value displayed in the identifiable form may be provided online on a website in a predetermined format or output externally. The display unit (60) may be provided on the user's terminal or a third party's terminal.
[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the step of displaying the biometric data values in an identifiable form may provide the average value of each biometric data value for daytime and nighttime, which are set within a predetermined time range during a predetermined period. The predetermined period may be set as days, weeks, or months. According to the present embodiment, the daytime may be set from 06:00 to 22:00, and the nighttime may be set from 22:00 to less than 06:00. As illustrated in the "1" box of FIG. 11, the average values of blood pressure and pulse rate for each nighttime and daytime may be provided.
[0060] More specifically, when displaying the above biometric information value, the display may include at least one of the following methods: displaying that the above biometric information value is normal or a warning when compared to a predetermined reference value over a predetermined period; displaying that the daily average value of the above biometric information value is normal or a warning when compared to the reference value over a predetermined period in a calendar display section; or displaying the number of times the above biometric information value deviates from the reference value over a predetermined period in a predetermined manner.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 11, the case where the biometric data values are blood pressure and pulse rate is illustrated. As indicated in box "2" of FIG. 11(a), information regarding blood pressure and pulse rate can be displayed as a graph, and a warning can be issued by displaying a label if the values deviate from the reference values. Additionally, as indicated in boxes "3" and "4" of FIG. 11(a) and (b), the daily average blood pressure value can be displayed on a calendar display section in weekly or monthly units. For each date, cases where the values are normal or outside the normal range can be indicated differently in different colors (e.g., green or red) below the corresponding date.
[0062] Additionally, as indicated in box "2" of FIG. 11(a), the number of times the biometric information value deviates from the reference value can be indicated using a dot notation. The dot notation in box "2" of FIG. 11(a) indicates the number of irregular pulse waves. Additionally, as indicated in box "3" of FIG. 11(b), the daily average value of the blood pressure can be provided. Furthermore, in order to accurately calculate the user's biometric information value by the biometric information estimation algorithm (20), the biometric information estimation algorithm (20) can be performed periodically, and as shown in box "4" of FIG. 11(a), the date for performing a subsequent calibration of the biometric information estimation algorithm (20), or the remaining days until the subsequent calibration is performed, can be indicated.
[0063] Furthermore, the reference value of the biometric data may be set by a third party, such as a user or medical staff. As illustrated in FIGS. 11(a) and (b), a target value (e.g., a target blood pressure value) can be set through a terminal, and when the target value is set, the reference value of the biometric data when displaying the biometric data in an identifiable form is linked to the target value. At this time, the terminal may be the user's terminal or a third party's terminal, such as a medical staff. For example, the criteria for applying a label such as normal or warning to the blood pressure value calculated for the biometric signal may be based on the target value, and the target value may be set by the individual user or medical staff. Additionally, if the target value is not set, a basic default value may be provided.
[0064] In addition, the step of displaying the above biometric information value in an identifiable form may display the ratio of each biometric information value falling within the normal range or non-normal range for daytime, which is set as a predetermined time range during a predetermined period, and nighttime, which is set as a predetermined time range. For example, if the above biometric information value is a blood pressure value, the ratio of normal blood pressure or non-normal blood pressure (e.g., hypertension) may be displayed for daytime and nighttime, respectively. As shown in FIG. 13, if the above biometric information value is a blood pressure value, the blood pressure value is set as a normal range or a hypertension range, and the hypertension may be classified into pre-hypertension, stage 1, stage 2, etc., and may also be classified as a percentage, such as a pie chart.
[0065] Additionally, when displaying the biometric data value in an identifiable form, it may be provided as a file in the form of a document containing the biometric data value. The output of the document file may be performed as shown in FIG. 12. A user can be selected as in box "1" of FIG. 12, and the output file format can be selected as in "6" through "9". If necessary, the additional calibration can be performed as in box "2", the output language can be selected as in box "3", and additional information, such as sleep time information, can be entered as in box "4".
[0066] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a file in the form of a document selected by FIG. 12. “1” in FIG. 13 may include user identification by patient registration number, observation period, wearing time of signal measuring device (10), etc. “2” in FIG. 13 illustrates biometric data values in a table. It may include the average value of blood pressure over a day, average values of daytime and nighttime, morning surge, dipping, average values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, standard deviation of systolic blood pressure (SD(SBP)), standard error of systolic blood pressure (SE(SBP)), coefficient of variation of systolic blood pressure (CV(SBP)), etc.
