Sphygmomanometer

Abstract

In the present application, a blood pressure measuring cuff (20) is worn around a rod-shaped measured site (90) of a subject. Light projecting sections (34E, 34F) are arranged only along the edge portions (20e, 20f) of one side or both sides in the width direction (Y) of the cuff (20), and irradiate light (Le, Lf) to the periphery (92e, 92f) of a target region (92) of the measured site (90). A light receiving section (35) is provided in a sheet shape along a specific portion (20b1) of the inner surface (20b) of the cuff (20) facing the target region (92), and receives light (Le', Lf') scattered or reflected by the target region (92) to obtain an image containing a vein pattern (Px) of the target region (92). An authentication section compares the vein pattern (Px) with a reference vein pattern (Pr) registered in advance, and performs vein authentication for the subject.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a sphygmomanometer, and more particularly to a sphygmomanometer having a vein authentication function. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, as a device having a vein authentication function and a blood pressure measurement function, for example, as disclosed in Patent Literature 1 (Japanese Patent No. 6027716), a device having a shape of a wristwatch is known, which is provided with a band portion to be worn by being wound around a wrist of a user (a subject), and a frame portion formed integrally with the band portion. In the frame portion, a light projecting opening and a light receiving opening are formed in a contact surface which contacts a skin of the user. In addition, the frame portion is mounted with a light projecting portion which projects light in a direction of the skin through the light projecting opening, a light receiving portion which receives reflected light of the projected light through the light receiving opening, an authentication portion which generates a current vein pattern from a light receiving amount of the reflected light, and compares the vein pattern with a reference vein pattern (an original vein pattern) registered in advance to perform vein authentication, and a relative blood pressure fluctuation measurement portion which calculates a pulse wave propagation time using information of the reflected light, and calculates a relative blood pressure fluctuation (a change amount of blood pressure) using the pulse wave propagation time.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent No. 6027716 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] Generally, vein authentication needs to be performed, and a blood pressure value needs to be measured with high precision. However, in the device disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the blood pressure measurement function is limited to being able to calculate a relative blood pressure fluctuation using a pulse wave propagation time.

[0008] Here, for example, in the device disclosed in Patent Literature 1, an air bag for pressing a wrist is built in the band portion, and a blood pressure value is measured by an oscillometric method. However, in the device disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the light projecting opening and the light receiving opening are formed in the contact surface of the frame portion which contacts the skin of the user. Therefore, even if the air bag is built in the band portion, an artery cannot be pressed well, and thus there is a problem that a blood pressure value cannot be measured with high precision.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide a sphygmomanometer which is able to perform vein authentication, and is able to measure a blood pressure with high precision.

[0010] MEANS OF SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0011] To solve the problem, a sphygmomanometer of the present disclosure has a function of performing vein authentication for a subject, characterized by

[0012] having:

[0013] a cuff for blood pressure measurement extending in a band shape in a length direction to be worn so as to wrap around a subject's rod-shaped measurement site in a circumferential direction and cover a target region where a vein is present in the measurement site;

[0014] a light projecting section disposed along a side or both sides of the cuff in a width direction perpendicular to the length direction in a plane in which the cuff is spread out, to irradiate light to a periphery of the target region of the measurement site;

[0015] a light receiving section provided in a sheet shape along a specific portion of an inner surface of the cuff facing the target region, to receive light scattered or reflected by the target region and obtain an image containing a vein pattern of the target region; and

[0016] an authentication section that compares the vein pattern contained in the image with a reference vein pattern registered in advance, to perform vein authentication for the subject.

[0017] In the present specification, the "measurement site" includes the subject's upper arm, wrist, or the like of the upper limb, or the ankle or the like of the lower limb, and refers to a portion through which an artery serving as a target of blood pressure measurement passes. The "target region" refers to a region in the measurement site where a vein pattern should be acquired.

[0018] The "cuff for blood pressure measurement" typically includes a fluid bag for compressing the measurement site.

[0019] With regard to the cuff for blood pressure measurement, the "length direction" refers to a direction in which the cuff extends in a band shape, and corresponds to a circumferential direction in which the measurement site is wrapped around in a worn state. The "width direction" refers to a direction perpendicular to the length direction in a plane in which the cuff is spread out, and corresponds to a direction in which the measurement site extends in a rod shape in the worn state. In addition, the "thickness direction" described later refers to a direction perpendicular to both the length direction and the width direction (i.e., the plane in which the cuff is spread out), and corresponds to a direction perpendicular to an outer circumferential surface of the measurement site in the worn state.

[0020] The "inner surface" of the cuff refers to a surface that becomes an inner circumferential side in a state in which the measurement site is wrapped around in a circumferential direction. The "outer surface" of the cuff described later refers to a surface that becomes an outer circumferential side in a state in which the measurement site is wrapped around in a circumferential direction.

[0021] The "light projecting section" typically includes a column of light emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0022] The configuration of the light projecting section "along the edge of one side or both sides in the width direction of the cuff" means that the light projecting section can be configured along the edge of the cuff in a mounting member mounted along the cuff, or can be configured along the edge of the cuff in a main body integrally mounted to the outer surface side of the cuff opposite to the measurement site.

[0023] "Vein authentication" means one of biometric authentications using pattern recognition technology for an image of a vein pattern under the skin of a human body, and means to identify whether a subject in a current measurement and a user having a reference vein pattern registered in advance are the same person as the target region of the measurement site.

[0024] In the sphygmomanometer of the present disclosure, the cuff for blood pressure measurement is worn in a state in which the cuff for blood pressure measurement is wound in a band shape in a circumferential direction around a rod-shaped measurement site of a subject, and covers a target region in which a vein is present in the measurement site (this state is referred to as a "wearing state"). A light projecting section is configured along an edge of one side or both sides in a width direction of the cuff perpendicular to the length direction in a surface in which the cuff is expanded. According to this configuration, the light projecting section irradiates light to a periphery of the target region of the measurement site (i.e., a periphery of one side or both sides in the width direction of the target region). A light receiving section is provided in a sheet shape along a specific portion of an inner surface of the cuff facing the target region, receives light scattered or reflected by the target region, and obtains an image including a vein pattern of the target region. An authentication section compares the vein pattern included in the image with a reference vein pattern registered in advance, and performs vein authentication for the subject. Thus, it is possible to identify whether a subject in a current measurement and a user having a reference vein pattern registered in advance are the same person. In this way, according to the sphygmomanometer, it is possible to perform vein authentication.

