Devices and mobile devices for monitoring health

Abstract

A device and mobile apparatus for monitoring health are provided. The device for monitoring health according to embodiments of this disclosure includes: a pulse wave sensor configured to acquire a first pulse wave signal from an object in a first contact state and a second pulse wave signal in a second contact state; and a processor configured to estimate the degree of vasodilation based on the AC component of each of the first and second pulse wave signals, and to monitor vascular health based on the estimated degree of vasodilation.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0136305, filed on October 30, 2019, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0002] The following description relates to technologies for monitoring health, and more specifically to technologies for monitoring vascular function. Background Technology

[0003] Patients with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity are known to have atherosclerosis due to endothelial-dependent vasodilation, which is caused by decreased vascular endothelial function in these patients.

[0004] For the diagnosis of vascular endothelial cell dysfunction, invasive and non-invasive diagnostic methods are generally used. While invasive methods provide relatively accurate diagnoses, they require complex testing procedures and invasive techniques, making them unsuitable as screening methods for assessing endothelial function. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) testing is a commonly used non-invasive diagnostic method. During FMD testing, the diameter and velocity of blood flow through the vessel are measured using ultrasound by continuously positioning the vessel in the same location, requiring the measurement technique of experienced and qualified medical personnel. Furthermore, FMD testing has limitations such as the possibility of inconsistencies between test results from multiple examiners. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one general aspect, an apparatus for monitoring health is provided, the apparatus comprising: a pulse wave sensor configured to acquire a first pulse wave signal from an object in a first contact state and a second pulse wave signal in a second contact state; and a processor configured to: estimate the degree of vasodilation based on the AC component of each of the first and second pulse wave signals, and monitor vascular health status based on the estimated degree of vasodilation.

[0006] A pulse wave sensor may include: a light source configured to emit light onto an object; and a detector configured to detect light reflected or scattered from the object.

[0007] In response to a request to monitor health, the processor may initiate a first contact state to instruct the user to touch the pulse wave sensor with an object and maintain a first pressure; and after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the processor may initiate a second contact state to instruct the object to increase the pressure against the pulse wave sensor to a second pressure or higher, and then decrease the pressure and maintain the first pressure again.

[0008] If the AC component of the pulse wave signal is not detected when the first contact state is initiated, the processor can initiate the first contact state again.

[0009] When initiating the second contact state, the AC component of the pulse wave signal is continuously detected in response, and the processor can increase the second pressure and then initiate the second contact state again.

[0010] Additionally, the device for monitoring health may include a pressure sensor configured to measure contact pressure when an object comes into contact with a pulse wave sensor, wherein the processor may guide a first contact state and a second contact state based on the contact pressure of the object obtained by the pressure sensor.

[0011] In this case, each of the first pressure and the second pressure can be at least one of the commonly used values ​​and values ​​personalized for each user.

[0012] The processor can guide the user to touch the pulse wave sensor with an object when the user is stationary, and can determine the first pressure personalized to the user based on whether the AC component of the pulse wave signal is detected when the object comes into contact with the pulse wave sensor.

[0013] The processor can guide the user to increase the pressure to a predetermined pressure, and can determine a second pressure personalized to the user by gradually increasing the pressure based on whether the AC component of the pulse wave signal is detected.

[0014] The processor can estimate a first blood volume based on the area of ​​a first AC component detected from a first pulse wave signal, estimate a second blood volume based on the area of ​​a second AC component detected from a second pulse wave signal, and estimate the degree of vasodilation based on the change between the first and second blood volumes.

[0015] The processor can correct the area of ​​the first AC component based on the difference between the actual pressure measured at the measurement time of the first pulse wave signal and the first pressure; and can correct the area of ​​the second AC component based on the difference between the actual pressure measured at the measurement time of the second pulse wave signal and the second pressure.

[0016] If the estimated degree of vasodilation is less than a predetermined threshold, the processor can determine that there is an abnormality in vascular function.

[0017] In addition, devices used for health monitoring may also include an output interface configured to output monitoring information on vascular health status.

[0018] In another general aspect, a method for monitoring health is provided, the method comprising: obtaining a first pulse wave signal of a subject in a first contact state; obtaining a second pulse wave signal of the subject in a second contact state; estimating the degree of vasodilation based on the AC component of each of the first and second pulse wave signals; and monitoring vascular health status based on the estimated degree of vasodilation.

[0019] Additionally, the method for monitoring health may include: in response to a request to monitor health, guiding a first contact state to guide a user to touch a pulse wave sensor with an object and maintain a first pressure; and after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, guiding a second contact state to guide the object to increase the pressure on the pulse wave sensor to a second pressure or higher, and then reducing the pressure and maintaining the first pressure again.

[0020] In addition, the method for monitoring health may include: when the first contact state is initiated, if the AC component of the pulse wave signal is not detected, the first contact state is initiated again.

[0021] In addition, the method for monitoring health may include: when initiating the second contact state, the AC component in response to the pulse wave signal is continuously detected, the second pressure is increased, and then the second contact state is initiated again.

[0022] In this case, the steps of guiding the first contact state and the second contact state may include: guiding the first contact state and the second contact state based on the contact pressure of the object obtained by the pressure sensor.

[0023] In addition, methods for monitoring health may include: guiding the user to touch a pulse wave sensor with an object while the user is at rest; and determining a first pressure personalized to the user based on whether the AC component of the pulse wave signal is detected when the object touches the pulse wave sensor.

[0024] Additionally, methods for monitoring health may include: guiding a user to increase stress to a predetermined level; and determining a second stress personalized for the user by gradually increasing the stress based on whether the AC component of the pulse wave signal is detected.

[0025] The steps of estimating the degree of vasodilation may include: estimating a first blood volume based on the area of ​​a first AC component detected from a first pulse wave signal; estimating a second blood volume based on the area of ​​a second AC component detected from a second pulse wave signal; and estimating the degree of vasodilation based on the first blood volume and the second blood volume.