[0067] The biometric data values in FIG. 13 are plotted as a graph, showing blood pressure and pulse ("11") on the time axis ("7"). The lower and upper limits ("4") can be displayed in desired intervals by selecting a display method. Additionally, the time when the signal measuring device (10) is not worn is distinguished and indicated as "5" and "6". Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse rate (PULSE RATE) are displayed as a graph as "9", and the average value of "9" can be given as an average value as "8". Furthermore, daytime and nighttime can be distinguished by shading as "12" and "13".
[0068] Furthermore, the predetermined reference values of FIG. 13 and the user's biometric data values can be provided through percentage analysis. As shown in "10" of FIG. 13, in the case of blood pressure values, SBP and DBP can be set as normal ranges and detailed ranges according to disease, and whether the biometric data value falls within these ranges can be indicated. Additionally, various graphs based on percentages can be provided to indicate whether the blood pressure value falls within a predetermined normal range or a hypertension range during daytime or nighttime. Of course, FIGs. 12 and 13 illustrate examples of displaying biometric data of the present invention in an identifiable form, but are not limited thereto.
[0070] Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include a step (800) of disinfecting and charging the signal measuring device (10) of the user. When the patient revisits the hospital and additional biosignals are provided to the bio-information estimation algorithm (20), the signal measuring device (10) may be retrieved. The signal measuring device (10) retrieved from the user may be disinfected, charged, and stored, and may be provided for another user in the future.
[0072] Meanwhile, according to another aspect of the present invention, the method for generating and displaying bio-information may be implemented as a system comprising a signal measuring device (10), a bio-information estimation algorithm (20), a feature extraction unit (30), a state determination unit (40), a display unit (50), and a control unit (50). Each component will be described in detail below.
[0074] The above signal measuring device (10) is provided to measure the user's biosignal. According to the present embodiment, the signal measuring device (10) may include a first sensor unit (11) that collects the user's photoplethysmography signal (PPG signal). Using the PPG signal, it is possible to analyze characteristics related to the user's biosignal, such as PTT (Pulse Transit Time) and HRV (Heart rate variation), and through this, it can be used to derive estimated values of biosignal related to heart rate (HR), blood pressure, etc. According to the present embodiment, the biosignal obtained from the user can be applied to a biosignal estimation algorithm (20) to estimate biosignal such as blood pressure, blood sugar, or oxygen saturation.
[0075] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the signal measuring device (10) may obtain, in addition to the PPG signal, an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal, etc. from the user to estimate bio-information. The signal measuring device (10) may collect at least one of the PPG signal, the ECG signal, and the EEG signal, provided that the user's bio-signal collected by the signal measuring device (10) is not limited thereto.
[0076] Additionally, according to the present embodiment, the signal measuring device (10) may include a second sensor unit (12) for detecting the movement of a user. The second sensor unit (12) may be an accelerometer that measures the magnitude and amount of change of acceleration occurring according to the movement pattern of the user's finger.
[0077] According to the present embodiment, the signal measuring device (10) may be provided in a wearable device that a user can wear. For example, the signal collecting unit (10) may be implemented as a device in the form of a ring, band, or watch worn on a finger, wrist, or ankle, or provided in clothing. That is, it may be implemented in various forms such as a ring type, wristwatch type, bracelet type, anklet type, wristband type, ankle band type, hairband type, or glasses type. Hereinafter, the case where the signal measuring device (10) is a ring type that can be worn on a user's finger will be described.
[0078] The signal collection device (10) may include an external electrode (101), an internal electrode (102), an insulation unit (103), a top cover (104), and a plurality of sensors (105), as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0079] The external electrode (101) may have an arc shape with one section open. The external electrode may be composed of a conductor and may function as an electrode for measuring an electrocardiogram (ECG) in contact with the user's body. The external electrode (101) may form the exterior of a ring-shaped signal collection device (10).
[0080] The internal electrode (102) may have a ring shape, and a plurality of openings (106) may be formed to install a plurality of sensors (105). The internal electrode (102) may be composed of a conductor and may function as an electrode for measuring an electrocardiogram. Additionally, the internal electrode (102) may form the inner ring portion of a ring, and the internal electrode (102) may come into contact with the user's finger.
[0081] An insulating unit (103) may be placed between an external electrode (101) and an internal electrode (102). The insulating unit (103) may enable electrical insulation between the external electrode (101) and the internal electrode (102).
