Gas path self-checking method and system of electronic sphygmomanometer

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of electronic sphygmomanometer air path detection, in particular to an electronic sphygmomanometer air path self-detection method and system, and the electronic sphygmomanometer air path self-detection method comprises a test mode entering step; a pressurization and air tightness joint detection step; a step of pressure reduction and exhaust performance detection; and a step of result generation and output. In the gas path self-checking mode, the microcontroller controls the gas pump to start and pressurize the closed gas path system, and meanwhile, the reading of the pressure sensor is collected in real time; based on the real-time data of the pressure rise, calculating the actual pressurization time consumed by the pressure rising from the first preset pressure value to the second preset pressure value; the actual pressurization time is compared with a standard pressurization time threshold range pre-stored in a memory. According to the electronic sphygmomanometer gas circuit assembly function detection device, integrated and one-stop detection of functions of the electronic sphygmomanometer gas circuit assembly is achieved, main hardware links influencing measurement accuracy are covered, and the detection range is comprehensive.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of airway detection technology for electronic blood pressure monitors, and in particular to a self-testing method and system for the airway of an electronic blood pressure monitor. Background Technology

[0002] As an important home medical device, the accuracy of electronic blood pressure monitors directly affects users' health assessments. The pneumatic system, its core actuator, consists of components such as an air pump, exhaust valve, tubing, and cuff. Its proper functioning is crucial for ensuring accurate pressurization, stable control, and smooth exhaust. However, over time, pneumatic components inevitably age or malfunction. For example, reduced air pump power leading to slow pressurization, poor pneumatic seals causing pressure leaks, and clogged or worn exhaust valves resulting in abnormal exhaust rates can all directly introduce measurement errors, leading to inaccurate readings.

[0003] Currently, the testing of electronic blood pressure monitors' gas circuit systems largely relies on professional after-sales personnel using external dedicated pressure standards for periodic calibration and diagnosis. Ordinary users cannot conveniently assess the device's condition during daily use. While some products possess simple self-test functions, these typically only perform basic continuity tests or single-parameter checks, failing to provide a comprehensive and quantitative evaluation of key indicators such as pump performance, gas circuit sealing, and exhaust valve function. This lack of integrated self-testing capabilities makes it difficult to detect potential faults early, potentially leading to users unknowingly using a malfunctioning device for extended periods, posing certain health risks. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an integrated self-testing method that can be initiated and automatically executed by the user, comprehensively diagnosing the health status of core gas circuit components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention integrates the air pump pressurization performance test and the air circuit system sealing test into the same pressurization process. The status of these two key systems can be jointly determined using a single actual pressurization time parameter. Similarly, the performance of the slow-speed exhaust valve and the exhaust rate are simultaneously tested during the depressurization process. This achieves integrated, one-stop testing of the air circuit components of an electronic blood pressure monitor, covering the main hardware aspects affecting measurement accuracy. The testing range is comprehensive, eliminating the need for step-by-step operations and improving testing efficiency—a self-testing method and system for the electronic blood pressure monitor's air circuit.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is: a self-test method for the airway of an electronic blood pressure monitor, comprising the following steps: Step S1, Test Mode Entry Step: The microcontroller monitors the specific compound operation command initiated by the user through the key input module, and after verification, controls the electronic blood pressure monitor to switch from normal working mode to air circuit self-test mode. Step S2, Joint pressurization and airtightness testing: In the air circuit self-test mode, the microcontroller controls the air pump to start and pressurize the closed air circuit system, while simultaneously acquiring the readings of the pressure sensor in real time; based on the real-time data of pressure rise, the actual pressurization time taken for the pressure to rise from the first preset pressure value to the second preset pressure value is calculated; the actual pressurization time is compared with the standard pressurization time threshold range pre-stored in the memory, and the pressurization performance of the air pump and the sealing integrity of the air circuit system are jointly judged based on the comparison results; Step S3, Pressure Reduction and Exhaust Performance Testing Step: After pressurizing to the third preset pressure value, the microcontroller controls the slow exhaust valve to open at a preset opening degree for exhaust; real-time acquisition of pressure sensor readings, and calculation of the actual pressure reduction time taken for the pressure to drop from the fourth preset pressure value to the fifth preset pressure value; comparison of the actual pressure reduction time with the standard pressure reduction time threshold range pre-stored in the memory, and determination of the working status and exhaust rate of the slow exhaust valve based on the comparison result; Step S4, Result Generation and Output Step: The microcontroller integrates the comparison results of the pressurization and airtightness joint detection step and the depressurization and exhaust performance detection step, generates the final self-test conclusion, and outputs the self-test conclusion in the form of a predefined code through the display unit.

