Examination apparatus for medical examination of animal

Abstract

To enable medical examination of an animal such as a dog or a cat which is highly reliable, accurate, fast and / or non-invasive, especially without using a cuff.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to an examination apparatus for medical examination, in particular blood pressure measurement, of animals, in particular of animals with legs, particularly preferably of Felinae animals. The examination apparatus has a sensor device for optical examination of the arterial blood flow of an animal, in particular for carrying out photoplethysmography. For this purpose, the sensor device has at least one emitter for the emission of electromagnetic radiation and at least one detector for the detection of the radiation emitted by the emitter. Preferably, the sensor device comprises a plurality of emitters and a plurality of detectors, wherein the emitters and detectors are arranged in a periodic structure. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor devices have limiting devices which delimit the detection region of the sensor devices, such that the boundaries are at distances from the sensor devices which are greater than 0.5 mm and / or less than 5 mm.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection device for medical inspection of animals, and particularly, according to the preamble of claim 1, to a method for medical inspection of animals and the use of an inspection device.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, the object of the present invention is to enable or simplify non-invasive blood pressure measurement of pets such as cats or dogs. In the case of humans, an inflatable cuff worn around the arm is often used for non-invasive blood pressure measurement. However, measuring blood pressure using a cuff is not without problems for dogs, especially cats, because these animals are not accustomed to such examinations, and it may be particularly difficult for cats to wear a cuff. On the other hand, wearing a cuff is stressful for animals, and this stress may cause errors in the measurement results, so it is desirable to avoid it if possible.

[0003] However, the present invention is not limited to application to pets such as cats or dogs, and in principle, can also be used for any kind of animal, particularly humans. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to blood pressure measurement, and generally, is designed or adapted for medical examinations, particularly optical, non-invasive and / or transcutaneous examinations, particularly preferably photoplethysmography and / or pulse oximetry.

[0004] In addition to blood pressure measurement using a cuff, other methods for non-invasively measuring blood pressure are already known as the prior art.

[0005] WO85 / 03211A1 relates to a method for measuring arterial blood pressure, which measures the heartbeat by an electrocardiograph and measures the arterial blood flow by photoplethysmography. Then, the blood pressure is determined from the time interval between the heartbeat and the arterial pulse wave caused thereby and measured by photoplethysmography. This is done by utilizing the fact that the blood pressure correlates with the time span between the heartbeat and the arterial pulse wave caused thereby.

[0006] The time between the heartbeat and the resulting arterial pulse wave is also called the pulse wave propagation time.

[0007] WO89 / 08424A1 relates to a method for continuously measuring human blood pressure. To determine one of three blood pressure quantities (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure), the pulse wave propagation time, as a function of the blood pressure quantity to be used, is continuously measured using a probe-specific calibration curve. To measure the pulse wave propagation time, two electrodes are placed on the patient's heart, a sensor is attached to the earlobe with an ear clip, and an ECG is recorded. The small light source of the sensor irradiates the earlobe, and the transmittance of the earlobe, which changes in proportion to the blood pressure, is measured by a photodiode. The temporal transmittance curve indicates the arrival of the pulse wave at the earlobe relative to the systolic phase registered by the ECG signal. Thus, the pulse wave propagation time with respect to the distance between the heart and the earlobe is obtained.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution that enables highly reliable, accurate, fast and / or non-invasive medical examinations of animals, especially dogs or cats without using a cuff, particularly blood pressure measurement, and that makes the examination or measurement as comfortable as possible for the animal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The above object is solved by the examination device according to claim 1 or 15, the method according to claim 25, or the method of use according to claim 31 or 32. Further advantageous developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0011] The present invention relates in particular to an examination device for the medical examination of animals. This examination device is designed in particular for blood pressure measurement, particularly diastolic blood pressure measurement.

[0012] Furthermore, the examination device is preferably configured and / or suitable for the examination of animals having legs, preferably animals of the Felidae (cat-like) or Canidae (dog-like) family, particularly animals of the Felinae (cat) or Caninae (dog) family, particularly preferably animals of the Felinae (small cats) or Caninae (true dogs) subfamily, and in this family particularly animals of the Canini (wolf-like and jackal-like) tribe, particularly preferably pet cats or pet dogs.

[0013] However, in principle, the examination device according to the present invention is alternatively or additionally suitable for the medical examination, particularly blood pressure measurement, of any animal, particularly a human.

[0014] The examination device has a sensor device for optically examining the arterial blood flow of an animal. Preferably, the examination device is designed to examine the blood flow of an animal transcutaneously and / or non-invasively. Particularly preferably, the sensor device and / or the examination device are designed to perform photoplethysmography.

[0015] For the examination of an animal, it is preferably intended that a part of the animal's body, in particular a leg, be positioned on or above the sensor device so that arterial blood flow can be examined using the sensor device. Preferably, herein, the part of the body or the leg is not fixed to the sensor device and / or the part of the body or the leg can move freely with respect to the sensor device herein. Thereby, the examination can be made extremely comfortable and thus stress-free for the animal. For example, it has been shown that blood pressure can change rapidly and significantly under stress caused by fixing the animal or manual manipulation of the animal, which is advantageous for accurate and / or meaningful results of blood pressure measurement. For this reason, if the animal is stressed during the examination or during blood pressure measurement, it leads to misinterpretation of the measurement results.

