Portable diagnostic measuring device

Abstract

A portable diagnostic measuring device (100) for the non-invasive detection of at least one physiological parameter of the human body, wherein the device (100) has integrated sensors (108; 304; 306; 308; 310) for detecting the parameter, an integrated evaluation unit (500) for evaluating the parameter and providing evaluation data, and an integrated display unit (110) for displaying the evaluation data, wherein the device (100) has a base (102) and a lid (104), wherein the lid (104) is movably arranged on the base (102) for transferring between an open position and a closed position, wherein the base (102) and / or the lid (104) have a first support surface for supporting a human finger in the open position of the lid (104), wherein the sensor is arranged on the support surface, wherein the device (100) is designed such thatthat the finger can be fixed between the base (102) and the lid (104) in the closed position of the lid (104) and a detection of the physiological parameter takes place in the closed position, wherein the support surface is a recess (106), and wherein light emitters (302) are arranged on the base for irradiating the body tissue of the resting finger and a photodetector (310) in the lid opposite for detecting the radiation scattered and / or transmitted by the body tissue in the recess (106), characterized in that - the device (100) has at least one second support surface formed as a recess (106) for receiving a second finger of a user of the device (100), - wherein the device (100) has a temperature sensor (306) in a recess (106), - wherein in one of the recesses (106) electrodes (304) for recording electrocardiograms are arranged and in the further recess (106) further electrodes (308) are arranged, which together with the electrodes (304) serve to record bioimpedance data.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a portable diagnostic measuring device for the non-invasive detection of at least one physiological parameter of the human body.

[0002] There is a growing willingness among the population to regularly monitor their own health in order to constantly gain clarity about their own health status as a preventative measure. For years, common methods for this have included blood pressure monitors, body temperature measuring devices (clinical thermometers), and so-called body fat scales, which can be used to determine body fat percentage.

[0003] It is highly preferred that the corresponding measuring devices are portable so that they can be stored at home without taking up much space and can also be handled easily.

[0004] A corresponding measuring device is known, for example, from DE 601 08 673 T2, which describes a measuring device for a variable of a living body. For example, this involves a body fat monitor with various measuring electrodes. A user must place their thumbs on corresponding voltage measuring electrodes on the front of the measuring device body and also place their index fingers on corresponding current supply electrodes located on the back of the measuring device body.

[0005] A wearable ECG measuring device is known from US 2009 / 0137891 A1. A disadvantage of this solution is the lack of integration with additional sensors such as temperature or bioimpedance sensors, as well as the lack of precise mechanical fixation to ensure repeatable, precise finger position.

[0006] DE 10 2008 056 728 A1 discloses a hygienically designed pulse oximeter device with optical sensors. However, this solution does not allow for the simultaneous recording of multiple physiological parameters at different positions on the finger and does not offer targeted guidance or fixation through a structured housing mechanism.

[0007] WO 2007 / 090119 A2 describes a stationary measuring unit for bilateral hand-held operation. This requires two-handed operation and is therefore less user-friendly for mobile, stand-alone applications. A compact solution with a finger-locking lid mechanism is missing.

[0008] US Pat. No. 6,154,677 A concerns an implantable energy supply device. This is invasive and therefore not suitable for non-invasive, portable recording of physiological parameters for the purpose of independent health monitoring by the affected person.

[0009] DE 10 2006 034 843 B4 discloses a finger probe with optical sensors that is specialized for oxygen saturation.

[0010] US Patent No. 4,838,273 A discloses a medical electrode for skin application. This electrode does not allow for integrated multi-channel measurement with optical and electrical sensors in a structured housing unit and is not optimized for temporary finger contact.

[0011] US 2003 / 0009087 A1 describes a sensor glove for recording physiological data.

[0012] US 2010 / 0056880 A1 discloses a sensor unit in computer input devices or mobile devices. The lack of precise finger positioning and the absence of an active fixation mechanism can lead to variable measurement conditions and limited data quality.

[0013] In contrast, the object is to create an improved portable diagnostic measuring device which enables at least one physiological parameter of the human body to be recorded in a non-invasive manner.

[0014] The problem underlying the invention is solved by the features of the independent patent claim. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims.