[0082] The top cover (104) may have an arc shape to close a portion of the outer electrode (101) and may be formed with the same curvature as the outer electrode (101) to form a ring together with the outer electrode. The top cover (104) may be coupled to a portion of the outer electrode (101) to form the exterior of the ring-shaped signal collection device (10).
[0083] A plurality of sensors (105) may be positioned to protrude inward from the inner surface of the inner electrode (102) and come into contact with the user's finger. A plurality of sensors (105) may each be positioned in the opening (106) of the inner electrode (102). A plurality of sensors (105) may be a first sensor unit (11) that collects PPG signals (photoplethysmograms) from the user at different locations. Additionally, a second sensor unit (12) may be positioned between the outer electrode (101) and the inner electrode (102) in the signal collection device (10). The second sensor unit (12) may be an acceleration sensor positioned between the outer electrode (101) and the inner electrode (102) to detect the user's movement. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the signal collection device (10) may be equipped with a separate sensor for collecting electrocardiogram (ECG) signals and brainwave (EEG) signals.
[0085] The above bio-information estimation algorithm (20) is provided to estimate bio-information using the above bio-signal. The above bio-information estimation algorithm (20) can be algorithmized to extract bio-information by extracting features from the user's bio-signal. Specifically, the above bio-information estimation algorithm (20) can be algorithmized to estimate bio-information by, for example, extracting a predetermined characteristic point from the user's bio-information and utilizing it to compare with the actual measured bio-information. For example, if the bio-information to be estimated is a blood pressure value, the algorithm can be algorithmized to estimate the blood pressure value by extracting a predetermined characteristic point from the user's PPG signal and utilizing it to compare with the actual measured blood pressure value. Below, the above bio-information estimation algorithm (20) is explained using the example of estimating blood pressure. Of course, the above bio-information estimation algorithm (20) can be provided as an algorithm for estimating blood sugar, oxygen saturation, etc.
[0086] The characteristic point of the above PPG signal can be extracted from a specific point in time or a periodic signal. The specific point in time or periodic signal can be selected from a biosignal that has been measured repeatedly, either continuously or intermittently. If the characteristic point is a periodic signal, a specific representative feature can be selectively extracted and utilized from the periodic signal. Information regarding the characteristic point obtained through such a specific point in time or periodic signal may be one or more, and these can be combined and applied to estimate a specific blood pressure value. This biosignal estimation algorithm (20) can be obtained by regressively analyzing the waveform of the PPG signal. The above PPG signal can be analyzed by applying various methods such as linear regression analysis, multiple regression analysis, and non-linear regression analysis. A specific relationship exists between the waveform of the above PPG signal and the actual blood pressure value, and an algorithm for estimating the blood pressure value from the above PPG signal can be obtained by analyzing this relationship.
[0087] In addition, the above biometric information estimation algorithm (20) can be derived by training using machine learning or deep learning methods. For example, an artificial neural network (ANN) or a recurrent neural network (RNN) can be used. In the case of an algorithm for estimating blood pressure, various hidden layers may be used to derive the blood pressure estimate, and various training models may be used to estimate blood pressure values using the PPG signal. To improve the accuracy of the estimation, the above biometric information estimation algorithm (20) may be implemented to provide an estimated blood pressure value according to physical characteristics by using basic physical information such as the user's age, gender, weight, and height together with the PPG signal.
[0089] The above control unit (50) is provided to calibrate the bio-information estimation algorithm (20) using the bio-signal measured from the signal measuring device (10) and bio-information input from the outside, and to apply the bio-signal to the bio-information estimation algorithm (20) so that the bio-information estimation algorithm (20) can calculate a bio-information value.
[0090] According to the present embodiment, the control unit (50) can perform a first calibration and a second calibration of the bio-information estimation algorithm (20). However, the second calibration by the control unit (50) may be performed optionally. The first and second calibrations may proceed as follows. For example, if a doctor at a hospital determines that a 24-hour blood pressure monitoring test (Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring: 24H ABPM) is necessary for diagnosing a patient's hypertension, the hospital measures the patient's blood pressure and acquires a PPG signal to perform a first calibration of the bio-information estimation algorithm (20, which in this case is an algorithm for estimating blood pressure). Through the first calibration, the bio-information estimation algorithm (20) is fitted to the corresponding user. The signal measuring device (10) may be provided in the form of a wearable device, such as a ring type, band type, or watch type, and the patient collects additional biosignals using the signal measuring device (10) until returning home and revisiting the hospital. The signal measuring device (10) may be maintained in a continuously worn state, or may collect the user's biosignals continuously or discontinuously for at least some time. Biosignals over a predetermined period may be accumulated. Medical staff may have the patient collect biosignals from the signal measuring device (10) on a daily or weekly basis, such as 24 hours, 48 hours, or a week, and when the patient revisits the hospital, a secondary calibration may be optionally performed by the control unit (50).
