A weighing scale for monitoring user biometric data

Abstract

The present invention relates to a weighing scale (100) for monitoring biometric data of a user (180). The weighing scale (100) comprises a first set and a second set of multiple electrodes disposed on one or more handles (120) for making contact with a first hand and a second hand of the user (180). The weighing scale (100) further comprises a base (140) for supporting the user (180) and determining a weight of the user (180). A first portion of a top surface of the base (140) comprises a third set of multiple electrodes for making contact with a first foot of the user (180) and a second portion of the top surface of the base (140) comprises a fourth set of multiple electrodes for making contact with a second foot of the user (180). The weighing scale (100) further comprises processing circuitry for obtaining a plurality of biometric signals and determining a pulse wave velocity (PWV) of the first hand and the second hand and the first foot and the second foot of the user (180) based on the plurality of biometric signals to estimate a peripheral arterial disease (PAD) risk of the user (180).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a weighing scale for monitoring a user's biometric data. More specifically, this invention relates to a weighing scale that can be used to monitor a user's biometric data to assess the user's cardiovascular health. Background Technology

[0002] According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016, cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death globally, accounting for 31% of all deaths worldwide. These diseases are largely caused by poor diet and are therefore preventable. However, because most heart-related examinations are conducted in medical facilities, patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease often already exhibit initial symptoms, meaning the body has already suffered initial damage. If these early signs of disease are detected, patients can improve their cardiovascular health before the disease truly develops by making lifestyle changes.

[0003] For example, 200 million people worldwide suffer from peripheral arterial diseases (PAD), affecting approximately 20% of the population aged 80 or older. This disease is a circulatory problem where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the extremities, typically affecting the legs, but can also involve the arms. 90% of PAD cases are caused by atherosclerosis, and 50% of these cases are asymptomatic. The traditional method for diagnosing PAD is using the brachial-ankle blood pressure index, which is calculated by measuring blood pressure in the extremities and calculating the ratio of blood pressure between the arms and legs to indicate the presence of PAD. In a second phase, Doppler and ultrasound imaging can be used to confirm the diagnosis. Therefore, it is easy to understand why these tests are not performed without specific risk factors or symptoms. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a consumer device that can detect cardiovascular diseases at an early stage.

[0005] The foregoing and other objectives are achieved through the subject matter claimed in the independent claims. Other implementations are apparent from the dependent claims, the specification, and the drawings.

[0006] A weighing scale is provided for monitoring a user's biometric data. The scale includes a first set of electrodes comprising a plurality of electrodes for contact with a corresponding portion of a user's first hand, and a second set of electrodes comprising a plurality of electrodes for contact with a corresponding portion of a user's second hand. The scale also includes one or more handles for gripping by the user's first and second hands, with the first and second sets of electrodes disposed on the handles. In one embodiment, the one or more handles may be provided by one or more handle bars. The scale also includes a base, a platform for supporting a user standing on the base and determining the user's weight. In one embodiment, the base may include a plate defining a top surface for supporting the user standing thereon.

[0007] The first portion of the top surface of the base includes a third group of electrodes for contact with the user's first bare foot, and the second portion of the top surface of the base includes a fourth group of electrodes for contact with the user's second bare foot.

[0008] The scale also includes processing circuitry connected to multiple electrodes for acquiring multiple biometric signals from the user, including one or more ECG signals from one or more electrocardiogram (ECG) leads defined by the multiple electrodes, particularly six ECG leads, and multiple photoplethysmography (PPG) and / or impedance plethysmography (IPG) signals from the user's hands and feet to determine local blood volume changes in each limb.

[0009] The scale's processing circuitry is also used to determine the corresponding pulse arrival time (PAT) based on multiple biometric signals, and to determine the approximate pulse wave velocity (PWV) of the user's first and second hands, as well as first and second feet, based on the PAT, thereby estimating the user's risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

[0010] Therefore, a consumer-grade device in the form of a weighing scale is provided that can detect early cardiovascular disease by estimating a user's risk of PAD (post-traumatic stress disorder). The weighing scale can be embedded with additional measurements to perform cardiovascular health assessments for the user, such as opportunistic detection of arrhythmias and cardiac morphological analysis by determining the cardiac axis.