[0015] A portable diagnostic measuring device for the non-invasive detection of at least one physiological parameter of the human body is specified, wherein the device has an integrated sensor for detecting the parameter, an integrated evaluation unit for evaluating the parameter and providing evaluation data, and an integrated display unit for displaying the evaluation data. Furthermore, the device has a base and a lid, wherein the lid is movably arranged on the base for transfer between an open position and a closed position, wherein the base and / or the lid have at least one support surface for supporting a human finger in the open position of the lid.The sensor is arranged on the support surface, wherein the device is designed such that the finger can be fixed between the base and the lid in the closed position of the lid and the physiological parameter is recorded in the closed position.

[0016] Embodiments of the invention have the advantage that measurement data can be recorded in a reproducible manner due to the finger's fixation relative to the base and lid. For this purpose, the support surface preferably has a stop. For use, the user guides their finger onto the support surface until it reaches the stop, ensuring that the finger remains fixed at least in the direction of the stop after the lid is closed.

[0017] According to the invention, the support surface is a recess, so that after inserting the user's finger into this recess, the finger is also fixed perpendicular to the extension surface of the recess. This eliminates the need for a laborious search for the ideal measuring position in which the finger must be placed on the sensor. Secondly, it is guaranteed that the finger rests in exactly the same place in the recess for each measurement, so that corresponding measurements for a given person can always be carried out reproducibly with reference to the same finger position. This allows the development of the physiological parameter to be reliably recorded for at least one person over the course of a sequence of different measurements carried out one after the other.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the recess is an at least semi-cylindrical, elongated recess running parallel to the surface of the base. This recess is thus essentially designed to correspond to the shape of a finger, so that the finger can be optimally fixed in the recess. Furthermore, this considerably simplifies handling of the device, since, for example, the device can be placed on a flat surface, such as a table surface, and only the finger needs to be placed in the recess, and the lid then needs to be closed. Furthermore, the cumbersome holding of the device with two hands and the associated fluctuating physical pressure exerted on the sensor, possibly while balancing the device, are avoided.

[0019] It should be noted that the recess can also take on other shapes, e.g. an elliptical or ellipsoidal cross-section.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the lid has a first hinge, wherein the lid is movably arranged on the base via the first hinge for transferring between the open position and the closed position. In addition, it is also possible for the lid to further have a second hinge, wherein the first hinge is arranged on the second hinge and the pivot axes of the first and second hinges run parallel to one another. This has the advantage that, regardless of finger diameters, it is always guaranteed that the finger is fixed relative to the base and the lid when the lid is closed. Furthermore, this is a simple mechanical design for connecting the lid to the base, thus avoiding the risk of malfunctions, for example due to the lid becoming tilted relative to the base. This increases the longevity of the device.

[0021] It should be noted, however, that there are various other ways of attaching the lid to the base and arranging it so that it can move relative to the base. For example, a guide in the form of an axis perpendicular to the surface of the base could be provided, with the lid being able to move along this guide perpendicular to the base. A telescopic guide for the lid to the base would also be conceivable here. Single or double hinges (two hinges connected one behind the other) with or without damping can also be used as hinges. The hinges or, in general, the fastening means between the lid and base can also have spring elements and / or locking elements, for example, to ensure that relative positions between the base and lid can be releasably fixed.A particularly preferred embodiment is to connect the lid and the base in such a way that when the lid is moved into the open position, the lid can automatically move slowly and dampened back into the closed position. This is particularly relevant given that the device can then be conveniently operated by a single person: The person opens the lid, places at least one finger of each hand on the support surface with the sensor and waits while the lid is released and automatically moves into the closed position, securing the fingers in place. A measuring process can now be carried out using the device in a reproducible manner. After the lid is closed, the measuring process can be started automatically.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the display unit is arranged on the side of the lid facing away from the base. This has the advantage that a user can optimally read the evaluation data after closing the lid. If the display unit is also a touchscreen, the user can switch between the display of various measurement parameters by touching the screen even during the actual measurement process and, if different measurement sensors are present, can also determine the type of physiological parameters being recorded by their body.