[0025] In addition, in the sphygmomanometer, in the wearing state, the cuff for blood pressure measurement is pressurized by supplying air to the cuff for blood pressure measurement, and thus the measurement site is compressed to block blood flow (a pressurization process). Blood pressure is measured by a tonometry method in the pressurization process or in a depressurization process in which the cuff for blood pressure measurement is depressurized by discharging air from the cuff for blood pressure measurement. At this time, the light projecting section is not configured in a central region in the width direction of the cuff (a region between the edges of one side or both sides) but is configured along the edge of one side or both sides in the width direction of the cuff. Therefore, for example, even in a case in which the light projecting section includes a row of light emitting diodes (LEDs) having a thickness of about 1 mm to 2 mm, the presence of the light projecting section does not impair the compression performance of the cuff. In addition, the light receiving section is provided in a sheet shape along a specific portion of an inner surface of the cuff facing the target region. Therefore, the presence of the light receiving section does not impair the compression performance of the cuff. Thus, according to the sphygmomanometer, it is possible to measure blood pressure with high accuracy.

[0026] In a sphygmomanometer of one embodiment,

[0027] The light receiving section includes:

[0028] a sheet-shaped imaging element disposed along the specific portion in the inner surface of the cuff; and

[0029] a sheet-shaped imaging element disposed along a surface of the photographing element facing the target region,

[0030] The imaging element transmits light in one direction perpendicular to a surface in which the imaging element extends, and blocks light in directions other than the one direction.

[0031] The photographing element receives the light transmitted through the imaging element, and outputs an electric signal representing an image of the vein pattern including the target region.

[0032] In the sphygmomanometer of one embodiment, the sheet-shaped imaging element included in the light receiving section receives light scattered or reflected by the target region, transmits light in one direction perpendicular to a surface in which the imaging element extends (the thickness direction of the cuff, i.e., a direction perpendicular to the outer circumferential surface of the measurement site), and blocks light in directions other than the one direction. The light transmitted through the imaging element becomes light representing the vein pattern of the target region, and is incident on the sheet-shaped photographing element. The photographing element receives the light transmitted through the imaging element, and outputs an electric signal representing an image of the vein pattern including the target region. Thus, an image of the vein pattern including the target region is obtained.

[0033] In a sphygmomanometer of one embodiment,

[0034] The mounting member has a mounting portion disposed along the outer surface of the cuff,

[0035] End edge regions on both sides in the width direction of the mounting member protrude outward in the width direction from the edge portions on both sides of the cuff,

[0036] The light projecting section is disposed along the edge portions of the cuff by being mounted on the end edge regions of the mounting member.

[0037] Here, the "end edge regions" of the mounting member refer to regions in a certain range connected to the true end edges in the width direction.

[0038] In the sphygmomanometer of one embodiment, the light projecting section can be disposed along the edge portions of the cuff by a simple structure.

[0039] In a sphygmomanometer of one embodiment,

[0040] The mounting member is a flexible substrate in a rectangular frame shape surrounding a central opening,

[0041] The end edge region of the flexible substrate has an engaging region that partially protrudes toward the central opening in a direction along the length direction from an edge facing the central opening,

[0042] The engaging region is flexibly arranged along the inner surface of the cuff, engaging the flexible substrate with the cuff.

[0043] The "flexible substrate" refers to a substrate that has flexibility.

[0044] In the sphygmomanometer of this one embodiment, by a simple structure, the light projecting portion can be arranged along the rim portion of the cuff. Also, in the assembly process of this sphygmomanometer, by the engaging region of the flexible substrate, an engaged state in which the flexible substrate and the cuff are engaged can be achieved. Thus, positioning of the flexible substrate with respect to the cuff for blood pressure measurement is easily performed. Therefore, assembly becomes easy.

[0045] In a sphygmomanometer of one embodiment,

[0046] a flexible substrate in a rectangular shape arranged along the inner surface of the cuff,

[0047] The end edge regions on both sides in the width direction of the flexible substrate protrude outward in the width direction from the rim portions on both sides of the cuff,

[0048] The light projecting portion is arranged along the rim portion of the cuff by being mounted on the end edge regions of the flexible substrate,

[0049] The light receiving portion is arranged along the specific portion facing the target region by being mounted on the inner region sandwiched by the end edge regions of the flexible substrate.

[0050] In the sphygmomanometer of this one embodiment, since the light projecting portion and the light receiving portion are mounted on one (common) flexible substrate, by a simple structure, the light projecting portion can be arranged along the rim portion of the cuff, and in addition, the light receiving portion can be arranged along the specific portion facing the target region. Also, in the assembly process of this sphygmomanometer, if the flexible substrate is mounted on the cuff for blood pressure measurement, the light projecting portion and the light receiving portion are simultaneously mounted. Therefore, assembly becomes easy.

[0051] In a sphygmomanometer of one embodiment,

[0052] The flexible substrate has a pair of slits for the cuff to pass through at positions on both sides of a mounting region where the light projecting section and the light receiving section are mounted, in a direction along the length direction of the cuff,

[0053] The cuff is wound around the measurement site in a circumferential direction in a manner that the specific portion overlaps with a back surface side of the mounting region of the flexible substrate and extends from the back surface side to a side facing the measurement site through the pair of slits, respectively.

[0054] Typically, the size of the "slit" in a direction along the width direction of the cuff is set to be slightly larger than the size of the width direction of the cuff.

[0055] The "back surface side" of the flexible substrate refers to a side opposite to a side facing the measurement site.

[0056] In the sphygmomanometer of one embodiment, the flexible substrate has a pair of slits for the cuff to pass through at positions on both sides of a mounting region where the light projecting section and the light receiving section are mounted, in a direction along the length direction of the cuff. In the assembly process of the sphygmomanometer, the cuff is in a state where the specific portion overlaps with the back surface side of the mounting region of the flexible substrate and extends from the back surface side to a side facing the measurement site through the pair of slits, respectively. Thus, a fitting state where the flexible substrate and the cuff are fitted is obtained. Thus, positioning of the flexible substrate with respect to the cuff for blood pressure measurement is easily performed. Therefore, assembly is facilitated.

[0057] In a sphygmomanometer of one embodiment, the sphygmomanometer is characterized in that,

[0058] The main body is integrally mounted on an outer surface side of the cuff,

[0059] The main body mounts:

[0060] The authentication section;

[0061] A pressure control section controls supply of fluid to the cuff to pressurize or discharge of fluid from the cuff to depressurize;

[0062] A pressure detection section detects pressure of the cuff; and

[0063] A blood pressure calculation section calculates blood pressure based on an output of the pressure detection section.

[0064] In the sphygmomanometer of this one embodiment, in the wearing state, a pressure control section mounted on the main body controls to supply fluid to the cuff to pressurize or discharge fluid from the cuff to depressurize. In the pressurization process or the depressurization process of the cuff, a pressure detection section detects the pressure of the cuff. A blood pressure calculation section calculates blood pressure based on the output of the pressure detection section. Thus, blood pressure can be calculated with high accuracy. In this sphygmomanometer, the main body is integrally mounted on the side of the cuff opposite the measurement site. Therefore, the sphygmomanometer is more compact than, for example, a table sphygmomanometer (a sphygmomanometer in which the main body and the blood pressure measurement cuff are provided separately and connected to a fluid bag of the cuff via a flexible tube in a fluid flowable manner). In this sphygmomanometer, the length of the wiring connecting the light projecting section and the light receiving section to the main body is short, and the reliability of the wiring is improved.

