ECG measuring device

Abstract

The electrocardiogram (ECG) measuring device of the present invention includes: a sensor capable of measuring an ECG waveform; an LED display; and a control unit that controls the sensor to perform measurement processing of the ECG waveform, and in the measurement processing, controls the LED display to blink, wherein when the control unit blinks the LED display during the measurement of the ECG waveform performed by the sensor, the brightness of the LED display changes with respect to time at a predetermined or higher slope.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field related to health care, and in particular relates to an electrocardiogram measuring device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, it has become popular to measure personal body / health-related information (hereinafter also referred to as biological information) such as blood pressure values ​​and electrocardiogram waveforms using measuring equipment, and to manage health by recording and analyzing the measurement results using information terminals.

[0003] As an example of such a measuring device, a portable electrocardiogram measuring device has been proposed that can immediately measure the electrocardiogram waveform when abnormalities such as chest pain and palpitations occur in daily life, with the expectation that it will contribute to the early detection and appropriate treatment of heart disease (e.g., Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-420

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-105316 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] Patent document 1 describes a portable electrocardiogram measuring device that includes a sensor unit, a control unit, an input unit, a display unit, and a timing unit in a main body, and performs the measurement of electrocardiogram waveforms, the display of the measurement process, the display of the analysis results, and the storage of the results in the same main body. On the other hand, Patent document 2 describes a method that includes a display unit including an LED in the main body of such a portable biological information measuring device, and displays the state information during the measurement or the measured biological information by lighting up or flashing the LED. By displaying information in such a method, the structure of the display unit of the portable device can be miniaturized or simplified, and the convenience of the portable device can be improved.

[0010] However, in accurate electrocardiogram measurement, the psychological stability of the user during measurement is important. When such a method is used in an electrocardiogram measurement device, the lighting / flashing action of the LED may cause potential anxiety and have an adverse effect on the user's psychology, which may affect the accurate electrocardiogram measurement.

[0011] In view of the above-mentioned prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of measuring electrocardiogram with high accuracy while suppressing the sense of uneasiness caused to the user.

[0012] Technical Solution

[0013] In order to solve the above problems, the electrocardiogram measuring device of the present invention comprises:

[0014] A sensor capable of measuring an electrocardiogram waveform; an LED display unit; and a control unit that controls the sensor to perform a measurement process of the electrocardiogram waveform, and during the measurement process, controls the LED display unit to flash, wherein the electrocardiogram measuring device is characterized in that:

[0015] The control unit controls so that, when the LED display unit is blinked during measurement of the electrocardiographic waveform by the sensor, the brightness of the LED display unit is changed with respect to time at a slope greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0016] According to such a configuration, when notifying the user by blinking the LED during electrocardiogram measurement, the LED can be blinked with a smooth change in brightness, thereby reducing the psychological burden on the user and suppressing adverse effects on electrocardiogram measurement.

[0017] Furthermore, the change in brightness of the LED display portion with a slope greater than or equal to a predetermined value with respect to time may be in the shape of a triangular wave or a semicircular wave.

[0018] Furthermore, the control unit may apply voltage to the LED display unit at a period synchronized with the heart rate of the measured object. If so, the user who is being measured can be expected to be more psychologically stable by the LED flashing in a rhythm synchronized with his or her heart rate.

[0019] Furthermore, the control unit may apply voltage to the LED display unit at a cycle of 40 to 60 times per minute. Furthermore, the control unit may apply voltage to the LED display unit in such a manner that the lighting time of the LED display unit is longer than the extinguishing time.