[0026] The step of estimating the degree of vasodilation may further include: correcting the area of ​​the first AC component based on the difference between the actual pressure measured at the measurement time of the first pulse wave signal and the first pressure; and correcting the area of ​​the second AC component based on the difference between the actual pressure measured at the measurement time of the second pulse wave signal and the second pressure.

[0027] The steps for monitoring health status may include: determining that there is an abnormality in vascular function in response to an estimated degree of vasodilation being less than a predetermined threshold.

[0028] In addition, methods for monitoring health may include outputting monitoring information on vascular health status.

[0029] In another general aspect, a mobile device is provided, comprising: a main body; a pulse wave sensor, mounted in the main body and configured to acquire pulse wave signals from an object; a processor, mounted in the main body and configured to: extract an AC component from each pulse wave signal measured by the pulse wave sensor before and after vascular occlusion of the object, and monitor vascular health based on the extracted AC component of each pulse wave signal; and a display, configured to output the processing results of the processor on the display.

[0030] To measure the pulse wave signal before vascular occlusion, the processor can guide the user to touch the pulse wave sensor with an object and maintain a first pressure; and to measure the pulse wave signal after vascular occlusion, the processor can guide the object to increase the pressure to a second pressure on the pulse wave sensor, then decrease the pressure and maintain the first pressure again.

[0031] The processor can estimate the degree of vasodilation based on the area of ​​the AC component of the pulse wave signal before and after vascular occlusion, and can monitor health status based on the estimated degree of vasodilation.

[0032] If the estimated degree of vasodilation is less than a predetermined threshold, the processor can determine that there is an abnormality in vascular function, and the display can show the measures taken in response to the determination on the display.

[0033] The mobile device may further include: a communication interface configured to communicate with an external device, wherein, in response to an estimated degree of vasodilation being less than a predetermined threshold, the processor may determine that there is an abnormality in vascular function, and the communication interface may send health monitoring information, including measures in response to the determination, to the external device. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a device for monitoring health according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a diagram showing the PPG signal before and after the occlusion of a blood vessel.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating a device for monitoring health according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating a device for monitoring health according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for monitoring health according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for monitoring health according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for monitoring health according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an example of determining the reference pressure.

[0042] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 7 A flowchart of another example of determining the reference pressure.

[0043] Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a mobile device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments, unless otherwise described, the same reference numerals will be understood to denote the same elements, features, and structures. For clarity, illustration, and convenience, the relative dimensions and depictions of these elements may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The following detailed description and accompanying drawings include details of other embodiments. The advantages and features of the invention, as well as the methods of implementing the invention, will become clearer from the following embodiments described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings and detailed description, unless otherwise described, the same reference numerals will be understood to denote the same elements, features, and structures.

[0046] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. Unless otherwise clearly stated, any reference to the singular may include the plural. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, expressions such as “comprising” or “including” will be understood to indicate inclusion of the stated elements, but not exclusion of any other elements. Moreover, terms such as “unit” or “module” should be understood as a unit for performing at least one function or operation, and may be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a device for monitoring health according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a diagram showing photoplethysmography (PPG) signals before and after vascular occlusion.

[0048] The health monitoring device 100 is a device for monitoring vascular health and can be installed in electronic devices (such as smartphones, tablet PCs, desktop computers, laptop computers, etc.) or in medical devices used in specialized medical institutions. Alternatively, the health monitoring device 100 can be manufactured as a standalone hardware device, such as a wearable device worn on the object OBJ. Examples of wearable devices include wristwatch-type wearable devices, bracelet-type wearable devices, wristband-type wearable devices, ring-type wearable devices, eyeglass-type wearable devices, headband-type wearable devices, etc., but wearable devices are not limited to these.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 The device 100 for monitoring health includes a pulse wave sensor 110 and a processor 120.

[0050] The pulse wave sensor 110 can measure pulse wave signals, including PPG signals, from an object.

[0051] In this case, the object can be a body part that is in contact with or adjacent to the pulse wave sensor 110, and can be a body part where the pulse wave signal can be easily measured. For example, the object can be a skin area of ​​the wrist adjacent to the radial artery, or a skin area of ​​the body where veins or capillaries are located. However, the object is not limited to these, and can also be a distal part of the body (such as fingers, toes, etc., where blood vessels are dense).

[0052] The pulse wave sensor 110 may include: a light source that emits light onto an object to detect light signals from the object; and a detector that detects the scattered or reflected light when the light emitted by the light source is scattered or reflected from body tissue (such as the skin surface or blood vessels of the object). The light source may include, but is not limited to, a light-emitting diode (LED), a laser diode (LD), a phosphor, etc. The detector may include, but is not limited to, a photodiode, a phototransistor (PTr), an image sensor (e.g., a CMOS image sensor), etc. The pulse wave sensor 110 may have various structures (such as a structure including multiple light sources and one detector, or a structure including an array of paired light sources and detectors, etc.), without specific limitations.

[0053] The pulse wave sensor 110, under the control of the processor 120, can measure a first pulse wave signal from the object in a first contact state, and after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the pulse wave sensor 110 can measure a second pulse wave signal from the object in a second contact state. In this context, the first contact state represents the state prior to occlusion of a blood vessel in the object (e.g., a finger), in which a user in a stationary state touches the pulse wave sensor 110 with their finger and maintains a first pressure; the second contact state represents the state in which the user touches the pulse wave sensor 110 with the first pressure, gradually increases the pressure to a second pressure or higher to occlude the blood vessel in the finger, and after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the user gradually decreases the pressure to maintain the first pressure again. The first and / or second contact states may also include information about the contact location, contact time, etc., of the object.

[0054] For example, refer to Figure 2A The graph above shows the force / pressure applied by the finger to the pulse wave sensor 110 over time, and the graph below shows the pulse wave signal obtained by the pulse wave sensor 110 over time according to the change in force / pressure applied by the finger to the pulse wave sensor 110. The pulse wave sensor 110 can measure a first pulse wave signal when the finger is in contact with the pulse wave sensor 110 while maintaining a first pressure (at the interval before Ps); and the pulse wave sensor 110 can measure a second pulse wave signal when the finger applies a second pressure during a predetermined period (Ps to Pe) causing the blood vessels in the finger to become blocked, and then the pressure is reduced so that the first pressure is maintained again (at the interval after Pe). In this case, the first pressure and / or the second pressure can be predefined values ​​(e.g., default values) typically applied to multiple users, or they can be values ​​personalized (or determined) for each user through calibration.

