Blood pressure measurement device

Abstract

To provide a technique which can make a user without medical knowledge increase cognition to his / her abnormal cardiac rhythm by understanding the abnormal cardiac rhythm in a sensory manner, in a blood pressure measurement device which can provide information on a pulse wave.SOLUTION: A blood pressure measurement device includes: a pulse wave acquisition means for acquiring a pulse wave of a human body; a blood pressure value measurement means for calculating a blood pressure value on the basis of the pulse wave; a pulse wave reproduction information generation means for generating pulse wave reproduction information which is dynamic information for reproducing the pulsation of the pulse wave when calculating the blood pressure value; a storage means for storing the pulse wave reproduction information; a display means that can display the calculated blood pressure value; and an output means that can output the pulse wave reproduction information. When the blood pressure value is displayed in the display means, the output means can output the pulse wave reproduction information associated with the pulse wave when the blood pressure value is calculated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field related to healthcare, and particularly relates to a blood pressure measuring device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, it has been increasingly popular to perform health management by measuring information related to an individual's body and health, such as blood pressure values, using a measuring device and recording and analyzing the measurement results. As an example of such a measuring device, a sphygmomanometer that has become widespread in ordinary households and is used for long-term measurements in daily life is well known.

[0003] Regarding such sphygmomanometers, those having various functions have been proposed. For example, a sphygmomanometer having display means capable of displaying the signal level of a pulse wave detected from the start to the end of blood pressure value measurement as a time-series graph is known (Patent Document 1).

[0004] According to the sphygmomanometer described in Patent Document 1, since the time-series graph of the signal level of the pulse wave is displayed as a time-series pulse wave graph, it is possible to clarify what kind of pulse wave is detected by the blood pressure calculation means and what kind of feature points of the detected pulse wave are used to calculate the blood pressure value. As a result, it is possible to visually confirm that no noise is superimposed on the pulse wave, and it is possible to confirm whether the blood pressure value has been calculated normally.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Incidentally, it is possible to detect arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation (AF), which are signs of serious diseases such as cerebral infarction, based on information related to pulse waves (especially pulse wave intervals). Furthermore, acquiring pulse waves when measuring blood pressure, as in the blood pressure monitor described in Patent Document 1, is a conventionally known technique. If such pulse wave information can be presented to the user along with the blood pressure value, the user will be able to check for arrhythmias simply by measuring their blood pressure.

[0007] However, even if a time-series graph of pulse wave signal levels is displayed, as in the technology described in Patent Document 1 above, it is difficult for an average user without medical knowledge to correctly interpret arrhythmia information from such a time-series graph. Furthermore, even if it were possible to interpret arrhythmia information from the time-series graph, users would not be able to perceive arrhythmia (i.e., irregularity of the pulse) intuitively, and would only perceive it as objective (lacking in subjective feeling) information, potentially failing to sense any danger.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a blood pressure measurement device capable of displaying pulse wave information that enables users without medical knowledge to intuitively understand arrhythmias and improve their awareness of their own arrhythmias. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following configuration. That is, A pulse wave acquisition means for acquiring the pulse waves of the human body, A blood pressure measurement means that calculates a blood pressure value based on the pulse wave, A pulse wave reproduction information generation means generates pulse wave reproduction information, which is dynamic information that reproduces the pulsation of the pulse wave when calculating the blood pressure value, A storage means for storing the pulse wave reproduction information, A display means capable of displaying the calculated blood pressure value, It has an output means capable of outputting the aforementioned pulse wave reproduction information, The output means is capable of outputting pulse wave reproduction information relating to the pulse wave at the time the blood pressure value was calculated, when the blood pressure value is displayed on the display means. This is a blood pressure measuring device characterized by the following features.

[0010] The term "pulse wave" as used here refers to waveform information related to changes in the pulsation of blood vessels associated with the ejection of blood by the heart, and includes both pressure pulse waves and volume pulse waves. The blood pressure measurement device can be any device that calculates blood pressure using pulse waves, and the calculation method may be the oscillometric method or the Korotkoff method. Furthermore, "dynamic" as used here means that it involves changes in accordance with the passage of time.

[0011] With a blood pressure measuring device of this configuration, users can perceive the pulse wave pulsation at the time of measurement as dynamic information when reviewing the measured blood pressure value. Therefore, if an arrhythmia is present, it becomes possible to intuitively and sensorially identify it.