[0020] Furthermore, the electrocardiogram measuring device may be a portable electrocardiogram measuring device.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrocardiogram measuring device capable of measuring electrocardiograms with high accuracy while suppressing the feeling of uneasiness caused to the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 It is a six-sided diagram showing the structure of the portable electrocardiogram measuring device according to the embodiment. Figure 1 (A) is a front view showing the structure of the portable electrocardiograph according to the embodiment. Figure 1 (B) is a rear view showing the structure of the portable electrocardiogram measuring device according to the embodiment. Figure 1 (C) is a left side view showing the structure of the portable electrocardiogram measuring device according to the embodiment. Figure 1 (D) is a right side view showing the structure of the portable electrocardiogram measurement device according to the embodiment. Figure 1 (E) is a plan view showing the structure of the portable electrocardiogram measurement device according to the embodiment. Figure 1 (F) is a bottom view showing the structure of the portable electrocardiogram measuring device according to the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a block diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the portable electrocardiogram measurement device according to the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing the flow of electrocardiographic waveform measurement processing in the portable electrocardiographic measurement device according to the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing a waveform of a lighting pattern of an LED indicating a measurement state in the portable electrocardiogram measurement device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] <Implementation Method 1>

[0028] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the present embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to these.

[0029] (Electrocardiogram measuring device)

[0030] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a portable electrocardiograph 10 according to the present embodiment. Figure 1 (A) is a front view showing the front of the main body. Similarly, Figure 1 (B) is the rear view. Figure 1 (C) is the left side view. Figure 1 (D) is the right side view. Figure 1 (E) is the top view, Figure 1 (F) is a bottom view.

[0031] The bottom surface of the portable electrocardiograph 10 is provided with a left electrode 12a that contacts the left side of the body during electrocardiograph measurement, and the upper surface side of the opposite side is provided with a first right electrode 12b that contacts the fingertip of the right index finger; and a second right electrode 12c that contacts the middle section of the right index finger. It should be noted that the first right electrode 12b is an electrode that realizes the function of a GND (ground) electrode.

[0032] When measuring the electrocardiogram, the portable electrocardiogram 10 is held with the right hand, and the right index finger is placed on the upper surface of the portable electrocardiogram 10 in a manner that it is in direct contact with the first right electrode 12b and the second right electrode 12c. On this basis, the left electrode is brought into contact with a portion of the skin corresponding to the desired measurement method. For example, when measuring by so-called I induction, the left electrode is brought into close contact with the palm of the left hand, and when measuring by so-called V4 induction, the left electrode is brought into contact with the skin slightly to the left of the pit of the stomach / below the nipple of the left chest.

[0033] In addition, various operation parts and indicators are arranged on the left side of the portable electrocardiograph 10. Specifically, they include a power switch 16, a power LED 16a, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication button 17, a BLE communication LED 17a, a memory remaining amount display LED 18, and a battery replacement LED 19.

[0034] Furthermore, a measurement status notification LED 13 and an analysis result notification LED 14 are provided on the front surface of the portable electrocardiograph 10 , and a battery storage port and a battery cover 15 are provided on the back surface of the portable electrocardiograph 10 .

[0035] In addition, Figure 2 A block diagram showing the functional structure of the portable electrocardiograph 10 is recorded in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the portable electrocardiograph 10 is configured to include various functional units such as a control unit 101, an electrode unit 12, an amplifier 102, an AD (Analog to Digital) conversion unit 103, a timing unit 104, a storage unit 105, a display unit 106, an operation unit 107, a power supply unit 108, a communication unit 109, and an analysis unit 110.

[0036] The control unit 101 is a unit responsible for controlling the portable electrocardiograph 10, and is configured to include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) etc. When the control unit 101 receives a user's operation via the operation unit 107, it controls each component of the portable electrocardiograph 10 in a manner that performs various processes such as electrocardiograph measurement and information communication according to a prescribed program. It should be noted that the prescribed program is stored in the storage unit 105 described later and is read from there.

[0037] The control unit 101 also includes an analysis unit 110 for analyzing an electrocardiogram waveform as a functional block. The analysis unit 110 analyzes the measured electrocardiogram waveform to determine whether the waveform is disturbed, and outputs at least a result of whether the measured electrocardiogram waveform is normal.