[0055] In response to a health monitoring request, processor 120 may control pulse wave sensor 110 to acquire a first pulse wave signal and a second pulse wave signal from the object. The health monitoring request may be input by a user or may be generated at predetermined intervals. In response to the health monitoring request, processor 120 may perform control operations to guide the user (e.g., output information to guide the user) to touch pulse wave sensor 110 in a first contact state, and once pulse wave sensor 110 acquires the first pulse wave signal based on the first contact state, processor 120 may guide the user to touch pulse wave sensor 110 in a second contact state.

[0056] Additionally, when the processor 120 executes a control operation to guide the user into a first contact state, the processor 120 can monitor whether the alternating current (AC) component of the pulse wave signal (e.g., corresponding to a pulsation) is detected, and can guide the user back into the first contact state for a predetermined period of time. When the processor 120 executes a control operation to guide the user into a second contact state, and the object gradually increases the pressure on the pulse wave sensor 110, the processor 120 can monitor whether the AC component of the pulse wave signal is detected. In this case, if the AC component is detected, the processor 120 can determine that the blood vessel has not been blocked, and can increase the second pressure by a predetermined value and guide the user back into the second contact state based on the increased second pressure (e.g., outputting information to guide the user to gradually increase the pressure to the increased second pressure or higher to block the blood vessel). Furthermore, if the AC component of the pulse wave signal is not detected when the object increases the pressure applied to the pulse wave sensor 110 to the increased second pressure or higher, the processor 120 can guide the user to reduce the pressure and maintain the first pressure applied to the pulse wave sensor 110.

[0057] The PPG signal includes a pulsating component (or AC component) and a non-pulsating or relatively slowly varying component (or DC component). The AC component is associated with pulsating arteries and arterioles, while the DC component represents the constant uptake of non-pulsating tissues (such as venous blood, veins, non-pulsating arterial blood, etc.).

[0058] Once the first pulse wave signal and the second pulse wave signal are acquired, the processor 120 can preprocess the first pulse wave signal and the second pulse wave signal. For example, the processor 120 can perform preprocessing (such as filtering for noise removal, amplifying the pulse wave signal, converting the signal to a digital signal, smoothing, etc.).

[0059] Based on the object's first pulse wave signal, processor 120 can estimate the first blood volume in a quiescent state before vascular occlusion, and based on the object's second pulse wave signal, processor 120 can estimate the second blood volume when blood is concentrated and then flows all at once (e.g., after vascular occlusion).

[0060] Figure 2B This is a diagram illustrating examples of pulse wave signals obtained before and after vascular occlusion, wherein graph (1) shows the AC component of the pulse wave signal obtained from the finger before and after vascular occlusion when the upper arm is occluded and released using a cuff; graph (2) shows the AC component of the pulse wave signal obtained from the finger by a pulse wave sensor mounted in a mobile device when blood flow in the finger is occluded and released by pressing the finger with a pressure-guided pulse wave sensor. (Refer to...) Figure 2A and Figure 2B It can be seen that when the upper arm is occluded using a cuff, the waveforms of the pulse wave signals obtained from the finger before and after vascular occlusion are similar to those obtained from the pulse wave sensor before and after vascular occlusion when the pulse wave sensor is pressed using a finger based on pressure guidance from a mobile device to occlude blood flow in the finger. Based on this result, it can be estimated that the blood volume before vascular occlusion (B1) changes in a similar manner to the blood volume when blood flows after vascular occlusion (B2) when measured using a cuff and a pulse wave sensor.

[0061] Processor 120 can extract a first AC component from a first pulse wave signal obtained from an object (e.g., a finger) prior to vascular occlusion, and can estimate a first blood volume of blood flowing in the vessel prior to occlusion based on the first AC component. For example, processor 120 can extract a predetermined interval (or range) from the AC component of the first pulse wave signal prior to vascular occlusion. In this case, the predetermined interval can be the entire interval or a partial interval of the first pulse wave signal, and the partial interval can be a unit interval of a predetermined size. Processor 120 can extract the predetermined interval based on any point in the time interval of the first pulse wave signal (e.g., a midpoint, a point with the largest pulse wave amplitude, etc.).

[0062] Processor 120 can obtain the area of ​​the AC component in the extracted interval and can estimate the first blood volume based on the area value of the AC component or a value obtained by appropriately adjusting the area of ​​the AC component. For example, processor 120 can calculate the average value of the AC component of the entire interval of the first pulse wave signal based on the calculated area of ​​the AC component and can estimate the calculated average value as the first blood volume. Similarly, processor 120 can extract the second AC component from a second pulse wave signal obtained after occlusion of a blood vessel in the finger and can estimate the second blood volume based on the area of ​​the extracted second AC component in a predetermined interval. In this case, as described above, the predetermined interval can be the entire interval or a portion of the interval of the second pulse wave signal.

[0063] Upon obtaining the first blood volume and the second blood volume, the processor 120 can estimate the degree of vasodilation by using the first blood volume and the second blood volume. For example, the processor 120 can estimate the degree of vasodilation based on the difference between the first blood volume and the second blood volume, as shown by Equation 1 below, but is not limited thereto.

[0064] [Equation 1]

[0065]

[0066] Here, BD represents the estimated degree of vasodilation, and AC1 and AC2 represent the first and second blood volumes, respectively.

[0067] When estimating the degree of vasodilation, processor 120 can monitor vascular health based on the degree of vasodilation. For example, if the estimated degree of vasodilation is less than a predetermined threshold, processor 120 can determine that there is an abnormality in vascular function. Upon determining that there is an abnormality in vascular function, processor 120 can provide guidance information to the user regarding predetermined measures, or can provide information about the determination result to relevant medical institutions, relevant personnel, etc. However, the information is not limited to this, and by using estimated first and second blood volumes, the degree of vasodilation, etc., processor 120 can estimate biological information related to cardiovascular health (such as blood pressure, vascular age, arterial stiffness, aortic pressure waveform, vascular compliance, pressure index, fatigue level, etc.). In this case, processor 120 can estimate the biological information by using a biological information estimation model that defines the relationship between biological information and the first blood volume, second blood volume, degree of vasodilation, etc.