[0006] A further improvement to the above scheme is that the specific composite operation command is for the user to simultaneously press and hold the "Start" button and then briefly press the "Memory" button a predetermined number of times during the long press. After the microcontroller recognizes the composite operation, it prioritizes the zero-point self-calibration of the atmospheric pressure sensor, and only allows entry into the gas path self-test mode after the calibration is successful.

[0007] A further improvement to the above scheme is that, in the combined pressurization and airtightness testing step: The second preset pressure value is the system protection pressure value, which ranges from 270 mmHg to 290 mmHg; The standard pressurization time threshold range is a statistical range value obtained through extensive experimental calibration under standard environment and standard device configuration. If the actual pressurization time is shorter than the lower limit of the standard pressurization time threshold range, it is determined that the air pump is misconfigured or the pressure sensor is calibrated abnormally. If the actual pressurization time is longer than the upper limit of the standard pressurization time threshold range, it is determined that the air pump performance has deteriorated, or that there is a serious leak or blockage in the air path.

[0008] A further improvement to the above scheme is that the microcontroller uses a pulse width modulation signal to drive the air pump, and continuously monitors the correspondence between the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal and the air pressure rise curve during the pressurization process. If the air pressure rise rate is significantly lower than expected under a fixed duty cycle, it serves as an auxiliary basis for judging the aging of the air pump.

[0009] A further improvement to the above scheme is that, in the pressure reduction and exhaust performance testing steps: The microcontroller controls the slow exhaust valve to open at a constant, pre-calibrated opening. The fourth preset pressure value is 220 mmHg, and the fifth preset pressure value is 50 mmHg; If the actual pressure drop time is shorter than the lower limit of the standard pressure drop time threshold range, it is determined that the slow exhaust valve is opened too large, the valve body is damaged, or there is a leak in the gas path. If the actual pressure reduction time is longer than the upper limit of the standard pressure reduction time threshold range, it is determined that the slow exhaust valve opening is too small, the valve body is blocked, or there is jamming.

[0010] A further improvement to the above scheme is that, after the pressure reduction and exhaust performance testing steps, a quick exhaust valve testing sub-step is also included: the microcontroller controls the quick exhaust valve to fully open and monitors the time required for the pressure to drop from an intermediate pressure value to the ambient pressure. If the time exceeds a preset threshold, the quick exhaust valve is determined to be faulty.

[0011] A further improvement to the above scheme is that it also includes a self-test process data recording step: the microcontroller encrypts and stores the key parameters of each self-test process, including the actual pressurization time, the actual depressurization time, the maximum pressure value, the error code and the timestamp, in a non-volatile memory to form a device health record, which can be read and analyzed by after-sales maintenance personnel through a specific interface.

[0012] A further improvement to the above solution is that, before entering the gas circuit self-test mode, the microcontroller automatically detects whether the cuff is disconnected or the connector is not properly inserted, and when such a state is detected, it displays the message "Please connect the cuff" on the display unit to prevent misjudgment as a gas circuit leak.

[0013] A further improvement to the above scheme is that the standard pressurization time threshold range and the standard depressurization time threshold range are dynamically corrected based on the readings of the real-time monitored ambient temperature sensor and power supply voltage sensor through a pre-stored compensation algorithm, so as to eliminate the interference of ambient temperature and humidity and power supply voltage fluctuations on the judgment of detection results.