[0065] Effects of Invention

[0066] As described above, according to the sphygmomanometer of the present disclosure, it is possible to perform vein authentication and measure blood pressure with high accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0067] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a sphygmomanometer of one embodiment of the present application in a state where the sphygmomanometer is worn on the left wrist as a measurement site.

[0068] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a view showing the frame structure of the sphygmomanometer.

[0069] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a view showing a cross section along the width direction of the blood pressure measurement cuff (the direction in which the measurement site extends) in a state where the sphygmomanometer is worn on the measurement site.

[0070] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a view showing the flow of blood pressure measurement based on the sphygmomanometer.

[0071] Figure 5 (A) of FIG. 5 is a view showing the flow of vein authentication processing. Figure 5 (B) of FIG. 5 is a view schematically showing a vein pattern obtained for a subject. Figure 5 (C) of FIG. 5 is a view schematically showing a reference vein pattern registered in advance.

[0072] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a view showing the portion including the main body of the sphygmomanometer of the present application deformed into a deformed example 1. Figure 1 FIG. 7 is a view showing the portion including the main body of the sphygmomanometer of the present application deformed into a deformed example 2.

[0073] Figure 7AThis is a diagram showing the planar layout of the flexible substrate of the blood pressure monitor of the modified example 1.

[0074] Figure 7B It means Figure 7A The diagram shows the cross-sectional view (end face) along line VIIB-VIIB.

[0075] Figure 8 This indicates that the measurement will be observed from the inside (the side in contact with the measured area). Figure 1 The figure shows the part of the blood pressure monitor including the main body after deformation example 2.

[0076] Figure 9A This is a diagram showing the planar layout of the flexible substrate of the blood pressure monitor of the modified example 2.

[0077] Figure 9B It means Figure 9A The diagram shows the cross-sectional view (end face) along line IXB-IXB.

[0078] Figure 10 Is with Figure 3 Correspondingly, show the following: Figure 1 The image shows a blood pressure monitor after deformation, as in Example 3. Detailed Implementation

[0079] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0080] (Simple outline of a blood pressure monitor)

[0081] Figure 1 The appearance of a blood pressure monitor 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The blood pressure monitor 100 generally includes: a blood pressure measuring cuff 20, which is wrapped around the rod-shaped measuring part 90 (in this example, the left wrist) of the subject and worn; a body 10, which is integrally mounted on the outer surface 20a side of the cuff 20 (particularly the portion corresponding to the palmar side 90a of the palm side) and is equipped with an element for measuring blood pressure; and a mounting member 40, which is disposed between the cuff 20 and the body 10.

[0082] (Structure of a blood pressure measuring cuff)

[0083] according to Figure 1 As can be seen, the cuff 20 has an elongated strip shape (in this example, a rectangle with rounded corners) in the length direction X. In this example, the cuff 20 is a general cuff configured such that the elongated strip of outer fabric (forming the outer surface 20a) and an inner fabric having a shape corresponding to the outer fabric (forming the inner surface 20b) sandwich the fluid bag 23 (see reference). Figure 2The outer cloth and the inner cloth are sewn or welded at the peripheral edge portions thereof (including the edge portions 20e and 20f on both sides in the width direction Y).

[0084] Here, the "inner surface 20b" of the cuff 20 refers to a surface that becomes the inner peripheral side in a state where the measurement site 90 is wrapped in the circumferential direction. The "outer surface 20a" of the cuff 20, which will be described later, refers to a surface that becomes the outer peripheral side in a state where the measurement site 90 is wrapped in the circumferential direction. In addition, with respect to the cuff 20, the "length direction X" refers to a direction in which the cuff 20 extends in a band shape, and corresponds to the circumferential direction in which the measurement site 90 is wrapped in the worn state. The "width direction Y" refers to a direction that is perpendicular to the length direction X in the XY plane in which the cuff 20 is spread, and corresponds to a direction in which the measurement site 90 extends in a rod shape in the worn state. In addition, the "thickness direction Z" shown in the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown in Figure 3

[0085] corresponds to a direction that is perpendicular to the outer peripheral surface of the measurement site 90 in the worn state. Furthermore, the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is shown in Figure 3

[0085] corresponds to a direction that is perpendicular to the outer peripheral surface of the measurement site 90 in the worn state. Furthermore, the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is shown in Figures 6-10

[0085] corresponds to a direction that is perpendicular to the outer peripheral surface of the measurement site 90 in the worn state. Furthermore, the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is shown in

[0085]

[0086] As shown in Figure 2 , the main body 10 is equipped with a control section 110, a display 50, an operation section 52, a memory 51 as a storage section, a power supply section 53, a pressure sensor 31, an oscillation circuit 310, a pump 32, a pump drive circuit 320, a valve 33, a valve drive circuit 330, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) drive circuit 340, and an AD (analog-to-digital) conversion circuit 350. In this example, the pressure sensor 31 is fluidly connectable to the fluid bag 23 built in the cuff 20 via one air pipe 37. In addition, an air pipe 38a connected to the pump 32 and an air pipe 38b connected to the valve 33 are merged into one air pipe 38, which is fluidly connectable to the fluid bag 23. The air pipe 38 is a general term including the air pipes 38a and 38b.

[0087] As shown in Figure 1As shown in FIG. 1, the display 50 and the operation section 52 are arranged on the top surface (the surface on the side away from the cuff 20) 10a of the main body 10. In this example, the display 50 is constituted by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays prescribed information in accordance with a control signal from the control section 110. In this example, the display 50 displays the systolic blood pressure SBP (unit: mmHg), the diastolic blood pressure DBP (unit: mmHg), the pulse rate (unit: beats / minute), and also displays the result of the vein authentication with respect to the subject. Furthermore, the display 50 can be constituted by an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, and can include an LED.

[0088] In this example, the operation section 52 includes a measurement switch 52A for accepting an instruction to start / stop the measurement of the blood pressure, and a record call switch 52B, and inputs an operation signal corresponding to the instruction of the user to the control section 110. Specifically, when the measurement switch 52A is pressed, an operation signal for the measurement of the blood pressure is input to the control section 110, and the control section 110 starts the measurement of the blood pressure described later (and automatically stops when the measurement of the blood pressure is completed). If the measurement switch 52A is pressed during the measurement of the blood pressure, the control section 110 urgently stops the measurement of the blood pressure. In addition, when the record call switch 52B is pressed, the past measurement results of the blood pressure recorded in the memory 51 are called up and displayed on the display 50.

[0089] Figure 2 The memory 51 shown in FIG. 1 stores data of a program for controlling the sphygmomanometer 100, setting data for setting various functions of the sphygmomanometer 100, and data of the measurement results of the blood pressure values, and the like. In addition, the memory 51 is also used as a work memory or the like when a program is executed.