[0011] In another possible implementation, the user's multiple biometric signals also include one or more ballistocardiography (BCG) signals, wherein the processing circuitry is also used to obtain one or more BCG signals based on the user's rapid weight changes determined by the base.

[0012] In another possible implementation, the weighing scale's processing circuitry is also used to determine the pre-ejaculation phase based on one or more ECG signals and one or more BCG signals.

[0013] In another possible implementation, the scale's processing circuitry is also used to determine the pulse transit time (PTT) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) of the user's first and second hands, as well as the first and second feet, to estimate the user's risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

[0014] In another possible implementation, the base also includes at least one light sensor for detecting the position of the user's foot relative to the third and fourth groups containing multiple electrodes.

[0015] In another possible implementation, the base of the scale includes one or more weighing sensors, specifically four weighing sensors for determining the user's weight.

[0016] In another possible implementation, the scale also includes a user interface for outputting information associated with one or more of a plurality of biometric signals to the user, and / or a communication interface for receiving information about the user's height, age, and / or gender. Processing circuitry can utilize the information about the user's height, age, and / or gender to estimate the user's risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

[0017] In another possible implementation, a third group containing multiple electrodes includes at least four electrodes and / or a fourth group containing multiple electrodes includes at least four electrodes for performing local IPG measurements on each of the user's feet.

[0018] In another possible implementation, a first group containing multiple electrodes includes at least five electrodes and / or a second group containing multiple electrodes includes at least five electrodes for simultaneously measuring local IPG of each of the user's hands and ECG between the two hands.

[0019] In another possible implementation, one or more handles include at least one PPG sensor for each handle, and a first group containing multiple electrodes includes at least one electrode and / or a second group containing multiple electrodes includes at least one electrode for simultaneously measuring ECG between the hands and PPG in each hand.

[0020] In another possible implementation, the processing circuitry is further configured to determine a first position of the user’s first hand and a second position of the user’s second hand on one or more handles, and based on the first and second positions, select one or more of at least five electrodes from a first group containing multiple electrodes and / or one or more of at least five electrodes from a second group containing multiple electrodes to obtain multiple biometric signals of the user.

[0021] In another possible implementation, the base of the scale also includes an array of pressure sensors to detect the position of the user's first and second feet on the base.

[0022] In another possible implementation, the weighing scale's processing circuitry is also used to determine the pulse wave velocity (PWV) in the user's torso based on multiple biometric signals, namely multiple ECG signals and multiple IPG and / or PPG signals.

[0023] In another possible implementation, the scale's processing circuitry is used to acquire multiple ECG signals from at least six ECG leads defined between multiple electrodes, and to determine the user's heart morphology and / or detect the possibility of arrhythmias based on the multiple ECG signals.

[0024] Details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and description. Other features, objectives, and advantages will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a weight scale based on an embodiment for determining multiple biometric signals of a user;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a more detailed top view of the weighing scale according to an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a more detailed perspective view of the handle of the scale according to an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a more detailed view of the handle of a weight scale according to a further embodiment;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the biometric signal sequence acquired by the weighing scale according to an embodiment;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating exemplary biometric signals acquired by a weighing scale according to an embodiment, including ECG, BCG, and IPG signals;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating in more detail exemplary biometric signals acquired by a weighing scale according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 8a This is a more detailed perspective view of the handle of a weight scale according to a further embodiment;

[0034] Figure 8b It shows contact with the user's hand. Figure 8a One of the handles;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a circuit implemented by a weighing scale according to an embodiment for acquiring biometric signals;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the handle of a weighing scale according to a further embodiment;

[0037] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a circuit implemented by a weighing scale according to an embodiment for acquiring biometric signals;

[0038] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the base of a weighing scale according to an embodiment;

[0039] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the base of a weighing scale according to an embodiment, the weighing scale including processing circuitry for processing multiple biometric signals;

[0040] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the base of a weighing scale according to another embodiment;

[0041] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the base of a weighing scale according to yet another embodiment.