[0092] The control unit (50) can apply the biosignal from the signal measuring device (10) to the biosignal estimation algorithm (20) to calculate a biosignal value for the additionally acquired biosignal. At this time, additional calibration can be performed on the biosignal estimation algorithm (20), and when performing the additional calibration, the unique biosignal characteristics of the user can be extracted from the additionally acquired biosignal, and the user's state can be determined and applied to the biosignal estimation algorithm (20).
[0093] According to the present embodiment, the biosignal collected while collecting additional biosignals may be a signal measured in at least two different states. The feature extraction unit (30) can derive the unique biosignal change characteristics of the user by considering the different states. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the process by which the feature extraction unit (30) derives blood pressure characteristics based on the PPG signal is described as an example.
[0094] The feature extraction unit (30) obtains data that reflects different states by assigning a predetermined blood pressure value to the biosignals obtained in different states and labeling them. For example, different states may include distinctions between activity / sleep states or distinctions between systolic / diastolic states. According to the present embodiment, among the biosignals labeled as above, a signal satisfying a predetermined signal quality standard can be selected as a target biosignal to be used for generating bioinformation values. The target biosignal is a biosignal having excellent signal quality above a certain level and is used when performing additional calibration. The predetermined signal quality standard can be appropriately selected by considering noise levels, signal variability, etc. A target biosignal satisfying a predetermined signal quality standard can be selected for each of the labeled biosignals in different states.
[0095] More specifically, the above-mentioned superior quality signal may be selected from among the first measured values measured in a first state that satisfy a predetermined first criterion, and a second superior quality signal from among the second measured values measured in a second state that satisfies a predetermined second criterion may be selected as the target biosignal. For example, the first state may be a resting state, and the second state may be an activity state.
[0096] In the first state above, the first measurement value may be selected from among the measurement values measured multiple times in the first state that satisfy a predetermined criterion, or the average value of the measurement values that satisfy the predetermined criterion may be used. In the first state, measurements may be taken at a predetermined time interval, for example, at intervals of 10 to 30 minutes, and among the measurement values of the first state, a first excellent quality signal that satisfies a predetermined first criterion may be selected as a target biosignal and applied to calibration. The first criterion may be selected as the first excellent quality signal when the difference between the SBP (systolic blood pressure) and DBP (diastolic blood pressure) values obtained through the PPG signal is within a predetermined error range.
[0097] The second measurement value in the second state, like the second measurement value in the first state, may be selected from among the measurement values measured multiple times in the second state that satisfy a predetermined criterion, or the average value of the measurement values that satisfy the predetermined criterion may be used. Measurements may be taken at a predetermined time interval, for example, at intervals of 10 to 30 minutes, in the second state, and a second excellent quality signal among the measurement values in the second state that satisfies a predetermined second criterion may be applied to the calibration. The second criterion may be selected as the second excellent quality signal when the difference between the SBP (systolic blood pressure) and DBP (diastolic blood pressure) values obtained through the PPG signal is within a predetermined error range.
[0098] As such, according to the present embodiment, the bio-information estimation algorithm (20) is calibrated using the target bio-signal and the blood pressure value labeled on the target bio-signal, which can be defined as pseudo-calibration. Since calibration is performed based on the target bio-signal, which has excellent signal quality and reflects different conditions, without additionally measuring blood pressure using a separate cuff blood pressure monitor, the bio-information estimation algorithm (20) is optimized more quickly and conveniently for the user, and the bio-information value corresponding to the additional bio-signal can be improved and derived more accurately. The more bio-signals collected from multiple different environments and conditions, the more precisely the user's unique blood pressure characteristics can be extracted, and the more precisely the unique blood pressure change characteristics are extracted, the greater the accuracy of the bio-information estimation algorithm (20) reflecting these characteristics.
[0099] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the state determination unit (40) can determine the state of the user by receiving a biosignal measured from the second sensor unit (12).
[0100] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the state determination unit (40) may determine that the user is in a first state when a predetermined first pattern is measured for a time specified by the second sensor unit (12), and determine that the user is in a second state when a predetermined second pattern is measured for a time specified by the second sensor unit (12). At this time, the first state may be a resting state and the second state may be an activity state. Alternatively, if a predetermined third pattern is measured by the second sensor unit (12), the user may be determined to be in a third state, such as a sleep state.