[0016] The sensor device has at least one emitter for emitting electromagnetic radiation and at least one detector for detecting the radiation emitted by the emitter. The electromagnetic radiation is preferably light including infrared light and / or ultraviolet light.

[0017] According to a first aspect, the sensor device has a plurality of emitters and a plurality of detectors arranged in a repetitive structure or a repeating structure, in particular a periodic structure. This results in an accurate and reliable examination, in particular blood pressure measurement. In particular, this enables a larger area or region to be detected or measured by the sensor device, enables a plurality of particularly simultaneous measurements at different points on the leg, and / or allows a certain degree of freedom when placing the leg on the sensor device. Furthermore, this allows or enables movement of the leg with respect to the sensor device during the examination. In this way, an examination that is comfortable and thus stress-free for the animal can be performed. This results in an accurate and reliable examination, in particular blood pressure measurement.

[0018] According to another aspect that can also be realized independently, the sensor device has a limiting device that defines the boundary of the sensing area of the sensor device, and the distance from the sensor device to the boundary of the sensing area of the sensor device is made greater than 0.5 mm and / or less than 5 mm. In this way, a highly reliable inspection of arterial blood flow becomes possible, the minimum penetration depth into the leg can be achieved, and / or the detector can be avoided from measuring the reflection from the outer surface of the leg.

[0019] Preferably, the sensor device has a plurality of emitters and a plurality of detectors. Here, it is preferable that the sensor device has at least 4 detectors and / or at least 9 emitters. Particularly preferably, a plurality, especially at least or precisely 4 emitters, are assigned to each detector. This results in a highly reliable and accurate inspection, especially blood pressure measurement.

[0020] The emitters and detectors are preferably arranged in a matrix having rows and columns. Here, the emitters and detectors are preferably arranged at equal distances. The matrix preferably has more than 2 columns and / or rows. Particularly preferably, the emitters and detectors are arranged alternately in columns and rows. In other words, except for the emitters and detectors arranged at the edges of the matrix, in both columns and rows, the emitters are arranged between two detectors in each case, and the detectors are arranged between two emitters in each case. This results in a highly reliable and accurate inspection, especially blood pressure measurement.

[0021] The limiting device preferably limits the emission angle of the emitter and / or the detection angle of the detector to less than 90°, preferably about 60°. For this purpose, the limiting device can be designed as a barrier. However, the limiting device can also have an optical lens or be formed by an optical lens, and the corresponding emission angle and / or detection angle can be achieved by focusing or scattering by the lens.

[0022] The limiting device preferably has or is formed by a barrier against the radiation emitted by the emitter. The barrier is arranged between the emitter and the detector, thus restricting the emission area of the emitter and / or the detection area of the detector so that the sensing area of the sensor device is formed, the boundary of which is at a distance greater than 0.5 mm and / or less than 5 mm from the sensor device. In this way, the light scattered from the surface of the leg is blocked and / or shielded and / or at least essentially does not reach the detector, and / or the minimum penetration depth of the radiation emitted by the emitter and detected by the detector is ensured.

[0023] Preferably, the height and / or width of the limiting device, the distance of the limiting device from the adjacent or associated emitter and the adjacent or associated detector, and the distance between the emitter and the detector are adapted to each other such that the emission area of the emitter and the detection area of the detector overlap such that the distance of the boundary of the detection area from the sensor device is greater than 0.5 mm and / or less than 5 mm.

[0024] The inspection device preferably has one or more electrodes for recording a heartbeat curve, in particular an electrocardiogram. Preferably, at least one of the electrodes is arranged such that a heartbeat curve can be recorded with the leg of the animal by the electrode and at the same time an optical inspection can be carried out on this leg by the sensor device. This results in an accurate and rapid inspection, in particular blood pressure measurement. Furthermore, since there is no need to fix the electrodes to the animal and / or the animal can move freely with respect to the electrodes, a more comfortable inspection for the animal is possible, and thus the stress imposed on the animal is reduced. This results in an accurate and reliable inspection, in particular blood pressure measurement.

[0025] The sensor device preferably has a cover that is transparent to the radiation emitted by the emitter. Thereby, the sensor device can be protected from damage and / or contamination.

[0026] Particularly preferably, an electrode for recording an electrocardiogram is preferably disposed on a side portion of a cover facing outward from the emitter and the detector. Thereby, it is possible to simultaneously perform the recording of the electrocardiogram and the optical inspection by the sensor device on one or the same leg.

[0027] Here, it is particularly preferable that the electrode is disposed between and / or offset from the emitter and the detector, and perpendicular to the cover and / or on the opposite side of the barrier. The electrode can be disposed as a mask in a region that forms a barrier or a part thereof, or is not covered or sensed by the emitter and / or the detector. Alternatively or additionally, the electrode can be made transparent to the radiation emitted by the emitter. Thereby, it becomes possible to simultaneously perform the recording of the electrocardiogram and the optical inspection using the sensor device on the same leg. This simplifies the inspection and makes it more comfortable for the animal, that is, reduces the stress on the animal. This results in an accurate and reliable inspection, particularly blood pressure measurement.

