Device for measuring information regarding blood pressure

Abstract

Blood pressure information measuring device (1A, 2A, 1B, 2B), which comprises: a first processing function and a second processing function, where the first processing function is a master function and the second processing function is a slave function, a selection (33) for accepting a selection of the first processing function or the second processing function for a processing function, wherein the blood pressure information measuring device (1A, 2A) functions as a master when the first processing function is selected and wherein the blood pressure information measuring device (1B, 2B) functions as a slave when the second processing function is selected, a fluid cushion or air or liquid cushion (13, 14); a measuring unit (1, 1', 2, 23, 40) which is connected to the fluid cushion in order to to determine blood pressure information based on the pressure change of the fluid cushion; and a communication unit (5, 51) for communicating with another blood pressure information measuring device (1A, 2A, 1B, 2B), wherein, if the first processing function is selected as the master function in the selection (33), the communication unit (5, 51) transmits a signal to the other blood pressure information measuring device (1B, 2B) acting as a slave to notify of the start of the measurement and obtains the blood pressure information from the other blood pressure measuring device (1A, 2A, 1B, 2B) which is provided by the other Blood pressure information measuring device (1B, 2B) is measured, and the blood pressure information measuring device (1A, 2A) further includes a calculation unit (40) for calculating an index of arterial sclerosis based on the first blood pressure information, which is the blood pressure information measured by the measuring unit (1, 1', 2, 23, 40) of the blood pressure information measuring device (1A, 2A), and the second blood pressure information, which is the blood pressure information measured by the other blood pressure information measuring device (1B, 2B).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to blood pressure information measuring devices and blood pressure information measuring systems, and more particularly to a blood pressure information measuring device and a blood pressure information measuring system relating to the circulatory organ such as blood pressure and the degree of sclerosis of the artery from an index obtained by analyzing the pulse wave serving as the blood pressure information. BACKGROUND OF THE STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. JP 2000-316821 A (Patent Document 1), a device for measuring the propagation velocity of the pulse wave emitted from the heart (hereinafter referred to as a PWV: Pulse Wave Velocity) and for determining the degree of arterial sclerosis is disclosed as a device for measuring the degree of arterial sclerosis.

[0003] In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. JP 2002-143104 A (Patent Document 2), a device for obtaining the relationship between upper arm blood pressure and lower limb blood pressure is disclosed.

[0004] Furthermore, WO 2008 / 007548 A1 discloses a pulse propagation velocity measuring device. It includes a home blood pressure (HBP) input unit for pre-entering the blood pressure measured at home. A PWV calculation section calculates the pulse propagation velocity based on the actual pulse measured in an examination room. Taking into account the blood pressure measured by an OBP calculation section and the home blood pressure (HBP) value, a PWVh calculation section calculates the pulse propagation velocity based on the pulse propagation velocity calculated by the PWV calculation section. [Prior art documents][Patent documents] Patent Document Number 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Number JP 2000-316821 A Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. JP 2002-143104 A PUBLICATION OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION.

[0005] PWV (Pulse Wave Velocity) is calculated from the time difference between the occurrence of each pulse wave and the length of the artery between two points where cuffs for measuring the pulse wave and the like are attached. This method involves attaching cuffs and the like or air cushions to measure the pulse wave at at least two or more locations, such as the upper arm and the lower limb, and measuring the pulse wave simultaneously. Therefore, the device of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the device becomes large and it is difficult to easily and conveniently measure PWV at home because cuffs and the like must be attached to at least two locations and the pulse wave must be simultaneously obtained from each cuff.

[0006] The device of Patent Document 2 also has a problem in that the device becomes large and that it is difficult to measure PWV easily and conveniently at home because both the cuffs need to be supplied with compressed air through one device and the blood pressure of the upper arm and the blood pressure of the lower limb need to be measured at the same time.

[0007] The present invention is intended to provide a blood pressure information measuring device that determines the arterial sclerosis index, and to provide a blood pressure information measuring system capable of using a plurality of such blood pressure information measuring devices in one measurement, measuring the blood pressure information with the respective device while synchronizing, and accurately calculating the arterial sclerosis index with a simple configuration. FACILITY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM

[0008] To achieve the above object according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blood pressure information measuring device having the features of claim 1.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blood pressure information measuring device having the features of claim 8. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blood pressure information measuring system having the features of claim 12. EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to the present invention, a plurality of areas can be compressed by the air cushions to measure blood pressure information while suppressing the enlargement of the blood pressure information measuring device. An accurate index of arterial sclerosis can thereby be obtained. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a view showing a specific example of the external appearance of a blood pressure information measuring device (hereinafter referred to as a measuring device) according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a view showing a specific example of a correlation between the occurrence of a time difference Tr between the ejection wave and the reflection wave and the PWV. Fig. 3 is a view showing the relationship of the measured pulse wave waveform of the outflow wave and the reflection wave. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the function of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a view describing the measuring method using the measuring device of the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the measuring operation in the measuring device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7A is a view describing the measurement location in the measuring unit according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7B is a view describing the method for calculating the arterial sclerosis index in the measuring device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 8A is a view describing the measurement location in the measuring device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 8B is a view describing the method of calculating the arterial sclerosis index in the measuring device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the function of the measuring device according to a second embodiment. Fig. 10 is a view describing the measuring method using the measuring device according to the second embodiment. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the difference of the measuring operation in the measuring device according to the second embodiment from the measuring operation in the measuring device according to the first embodiment. Fig. Fig. 12 is a view showing a specific example of the measurement start signal and the synchronous pulse generated in step S85 during the measurement operation shown in Fig. 11 is shown. Fig. 13A is a view describing the measurement result of the pulse wave in the measuring device according to the second embodiment. Fig. 13B is a view describing the measurement result of the pulse wave in the measuring device according to the second embodiment. Fig. 14 is a view describing the method of analyzing the pulse wave in the measuring device according to the second embodiment. Fig. 15 is a view describing the measuring method using the measuring device according to a variant of the second embodiment. Fig. 16 is a view showing the functional blocks of the measuring device according to a first variant. Fig. 17 is a view showing a specific example of the relationship of the combination of the measurement locations and the operation mode. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing the difference of the measuring operation in the measuring device according to a second variant from the measuring operation in the measuring device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 19 is a view showing a specific example of a blood pressure monitor for the ankle or wrist. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals denote the same components and structural elements in the following description. The names and functions thereof are also the same.