[0042] In the following text, the same reference numerals denote the same or at least functionally equivalent features. Detailed Implementation

[0043] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, which illustrate specific aspects of embodiments of the invention or aspects in which embodiments of the invention may be used. It should be understood that embodiments of the invention may be used in other aspects and include structural or logical variations not depicted in the drawings. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be construed as limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0044] For example, it should be understood that disclosures relating to a described method may also apply to corresponding devices or systems used to perform the method, and vice versa. For instance, if one or more specific method steps are described, the corresponding device may include one or more units, such as functional units, for performing the described one or more method steps (e.g., a unit performing the one or more steps, or multiple units each performing one or more of the plurality of steps), even if such units are not explicitly described or illustrated in the figures. On the other hand, for example, if a particular apparatus is described according to one or more units (e.g., functional units), the corresponding method may include a step to perform the function of one or more units (e.g., a step performing the function of one or more units, or multiple steps each performing the function of one or more of the plurality of units), even if such steps are not explicitly described or illustrated in the figures. Furthermore, it should be understood that, unless specifically indicated otherwise, features of the various exemplary embodiments and / or aspects described herein may be combined with each other.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a weighing scale 100 according to an embodiment for determining multiple biometric signals of a user 180. The weighing scale 100 includes one or more handles 120, such as one or more handle bars 120 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 As shown), it is designed for gripping by the user's first and second hands. This will be described in more detail below, and for example in... Figure 3 , 4 As shown in Figures 8 and 11, the scale 100 includes a first set of multiple electrodes 122a-g for contact with a first hand of a user 180, and a second set of multiple electrodes 124a-dg for contact with a second hand of the user 180. For this purpose, the first set of multiple electrodes 122a-g and the second set of multiple electrodes 124a-g are disposed on one or more handles 120, such as one or more handle bars 120.

[0046] like Figure 1 The and shown Figure 2As shown in more detail, the scale 100 also includes a base 140 (also referred to as a weighing platform 140) for supporting a user 180 standing on it and determining the user 180's weight. A first portion of the top surface of the base 140 includes a third set 142a-f containing multiple electrodes for contacting the first bare foot of the user 180 standing on the base 140, and a second portion of the top surface of the base 140 includes a fourth set 144a-f containing multiple electrodes for contacting the second foot of the user 180. The scale 100 may also include a user interface, such as a display 141 disposed on the top surface of the base 140 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 As shown), it is used to output information associated with one or more of a plurality of biometric signals to user 180, and / or a communication interface, such as a wireless interface, for receiving information about user 180's height, age, and / or gender. Figure 1 As shown, the base 140 can be connected to one or more handles 120 via wiring 125.

[0047] The weighing scale 100 also includes a processing circuit 148a (in embodiments thereof). Figure 13 As shown in the figure, it is used to obtain multiple biometric signals of user 180, including one or more ECG signals from one or more electrocardiogram (ECG) leads defined by multiple electrodes, and multiple photoplethysmography (PPG) and / or impedance plethysmography (IPG) signals from user 180's hands and feet, for determining local blood volume changes. In one embodiment, a first group 122a-g containing multiple electrodes includes at least five electrodes 122a-g and / or a second group 124a-g containing multiple electrodes includes at least five electrodes 124a-g, for simultaneously measuring local IPG on each hand of user 180 and ECG between the two hands. In one embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, one or more handles 120 include at least one PPG sensor for each handle 120, such as an LED diode and light sensors 126a, 126b, wherein a first group 122a-g containing multiple electrodes includes at least one electrode 122a-g and / or wherein a second group 124a-g containing multiple electrodes includes at least one electrode 124a-g for simultaneously measuring ECG between the hands of the user 180 and PPG in each hand.

[0048] As will be described in more detail below, the processing circuitry 148a of the scale 100 is also used to determine the pulse arrival time (PAT) based on multiple biometric signals, and based on the PAT, to determine the pulse wave velocity (PWV) of the user 180's first and second hands and first and second feet, for estimating the user 180's risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). As will be understood, pulse wave velocity (PWV) is the velocity of the pulse pressure wave. Observing the speed at which the pressure wave propagates in the arteries can provide information about these arteries, such as whether they are hardened or blocked, and even blood pressure. However, PWV is not uniform throughout the body; that is, it varies from the trunk to the arms and legs.