[0028] The sensor device preferably has emitters that are more than 30, preferably more than 60, and / or less than 500, preferably less than 200. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device has detectors that are more than 20, preferably more than 40, and / or less than 500, preferably less than 200. This results in an accurate and reliable inspection, particularly blood pressure measurement. In particular, this increases the sensor area and enables the inspection to be carried out, and / or enables the inspection to be carried out even when the leg is moved with respect to the sensor device during the inspection, facilitating the placement of the animal's leg on the sensor device. In other words, the sensor device and / or the inspection device are preferably designed to allow or permit the movement of the animal during the inspection, and / or to enable a highly reliable and accurate inspection, particularly blood pressure measurement, and / or to reduce, avoid and / or compensate for motion artifacts. This makes the inspection more comfortable for the animal and reduces the stress imposed on the animal. This results in an accurate or reliable inspection, particularly blood pressure measurement.

[0029] Preferably, the area density of the emitter, the area density of the detector, and / or the common area density of the emitter and the detector is greater than 0.5 / cm 2 preferably greater than 1 / cm 2 preferably greater than 2 / cm 2 preferably greater than, and / or less than 40 / cm 2 preferably less than 20 / cm 2 preferably less than, particularly less than 10 / cm 2 This results in highly reliable and accurate blood pressure measurement.

[0030] The emitter is preferably designed to emit radiation of the same wavelength, and the detector is preferably designed to detect at the same wavelength. In particular, it is preferable that the emitters have the same structure and / or the detectors have the same structure. This enables different detectors or sensors to record equivalent or the same type of signal, preferably from different positions, particularly from positions offset from each other along the sensor device. In particular, in this method, the signals recorded by different detectors and / or sensors basically contain the same or similar information. This results in a highly reliable and accurate examination, particularly blood pressure measurement, even when the animal being examined is moving. This enables a more comfortable examination for the animal, and thus reduces the stress imposed on the animal. This results in an accurate and reliable examination, particularly blood pressure measurement.

[0031] Preferably, the emitter is designed to emit radiation having an infrared radiation and / or a wavelength greater than 780 nm, preferably greater than 900 nm, and / or less than 1400 nm, preferably less than 1100 nm, particularly about 940 nm and / or 1050 nm. Since infrared radiation is not perceived, this can make the examination, particularly blood pressure measurement, extremely comfortable for the animal. Furthermore, the use of infrared radiation has proven to be surprisingly advantageous for animals having legs or footpads with a high pigment concentration or a dark color.

[0032] The inspection device is preferably at least essentially flat, in the form of a mat and / or a plate, and / or in the form of a mat and / or a plate. This has proven to be particularly advantageous for the inspection of animals such as cats and dogs. In particular, non-invasive inspections without using cuffs, especially blood pressure measurement, become possible. Therefore, an extremely comfortable and stress-free inspection for the animal becomes possible. This results in an accurate and reliable inspection, especially blood pressure measurement.

[0033] According to another aspect that can also be implemented independently, the inspection device is designed as a support for at least one leg of the animal, especially as a support for the entire animal. Particularly preferably, the inspection device or the support is designed such that an animal, especially a pet cat or dog, can be completely positioned on the support during the inspection and / or can move freely relative to the support. This makes the inspection particularly comfortable and thus stress-free for the animal. For example, it is known that blood pressure can change rapidly and significantly under stress caused by fixing the animal or manual manipulation of the animal, so this is advantageous for correct and / or meaningful results of blood pressure measurement. Therefore, if the animal is stressed during the inspection or blood pressure measurement, the results will be distorted.

[0034] The inspection device has a sensor device for optically inspecting the arterial blood flow of the animal. Preferably, the inspection device is designed for blood flow and / or transcutaneous and / or non-invasive inspection of the animal. Particularly preferably, the sensor device and / or the inspection device is designed to perform photoplethysmography.

[0035] For the examination of an animal, preferably, a part of the animal's body, in particular a leg, is intended to be positioned on or above the sensor device so that arterial blood flow can be examined using the sensor device. Preferably, the part of the body or the leg is not fixed to the sensor device and / or the part of the body or the leg can move freely with respect to the sensor device. Thereby, the examination can be made extremely comfortable and thus stress-free for the animal. For example, it has been shown that under stress caused by fixing the animal or manual manipulation of the animal, blood pressure can change rapidly and significantly, which can lead to misinterpretation of the measurement results if the animal is stressed during the examination or during blood pressure measurement.

[0036] Preferably, the sensor device is designed for examination by electromagnetic radiation in the infrared region. This has proven to be particularly advantageous especially for animals with pigmented or dark-colored legs or paw pads.

[0037] According to another aspect that can also be realized independently, the examination device has at least two, preferably three, detection elements for detecting the activity of the animal's heart. The detection elements are preferably formed by electrodes for recording an electrocardiogram. This results in a simple measurement of blood pressure. However, in principle, the detection elements can also be formed by a microphone for recording an electrocardiogram or the like.

[0038] According to another aspect that can also be realized independently, the examination device has at least one tissue electrode. This has proven to be advantageous in the examination of animals such as cats compared to the use of metal electrodes. In particular, cats often react irritably to metal electrodes, whereas, in contrast, the use of tissue electrodes can make the examination by the examination device more comfortable for the cat and thus has been shown to cause less stress to the animal. This results in an accurate and reliable examination, especially blood pressure measurement.