[0012] The blood pressure information measuring device (hereinafter referred to as measuring device) 1, 2 according to the present invention will be described by Fig. 1. In the following description, "blood pressure information" refers to information related to blood pressure obtained by measuring the blood pressure in a living body. Specific examples of "blood pressure information" include the blood pressure value, the pulse waveform, the heart rate, and the like.

[0013] With reference to Fig. 1, a measuring device 1 according to a first embodiment or a measuring device 2 according to a second embodiment is connected to a cuff 9, which is to be attached to the measuring location, with a trachea 8. A display unit 4 for displaying various information, including the measurement result, and an operating unit 3, which is operated when various instructions are given to the measuring device 1, 2, are arranged on the front surface of the measuring device 1, 2. The operating unit 3 includes a switch 31, which is operated to turn the power supply ON / OFF, a switch 32, which is operated to supply pressure to an air cushion 13 ( Fig. 4) contained in the cuff 9, a switch 33 operated to select whether the function of the measuring device 1, 2 is the main function or the sub-function, which will be described later, and a switch 34 operated to select the measurement location where the cuff 9 is attached. A connector 5 for connecting other measuring devices is arranged on the side surface of the measuring device 1, 2. Information is exchanged with other measuring devices using a communication line connected to the connector 5. Wireless communication such as infrared communication can be performed with other measuring devices instead of wired communication. In this case, an infrared transmission and reception unit and the like are arranged at the location of the connector 5.

[0014] The measuring device 1, 2 obtains an index to determine the degree of arterial sclerosis based on the pulse waveform, which serves as the blood pressure information. Since the propagation velocity of the pulse wave emitted by the heart (hereinafter referred to as PWV: Pulse Wave Velocity) becomes faster as arterial sclerosis progresses, the PWV acts as an index to determine the degree of arterial sclerosis. The occurrence of the time difference Tr between the emitted wave and the reflected wave reflected and returned by the branch region of the iliac artery or aorta is an index to determine the degree of arterial sclerosis using the PWV. The correlation between the occurrence of the time difference Tr and the PWV is statistically obtained as shown in Fig. 2 when individual parameters such as height and gender are obtained, as described in the document "Hypertension July 1992; (20)1" by London GM et al., (published on July 20, 1992), pages 10 to 19. Therefore, the occurrence of the time difference Tr between the ejection wave and the reflection wave can be an index for determining the degree of arterial sclerosis.

[0015] The principle of obtaining the index to determine the degree of arterial sclerosis based on the pulse waveform obtained from a measurement site is described using the Fig. 3 described. In Fig. 3, waveform A, shown with a solid line, indicates the measured pulse waveform. Waveform B, shown with a broken line, indicates the outflow wave, and waveform C, shown with a dotted line, indicates the reflection wave. As shown in Fig. 3, the pulse waveform A obtained by the measurement is a synthetic wave of the ejection wave B and the reflection wave C. The arrival of the reflection wave at the measurement location is detected as an inflection point D in the pulse waveform A. Therefore, the occurrence of the time difference Tr is obtained by the time from the rise of the pulse waveform A to the inflection point D. The accurate pulse waveform must be obtained in order to obtain the inflection point D from the pulse waveform A obtained by the measurement. The accurate PWV can be obtained by using the correlation relationship as shown in Fig. 2 by obtaining the accurate pulse wave waveform. [FIRST EMBODIMENT]

[0016] The function of the measuring device 1 is determined using Fig. 4. With reference to Fig. 4 includes the measuring device 1, an air pump 21, an air valve 22, and a pressure sensor 23 connected to the air cushion 13 contained in the cuff 9 via the trachea 8, as well as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 40, a memory 41, and a signal transmission and reception unit 51. The memory 41 stores the measurement results. Furthermore, the memory 41 stores a main program, a program to act as a master, and a program to serve as a slave, which will be described later, as a program executed in the CPU 40. The signal transmission and reception unit 51 is used to communicate with another measuring device using the communication line connected to the connector 5.The signal transmission and reception unit 51 transmits the information input from the CPU 40 to another measuring device. The information received from another measuring device is sent to the CPU 40.

[0017] The air pump 21 is driven by the driver circuit 26, which has received the command from the CPU 40 and sends compressed gas to the air cushion 13. The air pump 21 thus supplies the air cushion 13 with pressure.

[0018] The open / closed state of the air valve 22 is controlled by the driver circuit 27, which receives the command from the CPU 40. The pressure in the air cushion 13 is controlled when the open / closed state of the air valve 22 is controlled. The air valve 22 thereby maintains or decreases the pressure of the air cushion 13.

[0019] The pressure sensor 23 detects the pressure of the air cushion 13. The pressure sensor 23 outputs a signal corresponding to a detection value to an amplifier 28. The amplifier 28 amplifies the signal input from the pressure sensor 23 and outputs it to an A / D converter 29. The A / D converter 29 digitizes the analog signal input from the amplifier 28 and outputs it to the CPU 40.

[0020] The CPU 40 controls the driver circuits 26, 27 based on the command input to the operation unit 3. The CPU 40 also reads the program stored in the memory 41 and executes the same to calculate the measured value and the index, which will be described later, using the value obtained in the pressure sensor 23 and / or the information received from the signal transmission and reception unit 51. The CPU 40 also performs the process for transmitting the signal from the signal transmission and reception unit 51 to another measuring device. The process for storing the data in a predetermined area of the memory 41 is also performed.