[0038] The electrode unit 12 is composed of a left electrode 12a, a first right electrode 12b, and a second right electrode 12c, and functions as a sensor for detecting an electrocardiogram waveform. The amplifier 102 has a function of amplifying a signal output from the electrode unit 12. The AD converter 103 has a function of converting an analog signal amplified by the amplifier 102 into a digital signal and transmitting it to the control unit 101.

[0039] The timer section 104 has a function of measuring time with reference to an RTC (Real Time Clock). As will be described later, for example, in the case of electrocardiographic measurement, the time until the measurement is completed is measured and the time is output.

[0040] The storage unit 105 includes a main storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and stores various information such as application programs, measured electrocardiographic waveforms, and analysis results. In addition to the RAM, a long-term storage medium such as a flash memory may be provided.

[0041] The display unit 106 is configured to include the above-mentioned power LED 16a, BLE communication LED 17a, memory remaining display LED 18, and battery replacement LED 19, etc., and transmits the status of the device to the user by lighting or flashing the LEDs. In addition, the operation unit 107 includes the power switch 16 and the communication button 17, etc., and has the function of accepting input operations from the user and executing processing corresponding to the operations in the control unit 101.

[0042] The power supply unit 108 is configured to include a battery that supplies power required for the operation of the device. The battery may be, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery, or may be a primary battery.

[0043] The communication unit 109 includes an antenna for wireless communication and has at least a function of communicating with other devices such as an information processing terminal by BLE communication. Alternatively, a terminal for wired communication may be provided.

[0044] (Electrocardiogram measurement processing using a portable electrocardiograph)

[0045] Next, based on Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The operation of the portable electrocardiograph 10 when performing electrocardiographic measurement will be described. Figure 3 1 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing when the portable electrocardiograph 10 is used to perform electrocardiograph measurement.

[0046] Before measurement, the user first operates the power switch 16 to turn on the power of the portable electrocardiograph 10. In this way, the power LED lights up, indicating that the power is on. Then, the portable electrocardiograph 10 is held with the right hand, and the index finger of the right hand contacts 12b and 12c, and 12a contacts the skin of the part to be measured. In this way, the control unit 101 detects the contact state through the electrode unit 12 (S1101), and performs a process to determine whether a prescribed time has passed while the electrode is properly contacted (S1102). Here, if the control unit 101 determines that the prescribed time has not passed, the same process is repeated until the prescribed time has passed. If it is determined that the prescribed time has passed, it proceeds to step S1103 to perform actual electrocardiograph measurement.

[0047] During the electrocardiogram measurement, the control unit 101 stores the measured values ​​at any time in the storage unit 105, and flashes the measurement status notification LED 13 on the front of the main body at a predetermined rhythm, thereby indicating that the electrocardiogram measurement is in progress (S1104). Figure 4 The blinking of the measurement status notification LED 13 will be described in detail. Figure 4 The waveforms shown show a scheme of applying voltage to the measurement status notification LED 13 .

[0048] Generally speaking, for accurate ECG measurement, the user's psychological stability during measurement is important. Figure 4 When a voltage is applied to the LED to make it flash, the LED turns on and off quickly, and flashes back and forth. If the LED flashes like a warning light, it may cause a sense of uneasiness or tension in the user who sees the flashing. If the user is measured in such a psychological state, the ECG measurement may not be correct.

[0049] Therefore, in the portable electrocardiograph 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 101 is shown as an example. Figure 4 A waveform in the shape of a triangular wave as shown in A and B; or Figure 4 The brightness of the measurement status notification LED 13 is controlled to change with a slope greater than a predetermined value with respect to time, as in the semicircular waveform shown in C, thereby causing the LED to flash smoothly. Figure 4 B. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1C, the control unit 101 may control the measurement status notification LED 13 to flash in such a way that the lighting time is longer than the extinguishing time. Thus, even if the user sees the flashing of the LED notifying that the electrocardiogram measurement is in progress, it is difficult for the user to feel uneasy, which can help to measure the electrocardiogram correctly. In addition, it may be set to flash in a cycle synchronized with the user's heart rate during measurement.