[0012] Furthermore, the storage means stores the calculated blood pressure value, The display means is capable of displaying the blood pressure value stored in the storage means. The output means may output the pulse wave reproduction information at the time the stored blood pressure value was calculated when the blood pressure value is displayed on the display means.

[0013] According to this, it becomes possible to recognize information that reproduces the pulse at a past blood pressure measurement, not only during the measurement itself, but also when retrospectively reading and reviewing past blood pressure measurement results. As a result, users can intuitively grasp the changes in their pulse waves. Furthermore, when visiting a doctor, it becomes possible to show information about pulse waves from past blood pressure measurements, allowing doctors to determine treatment plans based on the user's blood pressure values ​​and pulse wave information in their daily lives.

[0014] Furthermore, the blood pressure measuring device further includes an arrhythmia detection means for detecting arrhythmias in the pulse wave, The output means may output dynamic information that reproduces the pulsation of the pulse wave at the time the blood pressure value was calculated, only when the blood pressure value calculated based on the pulse wave at the time the arrhythmia was detected is displayed on the display means.

[0015] According to this, information reproducing the pulse wave pulsation can be output only when displaying blood pressure values ​​in the event of an arrhythmia, thus eliminating the need for users to spend time checking information that reproduces a normal pulse wave pulsation. Furthermore, if the blood pressure value is stored in a memory device, the arrhythmia information detected at the time of acquiring that blood pressure value should also be stored in association with it.

[0016] Furthermore, the display means and / or output means may output information indicating the presence of the arrhythmia when the blood pressure value calculated based on the pulse wave at the time the arrhythmia was detected is displayed on the display means. With such a configuration, the user can easily recognize that they are referring to pulse wave information (or blood pressure value) in which an arrhythmia is present.

[0017] Furthermore, the pulse wave reproduction information may also be dynamic information that reproduces the pulse wave interval of the pulse wave. From the viewpoint of identifying arrhythmias, it is preferable to output such information. Furthermore, the information reproduced by the output means is not necessarily limited to pulse wave intervals; for example, information regarding pulse amplitude (magnitude) may also be reproduced.

[0018] Furthermore, the display means also serves as the output means, and the pulse wave reproduction information may be output as a moving image. With such a configuration, there is no need to provide a separate output means for outputting dynamic information that reproduces the pulsation of the pulse wave, and the calibration of the device can be simplified.

[0019] However, the output of dynamic information that reproduces the pulsation of the pulse wave is not limited to only that by a moving image. For example, it is also possible to reproduce the pulsation of the pulse wave by generating sound or vibration, or it may be possible to reproduce the pulsation of the pulse wave by combining a plurality of outputs of images, sounds, and vibrations.

[0020] In addition, each of the above configurations and processes can be combined with each other to form the present invention as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, in a blood pressure measuring device capable of presenting pulse wave information, it is possible to provide a technology that enables a user without medical knowledge to sensuously grasp arrhythmia and improve their awareness of their own arrhythmia.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the device configuration and functional configuration of the blood pressure measuring device in the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2A is a first diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the image display means of the blood pressure measuring device according to the embodiment. FIG. 2B is a second diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the image display means of the blood pressure measuring device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3A is a first diagram showing the relationship between the pulse wave detected during blood pressure measurement and the blinking timing of the pulse wave icon displayed on the image display means. FIG. 3B is a second diagram showing the relationship between the pulse wave detected during blood pressure measurement and the blinking timing of the pulse wave icon displayed on the image display means. FIG. 3C is a third diagram showing the relationship between the pulse wave detected during blood pressure measurement and the blinking timing of the pulse wave icon displayed on the image display means.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] [[ID=*32]] <Embodiment 1> Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, the materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc., of each component described in these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to those components alone.

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the device configuration and functional configuration of the blood pressure measuring device 1 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the blood pressure measuring device 1 is generally composed of a main body 11, a cuff 12, and an air tube 13. Furthermore, as shown in the functional block of Figure 1, the blood pressure measuring device 1 is equipped with the following functional units: a control unit 100, a sensor unit 110, a cuff pressure control system 120, a storage unit 130, an operation unit 140, an image display unit 150, and an audio output unit 150.