[0021] The driver circuits 26, 27, the amplifiers 28, the A / D converters 29, the memory 41, and the signal transmission and reception unit 51 may all be functions realized with the hardware configuration different from the CPU 40, or at least one of them may be a function introduced by the CPU 40 when the CPU 40 executes the program.

[0022] The measuring method used by the measuring device 1 is now carried out using the Fig. 5. With reference to Fig. 5, two connected measuring devices 1, which are shown as the measuring devices 1A, 1B, are used in the first embodiment and are operated in cooperation with each other to obtain the blood pressure information and to calculate the arterial sclerosis index. In the Fig. In the case shown in Figure 5, the measuring device 1A acts as a master or main device and the measuring device 1B acts as a slave or sub-device. The measuring device 1A, which is a master, must be connected to the cuff 9A, which is attached to the upper arm on the central side, and the measuring device 1B, which is the slave, must be connected to the cuff 9B, which is attached to the peripheral side as the cuff 9A of the same arm. In the example of Fig. 5, the cuff is attached to the wrist, however, the cuff 9B may be attached to any location as long as it is on the peripheral side as the cuff 9A of the same arm, as will be described later using the figures.

[0023] The cuff 9 internally contains the air cushion 13, which serves as a fluid cushion to compress the living body and to measure the blood pressure and pulse wave, which serve as blood pressure information. The air cushion 13A included in the cuff 9A compresses the central side, and the air cushion 13B included in the cuff 9B compresses the peripheral side. The measuring device 1A, which functions as the master, also functions as a control device to control the measuring device 1B, which functions as a slave. The measuring device 1A, which functions as a master, also calculates the measured value and the index using its own measurement result and the measurement result of the measuring device 1B, which functions as the slave, and outputs the calculation result.

[0024] The measuring operation or process of the measuring device 1 is carried out using Fig. 6. The process, which is described in Fig. 6, waits when the switch 31 arranged on the operating unit 3 is pressed to turn on the power, and is realized when the CPU 40 reads the program stored in the memory 41 and controls each unit which is in Fig. 2 is shown.

[0025] With reference to Fig. 6, when the process starts, the CPU 40 reads the main program from the memory 41 and executes it, and initializes each unit in step S1. In step S3, the CPU 40 determines which function, the master function or the slave function, is selected based on the operation signal from the switch 33 and reads the program corresponding to the selected function from the memory 41 and executes it. In other words, when it is determined that the master function is selected with the switch 33 ("Master" in step S3), the CPU 40 reads the program from the memory 41 to cause the measuring device 1 to function as the master and executes it. The network device 1 then executes the process of the measuring device 1A on the master side.If it is determined that the slave function is selected ("slave" in step S3), the CPU 40 reads the program from the memory 41 to cause the measuring device 1 to function as the slave and executes the same. The measuring device 1 then executes the operation of the measuring device 1B on the slave side. Therefore, the aspect that the measuring device functions as the measuring device on the master side or the measuring device on the slave side by reading the program corresponding to the selected function and differs from the subsequent operation is the same as in the second embodiment and the variant to be described later.

[0026] If the measuring device 1 acts as the master, that is, if the measuring device 1 controls the measuring device 1A on the master side in the example of Fig. 5, the CPU 40 monitors the input of the operation signal from the switch 32 to pressurize the air cushion 13A of the cuff 9 and start the measurement, and waits until the switch 32 is pressed. If it is determined that the switch 32 is pressed (YES in step S11), the CPU 40 transmits the predetermined status request information to the other measuring device 1 connected via the connector 5 from the signal transmitting and receiving unit 51 in step S13.

[0027] If the measuring device 1 acts as a slave, that is, if the measuring device 1 controls the measuring device 1B on the slave side of the Fig. 5, the CPU 40 waits until the request transmitted in step S13 from the measuring device 1A on the master side to the signal transmitting and receiving unit 51 is received. If the request is received by the signal transmitting and receiving unit 51 (YES in step S51), the CPU 40 transmits information for notifying the state of the measuring device 1B to the measuring device 1A connected to the terminal 5 from the signal transmitting and receiving unit 51 in step S53. The information transmitted here includes at least information indicating the measurement location selected by the switch 34 in the measuring device 1B.

[0028] In the measuring device 1A on the master side, when the signal transmission and reception unit 51 receives the information transmitted from the measuring device 1B in step S53 in step S15, the content of the relevant information is analyzed in the CPU 40. Specifically, in the CPU 40, it is determined whether the measuring device 1B acting as the slave is present and the measurement location on the slave side is appropriate. Whether the measuring device 1B is present or not can be determined by receiving the information transmitted in step S53 or by a signal included in the information indicating that the relevant measuring device (measuring device 1B) is acting as the slave.Furthermore, when the relevant information includes information indicating the measurement location selected with the measuring device (measuring device 1B), a determination can be made that the other measuring device 1 is the measuring device 1B acting as the slave from the relationship with the measurement location selected with the measuring device (measuring device 1A). That is, when the measurement location selected with the other measuring unit is on the peripheral side than the measurement location selected with the measuring device 1A, the CPU 40 can determine that the other measuring device 1 is the measuring device 1B acting as the slave.Alternatively, the CPU 40 may store the measurement location selected with the measuring device 1B previously functioning as the slave and determine that the other measuring device 1 is the measuring device 1B functioning as the slave when the information indicating the measurement location included in the information represents the stored measurement location.

[0029] In the measuring device 1A on the master side, when it is determined by the CPU 40 that the measuring device 1B acting as the slave is present and the measurement location on the slave side is appropriate (YES in step S17 and YES in step S19), the CPU 40 outputs a signal from the signal transmitting and receiving unit 51 instructing the measuring device 1B on the slave side to start blood pressure measurement in step S21.

[0030] In the measuring device 1A on the master side, if it is determined by the CPU 40 that the measuring device 1B acting as the slave is not present (NO in step S17), the relevant measuring device functions as a normal blood pressure measuring device. In other words, the CPU 40 performs the blood pressure measuring process in step S43 and performs the process to display the measurement result on the display unit 4 in step S41, and ends the process. If it is determined that the measurement location is not suitable even if the measuring device 1B on the slave side is present (YES in step S17 and NO in step S19), the relevant measuring device functions similarly as the normal blood pressure measuring unit, and the CPU 40 performs the blood pressure measuring process in step S43 and performs the process to display the measurement result on the display unit 4 in step S41, and ends the process.