[0090] The control section 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a processor, and controls the overall operation of the sphygmomanometer 100. Specifically, the control section 110 functions as a pressure control section in accordance with a program for controlling the sphygmomanometer 100 stored in the memory 51, and controls the driving of the pump 32 and the valve 33 as pressure devices in accordance with an operation signal from the operation section 52. In addition, the control section 110 functions as a blood pressure calculation section, and calculates a blood pressure value on the basis of the output of the pressure sensor 31, and controls the display 50 and the memory 51. The specific method of the measurement of the blood pressure will be described later.

[0091] In this example, the pressure sensor 31 is a piezoresistive pressure sensor that outputs the pressure of the fluid bag 23 built in the cuff 20 (referred to as "cuff pressure Pc") through the air pipe 37 as an electric resistance caused by a piezoresistive effect. The oscillation circuit 310 oscillates at an oscillation frequency corresponding to the electric resistance from the pressure sensor 31. The control section 110 calculates the cuff pressure Pc based on the oscillation frequency.

[0092] The pump 32 is driven by the pump drive circuit 320 based on a control signal supplied from the control section 110, and supplies air to the fluid bag 23 built in the cuff 20 through the air pipe 38. Thus, the pressure of the fluid bag 23 (cuff pressure Pc) is pressurized.

[0093] The valve 33 is constituted by a solenoid valve of a normally open type, and is driven by the valve drive circuit 330 based on a control signal supplied from the control section 110, and opens and closes the valve 33 to discharge or enclose air in the fluid bag 23 through the air pipe 38 to control the cuff pressure.

[0094] The LED drive circuit 340 drives the light projecting section 34 via the wiring 71 based on a control signal supplied from the control section 110. In addition, the AD conversion circuit 350 converts an electric signal from the light receiving section 35 representing an image including a vein pattern into AD and inputs it to the control section 110. The structure of the light projecting section 34 and the light receiving section 35 will be described later.

[0095] The power supply section 53 supplies electric power to the control section 110, the display 50, the memory 51, the pressure sensor 31, the pump 32, the valve 33, and other sections in the main body 10.

[0096] (Structure of mounting member)

[0097] Figure 3 A schematic view showing a cross section along the width direction of the cuff 20 (the direction in which the measured site 90 extends) in a state where the sphygmomanometer 100 is worn on the measured site 90. In addition, in Figure 3 , the cross section of the inside of the main body 10 and the cuff 20 is omitted. As Figure 3As shown in FIG. 6, the mounting member 40 has a plate portion 41 arranged along the outer surface 20a of the cuff 20. In this example, the plate portion 41 is adhered to the outer surface 20a of the cuff 20 by an adhesive (not shown). The end edge regions 40e, 40f on both sides in the width direction Y of the mounting member 40 (the plate portion 41) protrude outward in the width direction Y from the edge portions 20e, 20f on both sides of the cuff 20. The outer side wall 40el protruding toward the measurement site 90 and the inner side wall 40e2 protruding parallel to the outer side wall 40el are provided in the end edge region 40e on one side. The area between the outer side wall 40el and the inner side wall 40e2 in the end edge region 40e mounts the row 34E of LEDs forming the light projecting portion 34. Thus, the row 34E of LEDs is arranged along the edge portion 20e on one side of the cuff 20 in a state protected by the outer side wall 40el and the inner side wall 40e2. Similarly, the outer side wall 40fl protruding toward the measurement site 90 and the inner side wall 40f2 protruding parallel to the outer side wall 40fl are provided in the end edge region 40f on the other side. The area between the outer side wall 40fl and the inner side wall 40f2 in the end edge region 40f mounts the row 34F of LEDs forming the light projecting portion 34. Thus, the row 34F of LEDs is arranged along the edge portion 20f on the other side of the cuff 20 in a state protected by the outer side wall 40fl and the inner side wall 40f2. The rows 34E, 34F of LEDs are respectively connected to a not-shown flexible substrate (including the wiring 71) extending toward the main body 10.

[0098] In this example, the plate portion 41, the outer side wall 40el, the inner side wall 40e2, the outer side wall 40fl, and the inner side wall 40f2 are composed of a synthetic resin (e.g., ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene)) that is integrally molded. Thus, in the example using this mounting member 40, the light projecting portion 34 (the rows 34E, 34F of LEDs) can be arranged along the edge portions 20e, 20f of the cuff 20 by a simple structure.

[0099] The leading ends (one ends on the measurement site 90 side) of the outer side wall 40el, the inner side wall 40e2, the outer side wall 40fl, and the inner side wall 40f2 are curved in the circumferential direction along the measurement site 90 (in this example, the palmar surface 90a) as with the plate portion 41 and the bottom surface 10b of the main body 10. Further, the outer side wall 40el, the inner side wall 40e2, the outer side wall 40fl, and the inner side wall 40f2 are curved in the circumferential direction along the edge portions 20e, 20f of the cuff 20. Figure 3 In FIG. 6, the leading ends of the outer side wall 40el, the inner side wall 40e2, the outer side wall 40fl, and the inner side wall 40f2 of the mounting member 40 are depicted as being separated from the measurement site 90 (in this example, the palmar surface 90a) for convenience, but in the actual wearing state, the leading ends are in close contact with the palmar surface 90a.

[0100] The air pipes 37, 38 connect the main body 10 and the cuff 20 through not-shown through holes provided in the plate portion 41.

[0101] (Structure of the light-projecting and light-receiving sections)

[0102] In this example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the projection section 34 is composed of columns 34E and 34F of LEDs arranged on the edges 20e and 20f on both sides along the width direction Y of the sleeve 20. The LED column 34E on one side includes five LEDs 34E1, 34E2, ..., 34E5. Similarly, the LED column 34F on the other side also includes five LEDs 34F1, 34F2, ..., 34F5. According to... Figure 1 It can be seen that the light-projecting part 34 is not positioned in the central region of the sleeve 20 (the region between the two edges 20e and 20f) in the width direction Y. According to this configuration, the light-projecting part 34 (the columns 34E and 34F of the LEDs) can project light towards... Figure 3 The periphery 92e and 92f of the target area 92 of the measured part 90 shown are illuminated with light Le and Lf. In this example, near-infrared light (about 700 nm to about 2500 nm), particularly light with a wavelength of 850 nm, is used as the illumination light Le and Lf.

[0103] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the light-receiving portion 35 is sheet-likely arranged along a specific portion 20b1 of the inner surface 20b of the cuff 20 facing the target area 92. The target area 92 refers to the area in the measurement site 90 where the vein pattern should be acquired. Specifically, as... Figure 3As shown, the light-receiving portion 35 includes: a sheet-like imaging element 35B disposed along a specific portion 20b1 of the inner surface 20b of the cuff 20; and a sheet-like imaging element 35A disposed along the side of the imaging element 35B facing the target area 92. In this example, the imaging element 35B is attached to the specific portion 20b1 of the cuff 20 by an adhesive (not shown). Additionally, in this example, the imaging element 35A is attached to the imaging element 35B and the specific portion 20b1 of the cuff 20 surrounding the imaging element 35B by an adhesive (not shown). The imaging element 35A allows light to pass through in a direction Z (corresponding to the thickness direction Z of the cuff 20) perpendicular to the surface extending from which the imaging element 35A extends, while blocking light in directions other than that direction Z. For example, an all-round privacy filter manufactured by Asdec Inc. can be used as such an imaging element 35A. The imaging element 35B receives light that has passed through the imaging element 35A and outputs an electrical signal representing the received light. Such an imaging element 35B can be a thin image sensor manufactured by Japan Display Inc. In this example, the imaging element 35B outputs an electrical signal representing an image containing a vein pattern of the target area 92. A flexible substrate (including wiring 72) extending toward the main body 10 (not shown) is connected to the imaging element 35B.