[0068] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating a device for monitoring health according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] Reference Figure 3 The device 300 for monitoring health includes a pulse wave sensor 310, a processor 320, an output interface 330, a storage device 340, and a communication interface 350.

[0070] The pulse wave sensor 310 includes one or more light sources and detectors, and can measure pulse wave signals from an object.

[0071] The processor 320 can control the pulse wave sensor 310 to monitor the user's vascular health, and can monitor the user's health by using the pulse wave signal obtained by the pulse wave sensor 310.

[0072] For example, to obtain a pulse wave signal prior to vascular occlusion in a user while at rest, processor 320 may perform operations (e.g., output information) to guide the user into a first contact state, and when pulse wave sensor 310 obtains a first pulse wave signal in the first contact state, processor 320 may estimate a first blood volume based on the area of ​​the AC component within a predetermined interval of the obtained first pulse wave signal. Furthermore, once the first pulse wave signal is obtained, to obtain a pulse wave signal after vascular occlusion, processor 320 may perform operations to guide the user into a second contact state, and when pulse wave sensor 310 obtains a second pulse wave signal in the second contact state, processor 320 may estimate a second blood volume based on the area of ​​the AC component within a predetermined interval of the obtained second pulse wave signal.

[0073] When estimating the first blood volume before vascular occlusion and the second blood volume after vascular occlusion, the processor 320 can estimate the degree of vasodilation based on the difference between the estimated first and second blood volumes, and can determine whether there is an abnormality in vascular function based on the estimated degree of vasodilation. For example, if the estimated degree of vasodilation is less than a predetermined threshold, the processor 320 can determine that there is an abnormality in vascular function and can provide information related to the abnormality in vascular function based on the determination result.

[0074] The output interface 330 can provide the processing results of the processor 320 by using a display, speaker and / or haptic device, etc.

[0075] For example, under the control of the processor 320, the output interface 330 can output text and / or images associated with the first and second contact states on the display. Furthermore, the output interface 330 can, together with or separately from the display, use an audio signal via a speaker to output the contact position and / or contact pressure in the first and second contact states. Additionally, the output interface 330 can provide information to the user, including a determination of abnormal vascular function, predetermined measures in response to the determination, etc. In this case, in response to the determination of abnormal vascular function, the output interface 330 can provide warning information to the user by appropriately using visual methods (such as color, font, thickness, etc. of text, images, etc.) and non-visual methods (such as touch, vibration, voice, etc.).

[0076] Storage device 340 may store the processing results of pulse wave sensor 310 and / or processor 320. Furthermore, storage device 340 may store various reference information related to monitoring health status. For example, reference information may include user characteristic information (such as the user's age, gender, presence or absence of disease, type of disease, etc.). Additionally, reference information may include one or more estimation models, thresholds, etc. However, the information is not limited to these.

[0077] In this case, the storage device 340 may include at least one of the following storage media: flash memory, hard disk memory, multimedia microcard memory, card memory (e.g., SD memory, XD memory, etc.), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic storage, magnetic disk, and optical disk, but is not limited thereto.

[0078] The communication interface 350 can communicate with external devices using wired or wireless communication technologies, and can send and receive various types of data from external devices. For example, the communication interface 350 can send information (such as determined results and / or predetermined actions in response to determined results) to external devices. For example, the communication interface 350 can send determined results and / or predetermined actions to a user's smartphone, tablet PC, desktop computer, laptop computer, medical institution's server, etc. Additionally, the communication interface 350 can send text messages including determined results and / or predetermined actions to the mobile terminals of the medical institution's head or the user's guardian.

[0079] In this context, examples of communication technologies may include Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Near Field Communication (NFC), WLAN, ZigBee, Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), Ultra Wideband (UWB), Ant+, WiFi, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), 3G, 4G, and 5G telecommunications. However, this is merely exemplary and not intended to be restrictive.

[0080] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating a device for monitoring health according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] Reference Figure 4 The device 400 for monitoring health includes a pulse wave sensor 410, a pressure sensor 420, a processor 430, and an output interface 440.

[0082] The pulse wave sensor 410 includes one or more light sources and detectors, and can measure pulse wave signals from a user's object.

[0083] When an object comes into contact with the pulse wave sensor 410, the pressure sensor 420 can measure the contact pressure between the object and the pulse wave sensor 410.

[0084] The processor 430 can control the pulse wave sensor 410 to monitor the user's vascular health, and can monitor the user's health by using the pulse wave signal obtained by the pulse wave sensor 410.

[0085] For example, to obtain a pulse wave signal prior to vascular occlusion of an object while the user is at rest, processor 430 may perform operations (e.g., providing information) to guide the user into a first contact state. In this case, processor 430 may receive the contact pressure of the object from pressure sensor 420 when the object is in contact with pulse wave sensor 410, and may guide the first contact state based on the received contact pressure. For example, by comparing a first pressure provided to the user in the first contact state with the actual contact pressure received from pressure sensor 420, processor 430 may guide the user to increase / decrease the contact pressure of the object in real time. In other words, processor 430 may perform operations to guide the user to increase the contact pressure based on determining that the contact pressure received from pressure sensor 420 is less than a first pressure, and to decrease the contact pressure based on determining that the contact pressure received from pressure sensor 420 is greater than a first pressure.

[0086] Once the first pulse wave signal is acquired, the processor 430 can perform operations to guide the user into a second contact state. Similarly, by comparing the second pressure provided for occlusion of the blood vessel with the actual contact pressure measured by the pressure sensor 420, the processor 430 can guide the user to increase / decrease the contact pressure of the object in real time. When it is determined that the blood vessel is occluded based on the actual contact pressure received from the pressure sensor 420, the processor 430 can guide the user to reduce the contact pressure to a first pressure, and can guide the user to maintain the first pressure based on the actual contact pressure received from the pressure sensor 420.