[0031] In the measuring device 1b on the slave side, when the signal commanding the start of measurement, which is received from the measuring device 1a on the master side by the signal transmission and reception unit 51 in step S21 (YES in step S55), the CPU 40 starts the blood pressure measurement process in step S57. In this case, the measuring device 1B on the slave side notifies the measuring device 1A on the master side of the start of the blood pressure measurement process.

[0032] In the measuring device 1A on the master side, when the blood pressure measurement operation in the measuring device 1B on the slave side starts in step S57, the CPU 40 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 26A to start the pressure supply to the air bag 13A contained in the cuff 9A in step S23. The pressure supply to the air bag 13A in step S23 is performed until the CPU 40 determines that the pressure of the air bag 13A obtained from the pressure sensor 23A has reached a predetermined pressure. When the pressure of the air bag 13A reaches a predetermined pressure (YES in step S25), the CPU fixes the internal pressure of the air bag 13A at the predetermined pressure in step S27.

[0033] The measurement process performed in the conventional blood pressure monitor is adopted for measuring blood pressure in the measuring device 1B on the slave side in step S57. Specifically, the CPU 40 outputs the control signal to the drive circuit 26A and gradually pressurizes the internal pressure of the air bag 13B. The CPU 40 calculates the diastolic blood pressure value and the systolic blood pressure value based on the pressure signal obtained from the pressure supply sensor 23A in the pressurization process. After the blood pressure measurement is completed in step S57, the CPU 40 transmits the information including the calculated blood pressure value and the signal indicating that the measurement is completed to the measuring device 1A on the master side from the signal transmitting and receiving unit 51 in step S59.

[0034] In the measuring device 1A on the master side, the internal pressure of the air bag 13A is fixed at the predetermined pressure until the information transmitted from the measuring device 1B on the slave side is received in step S59. When the signal transmitting and receiving unit 51 receives the information (YES in step S29), the CPU 40 measures the pulse wave in step S31. Meanwhile, the internal pressure of the air bag 13B is maintained at the internal pressure at the time when the blood pressure measurement is completed in step S57 in the measuring device 1B on the slave side. That is, the pulse wave is measured in the measuring device 1A on the master side with the cuff 9B on the slave side applied to the attachment site.

[0035] In the measuring device 1A on the master side, after the pulse wave measurement is completed in step S31, the CPU 40 reports the end of the pulse wave measurement to the measuring device 1B on the slave side via the signal transmission and reception unit 51 in step S33. Thereafter, the CPU 40 outputs a control signal to the driver circuit 27A to open the air cushion 13A in step S35.

[0036] When the pulse wave is measured in step S31 and the measurement is completed (YES in step S37), the CPU 40 calculates the arterial sclerosis index from the measurement result and the measurement location of the cuff 9 in step S39. The specific content in step S39 will be described later. In step S41, the CPU 40 executes the process of displaying the blood pressure received from the measuring device 1B on the slave side in step S29, the pulse wave measurement result in step S31, and the index calculated in step S39 on the display unit 4 to display them, and ends the series of processes.

[0037] If the measurement is completed without the pulse wave measurement in step S31 (NO in step S37), the CPU 40 does not execute the process of calculating the index in step S39 and executes the process of displaying a warning that the pulse wave has not been measured on the display unit 4 in step S41, thus ending the series of processes. In this case, the blood pressure value obtained from the measuring device 1B on the slave side in step S29 can be displayed.

[0038] In the measuring device 1B on the slave side, when the notification that the pulse wave measurement is completed from the measuring device 1A on the master side is received in step S33 (YES in step S61), the air bag 13B is opened similarly in step S63 and the process is terminated.

[0039] The process of calculating the arterial sclerosis index in the measuring device 1A on the master side in step S39 is carried out using the Fig. 7A, Fig. 7B, Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B.

[0040] In the first embodiment, the attachment location on the cuff 9B on the slave side can occupy two areas, the upper arm on the peripheral side as the attachment location of the cuff 9A on the master side, which in Fig. 7A or the wrist, which is shown in Fig. 8A when the cuff 9A is attached to the upper arm on the master side. The peripheral side is immediately separated from the measurement location on the master side in the example of Fig. 7A and the wrist in the example of Fig. 8A with cuff 9B applied on the slave side.

[0041] Fig. Fig. 7B is a view showing the relationship of the pulse waveform measured when the attachment location of the cuff 9A on the master side and the attachment location of the cuff 9B on the slave side are in the relationship of Fig. 7A, the outflow wave and the reflection wave. If the cuff is as shown in Fig. 7A, the waveform when the outflow wave is reflected and returned from the branch region of the iliac artery or aorta is detected as the reflection wave. The time difference Tr of the occurrence of the reflection wave compared to the occurrence of the outflow wave is obtained in the time from the rise of the measured pulse waveform to the first inflection point, as determined using Fig. 3. In this case, the CPU 40 calculates the value obtained by dividing the line length proportional to the size by the time difference Tr as the PWV or the arterial sclerosis index in step S39.

[0042] Fig. Fig. 8B is a view showing the relationship between the pulse waveform measured when the attachment location of the cuff 9A on the master side and the attachment location of the cuff 9B on the slave side are in the relationship of Fig. 8A, the outflow wave and the reflection wave. If the cuff is as shown in Fig. 8A, the reflection wave includes the waveform reflected and retransmitted from the attachment location of the cuff 9B on the slave side, in addition to the waveform when the outflow wave is reflected and retransmitted from the branch region of the iliac artery or aorta. The time differences Tr, Tr2 of the occurrence of the respective waveforms from the occurrence of the outflow wave are obtained in times from the rise of the pulse waveform to the first inflection point and to the next inflection point, as shown in Fig. 8B. In this case, the CPU 40 calculates the value obtained by dividing the path length proportional to the height by the time difference Tr as the first PWV and calculates the value obtained by dividing the upper arm length proportional to the height by the time difference Tr2 as the second PWV in step S39.