[0023] Such parameters may include, for example, electrocardiogram (ECG) data, temperature data, blood pressure data, blood flow data, or data regarding blood oxygen content and / or tissue oxygen consumption. Glucose measurements may also be performed.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the base has a battery receptacle for powering the device. This has the advantage that, due to the typically heavy weight of batteries, the center of gravity of the device is located in the base, allowing the base to be optimally handled while standing on a flat surface (again, for example, a table surface) without the device accidentally tipping over.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the device comprises an analog and a digital electronics part, wherein the analog electronics part is arranged in the base and the digital electronics part in the lid, or alternatively, the analog electronics part is arranged in the lid and the digital electronics part in the base. Due to the spatial separation of the analog and digital parts, highly sensitive measurements of physiological parameters of the human body can be performed without the risk of measurement interference, particularly in the analog part, due to digital signal processing or data processing. This increases the overall quality of the measured data and significantly reduces the device's susceptibility to interference.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises a communication interface. For example, the communication interface can be a near-field communication interface, such as a Bluetooth or infrared interface, or a USB interface. Such an interface can be used to transmit the acquired measurement data to external devices. For example, the device can be coupled via a USB interface to a home computer into which appropriate evaluation software is loaded, so that a patient is able to carry out complex evaluations of the physiological data. Furthermore, it is also possible, for example using the Bluetooth interface, to transmit the data to an external service provider, such as a healthcare provider, using a coupled mobile phone.This person could then, for example, carry out a professional data evaluation using the measured data.

[0027] Furthermore, a GPS function can be integrated into the communication unit. This allows, for example, in a medical emergency, the recorded data, along with the device's position and thus the user's position, to be transmitted to alert an ambulance.

[0028] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises an opaque shield for the recess to prevent light from entering the recess when the lid is in the closed position and a finger is inserted. Such shielding of the recess has the advantage that, particularly in the case of optical measurements, these measurements are not disturbed by external light. This is particularly relevant for measurements that record physiological parameters of the human body with great sensitivity in certain wavelength ranges of natural light. For example, pulse oximetric diagnoses can be carried out using this method, with a corresponding sensor unit typically comprising an optical measuring unit using two light sources that radiate visible and infrared light of different wavelengths into the body tissue.Light scattered by body tissue can be detected using appropriate light sensors, such as photodiodes. The intensity of the scattered light detected by the light sensor allows conclusions to be drawn about the oxygen content of the blood. It should be noted here that a wide variety of sensors can be used. In addition to individual photodiodes and electrodes, this can also include entire sensor arrays, which enable spatially and / or temporally resolved measurement of physiological parameters. This allows dynamic processes such as ion dynamics (e.g., information about the Na / K pump) to be easily recorded.

[0029] As already mentioned, sensor elements can be present in both the lid and the base and work together to enable measurement data acquisition.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the shield is breathable. A breathable shield has the advantage of preventing unwanted sweating of the finger when it is in the recess. This is particularly relevant given that the formation of a film of moisture on the skin surface due to sweating could lead to an unwanted change in the measurement parameters, which in turn would result in non-reproducible measurement results.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the shield is a sealing lip. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible for the shield to be formed by bristles protruding from the base and / or the lid. For example, the sealing lip is made of elastane.

[0032] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises connections for external ECG electrodes and / or external optical measuring sensors.

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1: An isometric 3D view of the device, Fig. 2: a side view of the device, Fig. 3: a view of the device with the lid fully opened, Fig. 4: a schematic interior view of the base, Fig. 5: a top view of the lid, Fig. 6: another 3D isometric view of the device.

[0034] In the following, similar elements are marked with the same reference numerals.

[0035] The Fig. Figure 1 shows an isometric three-dimensional view of the device 100 according to the invention. The device 100 has a length of less than 12 cm, a width of less than 8 cm, and a height of less than 3 cm, with its geometric configuration. Thus, the measuring device 100 is a portable measuring device.

[0036] The measuring device has as main elements a base 102 and a cover 104. In the special embodiment of the Fig. 1, both the base 102 and the lid 104 have recesses 106. The recesses 106 serve to accommodate a human finger. In the Fig. In the opening position of the lid shown in Figure 1, the human fingers can be inserted into the recesses 106, whereby a predefined position of the finger is predetermined due to the stop 116 of the recesses 106.

[0037] The lid 104 is arranged on the base 102 so as to be foldable about a first hinge 114 and a second hinge 112, the hinges 112 and 114 being used to transfer the lid 104 from the Fig. 1 into a closed position. In the said closed position of the lid, the finger is fixed in the recess 106. Movement of the finger perpendicular to the inner surface of the recess 106 and in the direction of the stop 116 is thus no longer possible.