[0014] A system for implementing a self-test method for the airway of an electronic blood pressure monitor includes: a microcontroller unit, an airway execution unit, a signal acquisition unit, a human-machine interface unit, and a data storage unit. The microcontroller unit serves as the core of the system's control and computation. The airway execution unit includes an air pump, a slow exhaust valve, and a fast exhaust valve, controlled by the microcontroller unit, and is used to pressurize, slowly exhaust, and rapidly exhaust the airway. The signal acquisition unit includes a high-precision pressure sensor for real-time monitoring of pressure changes within the airway and converting analog signals into digital signals for the microcontroller unit to read. The human-machine interface unit includes a button module for inputting compound operation commands and a display module for displaying the self-test process and results. The data storage unit stores standard time thresholds, compensation algorithm parameters, device serial numbers, and historical self-test data. The microcontroller unit is configured to execute program instructions stored internally or in the data storage unit to coordinate and control the orderly operation of each unit and complete the entire self-test process.

[0015] The microcontroller unit is configured to execute program instructions stored internally or in the data storage unit to coordinate and control the orderly operation of each unit and complete the entire self-test process.

[0016] A further improvement to the above scheme is that a first-stage analog filter circuit and a high-precision analog-to-digital converter are integrated between the pressure sensor and the microcontroller unit to preprocess the pressure signal, thereby improving the signal's anti-interference capability and sampling accuracy.

[0017] A further improvement to the above scheme is that a current sampling resistor is connected in series in the power supply circuit of the air pump. The microcontroller unit obtains the operating current of the air pump in real time by monitoring the voltage change across the resistor. Combined with the driving voltage of the air pump, it is used to calculate the actual output power of the air pump as an additional dimension for evaluating the health status of the air pump.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are: Compared to existing electronic blood pressure monitor gas path testing, this invention integrates the air pump pressurization performance test and the gas path system sealing test into the same pressurization process. The status of these two key systems can be jointly determined using a single actual pressurization time parameter. Similarly, the performance of the slow-speed exhaust valve and the exhaust rate are simultaneously tested during the depressurization process. This achieves integrated, one-stop testing of the electronic blood pressure monitor's gas path components, covering the main hardware aspects affecting measurement accuracy. The testing range is comprehensive, eliminating the need for step-by-step operations and improving testing efficiency. The entire self-test process is automatically controlled by a microcontroller, requiring no manual intervention or external tools. Real-time monitoring using a high-precision pressure sensor accurately calculates the actual time of pressure changes and quantitatively compares it with pre-stored standard threshold ranges. The judgment mechanism based on objective data and preset standards effectively eliminates the influence of subjective human factors, making fault diagnosis results more accurate and reliable, and improving the credibility of the self-test. By analyzing the deviations of the "actual pressurization time" and "actual depressurization time" from the standard range, this invention can not only determine whether the system is "normal" but also further pinpoint potential fault sources. For example, abnormalities during the pressurization process can distinguish between insufficient air pump power and air leakage; abnormalities during the depressurization process can determine whether the exhaust valve is blocked or not properly closed. The final conclusion is output in a specific code format.

[0019] This invention relates to a system for implementing a self-testing method for the airway of an electronic blood pressure monitor. It integrates airway execution, signal acquisition, human-computer interaction, and data storage units, with a microcontroller unit at its core, to construct a complete self-testing system. The microcontroller unit executes preset program instructions, coordinating the orderly operation of each unit, achieving full automation from instruction input, pressure application and release, signal acquisition, data processing to result output, thus improving system integration and testing efficiency. The signal acquisition unit integrates an analog filter circuit and a high-precision analog-to-digital converter to preprocess the raw analog signal from the pressure sensor, effectively suppressing environmental noise interference and improving the accuracy and stability of pressure sampling. This provides an accurate and reliable data foundation for subsequent time calculations and judgments, fundamentally ensuring the accuracy of the self-test results. A current sampling resistor is introduced into the air pump power supply circuit, enabling the system to monitor the air pump's operating current in real time and calculate its actual output power based on the drive voltage. The additional health status monitoring dimension provides direct electrical parameter basis for evaluating air pump performance. Equipped with a dedicated data storage unit, it can store standard thresholds and compensation parameters to ensure the consistency of judgment standards, and can also record historical self-test data (such as timestamps, key parameters, and error codes). This forms a "health record" for the device, making it easy for users to track changes in the device's status. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the airway self-test method of the electronic blood pressure monitor of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a connection diagram of the gas path self-testing system of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall connection of the gas path self-testing system of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of the invention.