[0043] The measuring device according to the first embodiment functions as both the master and the slave, accepting the operator's selection. Thus, the cuff can be attached to multiple locations, and the attachment location can be compressed with the air cushion by utilizing a plurality of measuring devices as their respective functions. Therefore, the measuring device itself can be made small compared to when the attachment location is compressed with a plurality of air cushions using one measuring device.

[0044] Furthermore, the measuring device according to the first embodiment performs the operation of compressing the blood vessel for a vascular system without functioning as the pulse wave measuring device when it functions as the slave. Furthermore, it can operate as a blood pressure measuring device, such as a wrist blood pressure monitor, by acting as a master when the slave is not present, that is, by using the measuring device independently. Thus, the measuring device can be carried around as a wrist blood pressure monitor and the like when outdoors, and can be used in cooperation with another measuring device functioning as the master side or the slave side to measure blood pressure information, such as the arterial sclerosis index, when at home. [Second embodiment]

[0045] The function of a measuring device 2, according to a second embodiment, is determined using Fig. 9. With reference to Fig. 9, the cuff 9, which is connected to the measuring device 2, includes an air cushion 14 for pulse wave measurement in addition to the air cushion 13 for blood pressure measurement. In addition to the configuration for controlling the air cushion 13 of the measuring device 1, the measuring device 2 includes an air pump 21B, an air valve 22B, a pressure sensor 23B, driver circuits 26B, 27B, an amplifier 28B, and an A / D converter 29B for controlling the air cushion 14. The function of each unit is similar to each corresponding unit of the measuring device 1.

[0046] The measuring method used by the measuring device 2 is now carried out using Fig. 10. With reference to Fig. 10, two interconnected measuring devices 2, which are shown as the measuring devices 2A, 2B, are used in the second embodiment and are operated in cooperation with each other to obtain the blood pressure information and to calculate the arterial sclerosis index. In the case shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the measuring device 2A functions as a master, and the measuring device 2B functions as a slave. The measuring device 2A, which is a master, has the cuff 9A to be connected attached to the upper arm on the central side, and the measuring device 2B, which is the slave, has the cuff 9B to be connected attached to the ankle or the peripheral side.

[0047] The measuring operation in the measuring device 2 is carried out using the Fig. 11. In the flow chart of the Fig. 11 the measuring process is different from the measuring process in the measuring device 1, which in Fig. 6, as the measuring operation in the measuring device 2. The process which is shown in the flow chart of the Fig. 11 also starts when the switch 31 arranged on the operating unit 3 is pressed to turn on the power, and is realized when the CPU reads the program stored in the memory 41 and controls each unit which is in Fig. 9 is shown.

[0048] With reference to Fig. 11, in the measuring device 2A on the master side, when a signal indicating the start of blood pressure measurement is transmitted in step S21 to the measuring device 2B on the slave side, the CPU 40 outputs a control signal to the driver circuit 26A to measure the blood pressure while pressurizing the air cushion 13A for blood pressure measurement in step S71. After the blood pressure measurement, the CPU 40 fixes the internal pressure of the air cushion 13A to the pressure at the end of the measurement in step S73. The peripheral side is thereby avascularized, or "deblooded," by the air cushion 13A on the peripheral side as the air cushion 14A for pulse wave measurement. In step S75, the CPU 90 outputs the control signal to the driver circuit 26B and pressurizes the air cushion 14A for pulse wave measurement.The CPU 90 pressurizes the air cushion 14A until a predetermined pressure is reached while detecting the internal pressure of the air cushion 14A based on the pressure signal from the pressure sensor 23B in step S77. When the internal pressure of the air cushion 14A reaches the predetermined pressure (YES in step S79), the CPU 40 fixes the internal pressure of the air cushion 14A at the predetermined pressure in step S81.

[0049] Similarly, in the measuring device 2B on the slave side, when the signal indicating the start of measurement transmitted from the measuring device 1A to the master side is received by the signal transmitting and receiving unit 51 in step S21 (YES in step S55), the CPU 40 starts the blood pressure measurement operation in step S57. In steps S101 to S109, the operations similar to steps S73 to S81 in the measuring device 2A on the master side are performed. When the internal pressure of the air bag 14B is fixed at the predetermined pressure in step S109, the CPU notifies the measuring device 2A on the master side, via the signal transmitting and receiving unit 51, that the internal pressure of the air bag 14B is fixed in step S111.

[0050] When the measuring device 2A on the master side receives the notification (YES in step S83), the CPU 40 transmits a signal notifying the start of the pulse wave measurement to the measuring device 2B on the slave side via the signal transmission and reception unit 51 in step S85. The transmission of the synchronous pulse also starts. Fig. Fig. 12 is a view showing a specific example of the measurement start signal and the synchronous pulse transmitted in step S85. In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 12, the measurement start signal is added to the synchronous pulse having a width of one millisecond. Thus, the measuring device 2B on the slave side can synchronize with the operation of the measuring device 2A on the master side within one millisecond. The width of each instant of the synchronous pulse is preferably specified as a different width by the method defined in advance. Therefore, both the measuring device 2A on the master side and the measuring device 2B on the slave side can distinguish which instant in one second is the current instant.

[0051] In the measuring device 2A on the master side, the CPU 40 measures the pulse wave according to the timing indicated by the measurement start signal transmitted to the measuring device 2B on the slave side in step S85, in step S87. The pulse wave is then stored as the measurement result with the measurement start signal and the synchronous pulse, as shown in Fig. 13A. Similarly, in the measuring device 2B on the slave side, the CPU 40 measures the pulse wave according to the timing indicated by the measurement start signal transmitted from the measuring device 2A on the master side in step S113 and stores the pulse wave together with the measurement start signal and the synchronous pulse, as shown in Fig. 13B is shown.