[0038] The pivot axes of the hinges 112 and 114 run parallel to each other, so that the distance between the base 102 and the cover 104 can be varied depending on the thickness of the finger to be inserted.

[0039] The measuring device 100 further comprises a Fig. 1, for evaluating the physiological parameters of the human body, which were detected by the sensors 108. A display unit 110, arranged on the cover 104 on the side of the cover facing away from the base 102, serves to display the evaluation data. The display device 110 is preferably a so-called touchscreen, so that a corresponding user is also able to select various functions of the device 100 by operating the touchscreen. These can be, for example, various physiological parameters that can be measured independently of one another by the device 100.

[0040] Furthermore, schematically in Fig. 1 shows an interface 118 to which various external devices can be connected. Interface 118 can be a standard USB interface or a special interface for connecting external ECG devices (e.g., a LEMO connector). The USB interface allows for control of the device and data readout.

[0041] Alternatively or in addition to the interface 118, a card reader can also be provided (e.g. Micro SD), via which measured data can be transferred to corresponding memory cards.

[0042] The Fig. 2 shows a side view demonstrating the foldable lid. Clearly visible in Fig. 2 is the base 102 and the lid 104 as well as the hinges 112 and 114, by which the lid 104 is arranged on the base 102. In Fig. 2A shows the closed position of the measuring device 100, whereas in the Fig. 2B shows the opening position of the lid. The transition from the opening position to the closing position can be either continuous or using, for example, different locking positions. The latter has the advantage that the next locking position can be assumed upon exceeding a certain force threshold, so that when the lid is closed, a certain contact pressure can be exerted on the finger being inserted, allowing it to be optimally secured in the recess 106 by the lid 104.

[0043] The Fig. Figure 3 is a view of the device 100 with the lid fully opened. Clearly visible in the Fig. 3 are now different sensors, which in Fig. 1 are generally designated by the reference numeral 108. In detail, Fig. 3, the device 100 has light emitters 302 (e.g., light-emitting diodes, LEDs) on the base, by means of which light can be generated at different wavelengths. Corresponding photodetectors for detecting the light emitted by the LEDs 302 and scattered by the finger inserted in the recess 106 are arranged in the cover 104 opposite the LEDs (relative to the closed position of the cover).

[0044] In the Fig. 3 also shows, for example, electrodes 304 for recording electrocardiograms and bioimpedance data. The latter are recorded in interaction between electrodes 304 and further electrodes 308 in a further recess 106.

[0045] Finally, the device 100 also has a temperature sensor 306, for example a temperature-dependent resistor, by means of which the body temperature can be detected when a finger is inserted.

[0046] As already mentioned above, it is helpful if the device 100 has an opaque shielding of the recesses which perform corresponding light-sensitive measurements. Fig. 3, a corresponding shield 300 is provided with respect to the left recess 106. This shield, for example in the form of a sealing lip, is shown in the embodiment in the Fig. 3 is arranged on both the cover 104 and the base 102 and completely encloses the edge of the recess 106.

[0047] For example, if the shield is made of a rubber-elastic material that can be easily compressed, the shield can optimally adapt to the geometric properties of the finger to be inserted, depending on its geometric shape, thus ensuring essentially complete shielding of the interior of the recess 106 from unintentionally incident light from the outside. At the same time, the shield prevents light radiation from a light source of the device 100 from escaping to the outside.

[0048] The Fig. 4 shows a schematic internal view of the base 102. In the Fig. 4A and Fig. Figure 4B illustrates the modular design of the electronics. In addition to a battery 408, the electronics of the base can include various modules, such as an LED module 400, an ECG (electrocardiogram) module 402, a temperature detection module 404, or a bioimpedance module 406. Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B illustrates, the modular arrangement of the respective modules can be varied as appropriate. It is conceivable that a corresponding device 100 is provided in a basic version so that it can be upgraded later with additional modules. For example, it is possible to provide the basic version only for bioimpedance and temperature measurement, with a corresponding user later having the option of also recording and evaluating information about their cardiac activity by adding an ECG module.

[0049] The Fig. 5 finally shows a plan view of a cover 104 of a device 100. Visible in Fig. 5 are first the hinges 114, by means of which the lid 104 is attached to the Fig. 5 is hinged to a base not visible in FIG. The touchscreen display 110 serves to display corresponding evaluation data, which is provided via an evaluation unit 500 integrated into the cover 104. Sensors transmit corresponding parameters that have been detected to the integrated evaluation unit 500, which then determines the evaluation data from the detected parameters and transmits them to the display 110.