[0022] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, a method for self-testing the airway of an electronic blood pressure monitor is provided, comprising the following steps: Step S1, Test Mode Entry Step: The microcontroller monitors the specific compound operation command initiated by the user through the key input module, and after verification, controls the electronic blood pressure monitor to switch from normal working mode to air circuit self-test mode. Step S2, Joint pressurization and airtightness testing: In the air circuit self-test mode, the microcontroller controls the air pump to start and pressurize the closed air circuit system, while simultaneously acquiring the readings of the pressure sensor in real time; based on the real-time data of pressure rise, the actual pressurization time taken for the pressure to rise from the first preset pressure value to the second preset pressure value is calculated; the actual pressurization time is compared with the standard pressurization time threshold range pre-stored in the memory, and the pressurization performance of the air pump and the sealing integrity of the air circuit system are jointly judged based on the comparison results; Step S3, Pressure Reduction and Exhaust Performance Testing Step: After pressurizing to the third preset pressure value, the microcontroller controls the slow exhaust valve to open at a preset opening degree for exhaust; real-time acquisition of pressure sensor readings, and calculation of the actual pressure reduction time taken for the pressure to drop from the fourth preset pressure value to the fifth preset pressure value; comparison of the actual pressure reduction time with the standard pressure reduction time threshold range pre-stored in the memory, and determination of the working status and exhaust rate of the slow exhaust valve based on the comparison result; Step S4, Result Generation and Output Step: The microcontroller integrates the comparison results of the pressurization and airtightness joint detection step and the depressurization and exhaust performance detection step, generates the final self-test conclusion, and outputs the self-test conclusion in the form of a predefined code through the display unit.

[0025] This embodiment integrates the air pump pressurization performance test and the air circuit system sealing test into the same pressurization process, allowing for joint judgment of the status of two key systems using a single actual pressurization time parameter. Similarly, the performance of the slow-speed exhaust valve and the exhaust rate are simultaneously tested during the depressurization process. This achieves integrated, one-stop testing of the electronic blood pressure monitor's air circuit components, covering the main hardware aspects affecting measurement accuracy. The testing range is comprehensive, eliminating the need for step-by-step operations and improving testing efficiency. The entire self-test process is automatically controlled by a microcontroller, requiring no manual intervention or external tools. Real-time monitoring using a high-precision pressure sensor accurately calculates the actual time of pressure changes and quantitatively compares it with a pre-stored standard threshold range. Based on objective data and a preset standard judgment mechanism, the influence of subjective human factors is effectively eliminated, making fault diagnosis results more accurate and reliable, and improving the credibility of the self-test. By analyzing the deviations of the "actual pressurization time" and "actual depressurization time" from the standard range, this invention can not only determine whether the system is "normal" but also further pinpoint potential fault sources. For example, abnormalities during the pressurization process can distinguish between insufficient air pump power and air leakage; abnormalities during the depressurization process can determine whether the exhaust valve is blocked or not properly closed. The final conclusion is output in a specific code format.