[0049] In one embodiment, the scale 100 is used to obtain... Figure 5 Multiple biosignature signals in the sequence shown. Figure 6 and 7 Some exemplary biometric signals are shown in the image. Figure 5 In the sequence shown, the user's weight and body composition are first measured at 180°. Then, the hands and feet can be positioned to determine which of the multiple electrodes to use. BCG and ECG (between both hands) can then be measured at any time, while local blood volume changes in each foot and hand can be measured continuously to reduce electron load. Finally, a 6-lead ECG measurement can be performed. The on-the-fly ECG can be used to synchronize various local blood volume change signals obtained through timing calculations between the R-peak value of the ECG signal and points of interest (maximum, minimum, ft, etc.) of the PPG / IPG signal, such as... Figure 6 and 7 As shown. ECG can also separate other acquired biometric signals into heartbeat, such as... Figure 6 As shown, this simplifies the process of checking the quality of the acquired signals.

[0050] This measurement combination can calculate the pulse arrival time (PAT) of each hand and foot, the pulse transit time (PTT) between the hands and feet, and the pulse transit time between the heart and each hand and foot, such as... Figure 6 and 7As shown, and described in more mathematical detail below. Then, assuming the length of the pulse wave traveling during these different timing periods is proportional to the user's height 180, a proportionality factor found during measurement activities conducted during the development of the scale 100, the PWV values ​​for various body parts can be found knowing the user's height 180 and possible gender and / or age. These values ​​can be used by the scale 100's processing circuitry 148a to determine the user's body PWV value and the risk of PAD (PAT, PTT, and PWV are available for this measurement; calibration shows the most accurate one).

[0051] More specifically, in one embodiment, the weighing scale 100 and its processing circuitry 148a can determine the biometric signals listed in the table below.

[0052]

[0053] Based on these signals and measurements obtained by the scale 100, its processing circuit 148a can obtain the following three pulse conduction times:

[0054] -PTT (心脏-手) =PAT (手) –PEP

[0055] -PTT (心脏-脚) =PAT (脚) –PEP

[0056] -PTT (手-脚)

[0057] If we consider that pulse conduction time equals pulse velocity multiplied by the distance it travels between the parts we obtain, and divide the body into three different PWV values: trunk, arms, and legs:

[0058] -PTT (心脏-手) =L (躯干_1) x PWV –1 (躯干) +L (手臂) x PWV –1 (手臂)

[0059] -PTT (心脏-脚) =L (躯干_2) x PWV –1 (躯干) +L (腿) x PWV –1 (腿)

[0060] -PTT (手-脚) =(L(躯干_2) –L (躯干_1) )x PWV –1 (躯干) +L (腿) x PWV –1 (腿) –L (手臂) x PWV –1 (手臂)

[0061] Now we can consider different distances L i This can be determined through calibration, and is proportional to the user's size, like this:

[0062] -L (躯干_1) =α1x height

[0063] -L (躯干_2) =α2xheight

[0064] -L (手臂) = α3 x height

[0065] -L (腿) =α4x height

[0066] Then, the processing circuit 148a of the weighing scale 100 can use the following set of equations:

[0067] -PTT (心脏-手) = height x [α1 x PWV –1 (躯干) +α3x PWV –1 (手臂) ]

[0068] -PTT (心脏-脚) = height x [α2x PWV –1 (躯干) +α4x PWV –1 (腿) ]

[0069] -PTT (手–脚) = height x [(α2–α1) x PWV –1 (躯干) +α4x PWV –1 (腿) –α3x PWV –1 (手臂) ]

[0070] Therefore, the processing circuit 148a of the weighing scale 100 can use the above three equations with three unknown variables to determine PWV. –1 (躯干)The true value of PWV is measured in the user's torso (P180). By improving the measurement of PWV by the scale (100), the risk prediction of PAD (Pulse Wave Velocity) for the user (180) can be made more accurate. This is because, firstly, differences in PAT, PTT, or PWV observed between the two legs and two arms will indicate that one of the limbs may be blocked. Secondly, a large difference in PWV between the legs and arms may also indicate this problem, which the scale (100) can detect.