[0087] As described above, by guiding a first contact state or a second contact state, and by considering whether the AC component of the pulse wave signal, along with the actual contact pressure of the pressure sensor 420, is detected in the first or second contact state, the processor 430 can guide the user to maintain an optimal contact state before and after vascular occlusion.

[0088] The reference pressure can be a first pressure corresponding to a first contact state or a second pressure corresponding to a second contact state. The reference pressure can have a value that is generally applicable to multiple users, or it can have a personalized value obtained for each user at the calibration time.

[0089] For example, in response to a calibration request, processor 430 can update information about a first contact state and / or a second contact state by performing calibration for a specific user. The reference pressure can be preset to a value typically applicable at the time of manufacture of the device 400 for health monitoring. Subsequently, processor 430 can determine a personalized reference pressure for each user by the time when a user registers user information to use the device 400 for health monitoring, the time when a user irregularly requests calibration due to a change in object or based on a change in health status, or by performing calibration at predetermined intervals.

[0090] For example, to determine the initial pressure at the calibration time, processor 430 may perform operations to guide the user to apply no force when the object comes into contact with pulse wave sensor 410. If the AC component is not detected from the pulse wave signal after contact with the object, processor 430 may guide the user to gradually increase the pressure, and if the AC component of the pulse wave signal is detected as the user gradually increases the force, processor 430 may determine the contact pressure measured by pressure sensor 420 at this time as the initial pressure personalized for the user.

[0091] Furthermore, to determine the second pressure, the processor 430 can perform an operation to guide the user to increase the pressure to a predetermined pressure, and when the user gradually increases the pressure to the predetermined pressure while pressing the pulse wave sensor 410 with the object, if the AC component of the pulse wave signal is detected, the processor 430 can guide the user to increase the pressure again. This process is repeated until the AC component of the pulse wave signal is no longer detected. If the AC component of the pulse wave signal is not detected, the processor 430 can determine that the blood vessel in the object is blocked, and can determine the contact pressure measured by the pressure sensor 420 at this time as the second pressure personalized for the user. In this case, the predetermined pressure can be a preset pressure value (e.g., a commonly used default second pressure value or the user's systolic blood pressure value, but not limited to these).

[0092] Once the pulse wave sensor 410 acquires a first pulse wave signal in the first contact state, the processor 430 can estimate the first blood volume based on the area of ​​the first AC component within a predetermined interval of the acquired first pulse wave signal. Furthermore, once the first pulse wave signal is acquired, the processor 430 can guide the user to a second contact state to acquire a pulse wave signal after vascular occlusion. Once the pulse wave sensor 410 acquires a second pulse wave signal in the second contact state, the processor 430 can estimate the second blood volume based on the area of ​​the second AC component within a predetermined interval of the second pulse wave signal.

[0093] Furthermore, based on the difference between the reference pressure and the actual contact pressure measured by the pressure sensor 420, the processor 430 can correct the area of ​​the AC component of the pulse wave signal measured by the pulse wave sensor 410. For example, based on the difference between the first pressure and the actual contact pressure at the measurement time of the first pulse wave signal, the processor 430 can correct the area of ​​the first AC component by applying a predefined first correction value to calculate an equation. Similarly, based on the difference between the first pressure and the actual contact pressure at the measurement time of the second pulse wave signal, the processor 430 can correct the area of ​​the second AC component by applying a predefined second correction value to calculate an equation.

[0094] When estimating the first blood volume before vascular occlusion and the second blood volume after vascular occlusion, the processor 430 can estimate the degree of vasodilation based on the change between the estimated first and second blood volumes, and can determine whether there is an abnormality in vascular function based on the estimated degree of vasodilation. For example, if the estimated degree of vasodilation is less than a predetermined threshold, the processor 430 can determine that there is an abnormality in vascular function and can provide guidance information based on the determination result.

[0095] The output interface 440 can provide the processing results of the processor 430 using a display, speaker, and / or haptic device. The output interface 440 can output guidance information regarding a first contact state and / or a second contact state based on guidance from the processor 430. In this case, the output interface 440 can simultaneously output the actual contact pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 420 and a reference pressure (first pressure or second pressure), allowing for visual comparison of the pressure values, or outputting information indicating increase / decrease based on the difference between the reference pressure and the actual contact pressure. Furthermore, as described above, the output interface 440 can output health monitoring information related to vascular function.

[0096] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for monitoring health according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 It is based on Figure 1 and Figure 3 Examples of methods for monitoring health performed by devices 100 and 300 for monitoring health are provided below. Since a detailed description has been given above, a brief description will be given below to avoid redundancy.

[0097] Reference Figure 5In 510, the device for monitoring health can guide the user into a first contact state. In this case, the first contact state represents the state used to measure pulse wave signals before vascular occlusion in the object, when the user is at rest, and may include information about the contact location and / or a first pressure. The first pressure represents a minimum contact pressure at which the AC component of the pulse wave signal is detected when the object is in contact with the pulse wave sensor without applying force.

[0098] Then, in 520, the device for monitoring health can obtain the first pulse wave signal of the object in the first contact state by using a pulse wave sensor. In this case, the device for monitoring health can verify whether the AC component of the first pulse wave signal is detected before the blood vessel is occluded, and if the AC component of the first pulse wave signal is not detected, the device for monitoring health can perform operation 510 again.

[0099] Subsequently, in step 530, once the first pulse wave signal is obtained, the device used for health monitoring can guide a second contact state. The second contact state is characterized by a state in which the pressure increases to a second pressure or higher, causing blood vessels in the object to be occluded, and after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the blood vessels were occluded, the pressure decreases again to the first pressure, allowing the first pressure to be maintained once more.

[0100] Next, in step 540, the health monitoring device can obtain a second pulse wave signal of the object in the second contact state by using a pulse wave sensor. In this case, after initiating the second pressure, the health monitoring device can verify whether the AC component of the pulse wave signal is not detected to identify vascular occlusion, and if the pulse wave signal is continuously detected, the health monitoring device can instruct the user to increase the contact pressure to be greater than the second pressure.