[0104] (How to wear a blood pressure cuff)

[0105] like Figure 3 As shown, the cuff 20 is worn by wrapping around the outer periphery of the measurement site (left wrist in this example) 90 in the length direction X, covering the target area 92 where the vein 93 is located. When worn, the cuff 20 is secured in a non-slack manner by a fastener (not shown). Here, the measurement site 90 refers to the area through which the artery 91, the object of blood pressure measurement, passes. Furthermore, as described above, the target area 92 refers to the area in the measurement site 90 where the vein pattern should be acquired. In this wearing state, relative to the palmar side 90a of the measurement site 90, the imaging element 35A, the capturing element 35B, the cuff 20 containing the fluid pouch 23, and the main body 10 are arranged sequentially in the thickness direction Z.

[0106] (Blood pressure measurement)

[0107] Figure 4 The procedure for a subject to undergo blood pressure measurement, including vein authentication, using a blood pressure monitor 100 is illustrated. Furthermore, a pre-obtained vein pattern on the user's left wrist is used as a reference vein pattern Pr. Figure 5 (C) schematically indicates that it is logged (stored) in memory 51.

[0108] In the wearing state where the cuff 20 is worn on the measurement site 90, when the user instructs the start of measurement by the measurement switch 52A provided in the main body 10 (step S1 of (A)), the control section 110 first performs the vein authentication process for the current subject (step S2 of (A)). Figure 4 Figure 4

[0109] Specifically, as shown in step S51 of (A), the control section 110 drives the light projecting section 34 (the columns 34E, 34F of LEDs) by the LED driving circuit 340 to irradiate the light Le, Lf to the periphery 92e, 92f of the target region 92 of the measurement site 90 shown in (B). In this way, the light receiving section 35 (the imaging element 35A, the photographing element 35B) receives the light Le', Lf' scattered or reflected by the target region 92, and obtains an image of the vein pattern Px including the target region 92 for the subject in the current measurement (shown schematically in (B) of (A)). Next, in step S52 of (A), the control section 110 functions as the authentication section, compares the vein pattern Px included in the image with the reference vein pattern Pr registered in advance, and performs the vein authentication for the subject. Thereby, it is identified whether the subject in the current measurement and the user having the reference vein pattern Pr registered in advance are the same person. Further, the vein authentication itself using the pattern recognition technique is a publicly known technique, and thus detailed explanation is omitted. Figure 5 Figure 3 Figure 5 Figure 5

[0110] Here, if the vein pattern Px of the subject in the current measurement does not coincide with the reference vein pattern Pr registered in advance (step S53 of (A) is "No"), the control section 110 displays the information that the subject is not the registered user on the display 50, and ends the process (step S54 of (A)). That is, the blood pressure measurement is not performed. On the other hand, if the vein pattern Px of the subject in the current measurement coincides with the reference vein pattern Pr registered in advance (step S53 of (A) is "Yes"), the control section 110 returns to the blood pressure measurement flow of (A), and performs the process of the blood pressure measurement as follows. Figure 5 Figure 5 Figure 5 Figure 4 That is, the control section 110 first performs the initialization (step S3 of (A)). Specifically, the control section 110 initializes the memory area for the process, and performs the 0 mmHg adjustment of the pressure sensor 31 (atmospheric pressure is set to 0 mmHg) in the state where the pump 32 is stopped and the valve 33 is opened.

[0111] Figure 4 ​​​​​​​​​​​

[0112] Next, the control unit 110 functions as a pressure control unit, closing valve 33 (step S4), driving pump 32, and initiating pressurization of cuff 20 (step S5). Specifically, the control unit 110 supplies air from pump 32 to cuff 20 (built-in fluid bag 23) via air pipe 38. Simultaneously, pressure sensor 31 functions as a pressure detection unit, detecting the pressure of fluid bag 23 via air pipe 37. Based on the output of pressure sensor 31, the control unit 110 controls the pressurization rate of pump 32. This pressurization compresses the artery 91 at the measured site 90, thus blocking blood flow.

[0113] Next, based on the output of the pressure sensor 31, the control unit 110 stops the pump 32 (step S6) when the pressure of the cuff 20 (fluid bag 23) (cuff pressure Pc) reaches a predetermined value (a value much higher than the assumed blood pressure value of the subject. In this example, it is set to be 40 mmHg higher than the blood pressure value of the subject measured last time.)

[0114] Next, the control unit 110 slowly opens valve 33 ( Figure 4 Step S7). Thus, the cuff pressure Pc is reduced at a substantially constant rate. Here, a pulse wave signal (variation component) as pulse wave information is superimposed on the cuff pressure Pc detected by the pressure sensor 31 through the air pipe 37.

[0115] During this decompression process, the control unit 110 functions as a blood pressure calculation unit, extracting the pulse wave signal (variation component) superimposed on the cuff pressure Pc, and attempting to calculate the blood pressure value (systolic blood pressure SBP and diastolic blood pressure DBP) based on the pulse wave signal acquired at that time point, for example, using a known oscillometric method. Figure 4 (Step S8). Additionally, in this example, the control unit 110 calculates the pulse rate (beats per minute) based on the pulse wave signal.

[0116] In cases where the control unit 110 is unable to calculate blood pressure and pulse rate due to insufficient data ( Figure 4 If step S9 is "No", repeat steps S7 to S9 until calculation is possible.

[0117] Thus, when the blood pressure and pulse rate can be calculated (step S9 is "yes"), the control unit 110 functions as a pressure control unit, opens the valve 33, and controls the rapid exhaust of air from the cuff 20 (fluid bag 23) (step S10).

[0118] After that, the control section 110 displays the calculated blood pressure value and pulse rate on the display 50 (step Sll), and performs control to store the blood pressure value and pulse rate in the memory 51.

[0119] Further, in the above example, the blood pressure value and pulse rate are calculated during the pressure reduction of the cuff 20 (fluid bag 23), but not limited to this, and the blood pressure value and pulse rate can also be calculated during the pressure increase of the cuff 20 (fluid bag 23).