[0039] According to another aspect that can also be realized independently, the inspection device has a scale or forms a scale. Thereby, the accuracy of blood pressure measurement can be improved.

[0040] Preferably, together with one or more emitters, the detectors each form one sensor, so that the sensor device has a plurality of sensors. The sensors are designed to simultaneously record a plurality of curves containing information on arterial blood flow, particularly photoelectric plethysmogram. This results in a rapid, reliable and accurate blood pressure measurement.

[0041] The electrodes are preferably arranged at a distance greater than 5 cm and / or less than 20 cm. In this way, the inspection device is particularly well-suited for dogs and / or cats, enabling a test that is as comfortable as possible for the dog or cat and allowing the test to be carried out quickly.

[0042] The inspection device preferably has a reference electrode or a current collecting electrode and two further electrodes. This is advantageous for an accurate and reliable recording of the heartbeat curve.

[0043] The inspection device preferably has a placement surface. Preferably, an animal of the subfamily Felinae or Canidae, particularly a pet cat or dog, can be completely placed on the placement surface. Preferably, the placement surface has a width greater than 20 cm, preferably greater than 40 cm, and / or less than 80 cm, preferably less than 60 cm, and / or a length greater than 40 cm, preferably greater than 60 cm, and / or less than 120 cm, preferably less than 80 cm. Thereby, the inspection can be particularly comfortable for the animal and thus stress-free. This results in an accurate or reliable inspection, particularly blood pressure measurement.

[0044] The scale and / or the inspection device are preferably designed for body fat measurement. In particular, the inspection device is designed to measure the blood pressure of an animal taking into account the measurement of body fat. By measuring body fat, the blood pressure can be measured more precisely in particular.

[0045] According to another aspect that can be realized independently, the present invention relates to a method for medical examination, particularly blood pressure measurement, of an animal having legs, particularly an animal of the subfamily Felinae or Canidae, particularly preferably a pet cat or dog, wherein the animal is positioned on the examination device such that the legs of the animal rest on the sensor device of the examination device. The sensor device records a curve containing information regarding the arterial blood flow of the animal, particularly the photoelectric plethysmogram. In this way, the medical examination, particularly the blood pressure measurement, can be made particularly comfortable and thus stress-free for the animal. This is particularly achieved, preferably, by allowing the animal to move freely on or with respect to the examination device without attaching or fixing any means for medical examination, such as a sensor, electrode, clip or the like, to the animal. This results in an accurate and reliable examination, particularly blood pressure measurement.

[0046] According to a first aspect of the method, for recording the curve, reflection measurement by electromagnetic radiation in the infrared region is performed. The reflection measurement has proven to be particularly advantageous as it only requires placing the leg on the sensor device and does not require fixing the leg as in the case of a cuff or clip, or placing the device against the leg. This enables a particularly comfortable examination for the animal. In the reflection measurement, it is preferred that the emitter and the detector are arranged on the same side of the leg, and the light emitted by the emitter is reflected and / or scattered within the leg and thus reaches the detector. However, in principle, a transmission measurement is also possible where the emitter and the detector are arranged on opposite sides of the leg and the light transmitted through the leg is recorded by the detector. Furthermore, the use of infrared radiation has proven to be particularly advantageous for dogs and cats as it is not perceived by the animals and thus can make the examination particularly comfortable.

[0047] According to another aspect of the method that can be realized independently, the heart rate curve of the animal, particularly the electrocardiogram, is recorded by the examination device. This results in a particularly accurate and reliable blood pressure measurement.

[0048] According to a further aspect of the method that can be realized independently, a signal is recorded by at least one tissue electrode. The use of tissue electrodes has proven to be particularly convenient for animals such as cats.

[0049] According to another aspect of the method that can be realized independently, the weight of the animal is measured by the inspection device. Thereby, the accuracy of blood pressure measurement can be improved.

[0050] Preferably, a curve feature, particularly the pulse wave propagation time, is determined by the curve, and the blood pressure is measured based on the curve feature or the pulse wave propagation time, preferably by a correlation function determined empirically.

[0051] The curve and the heartbeat curve are preferably recorded simultaneously. In particular, the heartbeat curve is used to segment the curve into sections corresponding to the heartbeat. This results in an accurate measurement of the pulse wave propagation time and / or the blood pressure.

[0052] Preferably, the presence and / or position of the animal on the inspection device is determined by the inspection device, in particular by evaluating signals measured using electrodes, sensor devices, force sensors, and / or scales. For example, whether the animal's leg is positioned above the sensor device, and / or at which position it is positioned, and / or whether the leg is positioned such that the signal recorded by the sensor device contains information about the animal's arterial blood flow can be determined by the sensor device. Alternatively or additionally, it can be determined by the electrodes, for example by resistance measurement, whether the animal is correctly positioned, in particular whether the electrodes are in contact with the leg, for example. Finally, the weight measured by the scale also provides information about whether the animal was already positioned on the inspection device and / or whether the animal is fully present on the inspection device.

[0053] It is preferable that body fat measurement be performed by a scale and / or an inspection device. Particularly preferably, the blood pressure of an animal is determined in consideration of body fat measurement, preferably also taking into account the body weight of the animal measured by a scale. By taking body fat into consideration, in particular, it leads to more accurate and reliable measurement of blood pressure.