[0052] After the pulse wave measurement is completed, the air cushions 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B in the measuring devices 2A, 2B are opened, respectively, in steps S89 and S115. In the measuring device 2B on the slave side, the CPU 40, with the signal transmission and recording unit 51, transmits the pulse wave measurement result obtained in step S113 to the measuring device 2A on the master side in step S117 and terminates the process.

[0053] In the measuring device 2A on the master side, the CPU 40 analyzes the measurement result of the pulse wave obtained in step S87 and the measurement result of the pulse wave transmitted from the measuring device 2B on the slave side and obtains the index of arterial sclerosis in step S91. With reference to Fig. 14, the CPU 40 calculates the occurrence of the time difference t of the pulse waves by synchronizing the pulse wave waveforms generated in the devices 2A, 2B, which are in Fig. 13A, Fig. 13B are measured based on the measurement start signal in step S91. The CPU 40 then obtains the baPWV (PWV above the ankle) by dividing the distance between the measurement location (upper arm) in the measuring device 2A and the measurement location (ankle) in the measuring device 2B by the calculated time difference t. The distance between the measurement locations may be defined in advance, or may be measured and input by the measuring person, or a mechanism for measuring the distance therebetween may be arranged in the cuffs 9A, 9B, and the distance may be input by such a mechanism.

[0054] In step S91, the ratio of the blood pressure value measured at the ankle in step S57 to the blood pressure value measured at the upper arm in step S71, or ABI (pressure index above the ankle), can be calculated as the arterial sclerosis index. The ABI is also a useful index for determining the degree of arterial sclerosis. The degree of arterial sclerosis is determined to be normal if the ABI is greater than or equal to 1.0, and the arterial sclerosis is determined to be progressive (e.g., the possibility of occlusion due to arterial sclerosis) if the ABI is less than or equal to 0.9.

[0055] In the measuring device 2A on the master side, the CPU 40 performs the process to display the calculated index on the display unit 4 together with the measured blood pressure and the like for display and ends the series of processes.

[0056] The measuring device according to the second embodiment functions as both the master and the slave by accepting the operator's selection. When it functions as the master, the pulse signal and the measurement start signal can be transmitted to the measuring device on the slave side, and the measurement timing on the slave side can be controlled. The timing for measuring the pulse wave in multiple areas can thus be controlled, and the occurrence of the time difference t of the pulse wave can be easily obtained with high accuracy. Thus, the arterial sclerosis index can be easily obtained with high accuracy. [Variant of the second embodiment]

[0057] In the example above, one of the upper arms and one of the ankles is used for the multiple measurement locations, as shown in Fig. 10, and the PWV or arterial sclerosis index is calculated based on the pulse wave obtained at the measurement site. The number of measurement sites is not limited to two areas as described above, and can be three or more areas. As a variation, the configuration of the measurement device is described when the arterial sclerosis index is obtained at three locations.

[0058] The measuring method used by the measuring device 2 according to a variant of the second embodiment is carried out using Fig. 15. With reference to Fig. 15 one measuring device acts as a master and two measuring devices act as slaves, which are connected to the relevant

[0059] Measuring device, which are represented as the measuring device 2A, 2B, 2C, are used in the variant of the second embodiment and are operated in cooperation with each other to obtain the blood pressure information and to calculate the arterial sclerosis index. In the case which in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the measuring device 2A acts as a master, and the measuring devices 2B, 2C both act as a slave. The measuring device 2A, which is a master, has the cuff 9A connected, attached to the upper arm on the central side, and the measuring devices 2B, 2C, which are the slaves, have the cuffs 9B, 9C connected, attached to both ankles or the peripheral side.

[0060] In the case of the variant of the second embodiment, the measuring devices 2B, 2C on the slave side continue to perform the operation or process similar to the process of the measuring device on the slave side, which in Fig. 11. The measuring device 2A on the master side checks the presence of the measuring devices 2B, 2C on the slave side in steps S17, S19 and checks whether the respective measuring location is suitable or not. In step S87, the CPU 40 of the measuring device 2A on the master side compares the pulse waveform measured in the measuring device 2A on the master side and the pulse waveform measured in the measuring device 2B on the slave side, and the pulse waveform measured in the measuring device 2A on the master side and the pulse waveform measured in the measuring device 2C on the slave side, as shown in Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B and maintains the degree of arterial sclerosis for each comparison.

[0061] With such a configuration, the arterial sclerosis index is obtained based on the pulse wave waveforms at a plurality of measurement sites, and the accuracy of the arterial sclerosis index can be increased. [First variant]

[0062] The measuring device 1 and the measuring device 2 select the measuring location based on the operating signal from the switch 34. The measuring device 1' according to the first variant on the other hand is configured as shown in Fig. 16. With reference to Fig. 16, the cuff 9 is supplied for each location where it is attached in the first variant. The trachea 8 for connecting the cuff 9 includes a storage unit 81 for storing the determination information indicating the location where the cuff 9 is to be attached. The measuring device 1' includes an air connection member 6 for connecting the trachea 8, and the air connection member 6 includes a readout unit 61 for connecting the storage unit 81 and for reading out the determination information about the connection of the trachea 8. The specific configuration of the storage unit 81 and the readout unit 61 may be a storage unit such as an IC type and a device for reading out the information from the relevant device. Such an electrical configuration is not the only possibility, and a mechanical configuration may be adopted.In other words, the storage units 81 can have different designs, for example, having pins of different shapes for each location where the cuff 9 is to be attached, and the readout unit 61 can include a push button or a light-emitting / light-receiving element and read out the difference in shape. The information read by the readout unit 61 is input to the CPU 40. The CPU 40 thus determines the measurement location.

