Blood pressure monitor, blood pressure measurement method, and storage medium

Abstract

The blood pressure monitor of the present invention includes: a pump (32) for supplying fluid to a blood pressure measuring cuff (20); pressure sensors (31, 231) for detecting the pressure of the cuff (20); a first valve (33) for routine measurement; and a second valve (233) for emergency venting. The blood pressure measuring unit (110) controls the operation of the pump (32), the first valve (33), and the second valve (233) based on the pressure of the cuff (20) to measure the blood pressure at the measurement site. The abnormality determination unit (110) supplies fluid to the cuff (20) via the pump (32) while giving a closing instruction to the first valve (33) and an opening instruction to the second valve (233), and determines whether there is an abnormality in the emergency venting function based on the degree of pressure increase in the cuff (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a blood pressure monitor, and more specifically, to a blood pressure monitor that measures blood pressure by temporarily compressing the measurement site with a cuff. Furthermore, this invention relates to a blood pressure measurement method using such a blood pressure monitor. Additionally, this invention relates to a storage medium storing a program for executing this blood pressure measurement method on a computer. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional blood pressure monitors, such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-23837), have included a cuff (bandage) that compresses the body, a measurement control unit that controls the blood pressure measurement process, a vent valve for releasing air from the pressure tube connected to the cuff during blood pressure measurement, an emergency opening valve for opening the pressure tube connected to the cuff in case of an abnormality, and a safety control unit that activates the emergency opening valve if the measurement control unit does not output a signal indicating measurement completion after a predetermined time following the start of measurement. Furthermore, this document also discloses a method to prevent accidents by confirming the normal power supply voltage to the measurement control unit and the safety control unit before starting measurement.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-23837 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] In Patent Document 1, although it was confirmed that the power supply voltage could be supplied normally before the measurement began, the operation of the abnormal opening valve was not confirmed. Therefore, if the abnormal opening valve itself malfunctions, there is a problem that venting cannot be performed in an emergency (abnormal situation). For example, in a blood pressure monitor, such as a nighttime blood pressure monitor, which measures blood pressure according to a predetermined schedule during the subject's sleep (night), if the abnormal opening valve malfunctions during an abnormal situation, the subject's measurement site will be unconsciously compressed for a prolonged period, resulting in arterial obstruction.

[0008] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide a blood pressure monitor and a blood pressure measurement method that reliably avoid prolonged compression of the measurement site. Furthermore, the objective of this invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program for executing this blood pressure measurement method using a computer.

[0009] To address the aforementioned issues, the blood pressure monitor of the present invention measures blood pressure by temporarily compressing the measurement site with a blood pressure cuff, characterized in that...

[0010] have:

[0011] A pump supplies fluid to the aforementioned cuff to pressurize it;

[0012] A pressure sensor detects the pressure of the aforementioned cuff;

[0013] The first valve for routine measurement is used to depressurize the cuff by expelling fluid from it during blood pressure measurement.

[0014] A second emergency venting valve is used to depressurize the cuff by venting fluid from it when an abnormality occurs that the fluid cannot be properly discharged through the first valve.

[0015] The blood pressure measurement unit, based on the cuff pressure output by the pressure sensor, controls the operation of the pump, the first valve, and the second valve to measure the blood pressure at the measurement site; and

[0016] The anomaly detection unit, while giving a closing instruction to the first valve and an opening instruction to the second valve, supplies fluid to the cuff via the pump and determines whether there is an anomaly in the emergency venting function based on the degree of pressure increase in the cuff.

[0017] In this specification, giving a valve a "closed instruction" means controlling the valve to close, regardless of whether the valve is normally open or normally closed. Similarly, giving a valve an "open instruction" means controlling the valve to open, regardless of whether the valve is normally open or normally closed.

[0018] In the blood pressure monitor of the present invention, when the abnormality detection unit provides a closing instruction to the first valve and an opening instruction to the second valve, fluid is supplied to the cuff via the pump. In this case,

[0019] (i) For example, in the first case, if the first valve is normal and closed and the second valve is normal and open, then when fluid is supplied to the cuff by the pump, the second valve is open, and therefore the pressure rise of the cuff is relatively low. Based on this "low" result, the anomaly determination unit determines that the emergency venting function is not abnormal.

[0020] (ii) Then, as a second case, if the first valve is normal and closed and the second valve is abnormal and closed, then when fluid is supplied to the cuff by the pump, both the first and second valves are closed, resulting in a higher degree of pressure increase in the cuff. Based on this "higher" result, the abnormality determination unit determines that the emergency venting function is malfunctioning.

[0021] (iii) Then, as a third case, if the first valve is malfunctioning and open while the second valve is normal and open, then when fluid is supplied to the cuff via the pump, the first valve is open, and therefore the pressure rise in the cuff is less. Based on this "less" result, the malfunction determination unit determines that the emergency venting function is not malfunctioning.

[0022] (iv) Finally, as a fourth case, if the first valve is malfunctioning and is open, and the second valve is malfunctioning and is closed, when fluid is supplied to the cuff via the pump, the first valve is open, therefore, the pressure rise in the cuff is relatively low. Based on this "low" result, the malfunction determination unit determines that the emergency venting function is not malfunctioning.

[0023] As a result, in the second case described above, based on the determination that the emergency venting function is malfunctioning, the blood pressure measuring unit can, for example, stop measuring the blood pressure at the measured site. Therefore, the state of prolonged pressure on the measured site can be avoided. On the other hand, in the first, third, and fourth cases described above, based on the determination that the emergency venting function is not malfunctioning, the blood pressure measuring unit can begin measuring the blood pressure at the measured site. However, in the third and fourth cases described above, the first valve malfunctions and remains open; therefore, even if the blood pressure measuring unit activates the pump to supply fluid to the cuff, the cuff pressure does not increase (typically a measurement error). Therefore, the state of prolonged pressure on the measured site can be avoided. In the first case described above, the blood pressure measuring unit controls the operation of the pump, the first valve, and the second valve based on the cuff pressure output by the pressure sensor, thereby enabling the measurement of the blood pressure at the measured site. In this case, since the second valve is normal, in an emergency (in case of malfunction), the second valve is set to the open state, enabling emergency venting. As described above, this blood pressure monitor can reliably prevent the measured area from being compressed for extended periods.

[0024] In one embodiment of the blood pressure monitor, the abnormality determination unit performs the aforementioned determination process before each blood pressure measurement by the blood pressure measuring unit.

[0025] In the blood pressure monitor of this embodiment, the abnormality determination unit performs the aforementioned determination process before each blood pressure measurement by the blood pressure measuring unit. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the measured area from being compressed for extended periods.

[0026] In one embodiment of the blood pressure monitor, the blood pressure measuring unit stops measuring the blood pressure at the measured site when the abnormality determination unit determines that the emergency venting function is abnormal; on the other hand, the blood pressure measuring unit starts measuring blood pressure when the abnormality determination unit determines that the emergency venting function is not abnormal.