[0071] In one embodiment, the base, i.e., the weighing platform 140, may include multiple, specifically four, weighing sensors 145a-d, located at the corners of the base 140, for measuring the user's weight and rapid weight changes, thereby measuring the BCG signal. Figure 2 and 12 As shown, the third set of electrodes 142a-f and the fourth set of electrodes 144a-f may each include at least four electrodes (i.e., at least four electrodes in contact with each foot) to perform localized IPG measurements on each foot. The first and second sets of electrodes, disposed within one or more handles 120, can measure ECG signals between the hands and can measure IPG on each hand (in embodiments where the first and second sets of electrodes include at least five electrodes, such as...). Figure 8a and 8b (as shown) or each handle contains two electrodes (required for body composition analysis) and at least one PPG sensor 126a, 126b (as shown) for each hand. Figure 4 PPG is performed in the embodiment shown. In another embodiment, the processing circuitry 148a of the scale 100 can also be used to determine the body composition of the user 180 based on multiple biometric signals. For this body composition analysis, the first and second sets of electrodes disposed within one or more handles 120 may each include at least two electrodes.

[0072] In one embodiment, the processing circuitry 148a of the scale 100 can determine changes in local blood volume in the hands of the user 180 via IPG signal measurement. For this purpose, in one embodiment, five electrodes are provided for each hand to simultaneously measure ECG and IPG. Since the electrical circuits for the two measurements should be kept separate, Figure 8a and 8bThe diagram illustrates a possible embodiment of one or more handles 120. In this embodiment, the one or more handles 120 may have a specific shape, wherein one or more flexible flaps 127a, 127b are located near the center of the handle 120, the flexible flaps being designed for contact with the base of the thumb. Electrodes placed on the flaps 127a, 127b, namely electrodes 122a and 124a, are used to measure ECG signals, while other electrodes (four per hand), namely 122b-d and 124b-d, are placed on the handle bar 120 such that they extend further along the handle 120 into contact with the hand, so that IPG signals can be measured.

[0073] In another embodiment, IPG is used to determine changes in local blood volume in the hand, and classic shape parameters can be used as follows: Figure 3 The handle 120 is shown. In this case, as shown in the previous embodiment, five electrodes 122a-g, 124a-g are provided for each hand. However, in this embodiment, the scale 100 may also include features for determining the position of the user 180's hand relative to the electrodes 122a-g, 124a-g. To this end, in one embodiment, the scale 100 performs an impedance measurement between the electrodes 122a-g of one hand and the electrodes 124a-g of the other hand to determine their positions, because the impedance increases with the distance of the electrodes from the wrist due to the increased electrical path. To do this and adjust the action of the electrodes according to their position relative to the hand, as... Figure 9 The electronic circuit shown can be implemented by a weighing scale 100. For example, it can be implemented from... Figure 9 The corresponding switches obtained in the electronic circuit shown can be placed before each electrode 122a-g, 124a-g so as to contact the right measuring unit.

[0074] In order to reduce the two simultaneously measured electrical noises described in the context of the previous embodiments, in Figure 10 In another embodiment shown, the electronic circuitry for ECG and IPG measurements is separate. In this embodiment, the ECG electronic circuitry may be housed in one or more handles 120, contacting the electrodes from within, while the IPG electronic circuitry may be housed in the base 140 of the scale 100, contacting the electrodes via wires 125 connecting the base 140 and one or more handles 120 and their external portions. An isolation cap may be placed on top of the wires from the outside of the one or more handles 120 for protection.

[0075] In another embodiment, more than five electrodes may be provided for each hand on one or more handles 120 to measure ECG and IPG signals. In such an embodiment, the position of the user 180's hand relative to electrodes 122a-g, 124a-g can be determined as described above, i.e., by measuring the impedance between the electrodes of one hand and the electrodes of the other hand. However, measuring the impedance between the electrodes of the respective hands may help determine the optimal contact electrodes, such as... Figure 11 As shown. In this case, the five left-hand electrodes 122a-g, which display the lowest contact impedance (measured by impedance unit 127), can be used for ECG and IPG signal measurements. The electrode used for ECG measurement can be the optimal contact electrode closest to the user's wrist, while IPG can be measured using four optimal contact electrodes placed further away along the hand (contacting each hand).