[0101] Additionally, the state determination unit (40) can determine whether the user is wearing the signal measuring device (10) based on the magnitude or shape of the signal measured by the second sensor unit (12). Furthermore, the state determination unit (40) can determine whether the user is sleeping or active from the biosignal. The sleeping or active status can be considered as different environments corresponding to the conditions of the different states.
[0102] According to the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the second sensor unit (12) may be an accelerometer that detects the movement of a finger, and the second sensor unit (12) may measure the acceleration of the user's finger movement continuously / intermittently or periodically / non-periodically. The state determination unit (40) may determine the user's state using ACC signal information measured by the accelerometer. The state determination unit (40) may be provided in the signal measuring device (10) or in various electronic devices such as mobile devices, wearable devices, and PCs that can receive biosignals from the signal measuring device (10). In addition, the biosignal estimation algorithm (20) or feature extraction unit (30) may also be provided in the signal measuring device (10) or in various electronic devices such as mobile devices, wearable devices, PCs, and servers that can receive biosignals from the signal measuring device (10).
[0103] The state determination unit (40) determines through the first sensor unit (11) that the user is wearing the signal measuring device (10), and if the first pattern is measured by the second sensor unit (12) for a specified period of time, it can determine that the user is in a first state of resting for a specified period of time. Here, the first pattern may be a regular pattern, and the first pattern may be a stable pattern. When the state determination unit (40) determines that the user is resting, the user may be set to be in the first state.
[0104] Additionally, the state determination unit (40) determines that the user has worn the signal measuring device (10) through the first sensor unit (11) for a specified period of time, and if a second pattern is measured by the second sensor unit (12), it can determine that the user is in a second state of activity for a specified period of time. At this time, the second pattern may be an irregular pattern, and the second pattern may be an unstable pattern. If the unstable second pattern is measured by the second sensor unit (12), it is determined that the user is active, and the user may be set to be in a second state.
[0105] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first pattern is described as being composed of a regular pattern and the second pattern as being composed of an irregular pattern, but is not limited thereto. The first pattern may be composed of various patterns as long as it is a pattern capable of measuring whether the user is resting, and the second pattern may be composed of various patterns as long as it is a pattern capable of measuring whether the user is active. Furthermore, the first pattern capable of measuring whether the user is resting and the second pattern capable of measuring whether the user is active may be derived through patterns occurring in the user's previous activity and previous rest data.
[0106] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the state determination unit (40) can determine whether the user is sleeping through the number of determinations of a first state in which the user is determined to be resting. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the state determination unit (40) can determine that the user is sleeping when the number of determinations of the first state during a certain period of time is greater than or equal to a predetermined specified standard number. The sleeping state may be defined as a third state.
[0107] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a case where a user transitions from a resting state to an active state cannot be determined as a sleep state, but a case where the user continues to maintain a resting state can be determined as a sleep state. For example, when a user transitions from a resting state to an active state, a stable first pattern may be measured by the first sensor unit (11), and then an unstable second pattern may be measured. In this case, the state determination unit (40) can determine that the user has transitioned to a sleep or an active state that is not resting.
[0108] When a user continues to maintain a resting state and enters a sleeping state, the first sensor unit (11) can continuously measure a stable first pattern. In this case, the state determination unit (40) can determine that the user is in a sleeping state. At this time, the state determination unit (40) determines that the user is sleeping when the number of times the third state is determined during a certain period is greater than or equal to a specified standard number. Specifically, the state determination unit (40) determines that the user is sleeping when the number of times the third pattern is measured during a short unit time (specified time) during a certain period is greater than or equal to a set standard value, thereby improving the accuracy of determining whether the user is sleeping. That is, the state determination unit (40) can determine whether the user is sleeping, which is the third state, through the number of repetitions of a short unit time determined as resting during a certain period.
[0110] Thus, the method for generating and displaying bio-information according to the embodiment of the present invention and the system applying the same acquire additional bio-signals for a predetermined period of time using a signal measuring device (10) matched to the user, apply the additional bio-signals to a bio-information estimation algorithm (20) to derive bio-information values, and display the bio-information values in various identifiable forms. Through this, the present invention allows the user to check bio-information values in various ways and utilize them for health management. Furthermore, from the perspective of a third party such as a hospital being linked with the user, sufficient data can be easily secured for the diagnosis of the user's disease, and by processing and providing this data in various forms, it can be utilized as effective data for the medical activities of medical staff. In addition, since the additionally acquired bio-information is used for the additional calibration of the bio-information estimation algorithm (20), the bio-information estimation algorithm (20) can be calibrated quickly and reliably, thereby providing the effect of further improving the reliability of the diagnosis.