[0027] In this embodiment of the blood pressure monitor, when the anomaly determination unit determines that the emergency venting function is malfunctioning, the blood pressure measuring unit stops measuring the blood pressure at the measured site. Therefore, prolonged pressure on the measured site can be reliably avoided. On the other hand, when the anomaly determination unit determines that the emergency venting function is not malfunctioning, the blood pressure measuring unit begins measuring blood pressure. Here, in the third and fourth cases described above, because the first valve is malfunctioning and remains open, even if the blood pressure measuring unit activates the pump to supply fluid to the cuff, the cuff pressure does not increase. Therefore, the blood pressure measuring unit can determine that the first valve is malfunctioning and a measurement error has occurred based on the degree of increase in cuff pressure, and can stop the measurement based on this determination result. In the first case described above, when the blood pressure measuring unit activates the pump to supply fluid to the cuff, the cuff pressure increases normally, and therefore, the blood pressure measuring unit can complete the blood pressure measurement.

[0028] In one embodiment of the blood pressure monitor, the characteristic is that,

[0029] The first valve mentioned above is a normally open valve.

[0030] The second valve mentioned above is a normally closed valve.

[0031] In this embodiment of the blood pressure monitor, the first valve and the second valve are different types of valves (normally open valve and normally closed valve), therefore, compared with the case of valves of the same type, the probability of malfunction due to the same cause of failure is lower. Thus, the reliability of the blood pressure monitor product can be improved. Furthermore, the first valve for blood pressure measurement is a normally open solenoid valve; therefore, it can be closed when receiving a closing instruction (operational instruction) during blood pressure measurement (during the period when the blood pressure cuff temporarily compresses the measurement site), and is in an open state during other periods. The second valve for emergency venting is a normally closed solenoid valve; therefore, it can be opened when receiving an opening instruction (operational instruction) during emergency venting, and is in a closed state during other periods. Therefore, the power consumption related to the first valve and the second valve can be reduced.

[0032] In one embodiment of the blood pressure monitor, the characteristic is that,

[0033] The blood pressure monitor has an automatic measurement mode that automatically starts measuring blood pressure according to a predetermined schedule.

[0034] In the above-described automatic measurement mode, each time a blood pressure measurement corresponding to the above-described schedule is performed by the above-described blood pressure measurement unit, the above-described abnormality determination unit performs the above-described determination process before the blood pressure measurement.

[0035] In the automatic measurement mode described above, if the second valve used for emergency venting malfunctions in an emergency (abnormal situation), the measured area may be subjected to prolonged pressure. Therefore, in the blood pressure monitor of this embodiment, in the automatic measurement mode, the abnormality determination unit performs the aforementioned determination process before each blood pressure measurement corresponding to the aforementioned schedule by the blood pressure measurement unit. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid the situation where the measured area of ​​the subject is unconsciously subjected to prolonged pressure.

[0036] In one embodiment of the blood pressure monitor, the characteristic is that,

[0037] The blood pressure monitor has a standard blood pressure measurement mode that measures blood pressure based on the input blood pressure measurement instruction.

[0038] In the above-mentioned conventional blood pressure measurement mode, the above-mentioned abnormality determination unit does not perform the above-mentioned determination process, and the above-mentioned blood pressure measurement unit measures the blood pressure of the measured site according to the above-mentioned input blood pressure measurement instruction.

[0039] In the conventional blood pressure measurement mode described above, when the abnormality determination unit performs the aforementioned determination process before each blood pressure measurement via the blood pressure measuring unit, the overall time required for a single blood pressure measurement (here, the total time required for the determination process and the actual blood pressure measurement) is extended. On the other hand, in the conventional blood pressure measurement mode, the subject is awake; therefore, for example, as with nighttime blood pressure monitors, the significance of performing the determination process is less than that of measuring blood pressure according to a predetermined schedule during the subject's sleep (night). Therefore, in the blood pressure monitor of this embodiment, in the conventional blood pressure measurement mode, the abnormality determination unit does not perform the aforementioned determination process, and the blood pressure measuring unit measures the blood pressure at the measurement site based on the input blood pressure measurement instruction. Therefore, when measuring blood pressure via the blood pressure measuring unit, the overall time required for a single blood pressure measurement is shortened compared to the case where the abnormality determination unit performs the aforementioned determination process before each blood pressure measurement.

[0040] In one embodiment of the blood pressure monitor, the characteristic is that,

[0041] When a conversion instruction to switch to the aforementioned automatic measurement mode is input, the aforementioned anomaly determination unit performs the aforementioned determination process based on that instruction.

[0042] When the above-mentioned anomaly determination unit determines that the emergency venting function is abnormal, it prohibits the blood pressure monitor from switching to the above-mentioned automatic measurement mode. On the other hand, when the above-mentioned anomaly determination unit determines that the emergency venting function is not abnormal, it allows the blood pressure monitor to switch to the above-mentioned automatic measurement mode.

[0043] In this embodiment of the blood pressure monitor, when a switching instruction to the automatic measurement mode is input, the anomaly determination unit performs the aforementioned determination processing based on the instruction. Furthermore, if the anomaly determination unit determines that the emergency venting function is malfunctioning, it prohibits the blood pressure monitor from switching to the automatic measurement mode; conversely, if the anomaly determination unit determines that the emergency venting function is not malfunctioning, it allows the blood pressure monitor to switch to the automatic measurement mode. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the subject's measurement site from being unconsciously compressed for extended periods.

[0044] Furthermore, the "conversion instruction" for switching to the aforementioned automatic measurement mode is input, for example, via a switch provided as an operating unit in the main body of the aforementioned blood pressure monitor.

[0045] In one embodiment of the blood pressure monitor, the blood pressure monitor is characterized by having a notification unit that, when the abnormality determination unit determines that the emergency venting function is abnormal, the notification unit notifies that the emergency venting function is abnormal.

[0046] In this embodiment of the blood pressure monitor, when the anomaly determination unit determines that the emergency venting function is malfunctioning, the notification unit notifies the user of the malfunction. Based on this notification, the user (typically the person being tested) is aware that the emergency venting function is malfunctioning, and can take measures such as requesting maintenance service from the blood pressure monitor manufacturer's service department.

[0047] In one embodiment of the blood pressure monitor, the characteristic is that,

[0048] The aforementioned blood pressure measurement unit and the aforementioned abnormality determination unit are composed of a programmed first processor and a programmed second processor that is different from the first processor.

[0049] The first valve mentioned above is driven by the first processor mentioned above.

[0050] The second valve is driven by the second processor.

[0051] In this embodiment of the blood pressure monitor, even if any one of the groups of the first processor and the first valve, or the second processor and the second valve, malfunctions, the cuff can still be vented as long as the other group is functioning normally. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the measured area from being compressed for extended periods.

[0052] In another aspect, the blood pressure measurement method of the present invention measures blood pressure by temporarily compressing the measurement site with a blood pressure cuff, characterized in that...