[0026] The specific compound operation command requires the user to simultaneously press and hold the "Start" button and then briefly press the "Memory" button a predetermined number of times during the long press. Upon recognizing this compound operation, the microcontroller prioritizes the zero-point self-calibration of the atmospheric pressure sensor. Only after successful calibration is the user allowed to enter the gas path self-test mode. This embodiment defines a specific compound operation command—"simultaneously press and hold the 'Start' button and then briefly press the 'Memory' button a predetermined number of times"—and binds it to the atmospheric pressure sensor zero-point self-calibration process, resulting in multiple beneficial effects. First, this compound operation greatly reduces the likelihood of accidental triggering by the user during daily use, ensuring that the self-test function is only activated under operation, thus enhancing the product's safety and reliability. Second, prioritizing sensor zero-point calibration before entering the gas path self-test ensures the baseline accuracy of all subsequent pressure monitoring data, eliminating the risk of misjudgment in the entire self-test process due to sensor zero-point drift.

[0027] In the combined pressurization and airtightness testing steps: the second preset pressure value is the system protection pressure value, ranging from 270 mmHg to 290 mmHg; the standard pressurization time threshold range is a statistical range value obtained through extensive experimental calibration under standard environment and standard device configuration; if the actual pressurization time is shorter than the lower limit of the standard pressurization time threshold range, it is determined that the air pump configuration is incorrect or the pressure sensor calibration is abnormal; if the actual pressurization time is longer than the upper limit of the standard pressurization time threshold range, it is determined that the air pump performance is degraded, or there is a serious leak or blockage in the air circuit. This embodiment, by specifically limiting the second preset pressure value to a range of 270 mmHg to 290 mmHg, which is close to the maximum working pressure of the equipment, and clarifying the source of the standard pressurization time threshold range and the judgment logic for different over-limit situations, greatly optimizes the accuracy of detection and the precision of fault location. Testing within this high-pressure range can fully expose the true performance of the air pump under high-pressure load and the sealing weaknesses of the air circuit system under high pressure, making the test conditions more stringent and the results more reliable. The clear judgment logic (too short a time corresponds to configuration / calibration error, too long a time corresponds to performance degradation / leakage / blockage) provides a clear tree-like judgment basis for the microcontroller's decision-making.

[0028] The microcontroller drives the air pump using a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal and continuously monitors the correspondence between the PWM signal's duty cycle and the air pressure rise curve during pressurization. If the air pressure rise rate is significantly lower than expected at a fixed duty cycle, it serves as an auxiliary basis for judging air pump aging. This embodiment adds a new and more direct dimension to air pump health status assessment by introducing continuous monitoring of the correspondence between the PWM signal's duty cycle and the air pressure rise curve. Traditional single-time judgments may be affected by minor air leaks. However, in this solution, if a significant slowdown in the air pressure rise rate is observed while the drive signal remains constant, it can be confidently determined that the decrease is due to a reduction in the air pump's output force, rather than an external air path problem.

[0029] In the pressure reduction and exhaust performance testing steps: The microcontroller controls the slow exhaust valve to open at a constant, pre-calibrated opening. The fourth preset pressure value is 220 mmHg, and the fifth preset pressure value is 50 mmHg; If the actual pressure drop time is shorter than the lower limit of the standard pressure drop time threshold range, it is determined that the slow exhaust valve is opened too large, the valve body is damaged, or there is a leak in the gas path. If the actual pressure reduction time is longer than the upper limit of the standard pressure reduction time threshold range, it is determined that the slow exhaust valve opening is too small, the valve body is blocked, or there is jamming.

[0030] This embodiment standardizes and refines the slow exhaust valve's opening method and the start and end points of the pressure drop test by specifically defining the causes of failure corresponding to different over-limit times. A fixed opening degree ensures consistency of test conditions for each test, making the results of different self-tests comparable. Selecting a pressure drop range of 220 mmHg to 50 mmHg, representative of blood pressure measurement, for timing most realistically simulates the slow exhaust condition during actual measurement, thus directly correlated with the performance in actual use.