[0054] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of an inspection device for medical examination, particularly blood pressure measurement, of an animal having legs, particularly an animal of the subfamily Felinae or Canidae, particularly preferably a pet cat or a pet dog.

[0055] As a result, the present invention enables measurement of the blood pressure of an animal, particularly in animals having a high movement impulse and / or low stress tolerance regarding manipulation of the animal's body, particularly in the case of pet dogs and pet cats as in the empirical situation.

[0056] Here, conventionally, blood pressure measurement has always imposed a great deal of stress on animals. The present invention solves this problem in a way completely different from known methods in which the animal is fixed and / or the sensor technology is fixed to the animal. The present invention provides a solution in an unexpected and surprising way by combining means that do not require restriction of movement and that, at least basically, do not restrict freedom of movement. Instead of fixing the animal, measurement problems that may occur due to possible movement of the animal during the examination are technically solved. In particular, so-called movement artifacts, i.e., inaccuracies and measurement errors in the measurement caused by movement, are eliminated and / or compensated for.

[0057] To achieve this goal, different means are described and / or applied, which can be realized individually but interfere with each other, thus enabling particularly reliable and equally stress-free blood pressure measurement in a synergistic way.

[0058] Therefore, on the one hand, it is preferably intended that the position of the animal, particularly the position of the legs, is not precisely given. Instead, a plurality of sensors are used and a sensor suitable for the measurement can be selected.

[0059] This is preferably combined with further means, each of which can be implemented individually and combined in a particularly advantageous way in order to finally determine curve features from the measured curve and, in particular, to measure blood pressure based on the curve features.

[0060] Particularly advantageous and forming the basis of some of the further means is to subdivide or segment the signal or curve into curve sections based on the simultaneously determined heartbeat curve. Another basis for most of the proposed measures is the averaging between the curve sections.

[0061] Furthermore, there is also the selection of particularly suitable curve sections and / or the selection from several alternative results determined for curve features and / or filter means and / or statistical methods. In particular, these and the further means described in detail lead to the fact that in order to achieve a meaningful determination of the curve features and a reliable blood pressure measurement therefrom, it is sufficient to simply place one or more legs on or in the sensor device and / or place the animal on the examination device. This was previously thought to be impossible in this form.

[0062] "Animal" in the sense of the present invention is preferably a vertebrate, particularly a mammal, particularly preferably a terrestrial mammal. In particular, within the scope of the meaning of the present invention, the term "animal" includes humans. Preferably, the animal to be examined has legs. Preferably, the animal to be examined is an animal of the Feliformia (cat-like) or Caniformia (dog-like) superfamily, particularly an animal of the Felidae (cat) or Canidae (dog) family, particularly preferably an animal of the Felinae (small cats) or Caninae (true dogs) subfamily, and within this subfamily, particularly an animal of the Canini (wolf-like and jackal-like) tribe, particularly preferably a pet cat or a pet dog.

[0063] In the context of the present invention, an "emitter" is preferably a structure that emits, or is designed to emit, electromagnetic radiation, particularly in the optical and / or infrared range. Preferably, the emitter is formed by a light-emitting diode, a laser diode, or generally a photoactive device. However, the emitter can also be formed by the end of an optical fiber through which light guided by the optical fiber exits, at least insofar as the position of the emitter is concerned. Depending on the perspective, the combination of the associated light source and the light guide is the emitter. Therefore, in principle, the term "emitter" in the context of the present invention is preferably understood in a broad sense.

[0064] In the context of the present invention, a "detector" is preferably a structure that is designed to detect electromagnetic radiation, particularly in the optical and / or infrared region. Preferably, the detector is formed by a photodiode. However, in principle, the detector can also be formed by another structure, such as a photocathode, a photoelectric cell, a CCD sensor or the like, that is designed specifically for the detection of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter. The detector can also have a light guide having one end through which light guided by the light guide can enter. In this case, the end of the light guide is the detector, at least insofar as the position of the detector is concerned.

[0065] The "radiation region" of an emitter in the context of the present invention is preferably the region that the radiation emitted by the emitter reaches or can reach. Preferably, the emitter emits radiation in a specific direction, for example, within a certain angular range. Therefore, the radiation region is preferably defined or limited by one or more radiation angles. The radiation region can be essentially conical.

[0066] The "detection region" of a detector in the context of the present invention is preferably the region that the radiation reaches or can reach the detector. The detection region is preferably defined or limited by one or more detection angles. The detection region can be essentially conical.

[0067] A "sensor" in the sense of the present invention is preferably a combination of at least one emitter and at least one detector. In particular, together with one or more emitters, the detector forms a sensor in the sense of the present invention. The sensor preferably comprises exactly one detector and at least one emitter. The emitter is designed to emit electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength that can be sensed by the detector and / or can detect this electromagnetic radiation.

[0068] The "sensor region" of a sensor in the sense of the present invention is preferably a region that can be detected / sensed by the sensor or a region in which measurement can be performed by the sensor. In particular, the sensor region is a region where the radiation region of the emitter of the sensor and the detection region of the detector overlap. The sensor region can be formed by a continuous region or by a plurality of segmented or separated regions.

[0069] A "sensor device" in the sense of the present invention is preferably a device having one or more sensors. In particular, the sensor device is a device for optical inspection of an animal's body part. The sensor device is in particular designed to perform photoplethysmography.