[0053] have:

[0054] A pump supplies fluid to the aforementioned cuff to pressurize it;

[0055] A pressure sensor detects the pressure of the aforementioned cuff;

[0056] A first valve for routine measurement is used to depressurize the cuff by expelling fluid from it during blood pressure measurement; and

[0057] The second emergency vent valve is used to depressurize the cuff by releasing fluid from it when an abnormality occurs that prevents the fluid from being discharged normally through the first valve.

[0058] The above-mentioned blood pressure measurement methods include:

[0059] The measurement steps involve controlling the operation of the pump, the first valve, and the second valve based on the pressure output from the pressure sensor on the cuff, thereby measuring the blood pressure at the measurement site; and

[0060] In the determination step, as a step performed before each of the above measurement steps, fluid is supplied to the cuff by the pump while the first valve is given a closing instruction and the second valve is given an opening instruction. Based on the degree of pressure increase in the cuff, it is determined whether there is an abnormality in the emergency venting function.

[0061] The blood pressure measurement method of the present invention can reliably avoid prolonged compression of the measurement site.

[0062] In another aspect, the storage medium of the present invention stores a program for causing a computer to perform the above-described blood pressure measurement method.

[0063] The above-described blood pressure measurement method can be implemented by executing the program stored in the storage medium of the present invention on a computer.

[0064] Invention Effects

[0065] As can be seen from the above, the blood pressure monitor and blood pressure measurement method according to the present invention can reliably avoid prolonged compression of the measurement site. Furthermore, the program stored in the storage medium according to the present invention enables a computer to implement this blood pressure measurement method. Attached Figure Description

[0066] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the appearance of a wrist blood pressure monitor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the block structure of the aforementioned blood pressure monitor.

[0068] Figure 3 This diagram shows how the blood pressure monitor is worn on the left wrist, the part being measured.

[0069] Figure 4A It is a diagram showing the seated position as a measurement posture.

[0070] Figure 4B This is a diagram showing the supine position as the measurement posture.

[0071] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the operation flow of the protection device when the blood pressure monitor confirms its operation in the normal blood pressure measurement mode.

[0072] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the action flow of the blood pressure monitor when determining whether there is an abnormality in the emergency venting function during nighttime blood pressure measurement mode.

[0073] Figure 7 It means Figure 5 , Figure 6 A diagram showing the specific flow of the blood pressure measurement process in the action procedure.

[0074] Figure 8 It means Figure 5 , Figure 6 The diagram shows the specific flow chart of the action confirmation process for the protection device in the action flow.

[0075] Figure 9 This diagram schematically illustrates the method for determining whether the emergency venting function is malfunctioning based on the degree of cuff pressure increase in the aforementioned sphygmomanometer. Detailed Implementation

[0076] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0077] (Structure of a blood pressure monitor)

[0078] Figure 1 The appearance of a wrist blood pressure monitor 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The blood pressure monitor 100 generally includes: a left wrist 90 that is to be worn as the measurement site (see below). Figure 3 The blood pressure measuring cuff 20 and the main body 10 integrally installed on the cuff 20.

[0079] The cuff 20 is a typical cuff for wrist blood pressure monitors, having a long, thin band shape that wraps around the left wrist 90 in a circumferential manner. Inside the cuff 20 is a fluid bag 22 for compressing the left wrist 90 (see reference). Figure 2 In addition, in order to keep the cuff 20 in a loop shape at all times, a loop with moderate flexibility can also be provided inside the cuff 20.

[0080] like Figure 3 As shown, the main body 10 is integrally mounted at approximately the center of the length of the strip-shaped cuff 20. In this example, the portion where the main body 10 is intended to be mounted corresponds to the palm side (palm side surface) 90a of the left wrist 90 when worn.

[0081] The main body 10 has a flat, generally rectangular shape along the outer periphery of the cuff 20. The main body 10 is small and thin to avoid interfering with the user's (in this example, the subject, hereinafter the same) sleep. Additionally, the corners of the main body 10 are rounded.

[0082] like Figure 1 As shown, a display 50 for displaying a screen and an operation unit 52 for inputting instructions from the user are provided on the surface (top surface) of the outer surface of the main body 10 that is furthest from the left wrist 90.

[0083] In this example, the display 50 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and displays prescribed information according to control signals from the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110, described later. In this example, it displays the highest blood pressure (unit: mmHg), the lowest blood pressure (unit: mmHg), and the pulse (unit: beats / minute). Furthermore, the display 50 may be composed of an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display or may include LED (Light Emitting Diode).

[0084] The operation unit 52 inputs an operation signal corresponding to the user's instruction to the CPU 110, which will be described later. In this example, the operation unit 52 includes: a measurement switch 52A, which serves as a measurement instruction input unit for receiving the user's blood pressure measurement instruction; and a night measurement switch 52B, which serves as a mode operation unit for receiving an instruction to switch between a regular blood pressure measurement mode and a night blood pressure measurement mode. Here, "regular blood pressure measurement mode" refers to a mode in which blood pressure measurement is performed according to the blood pressure measurement instruction when it is input through the measurement switch 52A (wherein, as described below, the absence of an emergency venting function can be set as a condition for starting blood pressure measurement). "Night blood pressure measurement mode" refers to a mode in which blood pressure measurement is automatically started according to a predetermined schedule so that the user can measure blood pressure values ​​while sleeping (automatic measurement mode) (wherein, as described below, the absence of an emergency venting function can be set as a condition for starting blood pressure measurement). The predetermined schedule refers to a plan to measure at predetermined times such as 1 a.m., 2 a.m., or 3 a.m., or a plan to measure every two hours, for example, starting from pressing the night measurement switch 52B.

[0085] Specifically, in this example, both the measuring switch 52A and the night measuring switch 52B are momentary (automatic reset) switches that are only in the ON state while being pressed and return to the OFF state when released.

[0086] While the blood pressure monitor 100 is in normal blood pressure measurement mode, pressing the measurement switch 52A indicates a blood pressure measurement, and the measurement site (left wrist 90) is temporarily compressed by the cuff 20 to perform a blood pressure measurement using the oscillometric method. If the measurement switch 52A is pressed again during blood pressure measurement (e.g., during the compression of the cuff 20), it indicates that the blood pressure measurement has stopped, and the blood pressure measurement is stopped immediately.

[0087] While the blood pressure monitor 100 is in the regular blood pressure measurement mode, pressing the night measurement switch 52B indicates a switch to night blood pressure measurement mode, and the blood pressure monitor 100 switches from the regular blood pressure measurement mode to the night blood pressure measurement mode (wherein, as described below, the absence of any abnormality in the emergency venting function can be used as a condition for switching to the night blood pressure measurement mode). In the night blood pressure measurement mode, as described above, blood pressure measurement using the oscillometric method automatically begins according to a predetermined schedule. If the night measurement switch 52B is pressed again while the blood pressure monitor 100 is in the night blood pressure measurement mode, it indicates a stop to the night blood pressure measurement mode, and the blood pressure monitor 100 switches from the night blood pressure measurement mode back to the regular blood pressure measurement mode.

[0088] Figure 2 The frame structure of the blood pressure monitor 100 is shown.