[0063] With such a configuration, the measurement site is automatically determined by attaching the cuff to the measurement site, without the process of selecting the measurement site by the person being measured, and the blood pressure information can be obtained. [Second variant]

[0064] The measuring device 1 calculates the arterial sclerosis index by avascularizing, or "blood emptying," the wrist or the lower side of the upper arm and measuring the pulse wave at the upper arm. The measuring device 2 calculates the arterial sclerosis index by measuring the pulse wave of both the upper arm and the ankle. In such devices, the pulse wave is not measured as an error if positions other than the measurement site are set. In the second variant, on the other hand, the measuring operation or measuring process according to the first embodiment and the measuring process according to the second embodiment can be carried out in combination with the measuring device.Furthermore, whether the operation mode corresponding to the combination of the measurement locations is the operation mode in which the operation described in the first embodiment is performed or the operation mode in which the operation described in the second embodiment is performed can be automatically determined.

[0065] Specifically, the measuring device according to the second variant stores the operating mode for each combination of measuring locations, as shown in Fig. 17, in the memory 41. Fig. 17 shows a specific example of the relationship of the combination of measurement locations when the measurement is performed using two measuring devices shown as the first measuring device and the second measuring device, and the operation mode in the first measuring device.

[0066] With reference to Fig. 17, when the cuff of the first measuring device is attached to the upper arm and the cuff of the second measuring device is not attached, the first measuring device is used alone, and the blood pressure is measured with the upper arm as the measurement site, as described in the first embodiment. When the cuff of the second measuring device is attached to the upper arm or the wrist, the PWV serving as the index of arterial sclerosis is calculated based on the pulse wave measured at the upper arm in the first measuring device, as described in the first embodiment. When the cuff of the second measuring device is attached to the ankle, the baPWV serving as the index of arterial sclerosis is calculated based on the pulse wave measured at the upper arm and ankle in the first measuring device, as described in the second embodiment.Alternatively, the ABI, which serves as the index of arterial sclerosis, is calculated based on the blood pressure measured at the upper arm and ankle.

[0067] When the cuff of the first measuring device is attached to the wrist and the cuff of the second measuring device is not attached, the first measuring device is used alone, and blood pressure is measured with the wrist as the measurement site, similar to the operation described in the first embodiment. When the cuff of the second measuring device is attached to the upper arm or the wrist, the operation is not performed, and the first measuring device does not function as the master. When the cuff of the second measuring device is attached to the ankle, the ABI, which serves as the arterial sclerosis index, is calculated based on the blood pressure measured at the wrist and ankle in the first measuring device, similar to the operation described in the second embodiment.

[0068] When the cuff of the first measuring device is attached to the wrist and the cuff of the second measuring device is not attached or is attached to the ankle, the operation is not performed and the first measuring device does not function as the master. When the cuff of the second measuring device is attached to the upper arm, the baPWV as the arterial sclerosis index is calculated based on the pulse wave measured at the upper arm and ankle in the first measuring device, similar to the operation described in the second embodiment. Alternatively, the ABI serving as the arterial sclerosis index is calculated based on the blood pressure measured at the upper arm and ankle.When the cuff of the second measuring device is attached to the wrist, the ABI serving as the index of arterial sclerosis is calculated based on the blood pressure measured at the wrist and ankle in the first measuring device, similar to the operation described in the second embodiment.

[0069] The measuring operation in the measuring device according to the second variant is carried out using Fig. 18 described.

[0070] In the flow chart of the Fig. 18 the measuring operation is different from the measuring operation in the measuring device 1, which in Fig. 6 of the measuring operation is shown, according to the second variant.

[0071] With reference to Fig. 18, the CPU 40 determines where the measurement location is on the slave side in step S19', after confirming that the measuring device exists on the slave side (YES in step S17), in the measuring device on the master side in the second variant. In step S131, the CPU 40 determines the corresponding measurement mode based on the relationship defined in Fig. 17, from the measurement location of the relevant measuring device and the measurement location of the measuring device on the slave side. In step S133, the measurement operation is performed in the measurement mode determined in step S131, as described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

[0072] The first variant can be combined with the second variant, the measuring location can be detected at each measuring location and the operating mode can be determined in the measuring device on the master side based on the measuring location detected in each measuring device.

[0073] With such a configuration, the appropriate operation mode is determined by attaching the cuff 9 to the measurement site without the operation of selecting the operation mode by the measurement subject, and the blood pressure information can be obtained.

[0074] The above examples all show a configuration for obtaining blood pressure information by compressing a plurality of areas with the air cushion, using a plurality of identical measuring devices. In other words, the measuring devices 1, 2 according to the embodiment store the program for acting as the master and the program for acting as the slave in the memory 41 and operate by reading the corresponding program according to the selection. However, the program for causing the measuring device to act as the master can be stored without storing the program for causing the measuring device to act as the slave, as well as the measuring device to act as the master alone and only as the master.Alternatively, the program can be saved to act as the slave without saving the program to act as the master, as well as to act as the measuring device alone and only as the master. Furthermore, with respect to the measuring device acting as the slave, the measurement location can be limited to the ankle or wrist, in which case the ankle or wrist blood pressure monitor can be used, as shown in . Fig. 19 is shown.

[0075] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not intended to be restrictive. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, rather than by the above description and meanings or terms equivalent to the claims, and all modifications within the scope are intended to be embraced therein. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A, 1B, 1', 2, 2A, 2B, 2C measuring device 3 operating unit 4 Display unit 5 connecting link 6 air connection element 8 trachea 9, 9A, 9B, 9C cuff 13, 13A, 13B, 14, 14A, 14B air cushion 21, 21A, 21B air pump 22, 22A, 22B air valve 23, 23A, 23B pressure sensor 26, 26A, 26B, 27, 27A, 27B driver circuit 28, 28A, 28B amplifiers 29, 29A, 29B A / D converters 31, 32, 33, 34 switches 40 CPU 41 storage 51 Signal transmission and reception unit 61 reading unit 81 storage unit