[0031] Following the pressure reduction and exhaust performance testing steps, a rapid exhaust valve testing sub-step is included: the microcontroller controls the rapid exhaust valve to fully open and monitors the time required for the pressure to drop from an intermediate pressure value to ambient pressure. If the time exceeds a preset threshold, the rapid exhaust valve is deemed faulty. This embodiment improves the comprehensive coverage testing of the entire pneumatic actuator unit by adding a dedicated testing sub-step for the rapid exhaust valve after the main testing process. Although the rapid exhaust valve does not participate in the measurement process, its proper functioning is related to the rapid release of cuff pressure after the measurement and the user experience. By monitoring the exhaust time after it is fully opened, it is possible to effectively determine whether the valve has faults such as incomplete opening or blockage.

[0032] The system also includes a self-test data recording step: the microcontroller encrypts and stores key parameters from each self-test process, including actual pressurization time, actual depressurization time, maximum pressure value, error code, and timestamp, in non-volatile memory, forming a device health record for after-sales maintenance personnel to read and analyze through a specific interface. This embodiment, by adding a data recording step and encrypting and storing key parameters for each self-test, achieves a leap from "one-time diagnosis" to "historical health record management" in the self-test function. The stored data, such as actual pressurization time and actual depressurization time, forms a trend graph of device performance changes over time, making it easier for users or maintenance personnel to detect gradual performance degradation (such as a slow decrease in air pump power). Encrypted storage ensures data security and authenticity, preventing arbitrary tampering.

[0033] Before entering the gas circuit self-test mode, the microcontroller automatically detects whether the cuff is disconnected or the connector is not properly inserted. If such a state is detected, it displays a "Please connect the cuff" message on the display unit to prevent false alarms about gas circuit leaks. This embodiment solves a key practical problem that could lead to false alarms during self-tests by adding a pre-detection of the cuff's connection status. During airtightness testing, if the cuff is not connected or not properly inserted, a leak may occur, causing the pressurization time to far exceed the threshold, thus falsely reporting a "serious leak" fault.

[0034] The standard pressurization time threshold range and standard depressurization time threshold range are dynamically corrected based on real-time monitoring readings from ambient temperature and power supply voltage sensors using a pre-stored compensation algorithm to eliminate interference from ambient temperature, humidity, and power supply voltage fluctuations in the judgment of test results. This embodiment, by introducing dynamic monitoring of ambient temperature and power supply voltage and utilizing a compensation algorithm to correct the standard time thresholds in real time, greatly improves the environmental adaptability and robustness of the self-testing method. The pumping efficiency and gas viscosity of the air pump are affected by temperature, and power supply voltage fluctuations directly change the air pump speed; these external factors all lead to variations in pressurization / depressurization time.

[0035] See Figures 1-3As shown, a system for implementing a self-test method for the airway of an electronic blood pressure monitor includes: a microcontroller unit, an airway execution unit, a signal acquisition unit, a human-machine interface unit, and a data storage unit. The microcontroller unit serves as the core of the system's control and computation. The airway execution unit includes an air pump, a slow exhaust valve, and a fast exhaust valve, controlled by the microcontroller unit, and is used to complete the pressurization, slow exhaust, and fast exhaust of the airway. The signal acquisition unit includes a high-precision pressure sensor for real-time monitoring of pressure changes within the airway and converting analog signals into digital signals for the microcontroller unit to read. The human-machine interface unit includes a button module for inputting compound operation commands and a display module for displaying the self-test process and results. The data storage unit stores standard time thresholds, compensation algorithm parameters, device serial numbers, and historical self-test data. The microcontroller unit is configured to execute program instructions stored internally or in the data storage unit to coordinate and control the orderly operation of each unit and complete the entire self-test process.

[0036] The pressure sensor and the microcontroller unit integrate a first-stage analog filter circuit and a high-precision analog-to-digital converter for preprocessing the pressure signal, improving signal anti-interference capability and sampling accuracy. A current sampling resistor is connected in series in the power supply circuit of the air pump. The microcontroller unit obtains the operating current of the air pump in real time by monitoring the voltage change across the resistor. Combined with the driving voltage of the air pump, it is used to calculate the actual output power of the air pump as an additional dimension for evaluating the health status of the air pump.