[0089] As described above, the cuff 20 includes a fluid bag 22 for compressing the left wrist 90, which is the site of measurement. The fluid bag 22 is connected to the body 10 via an air pipe 39 in a manner that allows fluid to flow.

[0090] The main body 10 generally includes a main body 190 for measuring blood pressure and a protective device 200 for emergency venting.

[0091] In addition to the aforementioned display 50 and operation unit 52, the main body 190 also includes a first CPU 1100, which forms part of the CPU 110, which is a control unit; a memory 51, which forms a storage unit; a power supply 53; a first pressure sensor 31; a pump 32; and a first valve 33 for measuring blood pressure. Furthermore, the main body 190 includes a first A / D conversion circuit 310 that converts the output of the first pressure sensor 31 from an analog signal to a digital signal; a pump drive circuit 320 that drives the pump 32; and a first valve drive circuit 330 that drives the first valve 33.

[0092] The protection device unit 200 includes: a second CPU 2100 that forms part of the CPU 110 of the control unit, a second pressure sensor 231, a second valve 233 for emergency venting, a second A / D conversion circuit 2310 that converts the output of the second pressure sensor 231 from an analog signal to a digital signal, and a second valve drive circuit 2330 that drives the second valve 233.

[0093] The first pressure sensor 31, pump 32, first valve 33, second pressure sensor 231, and second valve 233 are connected to the fluid bag 22 via an air pipe 39 in a manner that allows fluid to flow.

[0094] The CPU 110 includes a first CPU 1100, which acts primarily for measuring blood pressure, and a second CPU 2100, which acts primarily for emergency venting, and controls the overall operation of the blood pressure monitor 100. Specifically, the CPU 110 operates as a pressure control unit according to a program for controlling the blood pressure monitor 100 stored in the memory 51, and controls the pump 32, the first valve 33, and the second valve 233 based on operation signals from the operation unit 52. Furthermore, the CPU 110, particularly the first CPU 1100, operates as a blood pressure measurement unit, calculating the blood pressure value using an algorithm for calculating blood pressure via oscillometric measurement, and controlling the display 50 and the memory 51. The CPU 110, particularly the second CPU 2100, operates as an anomaly detection unit, confirming the operation of the protection device unit 200.

[0095] The memory 51 stores programs for controlling the blood pressure monitor 100, data for controlling the blood pressure monitor 100, setting data for setting various functions of the blood pressure monitor 100, and data on blood pressure measurement results. Additionally, the memory 51 is used as working memory when executing programs.

[0096] In this example, the power supply unit 53 is composed of a secondary battery, which supplies power to the CPU 110, the first pressure sensor 31, the pump 32, the first valve 33, the display 50, the memory 51, the first A / D conversion circuit 310, the pump drive circuit 320, the first valve drive circuit 330, the second pressure sensor 231, the second valve 233, the second A / D conversion circuit 2310, and the second valve drive circuit 2330.

[0097] Pump 32 supplies air as a fluid to fluid bag 22 via air piping 39 to pressurize the pressure (cuff pressure) within fluid bag 22 enclosed in cuff 20. Pump drive circuit 320 drives pump 32 based on control signals provided from CPU 110.

[0098] In this example, the first valve 33 is a normally open solenoid valve, which is opened and closed to control the cuff pressure by either discharging air from the fluid bag 22 through the air pipe 39 or sealing air into the fluid bag 22. The first valve drive circuit 330 opens and closes the first valve 33 based on a control signal provided from the first CPU 1100. If the first valve 33 is functioning normally, it becomes open when it receives an open instruction (not energized) and becomes closed when it receives a close instruction (energized).

[0099] The first pressure sensor 31 and the first A / D conversion circuit 310 operate as a pressure detection unit to detect the pressure of the cuff. In this example, the first pressure sensor 31 is a piezoelectric pressure sensor that detects the pressure (cuff pressure) within the fluid bag 22 enclosed in the cuff 20 via the air pipe 39 and outputs it as a resistance due to the piezoelectric impedance effect. The first A / D conversion circuit 310 converts the output (resistance) of the first pressure sensor 31 from an analog signal to a digital signal and outputs it to the CPU 110. In this example, the first CPU 1100 operates as an oscillation circuit that oscillates at a frequency corresponding to the resistance from the first pressure sensor 31, and acquires a signal representing the cuff pressure based on this oscillation frequency.

[0100] In this example, the second valve 233 is a normally closed solenoid valve that opens in an emergency (abnormal situation) to expel air from the fluid bag 22 through the air pipe 39. The second valve drive circuit 2330 opens and closes the second valve 233 according to a control signal provided from the second CPU 2100. If the second valve 233 is functioning normally, it is open when it receives an open instruction (energized) and closed when it receives a close instruction (not energized).

[0101] The second pressure sensor 231 and the second A / D conversion circuit 2310 operate as a pressure detection unit to detect the pressure of the cuff. In this example, the second pressure sensor 231 is a piezoelectric pressure sensor that detects the pressure (cuff pressure) within the fluid bag 22 enclosed in the cuff 20 via the air pipe 39 and outputs it as a resistance due to the piezoelectric impedance effect. The second A / D conversion circuit 2310 converts the output (resistance) of the second pressure sensor 231 from an analog signal to a digital signal and outputs it to the CPU 110. In this example, the second CPU 2100 operates as an oscillation circuit that oscillates at a frequency corresponding to the resistance from the second pressure sensor 231, and acquires a signal representing the cuff pressure based on this oscillation frequency.

[0102] Figure 4A , Figure 4B The recommended "sitting" and "supine" positions for measuring blood pressure using the sphygmomanometer 100 are shown respectively. Figure 4A As shown, the "seated position" refers to a posture where the user 80, wearing the blood pressure monitor 100 on their left wrist 90, sits on a chair 97 or similar, maintaining the left wrist 90 (and the blood pressure monitor 100) at the same level as the heart 81 by placing the left elbow on a table 98 and tilting the left wrist 90 forward relative to the torso (hand up, elbow down). Because this posture eliminates the height difference between the user 80's left wrist 90 and the heart 81, it is recommended to improve the accuracy of blood pressure measurement in regular blood pressure measurement mode. On the other hand, as... Figure 4BAs shown, the "supine position" refers to the posture of the user 80, who is wearing a blood pressure monitor 100 on their left wrist 90, lying supine on a horizontal bed surface 99 with their left elbow extended along their torso. In the nighttime blood pressure measurement mode, blood pressure is measured according to a predetermined schedule during the subject's sleep (nighttime), therefore, the subject is scheduled to adopt the "supine position" measurement posture.

[0103] (Blood pressure measurement methods)

[0104] In this blood pressure monitor 100, there is a situation where it is necessary to determine whether there is any abnormality in the emergency venting function during the normal blood pressure measurement mode. Figure 5 The procedure) and the situation where, unlike that, the determination of whether there is an abnormality in the emergency venting function is only performed in the nighttime blood pressure measurement mode (the procedure) Figure 6 (The operation flow). It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the first CPU1100 and the second CPU2100 will be referred to together as CPU110.