[0120] In this sphygmomanometer 100, in the worn state, the light projecting section 34 (the rows 34E, 34F of LEDs) is disposed only along one side or both sides of the edge portion 20e, 20f in the width direction Y of the cuff 20. That is, the light projecting section 34 is not disposed in the central region of the cuff 20 (the region between the two edge portions 20e, 20f) in the width direction Y. Therefore, for example, even in the case where the light projecting section 34 includes rows of light emitting diodes (LEDs) having a thickness of about 1 mm to 2 mm, the presence of the light projecting section 34 (the rows 34E, 34F of LEDs) does not impair the compression performance of the cuff 20. Further, the light receiving section 35 (the imaging element 35A, the photographing element 35B) is disposed in a sheet shape along a specific portion 20bl of the inner surface 20b of the cuff 20 facing the target region 92. Therefore, the presence of the light receiving section 35 does not impair the compression performance of the cuff 20. Thus, according to this sphygmomanometer 100, the blood pressure can be measured with high accuracy.

[0121] Thus, according to this sphygmomanometer 100, the vein authentication can be performed and the blood pressure can be measured with high accuracy.

[0122] Further, in this sphygmomanometer 100, the main body 10 is integrally attached to the side of the cuff 20 opposite the measurement site 90. Therefore, this sphygmomanometer 100 can be configured more compactly than, for example, a table type sphygmomanometer (a sphygmomanometer in which the main body and the cuff for blood pressure measurement are disposed separately and connected to the fluid bag of the cuff in a fluid flowable manner via a flexible tube). Further, in this sphygmomanometer 100, the lengths of the wires 71, 72 connecting the light projecting section 34, the light receiving section 35, and the main body 10 can be short, and the reliability of the wires 71, 72 is improved.

[0123] (Modified Example 1)

[0124] Figure 6 A portion including the main body 10 of the sphygmomanometer (denoted by reference numeral 100A) of the modified example 1 in which the sphygmomanometer 100 is modified is shown as viewed from the inside (the side in contact with the measurement site 90). In this sphygmomanometer 100A, the difference is that, as the attachment member, instead of the attachment member 40 described above, a flexible substrate 44 in a rectangular frame shape is provided. The main body 10, the cuff 20, and the sphygmomanometer 100 are the same as described above.Figure 6 and the following Figure 7A , Figure 7B In the description below, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same structural elements in the sphygmomanometer 100, and repeated description is omitted.

[0125] Figure 7A A planar layout of the flexible substrate 44 along the XY plane developed from the cuff 20 is shown. Figure 7B A schematic view of Figure 7A is shown in a cross-sectional view (end surface) along the VIIB-VIIB line. The flexible substrate 44 includes a polyimide resin layer 44B provided with a wiring 71 (illustration omitted in Figure 7A , Figure 7B ), and an optical-shielding elastomer layer 44A adhered to the polyimide resin layer 44B in an overlapping manner. Further, in order to facilitate understanding, the thickness of each layer in Figure 7B is exaggeratedly depicted. In the flexible substrate 44, a substantially rectangular central opening 44w is formed in a region where the polyimide resin layer 44B and the elastomer layer 44A overlap. As a result, the flexible substrate 44 as a whole has a rectangular frame shape that surrounds the central opening 44w.

[0126] In the present example, as is clear from Figure 7A , the end edge regions 44e, 44f of the flexible substrate 44 have engagement regions 44e1, 44f1 that partially protrude toward the central opening 44w in a direction along the length direction X from an edge facing the central opening 44w.

[0127] In the assembly process of the sphygmomanometer 100A, as shown in Figure 6 , first, the engagement regions 44e1, 44f1 are arranged flexibly along the inner surface 20b of the cuff 20. Thereby, a state in which the flexible substrate 44 and the cuff 20 are engaged is achieved, and positioning of the flexible substrate 44 with respect to the cuff 20 is facilitated. In this engaged state, the imaging element 35A and the imaging element 35B that form the light receiving portion 35 are sequentially mounted to a specific portion 20b1 of the inner surface 20b of the cuff 20. In addition, the main body 10 is integrally mounted to the outer surface 20a of the cuff 20. Thereby, assembly is facilitated. Further, it is also possible to pre-mount the imaging element 35A and the imaging element 35B that form the light receiving portion 35 to the specific portion 20b1 of the inner surface 20b of the cuff 20 before the flexible substrate 44 and the cuff 20 are brought into the engaged state.

[0128] According to Figure 6As can be seen, the end edge regions 44e, 44f on both sides in the width direction Y of the flexible substrate 44 are likewise outwardly projected in the width direction Y from the edge portions 20e, 20f on both sides of the cuff 20, in the end edge regions 44e, 44f, there are mounted the rows 34E, 34F of LEDs forming the light projecting portions 34. That is, as with the rows of LEDs in the sphygmomanometer 100, the rows 34E, 34F of LEDs are arranged only along one or both of the edge portions 20e, 20f of the cuff 20 in the width direction Y. Thus, in this sphygmomanometer 100A, too, the light projecting portions 34 (the rows 34E, 34F of LEDs) can be arranged along the edge portions 20e, 20f of the cuff 20 by a simple structure.

[0129] In this sphygmomanometer 100A, as with the sphygmomanometer 100, the cuff 20 is wrapped in the circumferential direction around the measurement site 90 of the subject to be measured, and is worn in a manner so as to cover the target region 92. In this state of wearing, the end edge regions 44e, 44f are pressed against the palmar surface 90a, and the flexure of the engagement regions 44el, 44fl is substantially eliminated. Thus, as with the sphygmomanometer 100, the light projecting portions 34 (the rows 34E, 34F of LEDs) can irradiate light Le, Lf toward the periphery 92e, 92f of the target region 92 of the measurement site 90. In addition, the light receiving portions 35 (the imaging element 35A, the photographing element 35B) can obtain an image containing the vein pattern Px of the target region 92. Further, the presence of the light projecting portions 34 and the light receiving portions 35 does not impair the compression performance of the cuff 20. Thus, according to this sphygmomanometer 100A, as with the sphygmomanometer 100, it is possible to perform vein authentication and to measure blood pressure with high accuracy.

[0130] (Variation 2)

[0131] Figure 8 A case where a portion including the main body 10 of the sphygmomanometer (denoted by reference numeral 100B) according to variation 2 obtained by deforming the sphygmomanometer 100 from the inside (the side in contact with the measurement site 90) is shown. In this sphygmomanometer 100B, the difference is that, as the mounting member, instead of the mounting member 40 described above, there is provided a flexible substrate 44' in the shape of a rectangular plate. The main body 10 and the cuff 20 are the same as in the sphygmomanometer 100. In the following description of the sphygmomanometer 100B, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same structural elements as in the sphygmomanometer 100, and the repeated description is omitted. Figure 8 and the following description Figure 9A , Figure 9B of the same structural elements as in the sphygmomanometer 100, and the repeated description is omitted.