[0111] As such, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings; however, this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and variations of the embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims. Explanation of the symbols
[0112] 10... Signal measuring device 11... First sensor unit 12... 2nd sensor unit 20... Biometric information estimation algorithm 30... Feature extraction unit 40... State determination unit 50... Control unit 60... Display unit
Claims
Claim 1 A method for generating and displaying biometric information, characterized by comprising: a step of matching a signal measuring device for measuring biometric signals to a user; a step of applying the user's biometric signal measured by the signal measuring device and the user's biometric information measured and input by an external measuring device to a predetermined biometric information estimation algorithm to calibrate the biometric information estimation algorithm to suit the user; a step of additionally acquiring the user's biometric signal using the signal measuring device for a predetermined period of time; a step of applying the additionally acquired biometric signal to the biometric signal estimation algorithm to generate a biometric information value for the additional biometric signal acquired during the predetermined period of time; and a step of displaying the biometric information value in an identifiable form. Claim 2 A method for generating and displaying biometric information according to claim 1, wherein the step of assigning the signal measuring device to a user comprises assigning a predetermined identification information to the user and matching the identification information with the signal measuring device, and wherein the assignment of the identification information and the matching of the signal measuring device are performed through a terminal distinct from the signal measuring device. Claim 3 A method for generating and displaying biometric information according to claim 1, wherein the calibration step is performed according to a guide provided by a terminal, and the calibration step includes the step of inputting biometric information measured from the outside into the terminal. Claim 4 A method for generating and displaying biometric information according to claim 1, wherein the biometric information value for the additionally acquired biometric information is calculated after performing an additional calibration step of recalibrating the biometric estimation algorithm using the additionally acquired biometric signal. Claim 5 A method for generating and displaying biometric information according to claim 1, wherein the step of displaying a biometric information value for the additionally acquired biometric information in an identifiable form includes the user's identification number and the period during which the additionally acquired biometric information is acquired, and the biometric information value is displayed including a table or a graph. Claim 6 A method for generating and displaying biometric information according to claim 5, characterized by providing, when displaying the above biometric information values, an average value of each biometric information value for a daytime set to a predetermined time range and a nighttime set to a predetermined time range during a predetermined period. Claim 7 A method for generating and displaying biometric information according to claim 5, wherein the biometric information value is displayed including at least one of: 1) a method of displaying the biometric information value by comparing it with a predetermined reference value over a predetermined period, including a normal state or a warning state; 2) a method of displaying the daily average value of the biometric information value by comparing it with the reference value over a predetermined period, including a normal state or a warning state, on a calendar display unit; or 3) a method of displaying the number of times the biometric information value deviates from the reference value over a predetermined period in a predetermined manner. Claim 8 A method for generating and displaying biometric information according to claim 5, wherein the above biometric information values are displayed including the ratio of each biometric information value falling within the normal range or the non-normal range for daytime set within a predetermined time range and nighttime set within a predetermined time range during a predetermined period. Claim 9 A method for generating and displaying bio-information according to claim 4, characterized in that, in the additional calibration step, a signal of superior quality among the additionally acquired bio-signals is selected and applied to the calibration of the bio-information estimation algorithm. Claim 10 A method for generating and displaying biometric information according to claim 1, characterized by including the step of disinfecting and charging the signal measuring device of the user. Claim 11 A method for generating and displaying biometric information according to claim 1, characterized in that the matching step and the calibration step of the biometric information estimation algorithm are performed through a medical staff terminal of the hospital to the user of the signal measuring device. Claim 12 A method for generating and displaying biometric information according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of displaying the biometric information value in an identifiable form is performed through a user's terminal or a third-party terminal. Claim 13 A method for generating and displaying bio-information according to claim 1, wherein the bio-information value comprises at least one of blood pressure, blood glucose, or oxygen saturation, and the bio-signal comprises at least one of the user's photoplethysmography signal (PPG signal), electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, or electroencephalogram (EEG) signal. Claim 14 A method for generating and displaying biometric information according to claim 1, wherein the signal measuring device is a ring-type measuring device that can be worn by a user. Claim 15 A method for generating and displaying biometric information according to claim 1, wherein the step of displaying the biometric information value in an identifiable form is provided as a file in the form of a document containing the biometric information value.