[0025] The main unit 11, although not shown in the figure, includes an image display means 151 such as an LCD (liquid crystal display), various operation buttons, an audio output means such as a speaker, a power supply unit such as a battery, a pump and valve that communicate with the cuff unit, and a housing that houses these components. The cuff unit 12 is a component that is wrapped around the user's upper arm and connects to the pump and valve of the main unit 11 and the air channel. The device has a configuration that includes an air bladder (cuff) communicating via tube 13, a belt containing the cuff, and a pressure sensor (none of which are shown) provided on the belt. Furthermore, when measuring blood pressure using the Korotkoff method, a microphone may also be included.

[0026] The cuff portion 12 is equipped with a fastening means (for example, a hook-and-loop fastener) to secure the cuff portion 12 to the user's upper arm. When measuring blood pressure using the blood pressure measuring device 1, the cuff portion 12 is wrapped around the user's upper arm using the belt.

[0027] The control unit 100 is the means for controlling the blood pressure measuring device 1 and includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). When the control unit 100 receives user input via the operation unit 140, it controls each component of the blood pressure measuring device 1 to perform various processes such as blood pressure measurement and presentation of various information according to a predetermined program. The predetermined program is stored in the storage unit 130, which will be described later, and read from there. The control unit 100 also includes a blood pressure value calculation unit 101, an arrhythmia detection unit 102, and a pulse wave reproduction information generation unit 103 as functional modules. These functional modules will be described in detail later.

[0028] The sensor unit 110 is configured to include a pressure sensor (for example, a piezoresistive sensor equipped with a piezoelectric element) provided on the cuff as described above, and detects at least the user's pulse wave. The sensor unit 110 may also include sensors other than the pressure sensor, and may include a PPG (Photoplethysmography) sensor when detecting the pulse wave using a photoelectric method. In other words, in this embodiment, the sensor unit 110 corresponds to the pulse wave acquisition means.

[0029] The cuff pressure control system 120 controls the pump and valve of the main unit 11 to adjust the cuff pressure of the cuff unit 12 during blood pressure measurement. Specifically, during blood pressure measurement, the system operates the pump with the cuff unit 12 wrapped around the upper arm to inflate the cuff (increase the cuff pressure) by sending air into it. After temporarily obstructing blood flow by compressing the blood vessels in the user's upper arm in this way, the system stops the pump and opens the valve, gradually releasing air from the cuff and deflating it (decreasing the cuff pressure).

[0030] The storage unit 130 is configured to include a main memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), and an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD and flash memory, and stores various types of information such as application programs, various measurement results such as blood pressure values, pulse waves, pulse wave reproduction information described later, and other acquired biological information. The measured blood pressure values, pulse waves, etc., are stored in the storage unit 130 in association with time information such as the acquisition time and measurement time. The time information can be measured by, for example, referring to an RTC (Real Time Clock). Furthermore, the auxiliary storage device may be configured to be detachable from the main unit 11.

[0031] The operation unit 140 includes elements such as a power button, a measurement execution button, and a selection / confirm button, and performs the function of receiving input operations from the user and causing the control unit 100 to execute processing according to the operation.

[0032] The image display unit 150 is configured to include the image display means 151 of the main unit 11, and provides information to the user by displaying various information on the image display means 151. Figures 2A and 2B are examples of screens displayed on the image display means 151, and are diagrams showing the display screen for blood pressure measurement results. As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the blood pressure measurement result display screen shows the measurement time T, the maximum (systolic) blood pressure value SBP, the minimum (diastolic) blood pressure value DBP, the pulse rate HB, the blood pressure value level indicator LI, etc. In addition, it also shows whether the cuff part 12 is properly attached. The following icons are displayed: the wearing status icon S, the arrhythmia notification icon A indicating that an arrhythmia was detected during blood pressure measurement, and the pulse wave icon PW showing the pulsation of the pulse wave during blood pressure measurement. The arrhythmia notification icon A and the pulse wave icon PW will be explained further later.

[0033] The audio output unit 160 includes a sound generation means such as a speaker and presents information to the user by voice. Specifically, the audio output unit 160 may generate announcements for blood pressure measurement and commencement, or guide voices regarding the use of the device. Alternatively, as described later, it may also reproduce pulse wave information by voice.