[0050] Returning to the description of the process flow of the electrocardiogram measurement, the control unit 101 performs a process of determining whether the electrocardiogram measurement time has passed a prescribed measurement time (e.g., 30 seconds) in step S1105. Here, if it is determined that the prescribed time has not passed, the process returns to step S1103 and the subsequent processes are repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the prescribed measurement time has passed, the measurement is terminated, and a process of stopping the flashing of the measurement status notification LED 13 is performed (step S1106).

[0051] Next, the analysis unit 110 of the control unit 101 analyzes the measurement data (ECG waveform) stored in the storage unit 105 (S1107), and the analysis result is stored in the long-term storage device together with the ECG waveform (S1108). Then, the control unit 101 displays the analysis result through the analysis result notification LED 14 (S1109), and a series of processes are terminated. It should be noted that the display of the analysis result can be, for example, by lighting the LED only when an abnormality is observed in the ECG waveform, or by lighting the LED in a lighting / flashing method corresponding to the analysis result.

[0052] According to the portable electrocardiograph 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the LED indicating that electrocardiogram measurement is in progress flashes with a smooth change in brightness, thereby suppressing the user's sense of uneasiness.

[0053] <Others>

[0054] The above-mentioned description of each embodiment is merely an exemplary description of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specific embodiments. The present invention can be variously modified and combined within the scope of its technical concept.

[0055] For example, various notifications using the lighting or flashing of LEDs can also be displayed by changing the display color of the LEDs. According to such a configuration, the notification content can also be diversified.

[0056] Furthermore, the portable electrocardiograph of the above-described embodiment is configured to have a BLE communication function, but the communication function is not an essential configuration, and the portable electrocardiograph may be configured to have no communication function.

[0057] Description of Reference Numerals

[0058] 10…Portable ECG

[0059] 13...Measurement status notification LED

[0060] 14……Analysis result notification LED

[0061] 15...Battery cover

[0062] 16...Power switch

[0063] 16a...Power LED

[0064] 17... Communication button

[0065] 17a...BLE communication LED

[0066] 18...Memory remaining display LED

[0067] 19...Battery replacement LED

Claims

1. An electrocardiogram measuring device, comprising: A sensor capable of measuring an electrocardiogram waveform; an LED display unit; and a control unit that controls the sensor to perform a measurement process of the electrocardiogram waveform, and during the measurement process, controls the LED display unit to flash, wherein The control unit controls the LED display unit to change its brightness with respect to time at a slope greater than or equal to a predetermined value when the LED display unit is blinked during measurement of the electrocardiogram waveform by the sensor. The change in brightness of the LED display unit with a slope greater than or equal to a predetermined value with respect to time is in the shape of a triangular wave or a semicircular wave.

2. The electrocardiogram measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit flashes the LED display unit at a cycle synchronized with the heart rate of the measurement subject.

3. The electrocardiogram measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit flashes the LED display unit at a cycle of 40 to 60 times per minute.

4. The electrocardiogram measuring device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The control unit flashes the LED display unit at a cycle of 40 to 60 times per minute.

5. The electrocardiogram measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The electrocardiogram measuring device is a portable electrocardiogram measuring device.

6. An electrocardiogram measuring device, comprising: A sensor capable of measuring an electrocardiogram waveform; an LED display unit; and a control unit that controls the sensor to perform a measurement process of the electrocardiogram waveform, and during the measurement process, controls the LED display unit to flash, wherein the electrocardiogram measuring device is characterized in that: The control unit flashes the LED display unit in the following manner: during the measurement of the electrocardiographic waveform implemented by the sensor, when the LED display unit is flashed, the brightness of the LED display unit changes with respect to time at a slope greater than a specified value, and the lighting time of the LED display unit is longer than the off time.

7. The electrocardiogram measuring device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The electrocardiogram measuring device is a portable electrocardiogram measuring device.

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