[0037] This embodiment integrates a microcontroller unit as its core, organically combining pneumatic circuit execution, signal acquisition, human-machine interaction, and data storage to construct a complete self-testing system. The microcontroller unit executes preset program instructions, coordinating the orderly operation of each unit, achieving full automation from instruction input, pressure application and release, signal acquisition, data processing to result output, thus improving system integration and testing efficiency. The signal acquisition unit integrates an analog filter circuit and a high-precision analog-to-digital converter to preprocess the raw analog signal from the pressure sensor, effectively suppressing environmental noise interference and improving the accuracy and stability of pressure sampling. This provides an accurate and reliable data foundation for subsequent time calculations and judgments, fundamentally ensuring the accuracy of the self-test results. A current sampling resistor is introduced into the air pump power supply circuit, enabling the system to monitor the air pump's operating current in real time and calculate its actual output power based on the drive voltage. The additional health status monitoring dimension provides direct electrical parameter basis for evaluating air pump performance. A dedicated data storage unit is equipped to store standard thresholds and compensation parameters to ensure consistency of judgment standards, and can also record historical self-test data (such as timestamps, key parameters, and error codes). This creates a "health record" for the device, making it easy for users to track changes in the device's status.

[0038] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A self-test method for the gas path of an electronic blood pressure monitor, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: Step S1, Test Mode Entry Step: The microcontroller monitors the specific compound operation command initiated by the user through the key input module, and after verification, controls the electronic blood pressure monitor to switch from normal working mode to air circuit self-test mode. Step S2, Pressurization and Airtightness Joint Detection Step: In the air circuit self-test mode, the microcontroller controls the air pump to start and pressurize the closed air circuit system, while simultaneously collecting the readings of the pressure sensor in real time; based on the real-time data of pressure rise, the actual pressurization time consumed for the pressure to rise from the first preset pressure value to the second preset pressure value is calculated; The actual pressurization time is compared with the standard pressurization time threshold range pre-stored in the memory, and the pressurization performance of the air pump and the sealing integrity of the air circuit system are jointly judged based on the comparison results. Step S3, Pressure Reduction and Exhaust Performance Testing Step: After pressurizing to the third preset pressure value, the microcontroller controls the slow exhaust valve to open at a preset opening degree for exhaust; real-time acquisition of pressure sensor readings, and calculation of the actual pressure reduction time taken for the pressure to drop from the fourth preset pressure value to the fifth preset pressure value; comparison of the actual pressure reduction time with the standard pressure reduction time threshold range pre-stored in the memory, and determination of the working status and exhaust rate of the slow exhaust valve based on the comparison result; Step S4, Result Generation and Output Step: The microcontroller integrates the comparison results of the pressurization and airtightness joint detection step and the depressurization and exhaust performance detection step to generate the final self-test conclusion, and outputs the self-test conclusion in the form of a predefined code through the display unit.

2. The self-test method for the gas path of the electronic blood pressure monitor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The specific compound operation command is for the user to simultaneously press and hold the "Start" button and then briefly press the "Memory" button a predetermined number of times during the long press. After the microcontroller recognizes the compound operation, it will prioritize performing zero-point self-calibration of the atmospheric pressure sensor, and only allow entry into the gas path self-test mode after the calibration is successful.

3. The self-test method for the gas path of the electronic blood pressure monitor according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the combined pressurization and airtightness testing steps: The second preset pressure value is the system protection pressure value, which ranges from 270 mmHg to 290 mmHg; The standard pressurization time threshold range is a statistical range value obtained through extensive experimental calibration under standard environment and standard device configuration. If the actual pressurization time is shorter than the lower limit of the standard pressurization time threshold range, it is determined that the air pump is misconfigured or the pressure sensor is calibrated abnormally. If the actual pressurization time is longer than the upper limit of the standard pressurization time threshold range, it is determined that the air pump performance has deteriorated, or that there is a serious leak or blockage in the air path.