[0076] like Figure 12 As shown, in one embodiment, the base 140 of the scale 100 may have more than four electrodes for each foot, for example, six electrodes 142a-f for the left foot and six electrodes 144a-f for the right foot. In this case, based on the measurements taken, the electronic circuit can be implemented using the same principle as the electronic circuit for the hand electrodes described above to ensure contact with the correct electrodes 142a-f and 144a-f. Figure 13 An embodiment of the circuit 148 is shown. IPG signal measurement 148c can be performed by contacting four optimal contact electrodes on both feet. In one possible embodiment, the signals from the four weighing sensors 145a-d can be analyzed to determine whether the user 180 is more or less positioned at the front or rear of the base 140, and the electrode most likely to be in contact with the user's feet can be selected.

[0077] In one embodiment, in the base 140, each foot contacts more than four electrodes, and optical sensing can be used to determine the position of the foot relative to the electrodes, such as... Figure 14 As shown. In this embodiment, the top surface of the base 140, i.e., the cover, can be made of glass, and the electrodes 142a-f, 144a-f can include indium tin oxide (ITO) or any other transparent electrode material. LEDs and photodiodes, either as individual elements under the electrodes or as an array under the base, can be used to detect the position of the foot, i.e., the "shadow" of the foot, and determine which electrode the foot is placed on, such as... Figure 14 As shown. Electrodes 142a-f and 144a-f, which receive the least amount of ambient light (due to the shadow cast by the user's feet) or the most amount of reflected light (in the case of using a combination of LEDs and photodiodes), are the electrodes that present the lowest contact resistance to the feet. Therefore, these electrodes can be selected to improve the IPG signal quality.

[0078] exist Figure 15 In another embodiment shown, the base 140 may include an array of pressure sensors or a pressure pad 149c for determining the optimal contact electrode. The electrode selected for IPG measurement will be the one displaying the maximum pressure, indicating good contact between the foot and the electrode.

[0079] In one embodiment, electrodes 142a-f and 144a-f that contact the user's feet 180 can be used to perform a 6-lead ECG by using electrodes that contact the hands and feet. In one embodiment, the processing circuitry 148 of the scale 100 is used to connect electrodes of a limb together to reduce contact resistance during body composition analysis or the performance of a 6-lead ECG.

[0080] Therefore, the embodiments of the weighing scale 100 disclosed herein can detect PAD in everyday consumer electronics products. Furthermore, the embodiments of the weighing scale 100 disclosed herein provide more accurate PWV estimation because PWV is determined by the user's limbs rather than the user's whole body, and a complete cardiovascular health assessment is performed by combining PAD detection, PWV measurement, and 6-lead ECG measurement.

[0081] Those skilled in the art will understand that “blocks” (“units”) in the various figures (methods and apparatuses) represent or describe the functionality of embodiments of the invention (and are not necessarily independent “units” in hardware or software), and thus the functionality or features (units are equivalent to steps) of apparatus embodiments and method embodiments are described equally.

[0082] Several embodiments are provided in this application. It should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the described apparatus embodiments are merely exemplary. For example, the unit division is only a logical functional division, and other division methods may exist in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be merged or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not performed. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be implemented through some interface. Direct coupling or communication connection between devices or units can be implemented electronically, mechanically, or otherwise.