Claims

[1] Blood pressure information measuring device (1A, 2A, 1B, 2B), which comprises: a first processing function and a second processing function, where the first processing function is a master function and the second processing function is a slave function, a selection (33) for accepting a selection of the first processing function or the second processing function for a processing function, wherein the blood pressure information measuring device (1A, 2A) functions as a master when the first processing function is selected and wherein the blood pressure information measuring device (1B, 2B) functions as a slave when the second processing function is selected, a fluid cushion or air or liquid cushion (13, 14); a measuring unit (1, 1', 2, 23, 40) which is connected to the fluid cushion in order to to determine blood pressure information based on the pressure change of the fluid cushion; and a communication unit (5, 51) for communicating with another blood pressure information measuring device (1A, 2A, 1B, 2B), wherein, if the first processing function is selected as the master function in the selection (33), the communication unit (5, 51) transmits a signal to the other blood pressure information measuring device (1B, 2B) acting as a slave to notify of the start of the measurement and obtains the blood pressure information from the other blood pressure measuring device (1A, 2A, 1B, 2B) which is provided by the other Blood pressure information measuring device (1B, 2B) is measured, and the blood pressure information measuring device (1A, 2A) further includes a calculation unit (40) for calculating an index of arterial sclerosis based on the first blood pressure information, which is the blood pressure information measured by the measuring unit (1, 1', 2, 23, 40) of the blood pressure information measuring device (1A, 2A), and the second blood pressure information, which is the blood pressure information measured by the other blood pressure information measuring device (1B, 2B). [2] Blood pressure information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the blood pressure information is a pulse waveform and the calculation unit (40) calculates the pulse wave waveform or the first blood pressure information and the pulse wave waveform or the second blood pressure information based on the signal to notify the start of the measurement, to detect a time difference between the times at which the rising points of the pulse wave waveforms occur, and calculates a propagation speed of the pulse wave, using the time difference as the index of arterial sclerosis. [3] Blood pressure information measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the communication unit (51) transmits a synchronization pulse in addition to the signal to notify the start of the measurement, acquires the pulse waveform corresponding to the synchronization pulse from the other blood pressure information measuring device (2B); and the calculation unit (40) synchronizes the pulse wave waveform or the first blood pressure information and the pulse wave waveform or the second blood pressure information using the synchronization pulse which matches the pulse wave waveform. [4] The blood pressure information measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a selecting unit (34) for accepting a selection of a measurement location on the measuring unit (1, 1', 2, 23, 40) when the second processing function is selected as the slave function in the selecting unit (33), wherein the communicating unit (5, 51) acquires information to specify the measurement location in other blood pressure measuring devices. [5] A blood pressure information measuring device according to claim 4, wherein the fluid cushion coincides with the measurement location, and a determination unit (61) for determining a coincident measurement location from the fluid cushion (13) connected to the measurement unit (1, 1', 2, 23, 40) is arranged at the location of the selection unit (34). [6] The blood pressure information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the blood pressure information is a blood pressure value, and the calculation unit (40) calculates a ratio between a blood pressure value or the first blood pressure information and a blood pressure value or the second blood pressure information as the index of arterial sclerosis. [7] Blood pressure information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit (5, 51) transmits the blood pressure information measured in the measuring unit (1, 1', 2, 23, 40), the communication unit (5, 51) transmits the signal to notify of the start of the measurement of the blood pressure information to the other blood pressure information measuring device (1B, 2B) acting as a slave when the first processing function is selected as a master function in the selection (33), the measuring unit (1, 1', 2, 23, 40) measures the blood pressure information based on the signal to notify of the start of the measurement of the blood pressure information transmitted from the other blood pressure information measuring device (1B, 2B), and the communication unit transmits the measurement result to the other blood pressure information measuring device (1B, 2B) when the second processing function is selected as a slave function in the selection (33), and the calculation unit (40) calculates the arterial sclerosis index, wherein the first blood pressure information or the blood pressure information measured by the measuring unit (1, 1', 2, 23, 40) and the second blood pressure information or the blood pressure information measured by the other blood pressure information measuring device (1B, 2B) are received by the communication unit (5, 51) when the first processing function is selected as the master function in the selection (33). [8] Blood pressure information measuring device (1A, 2A) comprising: a fluid cushion (13); a measuring unit (23, 40) for measuring a pulse wave based on a pressure change of the fluid cushion; and a communication unit (5,51) for communicating with another blood pressure information measuring device (1B, 2B), wherein the communication unit (5, 51) transmits a control signal for controlling an internal pressure of the liquid cushion to the other blood pressure information measuring device (1B, 2B), and the blood pressure information measuring device (1A, 2A) further includes a calculation unit (40), to calculate an index of arterial sclerosis from the pulse wave measured by the measuring unit (23, 40) while controlling the internal pressure of the liquid cushion of the other blood pressure information measuring device (1B, 2B) with the control signal. [9] The blood pressure information measuring device according to claim 8, further comprising a selecting unit (34) for accepting a selection of a measurement location of the fluid cushion, wherein the communication unit acquires information to specify the attachment location of the fluid cushion in the other blood pressure information measuring device (1B, 2B), and the calculating unit (40) calculates the arterial sclerosis index using a distance between an attachment location of the fluid cushion and an attachment location of the fluid cushion of the other blood pressure information measuring device (1B, 2B). [10] A blood pressure information measuring device according to claim 9, wherein the fluid cushion corresponds to the attachment location and a determination unit (61) for determining a corresponding attachment location from the fluid cushion connected to the measuring unit is arranged at the location of the selection unit (34). [11] The blood pressure information measuring device according to claim 9, wherein the calculation unit (40) includes a mechanism for calculating the distance between the attachment location of the fluid cushion and the attachment location of the fluid cushion in the other blood pressure information measuring device (1B, 2B). [12] Blood pressure information measuring system, which comprises: a first blood pressure information measuring device (1A, 2A) according to one of claims 1 to 11 acts as a master, and a second blood pressure information measuring device (1B, 2B) according to one of claims 1 to 11 acts as a slave, wherein the first blood pressure information measuring device (1A, 2A) and the second blood pressure information measuring device (1B, 2B) acquire blood pressure information at different measuring locations on a same living body.

Images