[0101] Then, at 550, the device for monitoring health can extract a first AC component and a second AC component from each of the first and second pulse wave signals, and at 560, the degree of vasodilation can be estimated based on the extracted first and second AC components. The device for monitoring health can obtain the area of ​​the first AC component within a predetermined interval and can estimate a first blood volume based on the obtained area. Furthermore, the device for monitoring health can obtain the area of ​​the second AC component within a predetermined interval and can estimate a second blood volume based on the obtained area. Additionally, the device for monitoring health can estimate the degree of vasodilation based on the change between the first and second blood volumes.

[0102] Subsequently, in 570, the device for monitoring health can monitor vascular health based on the degree of vasodilation. For example, if the estimated degree of vasodilation is less than a predetermined threshold, the device for monitoring health can determine that there is an abnormality in vascular function and can perform one or more predetermined actions. For example, the device for monitoring health can provide guidance information to the user (such as determining the outcome, health status, and / or predetermined actions in response to the determined outcome), or can send a text message including this information to relevant medical institutions, relevant personnel, etc., to provide information about the user's health status.

[0103] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for monitoring health according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] Figure 6 It is based on Figure 4 Examples of health monitoring methods performed by the device 400 for monitoring health in the embodiments of the present invention are given in brief below.

[0105] Reference Figure 6 In step 611, the health monitoring device 400 guides the user into a first contact state. Then, in step 612, when the object contacts the pulse wave sensor according to the guidance in the first contact state, the health monitoring device 400 compares the actual pressure measured by the pressure sensor when the object contacts the pulse wave sensor in the first contact state with a first pressure. During the comparison, if the measured actual pressure exceeds the first pressure, the health monitoring device 400 can return to step 611 and guide the user to apply the first pressure again to be in the first contact state.

[0106] Subsequently, during the comparison in 612, if the measured actual pressure is less than or equal to the first pressure, then in 613, the device 400 for monitoring health can obtain the first pulse wave signal by using a pulse wave sensor.

[0107] Next, once a first pulse wave signal is obtained in the first contact state at 613, in 614, the health monitoring device 400 can guide a second pressure in the second contact state, causing the blood vessels in the object to be blocked. In 615, whether the blood vessels in the object are blocked can be monitored by comparing the actual pressure measured by the pressure sensor with the second pressure. During the comparison, if the measured actual pressure is not greater than or equal to the second pressure, the health monitoring device 400 can determine that the blood vessels are not blocked, and the operation of guiding the second contact state at 614 can be performed again.

[0108] When comparing at 615, if the measured actual pressure is greater than or equal to the second pressure, the health monitoring device 400 determines that the blood vessel is blocked, and at 616, the user is guided to reduce the pressure and then maintain the first pressure again. Then, at 617, the health monitoring device 400 compares the actual pressure measured by the pressure sensor with the first pressure. During the comparison, if the measured actual pressure exceeds the first pressure, at 616, the health monitoring device 400 again guides the user to maintain the second contact state.

[0109] Subsequently, when comparing in 617, if the actual contact pressure of the object is kept less than or equal to the first pressure, then in 618, the health monitoring device 400 can obtain a second pulse wave signal by using a pulse wave sensor.

[0110] Next, at 619, the health monitoring device 400 can extract a first AC component and a second AC component from each of the first and second pulse wave signals, and at 620, the degree of vasodilation can be estimated based on the extracted first and second AC components. The health monitoring device 400 can estimate a first blood volume and a second blood volume based on the area of ​​the first AC component and the area of ​​the second AC component within a predetermined interval, and can estimate the degree of vasodilation based on the change between the first and second blood volumes. In this case, the health monitoring device 400 can correct the area of ​​the first AC component and the area of ​​the second AC component based on the difference between the actual contact pressure measured by the pressure sensor at the time the first and second pulse wave signals are acquired and the first pressure.

[0111] Then, in step 621, the health monitoring device 400 can monitor vascular health based on the degree of vasodilation. For example, if the degree of vasodilation is less than a predetermined threshold, the health monitoring device 400 can determine that there is an abnormality in vascular function and can perform predetermined measures based on the determination.

[0112] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for monitoring health according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an example of determining the reference pressure. Figure 9 It is shown Figure 7 A flowchart of another example of determining the reference pressure. Figures 7 to 9 The method can be from Figure 4 Other examples of the health monitoring device 400 that are performed are briefly described below.

[0113] In 710, the device 400 for monitoring health can determine a reference pressure (e.g., a first pressure and a second pressure).

[0114] For example, refer to Figure 8 The device 400 for monitoring health can determine the first pressure used to obtain a pulse wave signal before a blood vessel is blocked when the subject is at rest.

[0115] In 810, the device 400 for monitoring health can guide the contact state of an object. For example, when the object is in contact with a pulse wave sensor, the device 400 for monitoring health can guide the object without applying force.

[0116] Then, in 820, the device 400 for monitoring health can measure pulse wave signals and contact pressure by using a pulse wave sensor and a pressure sensor.

[0117] Subsequently, in 830, if no pulse wave signal is obtained from the object in the current contact state, the health monitoring device 400 may repeatedly guide the user to slightly increase or decrease the pressing pressure applied by the object to the pulse wave sensor in operation 810, and measure the pulse wave signal and contact pressure in operation 820.

[0118] Next, once a pulse wave signal is obtained by repeating operations 810 to 830, in 840, the health monitoring device 400 can determine the contact pressure at this time as the first pressure in the first contact state. In this way, the health monitoring device 400 can determine a personalized first contact pressure for each user or for each object of the user by reflecting user characteristics.

[0119] In another example, refer to Figure 9 The device 400 for monitoring health can determine the second pressure of blood vessels in an object to be occluded.

[0120] In 910, the health monitoring device 400 can guide a user to a predetermined contact pressure on an object. In this case, the predetermined contact pressure can be a predefined second pressure value that is generally usable or the user's systolic blood pressure value, but is not limited to this.