4. The self-test method for the gas path of the electronic blood pressure monitor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microcontroller drives the air pump using a pulse width modulation signal and continuously monitors the correspondence between the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal and the air pressure rise curve during the pressurization process. If the air pressure rise rate is significantly lower than expected under a fixed duty cycle, it serves as an auxiliary basis for judging the aging of the air pump.

5. The self-test method for the gas path of the electronic blood pressure monitor according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the pressure reduction and exhaust performance testing steps: The microcontroller controls the slow exhaust valve to open at a constant, pre-calibrated opening. The fourth preset pressure value is 220 mmHg, and the fifth preset pressure value is 50 mmHg; If the actual pressure drop time is shorter than the lower limit of the standard pressure drop time threshold range, it is determined that the slow exhaust valve is opened too large, the valve body is damaged, or there is a leak in the gas path. If the actual pressure reduction time is longer than the upper limit of the standard pressure reduction time threshold range, it is determined that the slow exhaust valve opening is too small, the valve body is blocked, or there is jamming.

6. The self-test method for the gas path of the electronic blood pressure monitor according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the pressure reduction and exhaust performance testing steps, a quick exhaust valve testing sub-step is also included: the microcontroller controls the quick exhaust valve to fully open and monitors the time required for the pressure to drop from an intermediate pressure value to the ambient pressure. If the time exceeds a preset threshold, the quick exhaust valve is determined to be faulty.

7. The self-test method for the gas path of the electronic blood pressure monitor according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a self-test process data recording step: the microcontroller encrypts and stores the key parameters of each self-test process, including the actual pressurization time, actual depressurization time, maximum pressure value, error code and timestamp, in a non-volatile memory to form a device health record, which can be read and analyzed by after-sales maintenance personnel through a specific interface.

8. The self-test method for the gas path of the electronic blood pressure monitor according to claim 1, characterized in that: Before entering the gas circuit self-test mode, the microcontroller automatically detects whether the cuff is disconnected or the connector is not properly inserted. When such a state is detected, the microcontroller displays the message "Please connect the cuff" on the display unit to prevent misjudgment as a gas circuit leak.

9. The self-test method for the gas path of the electronic blood pressure monitor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The standard pressurization time threshold range and standard depressurization time threshold range are dynamically corrected based on the readings of the real-time monitored ambient temperature sensor and power supply voltage sensor through a pre-stored compensation algorithm, so as to eliminate the interference of ambient temperature and humidity and power supply voltage fluctuations on the judgment of detection results.

10. A system for implementing the airway self-test method of any one of the electronic blood pressure monitors according to claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, include: The microcontroller unit serves as the core of the system's control and computation. The pneumatic actuator unit includes an air pump, a slow exhaust valve, and a fast exhaust valve, and is controlled by the microcontroller unit to perform pneumatic pressurization, slow exhaust, and fast exhaust. The signal acquisition unit includes a high-precision pressure sensor for real-time monitoring of pressure changes in the gas path and converting analog signals into digital signals for the microcontroller unit to read. The human-computer interaction unit includes a button module for inputting compound operation commands and a display module for displaying the self-test process and results; Data storage unit is used to store standard time thresholds, compensation algorithm parameters, device serial numbers, and self-test history data; The microcontroller unit is configured to execute program instructions stored internally or in the data storage unit to coordinate and control the orderly operation of each unit and complete the entire self-test process. The pressure sensor and the microcontroller unit integrate a first-stage analog filter circuit and a high-precision analog-to-digital converter for preprocessing the pressure signal to improve the signal's anti-interference capability and sampling accuracy. A current sampling resistor is connected in series in the power supply circuit of the air pump. The microcontroller unit obtains the operating current of the air pump in real time by monitoring the voltage change across the resistor. Combined with the driving voltage of the air pump, it is used to calculate the actual output power of the air pump as an additional dimension for evaluating the health status of the air pump.

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