[0105] (Scenario for determining abnormalities in the emergency venting function under normal blood pressure measurement mode)

[0106] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the procedure for determining whether the emergency venting function of the blood pressure monitor 100 is malfunctioning in normal blood pressure measurement mode. It should be noted that in this example, pressing the measurement switch 52A when the power is off connects the power and defaults to normal blood pressure measurement mode.

[0107] like Figure 4A As shown, user 80, who is wearing a blood pressure monitor 100 on his left wrist 90, is in a sitting position.

[0108] In this state, such as Figure 5 As shown in step S1, when the user presses the measurement switch 52A set on the main body 10 and inputs the blood pressure measurement instruction ("Yes" in step S1), the CPU 110 enters step S2 and enters the operation confirmation process of the protection device unit.

[0109] (Action verification process of the protection device department)

[0110] Specifically, during the operation confirmation process of the protection device section, such as Figure 8As shown, the CPU 110 sends a closing instruction (energization) to the first valve 33 via the first valve drive circuit 330 (step S201), and sends an opening instruction (energization) to the second valve 233 via the second valve drive circuit 2330 (step S202). In this state, the CPU 110 drives the pump 32 via the pump drive circuit 320, supplying air to the cuff 20 (fluid bag 22) via the air pipe 39 (step S203). Furthermore, the CPU 110 operates as an abnormality determination unit, performing a determination process based on the degree of pressure increase in the cuff 20 to determine whether there is an abnormality in the emergency venting function (steps S204, S205).

[0111] In detail, the CPU 110, and particularly the second CPU 2100, determines whether the cuff pressure is above the reference pressure Pref (in this example, Pref = 5 mmHg) based on the output from the second pressure sensor 231 (step S204). If the cuff pressure is less than the reference pressure Pref ("No" in step S204), the determination of whether the cuff pressure is above the reference pressure Pref continues from the start of pump 32 operation until a reference time tref (in this example, tref = 5 seconds) has elapsed (steps S204, S205). Furthermore, if the cuff pressure reaches or exceeds the reference pressure Pref ("Yes" in step S204) from the start of pump 32 operation until the reference time tref has elapsed, it is determined that the emergency venting function is malfunctioning. On the other hand, if the cuff pressure is less than the reference pressure Pref ("Yes" in step S205) from the start of pump 32 operation until the reference time tref has elapsed, it is determined that the emergency venting function is not malfunctioning. It should be noted that the values ​​of the reference time tref and the reference pressure Pref can be set variably.

[0112] The reasons for performing the above-mentioned judgment and processing (steps S204 and S205) are as follows.

[0113] (i) For example, as a first case, if the first valve 33 is normal and closed and the second valve 233 is normal and open, then when fluid is supplied to the sleeve 20 by the pump 32, as... Figure 9 As shown by the solid line in curve C1, the second valve 233 is open, therefore the pressure rise in cuff 20 is relatively low. Based on this "low" result, the second CPU 2100 determines that the emergency venting function is not malfunctioning.

[0114] (ii) Then, as a second case, if the first valve 33 is normal and closed and the second valve 233 is abnormal and closed, then when fluid is supplied to the sleeve 20 by the pump 32, as... Figure 9As shown by the dashed curve C2 example, with the first valve 33 and the second valve 233 closed, the pressure increase in cuff 20 is relatively high. Based on this "high" result, the second CPU 2100 determines that the emergency venting function is malfunctioning. Figure 9 In the example, at the moment when time tf has elapsed since the start of pump 32, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the emergency exhaust function.

[0115] (iii) Then, as a third case, if the first valve 33 is malfunctioning and open while the second valve 233 is normal and open, then when fluid is supplied to the cuff 20 via the pump 32, the first valve 33 is open, and therefore the pressure rise in the cuff 20 is less. Based on this "less" result, the second CPU 2100 determines that the emergency venting function is not malfunctioning.

[0116] (iv) Finally, as a fourth case, if the first valve 33 is malfunctioning and is open, and the second valve 233 is malfunctioning and is closed, then when fluid is supplied to the cuff 20 via the pump 32, the first valve 33 is open, and therefore the pressure rise in the cuff 20 is less. Based on this "less" result, the second CPU 2100 determines that the emergency venting function is not malfunctioning.

[0117] As a result, in the second case (ii), based on the determination that the emergency venting function is malfunctioning, the CPU110 can, for example, stop the blood pressure measurement at the site of measurement. Therefore, it is possible to avoid prolonged compression of the measured site. Figure 8 In the example, CPU 110 stops pump 32 (step S208) and gives an opening instruction (non-energized) to first valve 33 to open first valve 33 (step S209). At this time, since first valve 33 is a normally open solenoid valve, it is expected to open according to the opening instruction. Next, CPU 110 acts as a notification unit and displays an error message on display 50 indicating that there is an abnormality in the emergency venting function (step S210). This error message can be a message such as "An abnormality has occurred in the emergency venting function" or an error code such as "EOΔ" (○Δ represents a predetermined number). The notification can also be an alarm sound from a buzzer (not shown). Based on this notification, the user (typically the subject) knows that there is an abnormality in the emergency venting function and can take countermeasures such as requesting maintenance service from the blood pressure monitor manufacturer's service department.

[0118] On the other hand, in the first case (i), the third case (iii), and the fourth case (iv), based on the determination that the emergency venting function is not malfunctioning, the CPU 110 can begin measuring blood pressure at the measurement site. However, in the third case (iii) and the fourth case (iv), because the first valve 33 is malfunctioning and remains open, even if the CPU 110 activates the pump 32 to supply fluid to the cuff 20 for blood pressure measurement, the pressure of the cuff 20 does not increase. Therefore, prolonged compression of the measurement site can be avoided. In this example, because the pressure of the cuff 20 does not increase, the CPU 110 determines that a measurement error has occurred and stops the blood pressure measurement.

[0119] In the first scenario (i), the CPU 110 controls the operation of the pump 32, the first valve 33, and the second valve 233 based on the pressure of the cuff 20 output by the first pressure sensor 31 and the second pressure sensor 231, thereby enabling the measurement of blood pressure at the measurement site. In this scenario, since the second valve 233 is functioning normally, it can be opened in an emergency (abnormal situation) to allow for emergency venting.

[0120] exist Figure 8 In the example, CPU 110 temporarily stops pump 32 (step S206) and sends a closing instruction (non-energized) to the second valve 233 to close the second valve 233, thus initiating the blood pressure measurement process (step S207). At this time, since the second valve 233 is a normally closed solenoid valve, it is expected to close according to the closing instruction. Then, return to... Figure 5 The process then proceeds to the blood pressure measurement process (step S3).

[0121] (Blood pressure measurement process)

[0122] When entering the blood pressure measurement process, such as Figure 7 As shown, CPU 110 initializes the first pressure sensor 31 and the second pressure sensor 231 (step S101). Specifically, CPU 110 initializes the processing memory area, stops pump 32, and issues an opening instruction (non-energized) to the first valve 33 and an opening instruction (energized) to the second valve 233. At this time, since the first valve 33 is a normally open solenoid valve, it is expected to open according to the opening instruction. If either the first valve 33 or the second valve 233 is normal and open, the cuff pressure is equal to atmospheric pressure. In this state, the first pressure sensor 31 and the second pressure sensor 231 are adjusted to 0 mmHg (atmospheric pressure is set to 0 mmHg).