[0121] Then, in 920, the health monitoring device 400 can measure pulse wave signals and contact pressure by using a pulse wave sensor and a pressure sensor.

[0122] Subsequently, in 930, if a pulse wave signal is obtained while a predetermined contact pressure is applied, the health monitoring device 400 can determine that the blood vessel has not been blocked, and in 940, the contact pressure can be increased by a predetermined value (e.g., 0.5), and then the operation 910 for guiding the user can be returned.

[0123] Next, if no pulse wave signal is obtained in 930, then in 950, the health monitoring device 400 can determine the contact pressure measured in 920 as a second pressure. The pressure required for occluding the blood vessel can be different for each user or for each individual user, such that by repeating operations 910 to 930, the health monitoring device 400 can determine a personalized second pressure for each user or for each individual user.

[0124] Return to reference Figure 7 In response to a request to monitor vascular health, the health monitoring device 400 can acquire a first pulse wave signal and a second pulse wave signal based on a reference pressure determined in 710, and in 720 can estimate the degree of vasodilation based on the acquired first and second pulse wave signals. Then, in 730, the health monitoring device 400 can monitor the health status based on the degree of vasodilation. Subsequently, in 740, the health monitoring device 400 can provide the user with health monitoring results.

[0125] Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a mobile device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0126] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the mobile device 1000 may be a smartphone or tablet PC that can be carried by the user, but is not limited to these, and may be a wearable device that can be worn on the user's body parts.

[0127] Reference Figure 10 The mobile device 1000 includes a main body 1010 and a sensor unit 1030 disposed on one surface of the main body 1010. The sensor unit 1030 includes a pulse wave sensor, which includes one or more light sources 1031 and a detector 1032. Figure 10 As shown, the sensor unit 1030 may be mounted on the rear surface of the body 1010, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured in combination with a fingerprint sensor or touch panel mounted on the front surface of the body 1010.

[0128] Additionally, the display 1040 can be mounted on the front surface of the main body 1010. The display 1040 can visually display health monitoring results, etc. The display 1040 may include a touch panel and can receive various information input through the touch panel and send the received information to the processor.

[0129] Furthermore, the image sensor 1020 can be installed in the main body 1010. When a user's finger approaches the sensor unit 1030 to measure the pulse wave signal, the image sensor 1020 can capture an image of the finger and send the captured image to the processor. In this case, based on the image of the finger, the processor can identify the relative position of the finger with respect to the actual position of the sensor unit 1030, and can provide the user with the relative position of the finger via a display, so as to guide the measurement of the pulse wave signal with improved accuracy.

[0130] The processor is electrically connected to the sensor unit 1030 and can control the sensor unit 1030 in response to a request to monitor vascular health. To obtain a pulse wave signal from the object prior to vascular occlusion, the processor can guide the user to touch the sensor unit 1030 with the object using a first pressure. Furthermore, to obtain a pulse wave signal when the blood vessel reopens after vascular occlusion, the processor can guide the user to touch the sensor unit 1030 with the object using a second pressure, and after a predetermined period has elapsed and / or when predetermined conditions are met (e.g., vascular occlusion is detected), the processor can guide the user to touch the sensor unit 1040 again with the first pressure.

[0131] Based on the area of ​​the AC component of each pulse wave signal before and after vascular occlusion, the processor can estimate the degree of vasodilation and monitor vascular health based on the estimated degree of vasodilation. For example, if the estimated degree of vasodilation is less than a predetermined threshold, the processor can determine that there is an abnormality in vascular function and can monitor it through methods such as... Figure 11 The display 1040 shown displays health monitoring information (including measures in response to determining the results).

[0132] In addition, the communication interface is used to communicate with the user's mobile terminal, the user's guardian, or external devices (such as servers in medical institutions). The communication interface can send health monitoring results to external devices, enabling timely action to be taken for the user.

[0133] Additionally, a storage device can be installed in the main body 1010, and the processor can store the processing results in the storage device. Furthermore, various information related to the various functions of the smart device can be stored in the storage device.

[0134] This invention can be implemented as computer-readable code written on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium can be any type of recording device that stores data in a computer-readable manner.

[0135] Examples of computer-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic disk, floppy disk, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves (e.g., data transmission over the Internet). Computer-readable recording media can be distributed across multiple networked computer systems, allowing computer-readable code to be written therein and executed from them in a distributed manner. Furthermore, programmers skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can readily derive the functional programs, code, and code segments required to implement this invention.

[0136] The invention has been described herein with reference to preferred embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without altering the technical concept and essential features of this disclosure. Therefore, it is clear that the above embodiments are illustrative in all respects and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparatus for monitoring health, the apparatus comprising: a pulse wave sensor configured to obtain a first pulse wave signal in a first contact state and a second pulse wave signal in a second contact state from a subject; and a processor configured to estimate a degree of vasodilation based on an alternating current component of each of the first pulse wave signal and the second pulse wave signal, and monitor a vascular health condition based on the estimated degree of vasodilation, wherein the processor is further configured to correct an area of a first alternating current component detected from the first pulse wave signal based on a difference between a measured actual pressure at a measurement time of the first pulse wave signal and the first pressure, correct an area of a second alternating current component detected from the second pulse wave signal based on a difference between a measured actual pressure at a measurement time of the second pulse wave signal and the first pressure, estimate a first blood volume based on the area of the first alternating current component, estimate a second blood volume based on the area of the second alternating current component, and estimate the degree of vasodilation based on a difference between the first blood volume and the second blood volume, and wherein the first contact state represents a state in which the subject touches the pulse wave sensor and maintains the first pressure, and the second contact state represents a state in which the subject touches the pulse wave sensor with the first pressure, gradually increases the pressure to the second pressure or higher, and, after a predetermined period elapses, gradually decreases the pressure to maintain the first pressure again.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the pulse wave sensor comprises: a light source configured to emit light onto the subject; and a detector configured to detect light reflected or scattered from the subject. 3.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: in response to a request for monitoring health, the processor guides the first contact state to guide the user to touch the pulse wave sensor with the subject and maintain the first pressure; and after a predetermined period elapses, the processor guides the second contact state to guide the subject to increase the pressure on the pulse wave sensor to the second pressure or higher, and then decrease the pressure and maintain the first pressure again.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, in response to an alternating current component of the pulse wave signal not being detected while being guided to the first contact state, the processor guides the first contact state again.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, in response to an alternating current component of the pulse wave signal being detected while being guided to the second contact state, the processor increases the second pressure and then guides the second contact state again.

6. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a pressure sensor configured to measure a contact pressure when the subject is in contact with the pulse wave sensor, wherein the processor guides the first contact state and the second contact state based on the contact pressure of the subject obtained by the pressure sensor.

7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, each of the first pressure and the second pressure has at least one of a preset universal value and a value personalized for each user.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein, the processor guides the user to touch the pulse wave sensor with the subject while the user is in a stationary state, and determines the first pressure personalized for the user based on whether an alternating current component of the pulse wave signal is detected while the subject is in contact with the pulse wave sensor.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein, the processor guides the user to increase the pressure to a predetermined pressure, and determines the second pressure personalized for the user by gradually increasing the pressure based on an alternating current component of the pulse wave signal being detected.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, In response to the estimated degree of vasodilation being less than a predetermined threshold, the processor determines that there is an abnormality in the vascular function.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: The output interface is configured to output the monitoring information of the vascular health condition. 12.A computer-readable storage medium storing a program which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform a method of monitoring health, the method comprising: obtaining a first pulse wave signal of a subject in a first contact state; obtaining a second pulse wave signal of the subject in a second contact state; estimating a degree of vasodilation based on an alternating current component of each of the first pulse wave signal and the second pulse wave signal; and monitoring a vascular health condition based on the estimated degree of vasodilation, wherein the step of estimating the degree of vasodilation based on the alternating current component of each of the first pulse wave signal and the second pulse wave signal comprises correcting an area of a first alternating current component detected from the first pulse wave signal based on a difference between a measured actual pressure at a measurement time of the first pulse wave signal and the first pressure, correcting an area of a second alternating current component detected from the second pulse wave signal based on a difference between a measured actual pressure at a measurement time of the second pulse wave signal and the first pressure, estimating a first blood volume based on the area of the first alternating current component, estimating a second blood volume based on the area of the second alternating current component, and estimating the degree of vasodilation based on a difference between the first blood volume and the second blood volume, and wherein the first contact state represents a state in which the subject touches the pulse wave sensor and maintains the first pressure, and the second contact state represents a state in which the subject touches the pulse wave sensor at the first pressure, gradually increases the pressure to the second pressure or higher, and, after a predetermined period elapses, gradually decreases the pressure to maintain the first pressure again.

13. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein, The method further comprises: in response to a request to monitor health, guiding the first contact state to guide the user to touch the pulse wave sensor with the subject and maintain the first pressure; and after a predetermined period elapses, guiding the second contact state to guide the subject to increase the pressure to the pulse wave sensor to the second pressure or higher, and then decrease the pressure and maintain the first pressure again.

14. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein, In response to the alternating current component of the pulse wave signal not being detected while guiding to the first contact state, the first contact state is guided again.

15. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein, In response to the alternating current component of the pulse wave signal being continuously detected while guiding to the second contact state, the second pressure is increased, and then the second contact state is guided again.

16. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein, The steps of guiding the first contact state and the second contact state comprise guiding the first contact state and the second contact state based on a contact pressure of the subject obtained by the pressure sensor.

17. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein, The method further comprises: guiding the user to touch the pulse wave sensor with the subject while the user is in a stationary state; and determining the first pressure personalized for the user based on whether the alternating current component of the pulse wave signal is detected when the subject is in contact with the pulse wave sensor.

18. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein, The method further comprises: guiding the user to increase the pressure to a predetermined pressure; and based on the alternating current component of the pulse wave signal being detected, determining the second pressure personalized for the user by gradually increasing the pressure.

19. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein, The step of monitoring the health condition includes determining that there is an abnormality in the function of the blood vessel in response to the estimated degree of vasodilation being less than a predetermined threshold.

20. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein, The method further includes outputting the monitoring information of the health condition of the blood vessel.

21. A mobile device comprising: a main body; a pulse wave sensor mounted in the main body and configured to obtain a first pulse wave signal before occlusion of a blood vessel in a subject and to obtain a second pulse wave signal after occlusion of the blood vessel in the subject; a processor mounted in the main body and configured to extract respective alternating components from the first and second pulse wave signals and to monitor a health condition of the blood vessel based on the extracted respective alternating components; and a display configured to output a result of the processing of the processor on the display, wherein the processor is further configured to correct an area of the first alternating component detected from the first pulse wave signal based on a difference between a measured actual pressure at a measurement time of the first pulse wave signal and the first pressure, to correct an area of the second alternating component detected from the second pulse wave signal based on a difference between a measured actual pressure at a measurement time of the second pulse wave signal and the first pressure, to estimate a first blood volume based on the area of the first alternating component, to estimate a second blood volume based on the area of the second alternating component, to estimate a degree of vasodilation based on a difference between the first blood volume and the second blood volume, and to monitor the health condition of the blood vessel based on the estimated degree of vasodilation, and wherein, to measure the first pulse wave signal before occlusion of the blood vessel, the processor guides the user to touch the pulse wave sensor with the subject and to maintain a contact pressure of the first pressure, and, to measure the second pulse wave signal after occlusion of the blood vessel, the processor guides the subject to increase a pressure on the pulse wave sensor to a second pressure or higher, and then to decrease the pressure and to maintain the first pressure again.

22. The mobile device of claim 21, wherein, In response to the estimated degree of vasodilation being less than a predetermined threshold, the processor determines that there is an abnormality in the function of the blood vessel, and the display displays a measure responsive to the determination on the display.

23. The mobile device of claim 21, further comprising: a communication interface configured to communicate with an external device, wherein, in response to the estimated degree of vasodilation being less than a predetermined threshold, the processor determines that there is an abnormality in the function of the blood vessel, and the communication interface transmits health monitoring information including a measure responsive to the determination to the external device.

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