[0070] The "sensing region" of a sensor device in the sense of the present invention is preferably a region that can be detected / sensed by the sensor device and / or the emitter and / or the detector. The sensing region is in particular a region where the radiation region of the emitter and the detection region of the detector overlap. Preferably, the sensing region is formed by one or more overlapping radiation regions and one or more detection regions. The sensing region can be connected or can be formed by a plurality of separate regions. In particular, the sensing region can be formed by one or more overlapping regions of essentially conical radiation regions and detection regions.

[0071] The "periodic" arrangement of the emitter and / or detector in the sense of the present invention is preferably an arrangement in which the emitter and / or detector are arranged in a structure that is repeated at least substantially equidistantly. Such periodicity can exist, in particular, in one or more directions that are orthogonal to each other.

[0072] "Optical inspection" in the sense of the present invention preferably means that a body part of an animal is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation in the optical range visible to humans and / or in the infrared range, in particular with a wavelength from 380 nm to 1400 nm, and the radiation reflected and / or scattered by the body part and / or the radiation transmitted through the body part is measured by a detector. The optical inspection is preferably a reflectometric inspection. Results can then be derived from the reflected, scattered and / or transmitted radiation, for example with regard to arterial blood flow. In particular, electromagnetic radiation of a defined wavelength or a defined wavelength range is used for the optical inspection. Particularly preferably, the optical inspection is a non-invasive and / or transcutaneous inspection of the interior of the body.

[0073] "Photoplethysmography" in the sense of the present invention is a method for optically inspecting the arterial blood flow of an animal. In particular, photoplethysmography is a method for non-invasive optical inspection, in which a body part of an animal is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, in particular in the range visible to humans and / or in the infrared range, and the radiation scattered and / or (in particular diffusely) reflected and / or transmitted by the body part is measured using a detector. The proportion of electromagnetic radiation reflected and / or scattered and / or transmitted, in particular reflected or transmitted in the direction of the detector, depends inter alia on the arterial blood flow, in particular on the volume of arterial blood and / or the oxygen saturation of the arterial blood. Preferably, fluctuations in the arterial blood flow and / or changes in the volume of arterial blood and / or changes in the oxygen saturation cause a change in the signal measured by the detector, and results can be derived for the arterial blood flow from the measured signal and / or the fluctuations in the course of the measured signal. Thus, pulse oximetry is also (extended) photoplethysmography in the sense of the present invention.

[0074] In the context of the present invention, pulse oximetry includes at least one photoplethysmography. In pulse oximetry, the oxygen content in the blood is determined, where two photoplethysmographies are particularly carried out simultaneously to determine the oxygen content, and different wavelengths are used for these two photoplethysmographies. From the different absorption rates at the two wavelengths, the oxygen saturation of the blood can be determined.

[0075] A "photoplethysmogram" in the context of the present invention is, in particular, a curve recorded or measured during the execution of photoplethysmography.

[0076] However, from the prior art, optical examinations that do not represent or do not include photoplethysmography are also known, for example, to determine the oxygen content in the blood. In particular, methods of cerebral oximetry and tissue oximetry do not include photoplethysmography. These methods are also not suitable for examining arterial blood flow, especially due to the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation used.

[0077] A "cardiogram" in the context of the present invention is preferably a curve representing the activity of an animal's heart. Particularly preferably, the cardiogram is recorded electrically, in particular by electrodes brought into contact with the animal's skin, and / or is an electrocardiogram. However, in principle, other methods for recording the cardiogram are also conceivable, for example, an impedance cardiogram or an acoustic recording such that the cardiogram is a phonocardiogram.

[0078] A "detection element" in the context of the present invention is preferably an element for detecting the activity of an animal's heart. The detection element is particularly suitable or designed to record a cardiogram. The detection element is preferably formed by electrodes. However, the detection element can also be formed by or can have a microphone or other sound sensor or the like.

[0079] "Arterial blood flow" in the context of the present invention preferably refers to the flow of blood through arteries. Arteries are vessels that direct blood away from the heart, particularly. In particular, arterial blood flow is the blood flow of the test animal.

[0080] "Blood pressure" in the context of the present invention preferably refers to the pressure of blood (force per area) in a blood vessel, particularly in a blood vessel of the test animal. The blood vessel is preferably an artery. Preferably, the blood pressure is the blood pressure in the aorta. The blood pressure can be systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and / or mean blood pressure. In particular, in the context of the present invention, surprisingly, it has been shown that the proposed method and / or test device can also be used for measuring diastolic blood pressure. However, this is not essential.

[0081] "Curve" in the context of the present invention preferably refers to the passage of time of a signal measured by a detector or sensor. The term "curve" also includes data-technical equivalents such as (collectively) representing a course or corresponding individual data points. The curve is preferably the passage of time over several heartbeats.

[0082] "Curve section" in the context of the present invention preferably refers to a section or part of a curve, i.e., also the passage of time of a signal measured by a detector or sensor, particularly. In particular, the curve section is a section of the curve corresponding to a heartbeat, starting particularly at the time of the heartbeat and preferably ending at the time of the subsequent heartbeat.

[0083] "Curve containing information on arterial blood flow" in the context of the present invention particularly refers to a curve from which results regarding arterial blood flow, particularly the arrival of a pulse wave, changes in the blood volume in the artery, changes in the oxygen saturation of the blood in the artery, or the like can be derived. A photoplethysmogram is a particularly preferred example of a curve containing information on arterial blood flow.