[0132] Figure 9A A planar layout of the flexible substrate 44' in the XY plane developed along the cuff 20 is shown. Figure 9B A planar layout of the flexible substrate 44' in the XY plane developed along the cuff 20 is shown. Figure 9AThe IXB-IXB line is shown in the cross-sectional view (end face). The flexible substrate 44' includes wiring 71 (in... Figure 9A , Figure 9B The diagram shows a polyimide resin layer 44B' (not shown) and a light-shielding elastomer layer 44A' that is overlapped and adhered to the polyimide resin layer 44B'. The polyimide resin layer 44B' is formed to occupy approximately the entire rectangular area (except for the slits 44s and 44s' described later). On the other hand, the elastomer layer 44A' is formed to be a rectangular frame shape. In this flexible substrate 44', the imaging element 35B and the imaging element 35A, which form the light-receiving portion 35, are sequentially stacked and mounted in the mounting area 44m occupying the center of the polyimide resin layer 44B' (particularly the area between the edge regions 44e' and 44f'). Furthermore, for ease of understanding, Figure 9B The thickness of each layer in the text is exaggerated.

[0133] In this example, according to Figure 9A It can be seen that, in the flexible substrate 44′, on both sides of the mounting area 44m corresponding to the mounting area 44m of the light-emitting part 34 (LED columns 34E, 34F) and the light-receiving part 35 (imaging element 35A, capturing element 35B) along the length direction X of the cuff 20, a pair of slits 44s, 44s′ for the cuff 20 to pass through are formed. The dimensions of the slits 44s, 44s′ along the width direction Y of the cuff 20 are set to be slightly larger than the dimensions of the cuff 20 in the width direction Y.

[0134] In the assembly process of the blood pressure monitor 100B, such as Figure 8 As shown, firstly, a specific portion 20b1 of the cuff 20 overlaps the back side (opposite to the side facing the measurement portion 90) of the mounting area 44m of the flexible substrate 44', extending from the back side through a pair of slits 44s and 44s' respectively towards the side facing the measurement portion 90. This creates an engaging state where the flexible substrate 44' and the cuff 20 are engaged, facilitating the positioning of the flexible substrate 44' relative to the cuff 20. Furthermore, when the flexible substrate 44' is mounted on the cuff 20, the light-emitting portion 34 (LED columns 34E, 34F) and the light-receiving portion 35 (imaging element 35A, capturing element 35B) are simultaneously mounted. This simplifies assembly. In this engaged state, the main body 10 is integrally mounted on the outer surface 20a of the cuff 20.

[0135] according to Figure 8As can be seen, the end edge regions 44e', 44f' on both sides in the width direction Y of the flexible substrate 44' also protrude outward in the width direction Y from the side edges 20e, 20f of the cuff 20, like the end edge regions in the mounting member 40. The rows 34E, 34F of LEDs forming the light projecting section 34 are mounted on the end edge regions 44e', 44f', respectively. That is, like the sphygmomanometer 100, the rows 34E, 34F of LEDs are arranged along only one or both of the side edges 20e, 20f of the cuff 20 in the width direction Y. Thus, in the sphygmomanometer 100 as well, the light projecting section 34 (the rows 34E, 34F of LEDs) can be arranged along the side edges 20e, 20f of the cuff 20 by a simple structure. In addition, the light receiving section 35 (the imaging element 35A, the photographing element 35B) can be arranged along the specific portion 20b1 facing the target region 92.

[0136] In the sphygmomanometer 100B as well, like the sphygmomanometer 100, the cuff 20 is worn in a manner that wraps around the measurement site 90 of the subject in the circumferential direction and covers the target region 92. In this state of wearing, the light projecting section 34 (the rows 34E, 34F of LEDs) can irradiate light Le, Lf toward the periphery 92e, 92f of the target region 92 of the measurement site 90, like the sphygmomanometer 100. In addition, the light receiving section 35 (the imaging element 35A, the photographing element 35B) can obtain an image including the vein pattern Px of the target region 92. In addition, the presence of the light projecting section 34 and the light receiving section 35 does not impair the compression performance of the cuff 20. Thus, according to the sphygmomanometer 100B as well, like the sphygmomanometer 100, vein authentication can be performed and blood pressure can be measured with high accuracy.

[0137] (Modified Example 3)

[0138] In the above-described examples, the mounting member (the mounting member 40, the flexible substrate 44 or 44') is provided separately from the main body 10, but is not limited thereto. Figure 10 With Figure 3 A sphygmomanometer 100C of a modified example 3 in which the sphygmomanometer 100 is modified is shown correspondingly. In the sphygmomanometer 100C, the end edge regions 10e, 10f in the bottom surface 10b of the main body (denoted by reference numeral 10') in which the side edges 20e, 20f of the cuff 20 protrude outward in the width direction Y, respectively, are provided with the rows 34E, 34F of LEDs forming the light projecting section 34, respectively.

[0139] Specifically, the end edge region 10e on one side is provided with an outer side wall 10el that protrudes toward the measurement site 90, and an inner side wall 10e2 that protrudes in parallel with the outer side wall 10el. The region in the end edge region 10e between the outer side wall 10el and the inner side wall 10e2 is loaded with the row 34E of LEDs that form the light projecting section 34. Thus, the row 34E of LEDs is arranged along the edge portion 20e on one side of the cuff 20 in a state protected by the outer side wall 10el and the inner side wall 10e2. Similarly, the end edge region 10f on the other side is provided with an outer side wall 10fl that protrudes toward the measurement site 90, and an inner side wall 10f2 that protrudes in parallel with the outer side wall 10fl. The region in the end edge region 10f between the outer side wall 10fl and the inner side wall 10f2 is loaded with the row 34F of LEDs that form the light projecting section 34. Thus, the row 34F of LEDs is arranged along the edge portion 20f on the other side of the cuff 20 in a state protected by the outer side wall 10fl and the inner side wall 10f2. The flexible substrate (including the wiring 71) not shown that extends toward the main body 10 is connected to each of the rows 34E, 34F of LEDs.

[0140] The front ends (the ends on the measurement site 90 side) of the outer side wall 10el, the inner side wall 10e2, the outer side wall 10fl, and the inner side wall 10f2 are curved in the circumferential direction along the measurement site 90 (the palmar surface 90a in this case) as is the bottom surface 10b of the main body 10.

[0141] The other points in the sphygmomanometer 100C are configured as in the sphygmomanometer 100.

[0142] The sphygmomanometer 100C, as is the sphygmomanometer 100, can perform vein authentication and can measure blood pressure with high accuracy. Also, in the sphygmomanometer 100C, since the mounting member can be omitted, the structure can be simplified.

[0143] (Verification experiment)

[0144] The present inventors performed a verification experiment of the blood pressure measurement accuracy in comparison with a commercially available wrist-type sphygmomanometer (manufactured by Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd., model HEM-6220), the sphygmomanometer 100A of the present application (particularly, the modified example 1), and a sphygmomanometer of a comparative example (denoted by reference numeral 100X).