[0123] Then, CPU 110 sends a closing instruction (energizing) to the first valve 33 via the first valve drive circuit 330, and sends a closing instruction (non-energizing) to the second valve 233 via the second valve drive circuit 2330 (step S102). At this time, it is unclear whether the first valve 33 will close according to the closing instruction. Since the second valve 233 is a normally closed solenoid valve, it is expected to close according to the closing instruction. Next, CPU 110 drives pump 32 via pump drive circuit 320 to start pressurizing the cuff 20 (fluid bag 22) (step S103). At this time, CPU 110 supplies air from pump 32 to fluid bag 22 via air pipe 39, and in this example, the pressurization rate of the cuff pressure, which is the pressure inside fluid bag 22, is controlled according to the output of the first pressure sensor 31.

[0124] Here, assuming the first valve 33 malfunctions and remains open (as described in the third case (iii) and the fourth case (iv) above), even if the CPU 110 actuates the pump 32 to supply fluid to the cuff 20 for blood pressure measurement, the pressure in the cuff 20 will not increase. In this example, for instance, like... Figure 9 As shown in curve C1, even if a predetermined reference time tref (in this example, tref = 5 seconds) elapses after the start of pump 32 operation, if the cuff pressure does not reach the reference pressure Pref (in this example, Pref = 5 mmHg), a measurement error is detected, and subsequent processing is terminated. (It should be noted that the values ​​of the reference time tref and the reference pressure Pref can be set variably.) Therefore, prolonged compression of the measured area can be avoided. It should be noted that at this time, the CPU 110 operates as a notification unit, displaying an error message on the display 50 indicating an abnormality in the first valve 33. This error display can be a message such as "An abnormality has occurred in the blood pressure measuring valve" or an error code such as "E□◇" (□◇ represents a predetermined number).

[0125] Then, in Figure 7 In step S104, CPU110, especially the first CPU1100, operates as a blood pressure measuring unit. Based on the pulse signal acquired at that moment (the variation component caused by the pulse included in the output of the first pressure sensor 31), it attempts to calculate the blood pressure value (maximum blood pressure (systolic blood pressure) and minimum blood pressure (diastolic blood pressure)) using a known oscillometric measurement method and an algorithm stored in memory 51.

[0126] At this moment, if the blood pressure value cannot be calculated due to insufficient data ("No" in step S105), as long as the cuff pressure Pc has not reached the upper limit pressure (for safety, it is predetermined to be, for example, 300 mmHg), the processing of steps S103 to S105 is repeated.

[0127] If the blood pressure value can be calculated in this way ("Yes" in step S105), the CPU 110 stops the pump 32 (step S106) and sends an opening instruction (non-energized) to the first valve 33 via the first valve drive circuit 330 (step S107). At this time, since the first valve 33 is a normally open solenoid valve, it is expected to open according to the opening instruction. Thus, the air in the cuff 20 (fluid bag 22) is controlled to be expelled. In addition, the CPU 110 controls the display of the calculated blood pressure value on the display 50 (step S108) and the storage of the blood pressure value in the memory 51.

[0128] Then, CPU 110, and in particular second CPU 2100, determines whether venting from cuff 20 has been completed based on the output of second pressure sensor 231 (step S109). Specifically, after giving an opening instruction (non-energized) to first valve 33, after a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds), it is determined whether the cuff pressure is less than a predetermined pressure (e.g., 5 mmHg). Here, if venting from cuff 20 is not completed for some reason ("No" in step S109), second CPU 2100 gives an opening instruction (energized) to second valve 233 via second valve drive circuit 2330 (step S110). Here, for second valve 233, the operation confirmation process of the previous protection device unit ( Figure 8 This is to confirm that the valve is not in an abnormal state and has not been closed (the second case (ii) above). Therefore, it can be reliably expected that the second valve 233 will open according to the opening instruction (energization). Thus, venting from the cuff 20 can be reliably completed.

[0129] If the air is vented from cuff 20 (Yes in step S109), then return to... Figure 5 The action flow. In Figure 5 In the example, the action flow is terminated directly.

[0130] As described above, this blood pressure monitor 100 can reliably prevent the measured area from being compressed for extended periods.

[0131] In addition, Figure 5 In the operation process, each time the second CPU 2100 performs a blood pressure measurement process through the first CPU 1100 (step S3), it performs an operation confirmation process for the protection device (step S2) before the blood pressure measurement process. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably avoid the state of prolonged pressure on the measured part.

[0132] Furthermore, in this blood pressure monitor 100, since the first valve 33 and the second valve 233 are different types of valves (normally open valve and normally closed valve), the probability of malfunctions due to the same cause of failure is lower compared to the case of valves of the same type. Therefore, the reliability of the blood pressure monitor 100 can be improved. Additionally, since the first valve 33 for blood pressure measurement is a normally open solenoid valve, it can be closed upon receiving a closing instruction (operating instruction, i.e., energized) during blood pressure measurement, and open (not energized) during other times. Similarly, since the second valve 233 for emergency venting is a normally closed solenoid valve, it can be opened upon receiving an opening instruction (operating instruction, i.e., energized) during emergency venting, and closed (not energized) during other times. Therefore, the power consumption related to the first valve 33 and the second valve 233 can be reduced.

[0133] (Only in cases where the emergency venting function is abnormally detected during nighttime blood pressure measurement mode)

[0134] Figure 6 The procedure is shown when the blood pressure monitor 100 determines whether there is an abnormality in the emergency venting function only in nighttime blood pressure measurement mode. At the start of this procedure, the power to the blood pressure monitor 100 is turned on, and it is in normal blood pressure measurement mode.

[0135] like Figure 4B As shown, the user 80, who is wearing a blood pressure monitor 100 on his left wrist 90, is in a supine position.

[0136] like Figure 6 As shown in step S11, when the user presses the night measurement switch 52B set on the main body 10, in this example, the blood pressure monitor 100 switches from the regular blood pressure measurement mode to the night blood pressure measurement mode based on this press. In this example, in the night blood pressure measurement mode, a schedule is set for measurements to be taken every 2 hours from the time the night measurement switch 52B is pressed until, for example, 7:00 AM. It should be noted that this schedule is not limited to this; a schedule could also be set for measurements to be taken at predetermined times such as 1:00 AM, 2:00 AM, and 3:00 AM from the time the night measurement switch 52B is pressed until, for example, 7:00 AM.

[0137] Then, as Figure 6 As shown in step S12, CPU 110 determines whether it is the measurement time specified in the schedule (for nighttime blood pressure measurement mode). If it is not the measurement time specified in the schedule ("No" in step S12), it waits until it becomes the measurement time specified in the schedule.