[0084] The "curve feature" in the sense of the present invention is preferably a feature of a curve and / or a section of a curve, particularly including information regarding arterial blood flow. The curve feature is preferably a feature related to the pulse wave transit time and / or blood pressure, and / or a feature correlated with the pulse wave transit time and / or blood pressure. In particular, the curve feature is a feature by which blood pressure can be measured. The curve feature is particularly preferably a feature of a curve and / or a section of a curve corresponding to the course and / or form of the curve and / or the section of the curve, and / or including information regarding the form of the curve and / or the section of the curve. For example, the curve feature can be the position of (absolute) extrema, the distance between (absolute) extrema, the position or absolute value of (maximum) gradient, the distance between extrema and / or zero points of the first and / or second derivative of the curve, or a feature of the Fourier transform of the curve.

[0085] Particularly preferably, the feature of the curve corresponds to the pulse wave transit time.

[0086] The "pulse wave transit time" in the sense of the present invention is preferably the time required for a pulse wave to travel a distance in the vascular system. Here, a pressure wave that originates from the heart due to a heartbeat and passes through an artery is represented as a pulse wave. The velocity of this pressure wave is particularly faster than the flow velocity of blood when flowing through the artery. The pulse wave transit time is often abbreviated as "PTT". In particular, in the present invention, the term "pulse wave transit time" includes the heartbeat and the time until the pulse wave caused by this heartbeat reaches a specific position in the artery, that is, the time required for the pulse wave to travel the distance from the heart to the position in the artery. However, preferably, the term "pulse wave transit time" also includes the time distance until the pulse wave reaches a first location and the time distance until the pulse wave reaches a second location.

[0087] The "pulse wave velocity" in the sense of the present invention is preferably the quotient between the distance traveled by the pulse wave and the pulse wave transit time required for the pulse wave to travel this distance. The pulse wave velocity is often abbreviated as "PWV".

[0088] In the context of the present invention, a "transdermal" examination preferably refers to an examination through the skin. In an optical transdermal examination, the interior of the body is preferably irradiated through the skin with electromagnetic radiation in the (optically) visible range and / or the infrared range (for humans), and the scattered, transmitted, and / or reflected portions thereof are detected.

[0089] Within the scope of the present invention, a "non-invasive" examination preferably refers to an examination in which the animal being examined is not damaged or harmed.

[0090] The above-described aspects and features, as well as further aspects and features obtained from the claims and the following description, can be implemented independently of each other and in different combinations.

[0091] Further advantages, features, characteristics, and aspects of the present invention result from the following description of the preferred embodiments based on the claims and the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0092]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0093] In a schematic view that is not to scale in part, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and corresponding or equivalent characteristics and advantages can be obtained even when repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0094] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of the inspection device 1.

[0095] The inspection device 1 is preferably designed for medical examinations of an animal T, particularly an animal T having legs 2, preferably an animal T of the subfamily Felinae, particularly preferably a pet cat, and particularly for measuring the blood pressure BP.

[0096] However, in principle, the inspection device 1 is suitable for medical examinations of any animal T, particularly humans, and particularly animal Ts capable of measuring the blood pressure BP. The inspection using the inspection device 1 is particularly advantageous when the animal T has legs or the like.

[0097] However, the inspection device 1 can also be designed and / or adapted for medical examinations of other animal Ts, particularly domestic animals such as dogs, mice, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs or the like, and particularly for measuring the blood pressure BP, and / or can be specifically adapted for the examination of these animal Ts.

[0098] The blood pressure BP may be any of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and / or mean blood pressure. In particular, it has surprisingly been shown in the context of the present invention that the proposed method and / or inspection device can also be used for measuring the diastolic blood pressure BP. However, this is not essential.

[0099] In FIG. 2, the inspection device 1 according to the present invention is shown in a schematic perspective view with the animal T placed thereon.

[0100] Preferably, the inspection device 1 is designed as a support for at least one leg 2 or other part of the body of the animal T, particularly a part similar to a leg, such as a hand or a finger.

[0101] Particularly preferably, the inspection device 1 and / or the support are designed such that the animal T to be inspected can be completely placed and / or positioned on the inspection device 1 and / or the support, and in particular such that all legs of the animal T can be positioned on the inspection device 1. However, this is not essential. In principle, the inspection device 1 can also be designed such that only one or two or more legs 2 can be placed or positioned on the inspection device 1.

[0102] The inspection device 1 is preferably designed as a plate or a mat, or in a mat-like or plate-like form, or in the form of a mat or a plate. In particular, the plate or the mat is understood to be a device whose width and length exceed a multiple of its height. The plate is preferably understood to be at least substantially rigid. The mat is preferably understood to be at least partially flexible. For example, if the inspection device 1 is designed as a mat, the inspection device 1 can be at least partially rollable and / or foldable.

[0103] Preferably, the inspection device 1 has a placement surface 3. The animal T, in particular a pet dog, a pet cat, or another animal T of the same or smaller size, can preferably be placed completely on the placement surface 3.

[0104] Preferably, the inspection device 1 and / or the placement surface 3 are at least essentially flat and / or planar.