[0145] As the main body 10 and the cuff 20 of the sphygmomanometer 100A of the present application, the main body and the cuff of the wrist-type sphygmomanometer (model HEM-6220) were borrowed. Further, a flexible substrate 44 was prepared, and the sphygmomanometer 100A was configured as shown in the drawing. Figure 6

[0146] ​As the main body 10, the cuff 20 of the blood pressure meter 100X of the comparative example, the main body, the cuff of a wrist blood pressure meter (model HEM-6220) were borrowed. (Further, for convenience, for the same structural elements as those in the blood pressure meter 100A, the same reference numerals are used for the description.) Furthermore, as the flexible substrate (denoted by reference numeral 44X) for this blood pressure meter 100X, a substrate was prepared in which the column of LEDs that form the light projecting section 34 is arranged along the entire circumference (four sides) of the imaging element 35A in the flexible substrate 44 in Figure 6

[0147] A commercially available wrist blood pressure meter (manufactured by Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd., model HEM-6220), the blood pressure meter 100A of the present application, and the blood pressure meter 100X of the comparative example were used to perform blood pressure measurement on a certain subject three times in succession. Table 1 below shows the average of the three measurement values for the systolic blood pressure SBP and the diastolic blood pressure DBP.

[0148] (Table 1)

[0149]

[0150] As is clear from Table 1, the measurement value of the blood pressure meter 100X of the comparative example was about 10 mmHg higher than that of the commercially available wrist blood pressure meter. The reason for this is believed to be that, in the blood pressure meter 100X of the comparative example, the column of LEDs that form the light projecting section 34 is arranged not only in the end edge regions 44e, 44f in the width direction Y, but also in the central region (the region between the two side edge portions 20e, 20f) of the cuff 20 in the width direction Y, and thus the compression performance of the cuff 20 is impaired.

[0151] On the other hand, in the blood pressure meter 100A of the present application, a measurement value approximately the same as that of the commercially available wrist blood pressure meter was obtained. The reason for this is believed to be that, in the width direction Y, the two side edge portions 20e, 20f of the cuff 20 originally contribute less to the compression performance than the central region. Therefore, it is believed that even if the column of LEDs that form the light projecting section 34 is arranged along the two side edge portions 20e, 20f of the cuff 20, there is almost no effect on the measurement value.

[0152] ​Thus, it is verified by the present verification experiment that the sphygmomanometer 100A according to the present application can measure blood pressure with high precision.

[0153] Further, in the described embodiment, although the light projecting sections 34 (the rows 34E, 34F of LEDs) are arranged along the edge portions 20e, 20f of both sides of the cuff 20, the present application is not limited thereto. The light projecting sections 34 can be arranged along only one of the edge portions 20e or 20f as long as the image of the vein pattern Px including the target region 92 can be clearly obtained.

[0154] Further, in the described embodiment, the measurement site 90 is the left wrist, but the present application is not limited thereto. The measurement site 90 can be the right wrist, or an upper limb such as the upper arm or a lower limb such as the ankle.

[0155] Further, in the described embodiment, the main body 10, 10' is integrally attached to the cuff 20 (on the side opposite to the measurement site 90), but the present application is not limited thereto. The sphygmomanometer according to the present application can also be constituted as a table type sphygmomanometer, i.e., a sphygmomanometer in which the main body and the cuff are provided separately, and the main body is connected to the fluid bag of the cuff in a fluid-communicable manner via a flexible tube.

[0156] The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present application. The described embodiments can be established independently of each other, or the embodiments can be combined with each other. Further, the features of the different embodiments can be established independently of each other, or the features of the different embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0157] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0158] 10, 10' main body

[0159] 20 cuff for blood pressure measurement

[0160] 23 fluid bag

[0161] 31 pressure sensor

[0162] 32 pump

[0163] 33 valve

[0164] 34 light projecting section

[0165] 34E, 34F row of LEDs

[0166] 35 light receiving section

[0167] 35A imaging element

[0168] 35B photographing element

[0169] 40 attachment member

[0170] 44, 44' flexible substrate

[0171] 100, 100A, 100B, 100C sphygmomanometer

Claims

1. A blood pressure monitor with a function of venous authentication for the subject, and blood pressure measurement using an oscillometric method, characterized in that, have: A blood pressure measuring cuff, which is bag-shaped and extends in the length direction, is worn in such a way that it wraps around the rod-shaped measuring site of the subject in the circumferential direction and covers the target area where the vein is located in the measuring site. The cuff is configured to, while worn on the measuring site, receive a fluid supply to pressurize and compress the measuring site, or to release the fluid to depressurize. The projection section is arranged along one or both edges of the cuff in the width direction perpendicular to the length direction within the unfolded surface of the cuff, and illuminates the periphery of the target area of ​​the measured part. A light-receiving portion, arranged in a sheet-like manner along a specific portion of the inner surface of the cuff facing the target area, receives light scattered or reflected by the target area to obtain an image containing the vein pattern of the target area; and The authentication department compares the vein pattern contained in the image with a pre-registered reference vein pattern to perform vein authentication for the subject.

2. The blood pressure monitor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The light-receiving part includes: A sheet-like imaging element is configured along a specific portion of the inner surface of the cuff; and A sheet-like imaging element is arranged along the side of the imaging element facing the target region. The imaging element allows light to pass through in one direction perpendicular to the surface to which it extends, while blocking light from directions other than that one direction. The imaging element receives light that has passed through it and outputs an electrical signal representing an image of the vein pattern containing the target region.

3. The blood pressure monitor as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It has mounting members configured along the outer surface of the cuff. The end edge regions on both sides of the mounting member in the width direction protrude outward from the edges on both sides of the cuff in the width direction, respectively. The light-projecting part is mounted on the end edge region of the mounting member, thereby being arranged along the edge of the cuff.

4. The blood pressure monitor as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting component is a rectangular frame-shaped flexible substrate surrounding the central opening. The flexible substrate has an engagement region at its end edge, which protrudes partially toward the central opening from an edge facing the central opening along the length direction. The engagement area is flexibly disposed along the inner surface of the cuff to engage the flexible substrate with the cuff.

5. The blood pressure monitor as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It has a rectangular flexible substrate arranged along the inner surface of the cuff. The end edge regions on both sides of the flexible substrate in the width direction protrude outward from the edges on both sides of the cuff in the width direction, respectively. The light-projecting portion is mounted on the end edge region of the flexible substrate, thereby being disposed along the edge of the cuff. The light-receiving portion is mounted on an internal region held by the end edge region of the flexible substrate, thereby being arranged along the specific portion facing the target region.

6. The blood pressure monitor as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The flexible substrate has a pair of slits on both sides of the mounting area corresponding to the mounting area of ​​the light-projecting part and the light-receiving part along the length direction of the cuff, for the cuff to pass through. The cuff overlaps the specific portion with the back side of the mounting area of ​​the flexible substrate and extends from the back side through the pair of slits toward the side opposite to the measured portion in a circumferential manner.

7. The blood pressure monitor as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It has a main body integrally mounted on the outer surface of the cuff. The main body is equipped with: The certification department; The pressure control unit controls the supply of fluid to the cuff to increase pressure or the discharge of fluid from the cuff to decrease pressure. The pressure detection unit detects the pressure of the cuff; as well as The blood pressure calculation unit calculates blood pressure based on the output of the pressure detection unit.

Images