[0138] When the measurement time specified in the above timetable is reached ("Yes" in step S12), such as Figure 6 As shown in step S13, CPU110 and Figure 5 Step S2 similarly performs the operation confirmation process of the protection device unit. That is, the CPU110, especially the second CPU2100, acts as an anomaly determination unit, and performs a determination process to determine whether there is an anomaly in the emergency venting function based on the degree of pressure increase in the cuff 20. Here, if there is an anomaly in the emergency venting function, the CPU110 stops the blood pressure measurement at the measured site and displays an error message indicating that there is an anomaly in the emergency venting function on the display 50 (especially, Figure 8 Steps S208 to S210).

[0139] On the other hand, if the emergency exhaust function is not malfunctioning, then... Figure 6 As shown in step S14, with Figure 5 Step S3 similarly performs the blood pressure measurement process. That is, the CPU 110, especially the first CPU 1100, acts as a blood pressure measurement unit, and calculates the blood pressure values ​​(maximum blood pressure (systolic blood pressure) and minimum blood pressure (diastolic blood pressure)) based on the pulse signal (the fluctuation component caused by the pulse included in the output of the first pressure sensor 31) using a known oscillometric measurement method and an algorithm stored in the memory 51. The calculated blood pressure values ​​are then displayed on the display 50 (especially...). Figure 7 Steps S101 to S108). Next, in case, for some reason, the air release from the cuff 20 is not completed ( Figure 7 If "No" is selected in step S109, CPU 110, especially the second CPU 2100, gives an opening instruction (energizes) to the second valve 233 via the second valve drive circuit 2330 (step S110). Thus, venting from the cuff 20 is reliably completed.

[0140] In this way, when a blood pressure measurement scheduled in the above timetable is completed, in step S15, the CPU110 determines whether all blood pressure measurements scheduled in the above timetable have been completed. Here, if there are still blood pressure measurements scheduled according to the above timetable ("No" in step S15), it waits for the next measurement time scheduled in the above timetable.

[0141] When the next measurement time specified in the above schedule arrives ("Yes" in step S12), the CPU 110 repeats the processing of steps S13 to S15. Further, in step S15, the CPU 110 determines whether all blood pressure measurements specified in the above schedule have been completed. In the manner described above, when all blood pressure measurements specified in the above schedule have been completed ("Yes" in step S15), the CPU 110 terminates the above nighttime blood pressure measurement mode.

[0142] In nighttime blood pressure measurement mode, in case of emergency (abnormal) malfunction of the second valve 233 used for emergency venting, the measured area of ​​the subject may be unconsciously compressed for an extended period. This situation should be reliably avoided. Therefore, in this... Figure 6 In the operation process, during the nighttime blood pressure measurement mode, the second CPU 2100 performs an operation confirmation process for the protection device before each blood pressure measurement process (step S13) conducted by the first CPU 1100. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably avoid prolonged compression of the measured area.

[0143] On the other hand, Figure 6 During the operation, as long as the night measurement switch 52B is not pressed ("No" in step S11), the normal blood pressure measurement mode is maintained. In this case, when the measurement switch 52A is pressed ("Yes" in step S21), the CPU 110 does not enter the operation confirmation process of the protection device section. Figure 8 (In summary, without performing the above-mentioned judgment and processing (steps S204 and S205), the system proceeds to step S22 based on the input blood pressure measurement instruction to execute the blood pressure measurement process. Thus, the blood pressure at the measured site is measured.)

[0144] As mentioned above, in Figure 6 In the standard blood pressure measurement mode of the operation procedure (steps S21 to S22), the operation confirmation process of the protective device is omitted. Figure 8 The reasons are as follows. First, this is because, in the conventional blood pressure measurement mode, the time required for a single blood pressure measurement (here, the total time required for the protection device activation confirmation process and the actual blood pressure measurement process) is extended during each blood pressure measurement process via the first CPU 1100. Second, in the conventional blood pressure measurement mode, since the subject is awake, the significance of the protection device activation confirmation process (in short, the aforementioned determination process (steps S204, S205)) is less than that in the nighttime blood pressure measurement mode.

[0145] In the above embodiment, the blood pressure measurement unit and the abnormality determination unit are composed of a programmed first CPU 1100 and a programmed second CPU 2100, which is different from the first CPU 1100. Furthermore, the first valve 33 is driven by the first CPU 1100 via a first valve drive circuit 330, and the second valve 233 is driven by the second CPU 2100 via a second valve drive circuit 2330. Therefore, even if any one of the following pairs—the first CPU 1100 and the first valve drive circuit 330 and the first valve 33, or the second CPU 2100 and the second valve drive circuit 2330 and the second valve 233—prone to an abnormality, as long as the other pair is normal, the cuff 20 can be deflated. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the measured area from being compressed for extended periods.

[0146] (Modified Example)

[0147] exist Figure 6 In the operation flow, as shown in step S11, when the user presses the night measurement switch 52B provided on the main body 10, the blood pressure monitor 100 immediately switches from the normal blood pressure measurement mode to the night blood pressure measurement mode. However, it is not limited to this. For example, when the user presses the night measurement switch 52B provided on the main body 10 (step S11), the CPU 110 may first execute the operation confirmation process of the protection device unit (…). Figure 8 Furthermore, when the CPU110 determines that the emergency venting function is malfunctioning, it prohibits the blood pressure monitor 100 from switching to nighttime blood pressure measurement mode. On the other hand, when it determines that the emergency venting function is not malfunctioning, it allows the blood pressure monitor to switch to nighttime blood pressure measurement mode. This further reliably avoids situations where the measured area of ​​the subject is unconsciously compressed for extended periods.

[0148] In the above embodiments, the first valve 33 is a normally open solenoid valve, and the second valve 233 is a normally closed solenoid valve, but it is not limited to these. It can also be any type of the first valve 33 and the second valve 233 (normally open valve and normally closed valve).

[0149] Furthermore, this blood pressure monitor 100 is designed to compress the wrist (left wrist 90° in the example above, but could also be the right wrist), thus it is expected to cause less disruption to the user's (subject's) sleep compared to monitors that compress the upper arm (Imai et al., "Development and evaluation of a home nocturnal blood pressure monitoring system using a wrist-cuff device", Blood Pressure Monitoring 2018, 23, pp. 318-326). Therefore, this blood pressure monitor 100 is suitable for nighttime blood pressure measurement.

[0150] In addition, the blood pressure monitor 100 is designed as a wrist blood pressure monitor in a compact and integrated manner, making it convenient for users to operate.

[0151] Furthermore, although blood pressure is calculated during the pressurization process of the cuff 20 (fluid bag 22) in the above embodiment, it is not limited to this. Blood pressure can also be calculated during the depressurization process of the cuff 20.

[0152] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the operation unit includes a measurement switch 52A and a night measurement switch 52B respectively provided on the main body 10, but it is not limited to this. The operation unit may also be composed of a communication unit that receives instructions from a smartphone or the like located outside the blood pressure monitor 100 via wireless communication.