[0050] Furthermore, as described above, the touchscreen display also serves to enter user-specific settings, i.e., to generally monitor function. This can include selecting a suitable measurement program as well as entering personal information, such as name, age, gender, or weight.

[0051] The Fig.Figure 6 shows another isometric three-dimensional view of the device 100 according to the invention. The measuring device has the base 102 and the cover 104 as its main elements. The recesses 106 serve to accommodate human fingers.

[0052] The recesses 106 (or generally the support surfaces) are flanked laterally by further slot-shaped recesses 600, into which opposing planar shields 300 can engage when the cover 104 is closed. The planar shields 300, which protrude perpendicularly from the cover 104, prevent lateral light incidence onto the support surfaces and the escape of light from light sources integrated into the device to the outside.

[0053] The shields 300 may be perforated or otherwise designed to be breathable to prevent finger sweating or temperature increase, which could distort the measurements. List of reference symbols 100 device 102 Base 104 lids 106 recess 108 Sensor 110 Display 112 Hinge 114 Hinge 116 stop 118 Interface 300 Shielding 302 LED 304 Electrode 306 Temperature sensor 308 Electrode 310 photodetector 400 module 402 Module 404 Module 406 Module 408 Battery 500 evaluation unit 600 recess

Claims

[1] Portable diagnostic measuring device (100) for the non-invasive detection of at least one physiological parameter of the human body, wherein the device (100) has integrated sensors (108; 304; 306; 308; 310) for detecting the parameter, an integrated evaluation unit (500) for evaluating the parameter and providing evaluation data, and an integrated display unit (110) for displaying the evaluation data, wherein the device (100) has a base (102) and a lid (104), wherein the lid (104) is movably arranged on the base (102) for transfer between an open position and a closed position, wherein the base (102) and / or the lid (104) have a first support surface for supporting a human finger in the open position of the lid (104), wherein the sensor is arranged on the support surface, wherein the device (100) is designed such thatthat the finger can be fixed between the base (102) and the lid (104) in the closed position of the lid (104) and a detection of the physiological parameter takes place in the closed position, wherein the support surface is a recess (106), and wherein light emitters (302) are arranged on the base for irradiating the body tissue of the resting finger and a photodetector (310) in the lid opposite for detecting the radiation scattered and / or transmitted by the body tissue in the recess (106), characterized by , that - the device (100) has at least one second support surface formed as a recess (106) for receiving a second finger of a user of the device (100), - wherein the device (100) has a temperature sensor (306) in a recess (106), - wherein in one of the recesses (106) electrodes (304) for recording electrocardiograms are arranged and in the further recess (106) further electrodes (308) are arranged, which together with the electrodes (304) serve to record bioimpedance data. [2] Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the recess (106) is an at least semi-cylindrical elongated recess (106) extending parallel to the surface of the base (102). [3] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (102) and the lid (104) are foldable towards each other for transfer between the open position and the closed position. [4] Device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the lid (104) is arranged to be movable via a first hinge (114) on the base (102) for transfer between the open position and the closed position. [5] The device (100) of claim 4, wherein the lid (104) further comprises a second hinge (112), the first hinge (114) being arranged on the second hinge (112), the pivot axes of the first and second hinges being parallel to each other. [6] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display unit is arranged on the side of the cover (104) facing away from the base (102). [7] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a battery receptacle in the base (102). [8] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (100) has an analog and a digital electronic part, wherein the analog electronic part is arranged in the base (102) and the digital electronic part is arranged in the cover (104) or the analog electronic part is arranged in the cover (104) and the digital electronic part is arranged in the base (102). [9] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display unit (110) is a touchscreen. [10] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a communication interface. [11] The device (100) of claim 10, wherein the communication interface is a near-field communication interface or a USB interface. [12] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an opaque shield (300) of the recess (106) for preventing light from entering the recess (106) in the closed position of the lid (104) when a finger is inserted. [13] The device (100) of claim 12, wherein the shield (300) is breathable. [14] Device (100) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the shield (300) is a sealing lip. [15] Device (100) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the shield (300) is formed by bristles projecting from the base (102) and / or the cover (104).

Images