[0083] The units described as discrete parts may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0084] In addition, the functional units in the embodiments of the present invention can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

Claims

1. A weight scale (100) for monitoring the biometric data of a user (180), characterized in that, The weighing scale (100) includes: A first group (122a-g) comprising multiple electrodes is used to make contact with the first hand of the user (180); A second set (124a-g) comprising the plurality of electrodes is used to make contact with the user's (180's) second hand; One or more handles (120) for being gripped by the first and second hands of the user (180), wherein a first group (122a-g) of the plurality of electrodes and a second group (124a-g) of the plurality of electrodes are disposed on the one or more handles (120); A base (140) for supporting the user (180) and determining the weight of the user (180), wherein a first portion of the top surface of the base (140) includes a third group (142a-f) containing the plurality of electrodes for contacting the first foot of the user (180), and a second portion of the top surface of the base (140) includes a fourth group (144a-f) containing the plurality of electrodes for contacting the second foot of the user (180); Processing circuit (148a) is used to acquire multiple biometric signals of the user (180), including one or more ECG signals from one or more electrocardiogram (ECG) leads defined by the multiple electrodes, and multiple photoplethysmography (PPG) and / or impedance plethysmography (IPG) signals from the user's (180) hands and feet, for determining local blood volume changes; The processing circuit (148a) is further configured to determine the pulse arrival time (PAT) based on the plurality of biometric signals, and to determine the pulse wave velocity (PWV) of the user's (180) first and second hands, first and second feet, based on the PAT, in order to estimate the risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of the user (180).

2. The weighing scale (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of biometric signals of the user (180) also include one or more ballistocardiography (BCG) signals of the user (180), wherein the processing circuit (148a) is used to obtain the one or more BCG signals based on the weight change of the user (180) determined by the base (140).

3. The weighing scale (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The processing circuit (148a) is also used to determine the pre-ejaculation phase based on the one or more ECG signals and the one or more BCG signals.

4. The weighing scale (100) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The processing circuit (148a) is also used to determine the pulse transit time (PTT) and PWV of the first and second hands, the first and second feet of the user (180), for estimating the PAD risk of the user (180).

5. The weighing scale (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The base (140) also includes at least one optical sensor (149a, 149b) for detecting the position of the user's (180) foot relative to the third group (142a-f) and the fourth group (144a-f) containing the plurality of electrodes.

6. The weighing scale (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The base (140) includes one or more weighing sensors (145a-d) for determining the weight of the user (180).

7. The weighing scale (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The scale (100) also includes a user interface (141) for outputting information associated with one or more of the plurality of biometric signals to the user (180), and / or a communication interface for receiving information about the user's (180) height, age and / or gender.

8. The weighing scale (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The third group (142a-f) containing the plurality of electrodes includes at least four electrodes (142a-f), and the fourth group (144a-f) containing the plurality of electrodes includes at least four electrodes (144a-f) for performing local IPG measurements on each foot.

9. The weighing scale (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first group (122a-g) containing the plurality of electrodes includes at least 5 electrodes (122a-g) and / or the second group (124a-g) containing the plurality of electrodes includes at least 5 electrodes (124a-g) for simultaneously measuring local IPG of each hand and ECG between the hands of the user (180).

10. The weighing scale (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The one or more handles (120) include at least one PPG sensor (126a, 126b) for each handle (120), wherein the first group (122a-g) containing the plurality of electrodes includes at least one electrode (122a-g) and / or the second group (124a-g) containing the plurality of electrodes includes at least one electrode (124a-g), for simultaneously measuring ECG between the hands of the user (180) and PPG in each hand.

11. The weighing scale (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The processing circuit (148a) is further configured to determine a first position of the first hand of the user (180) and a second position of the second hand of the user (180) on the one or more handles (120), and based on the first position and the second position, select one or more of at least five electrodes of the first group (122a-g) containing the plurality of electrodes and / or one or more of at least five electrodes of the second group (124a-g) containing the plurality of electrodes, for obtaining the plurality of biometric signals of the user (180).

12. The weighing scale (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The base (140) also includes a pressure sensor array (149) for detecting the position of the user's (180) first foot and second foot on the base (140).

13. The weighing scale (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The processing circuit (148a) is also used to determine the PWV in the torso of the user (180) based on the plurality of biometric signals.

14. The weighing scale (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The processing circuit (148a) is used to obtain the plurality of ECG signals of at least 6 ECG leads defined by the plurality of electrodes, and to determine the cardiac morphology of the user (180) and / or to perform arrhythmia detection based on the plurality of ECG signals.

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