[0153] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the main body 10 and the cuff 20 are integrally provided, but this is not a limitation. The main body 10 may also be configured to be separate from the cuff 20, and connected to the cuff 20 (fluid bag 22) in a manner that allows fluid to flow through a flexible air tube.

[0154] The above blood pressure measurement methods (especially, Figures 5-8 The process of measuring blood pressure is recorded as software (computer program) on a recording medium capable of non-transitory data storage, such as a CD, DVD, or flash memory. By installing the software recorded on such a recording medium into a physical computer device such as a personal computer, PDA, or smartphone, these computer devices can perform the aforementioned blood pressure measurement method.

[0155] The above embodiments are illustrative and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The above embodiments can be implemented individually or in combination. Furthermore, various features in different embodiments can be implemented individually or in combination.

[0156] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0157] 10 main body

[0158] 20. Blood pressure cuff

[0159] 31 First pressure sensor

[0160] 32 pumps

[0161] 33 First Valve

[0162] 50 monitors

[0163] 51 Memory

[0164] 52 Operations Department

[0165] 52A Measurement Switch

[0166] 52B Night Measurement Switch

[0167] 110 CPU

[0168] 231 Second pressure sensor

[0169] 233 Second Valve

[0170] 1100 First CPU

[0171] 2100 Second CPU

Claims

1. A blood pressure monitor that measures blood pressure by temporarily compressing the measurement site with a cuff, characterized in that, have: A pump supplies fluid to the aforementioned cuff to pressurize it; A pressure sensor detects the pressure of the aforementioned cuff; A first valve for routine measurement is connected to the cuff in a manner that allows fluid to flow, and is used to depressurize the cuff by expelling fluid from it during blood pressure measurement. An emergency venting second valve is connected to the aforementioned cuff in a manner that allows fluid to flow, and is used to depressurize the cuff by venting fluid from the cuff when an abnormality occurs in which the fluid cannot be properly vented through the aforementioned first valve. The blood pressure measurement unit controls the operation of the pump, the first valve, and the second valve based on the pressure of the cuff output by the pressure sensor, thereby measuring the blood pressure of the measured part. as well as The anomaly detection unit determines whether there is an anomaly in the emergency exhaust function. The aforementioned anomaly determination unit is configured such that, before the blood pressure measurement by the blood pressure measuring unit, while the first valve is given a closing instruction and the second valve is given an opening instruction, fluid is supplied to the cuff via the pump. If the cuff pressure reaches or exceeds a reference pressure after a reference time elapsed from the start of the pump's operation, the emergency venting function is determined to be malfunctioning because the first valve is normal and the second valve is malfunctioning. Conversely, if the cuff pressure is lower than the reference pressure after the reference time elapsed from the start of the pump's operation, the emergency venting function is determined to be functioning normally, regardless of whether the first valve is normal or malfunctioning. The blood pressure measuring unit is configured such that, when a closing instruction is given to the first valve and a closing instruction is given to the second valve at the start of blood pressure measurement, fluid is supplied to the cuff via the pump. If the pressure of the cuff does not reach or exceed the reference pressure from the start of pump operation to the elapsed reference time, a measurement error is determined to have occurred.

2. The blood pressure monitor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each time blood pressure is measured by the aforementioned blood pressure measuring unit, the aforementioned abnormality determination unit performs the aforementioned determination process before the blood pressure measurement.

3. The blood pressure monitor as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the above-mentioned anomaly determination unit determines that the above-mentioned emergency venting function is abnormal, the above-mentioned blood pressure measurement unit stops measuring the blood pressure of the above-mentioned measured part. On the other hand, when the above-mentioned anomaly determination unit determines that the above-mentioned emergency venting function is not abnormal, the above-mentioned blood pressure measurement unit starts measuring blood pressure.

4. The blood pressure monitor as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first valve mentioned above is a normally open valve. The second valve mentioned above is a normally closed valve.

5. The blood pressure monitor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The blood pressure monitor has an automatic measurement mode that automatically starts measuring blood pressure according to a predetermined schedule. In the above-described automatic measurement mode, each time a blood pressure measurement corresponding to the above-described schedule is performed by the above-described blood pressure measurement unit, the above-described abnormality determination unit performs the above-described determination process before the blood pressure measurement.

6. The blood pressure monitor as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The blood pressure monitor has a standard blood pressure measurement mode that measures blood pressure based on the input blood pressure measurement instruction. In the above-mentioned conventional blood pressure measurement mode, the above-mentioned abnormality determination unit does not perform the above-mentioned determination process, and the above-mentioned blood pressure measurement unit measures the blood pressure of the measured site according to the above-mentioned input blood pressure measurement instruction.

7. The blood pressure monitor as described in claim 5, characterized in that, When a conversion instruction to switch to the aforementioned automatic measurement mode is input, the aforementioned anomaly determination unit performs the aforementioned determination process based on that instruction. When the above-mentioned anomaly determination unit determines that the emergency venting function is abnormal, it prohibits the blood pressure monitor from switching to the above-mentioned automatic measurement mode. On the other hand, when the above-mentioned anomaly determination unit determines that the emergency venting function is not abnormal, it allows the blood pressure monitor to switch to the above-mentioned automatic measurement mode.

8. The blood pressure monitor as described in any one of claims 1-2 and 5-7, characterized in that, The blood pressure monitor has a notification unit that notifies the emergency venting function of an abnormality when the abnormality determination unit determines that the emergency venting function is abnormal.

9. The blood pressure monitor as described in any one of claims 1-2 and 5-7, characterized in that, The aforementioned blood pressure measurement unit and the aforementioned abnormality determination unit are composed of a programmed first processor and a programmed second processor that is different from the first processor. The first valve mentioned above is driven by the first processor mentioned above. The second valve is driven by the second processor.

10. A method for measuring blood pressure, wherein blood pressure is measured using the sphygmomanometer of claim 1, characterized in that, The above-mentioned blood pressure measurement methods include: In the determination step, using the aforementioned anomaly determination unit, before the blood pressure measurement by the blood pressure measuring unit, with the first valve given a closing instruction and the second valve given an opening instruction, fluid is supplied to the cuff via the pump. If the cuff pressure reaches or exceeds a reference pressure after a reference time elapsed from the start of the pump's operation, it is determined that the emergency venting function is malfunctioning because the first valve is normal and the second valve is malfunctioning. On the other hand, if the cuff pressure is lower than the reference pressure after the reference time elapsed from the start of the pump's operation, it is determined that the emergency venting function is not malfunctioning, regardless of whether the first valve is normal or malfunctioning. The measurement procedure involves using the aforementioned blood pressure measuring unit to supply fluid to the cuff via the pump while simultaneously issuing a closing instruction to the first valve and a closing instruction to the second valve at the start of blood pressure measurement. If the cuff pressure does not reach a reference pressure after a reference time elapsed from the start of pump operation, a measurement error is determined to have occurred. On the other hand, when the cuff pressure rises normally, the operation of the pump, the first valve, and the second valve is controlled to measure the blood pressure at the measured site.

11. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to perform the blood pressure measurement method of claim 10.

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