[0034] The following describes each functional module of the control unit 100. The blood pressure value calculation unit 101 calculates the user's blood pressure value (and pulse rate) based on the pulse wave acquired by the sensor unit 110. Any known technique can be used for calculating blood pressure; for example, the oscillometric method, which detects pressure pulse waves with a pressure sensor and measures blood pressure, can be employed. Alternatively, the Korotkoff method, which detects Korotkoff sounds by providing a microphone in the cuff unit 12, may be used. The blood pressure value and pulse rate calculated by the blood pressure value calculation unit 101 are stored in the storage unit 130 in association with the blood pressure measurement time.

[0035] Furthermore, the arrhythmia detection unit 102 detects when an irregular pulse (arrhythmia) is present during blood pressure measurement, and stores information indicating the presence of the arrhythmia in the storage unit 130, linked to the measurement result at the time the arrhythmia was detected. If an arrhythmia is present, an arrhythmia notification icon A is displayed on the screen that displays the measurement result. The arrhythmia notification icon A can be displayed on both the measurement result display screen immediately after measurement and the display screen that displays past measurement results.

[0036] The pulse wave reproduction information generation unit 103 acquires the pulse wave from the sensor unit 110 during blood pressure measurement and stores this information in the storage unit 130 in association with the time information of acquisition. Furthermore, based on this information, it generates information (hereinafter referred to as pulse wave reproduction information) that reproduces the pulsation of the pulse wave when the blood pressure value calculation unit 101 calculates the blood pressure. Specifically, for example, since the pulsation can be reproduced by the blinking of the pulse wave icon PW displayed on the image display means 151, it generates information related to the blinking timing of the pulse wave icon PW. The blinking timing of the pulse wave icon PW can be determined, for example, by acquiring the peak position of the pulse wave amplitude.

[0037] Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate the relationship between the pulse wave detected during blood pressure measurement and the flashing timing of the pulse wave icon PW. Figure 3A shows a normal (regular) pulse wave without arrhythmia and the flashing timing of the pulse wave icon PW that reproduces that pulse. Figure 3B shows a pulse wave in which an overall irregular arrhythmia suspected to be atrial fibrillation (AF) was detected and the flashing timing of the pulse wave icon PW that reproduces that pulse. Figure 3C shows a pulse wave in which a partially irregular arrhythmia with a low suspicion of AF was detected and the flashing timing of the pulse wave icon PW that reproduces that pulse. As can be seen from Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C, the flashing timing of the pulse wave icon PW in this embodiment is synchronized with the peak position of the pulse wave amplitude.

[0038] Figure 2A shows an example display screen where the pulse wave icon PW is off, and Figure 2B shows an example display screen where the pulse wave icon PW is on. As shown in Figures 3A to 3C, the pulse wave icon PW is lit when the amplitude of the pulse wave reaches its peak (when the pulse is pulsating) (as shown in Figure 2B), and turned off at all other times (as shown in Figure 2A), thereby reproducing the pulsation of the pulse wave. As a result, if there is an arrhythmia (especially AF), the user can easily notice the presence of the arrhythmia from an intuitive feeling of discomfort by seeing the irregular blinking of the pulse wave icon PW.

[0039] With the blood pressure measurement device 1 configured as described above, users can check for irregularities in their pulse along with their blood pressure readings during daily blood pressure measurements, and easily identify irregularities in the pulse if arrhythmias are present. Furthermore, if arrhythmias are present, the irregular pulse timing is reproduced in an intuitively understandable way, allowing users to easily grasp not only the presence of arrhythmias but also the nature (abnormality) of the pulse irregularity. In addition, measurement results for which data remains in the memory unit 130 can be read out at any time to check the blood pressure value and the pulse timing of the pulse wave at the time the blood pressure value was measured. Users can also bring the blood pressure measurement device 1 (or only the auxiliary storage device of the memory unit 130 if it is detachable) to their doctor's appointments for verification. The doctor can then review this information and determine appropriate treatment plans, such as conducting further examinations.

[0040] <Variation> The above description of embodiments is merely illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to the specific forms described above. The present invention can be modified and combined in various ways within the scope of its technical concept.

[0041] For example, in the above embodiment, when displaying the blood pressure measurement results, the pulse wave icon PW was blinked, thus reproducing the pulsation timing of the pulse wave as moving image information. However, the means of reproduction are not limited to images. For example, the pulsation timing of the pulse wave may be reproduced by outputting sound (for example, an electronic sound such as "beep, beep...") from the sound output unit 160 at the timing when the pulse wave pulsates. Even with this method, if there is an arrhythmia, the user will feel discomfort due to the output of sound at irregular intervals, making it easy to understand the nature of the pulse irregularity. Furthermore, a similar effect can be obtained by providing a vibration means to vibrate the device and generating vibrations at the timing when the pulse wave pulsates.

[0042] Furthermore, the reproduction of pulse timing using sound or vibration as described above may be combined with the reproduction of pulse timing using images as described in the embodiment. This allows the pulse timing of the pulse wave to be shown to the user more clearly.

[0043] Furthermore, it is not necessary to display the pulse wave icon PW to reproduce the pulsation timing when displaying all blood pressure measurement results. For example, the pulse wave icon PW may be displayed only when the arrhythmia detection unit 102 detects an arrhythmia and the blood pressure measurement result is displayed. This prevents situations where time is wasted watching the regular flashing of the pulse wave icon PW when displaying the blood pressure measurement result, even though no arrhythmia is present during the blood pressure measurement. In addition, it may be possible to select whether or not to display the pulse wave pulsation timing reproduction information only when an arrhythmia is present using the operation buttons on the operation unit 140.

[0044] Furthermore, when reading and checking past blood pressure calculation results from the memory unit 130, it may be possible to extract only the blood pressure measurement results in which arrhythmia was detected by the arrhythmia detection unit 102.

[0045] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the pulse wave timing, i.e., the interval between pulse waves, was reproduced by flashing the pulse wave icon PW when displaying the blood pressure measurement results. However, the information that is reproduced is not limited to the pulse wave interval. For example, information related to the amplitude of the pulse wave may also be reproduced. Specifically, the magnitude of the amplitude may be reproduced by different types or brightness levels of the pulse wave icon PW, or by displaying a level gauge indicating the amplitude. Also, when reproducing the information with sound, the amplitude of the pulse wave can be presented by varying the sound pressure level or the pitch of the sound.

[0046] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the blood pressure measuring device 1 had a main body 11 and a cuff 12 as separate components. However, the present invention can also be applied to integrated blood pressure monitors in which the main body is attached to the cuff's belt portion, as well as to watch-type wearable blood pressure monitors worn on the wrist. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 1. Blood pressure measuring device 11. Main body 12. Cuff section 13. Air tube 151...Image display means 100... Control Unit 110...Sensor section 120... Cuff pressure control system 130...Storage section 140...Operation unit 150...Image display section 160...Audio output section T...Measurement time SBP... Systolic blood pressure DBP...Diagnosis (lowest blood pressure) HB...Pulse rate LI... Blood pressure level indicator S...Equipped status icon A...arrhythmia notification icon PW...Pulse wave icon

Claims

1. A pulse wave acquiring means for acquiring a pulse wave of a human body; a blood pressure measuring means for calculating a blood pressure value based on the pulse wave; a pulse wave reproduction information generating means for generating pulse wave reproduction information which is dynamic information for reproducing the pulse wave interval of the pulse wave when the blood pressure value is calculated; a storage means for storing the blood pressure value and the pulse wave reproduction information; A display means capable of displaying the blood pressure value; and an output means capable of outputting the pulse wave reproduction information, The output means is capable of outputting the pulse wave reproduction information relating to the pulse wave at the time when the blood pressure value stored in the storage means is displayed on the display means. A blood pressure measuring device comprising:

2. The device further comprises an arrhythmia detection means for detecting arrhythmia in the acquired pulse wave, the output means outputs the pulse wave reproduction information only when the blood pressure value calculated based on the pulse wave at the time when the arrhythmia is detected is displayed on the display means.

2. The blood pressure measuring device according to claim 1 .

3. the display means and / or the output means outputs information indicating the presence of the arrhythmia when the blood pressure value calculated based on the pulse wave at the time when the arrhythmia is detected is displayed on the display means.

3. The blood pressure measuring device according to claim 2.

4. The display means also serves as the output means, The pulse wave reproduction information is output as a moving image.

4. The blood pressure measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the blood pressure measuring device is a blood pressure measuring device.

5. The output means includes a vibration means, The pulse wave reproduction information is The display means outputs the pulse wave amplitude as a blinking icon in accordance with the peak position of the pulse wave amplitude. and the vibration means outputs the vibration and stop of the device in accordance with the peak position of the amplitude of the pulse wave.

5. The blood pressure measuring device according to claim 4.

Images