[0105] Preferably, the inspection device 1 has the placement surface 3 on one upper surface, and / or the placement surface 3 is formed by the upper surface of the inspection device 1 or a part thereof.

[0106] The placement surface 3 is in its use position, and in particular during inspection, is preferably at least substantially horizontal or forms a horizontal plane. The use position is the preferred position of the inspection device 1 where the animal T can be placed on the inspection device 1 for inspection. The use position is particularly shown in Figure 2.

[0107] The inspection device 1 and / or the placement surface 3 preferably have a width B greater than 20 cm, preferably greater than 40 cm, and / or less than 80 cm, preferably 60 cm or less.

[0108] The inspection device 1 and / or the placement surface 3 preferably have a length L greater than 40 cm, preferably greater than 60 cm, and / or less than 120 cm, preferably less than 80 cm. In principle, different widths B and / or different lengths L of the inspection device 1 and / or the placement surface 3 are also conceivable.

[0109] Preferably, during the inspection, the inspection device 1 is intended to contact the legs 2 and / or the body part only on one side and / or to be stationary or arranged only on one side. Therefore, the inspection device 1 is preferably designed to contact the animal T and / or its legs 2 on one side.

[0110] The inspection device 1 preferably does not have fixing means and / or fastening means. Preferably, the inspection device 1 is not designed to hold the legs 2. Preferably, the inspection device 1 has no clip for attaching to the legs 2 and no other fixing means or fastening means for attaching, fixing, or fastening inspection means such as cuffs, sensors, or electrodes for application to the legs 2 to the animal T. In contrast, it is preferable that the inspection device 1 has a contact surface and a placement surface 3, by which inspection can be performed when the legs 2 or the body part are placed or arranged on the device.

[0111] The design of the inspection device 1 as a support for the animal T and / or the placement surface 3 makes the inspection particularly comfortable and thus stress-free for the animal T. Preferably, it is not intended to fix the animal T to the inspection device 1 for inspection or to attach or fix a part of the inspection device 1 such as a sensor or the like to the animal T. Such methods cause stress to the animal T, so the inspection is uncomfortable for the animal T, and in addition, it has been shown that the blood pressure BP is affected by stress. In contrast, by designing the inspection device 1 according to the present invention, an extremely comfortable and stress-free inspection can be performed for the animal T.

[0112] Preferably, the examination device 1 or the placement surface 3 is designed such that the animal T can move freely on the examination device 1 and / or the placement surface 3.

[0113] The design of the examination device 1, in particular the design and / or arrangement of the sensor device 4 and / or the electrodes 15, which will be described in more detail below, enables the examination of the animal T, in particular highly reliable and / or accurate blood pressure measurement, to be carried out while avoiding fixing the animal T, or without fixing the animal T, or to be carried out or made possible when the animal T moves during the examination by the examination device 1.

[0114] The examination device 1 preferably has a sensor device 4. The sensor device 4 is designed to optically examine the arterial blood flow BF of the animal T, in particular to record a curve K containing information on the arterial blood flow BF of the animal T. In particular, the sensor device 4 is designed to perform photoplethysmography and / or to record a photoplethysmogram.

[0115] A curve K containing information on the arterial blood flow BF is shown as an example in FIG. 9 and will be described in detail later.

[0116] The sensor device 4 and / or the examination device 1 are preferably designed to enable or allow movement of the animal T during the examination, and / or to enable a highly reliable and accurate examination, in particular blood pressure measurement, and / or to reduce, avoid and / or compensate for motion artifacts.

[0117] The examination device 1 preferably has the sensor device 4 in the region of the placement surface 3. Thus, when the leg 2 or body part is placed on the surface, the examination by the sensor device 4 can be carried out.

[0118] The sensor device 4 is preferably arranged in or integrated with the examination device 1 such that when the animal T is particularly located on the examination device 1 and / or the placement surface 3, the leg 2 of the animal T can be located above and / or in the vicinity of the position of the sensor device 4. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the sensor device 4 is arranged such that the left front leg 2 of the animal T can be located above the sensor device 4 without any problems and in a comfortable and / or natural position for the animal T. However, the sensor device 4 can also be provided at other positions.

[0119] FIGS. 2 and 7 show, as an example, the positioning of the leg 2 during the examination by the sensor device 4. For the examination by the sensor device 4, the leg 2 is preferably positioned such that one or preferably a plurality of paw pads of the leg 2 are in contact with the sensor device 4, in particular the cover 14 and / or the electrode 15.

[0120] Furthermore, the examination device 1 can have a plurality of, in particular two, sensor devices 4, for example a sensor device 4 for the left front leg 2 of the animal T to be examined and a sensor device 4 for the right front leg 2. In this case, the sensor devices 4 are preferably of a similar or identical design. This is particularly shown in FIG. 2.

[0121] The sensor device 4 is preferably designed for the reflective measurement of arterial blood flow BF.

[0122] The sensor device 4 has at least one emitter 5 that emits electromagnetic radiation R (in particular light including ultraviolet and / or infrared light), and at least one detector 6 that detects the electromagnetic radiation R (in particular light including ultraviolet and / or infrared light) preferably emitted by the emitter 6.

[0123] The emitter 5 is preferably designed as a light-emitting diode or a laser diode.

[0124] The detector 6 is preferably designed as a photodiode.

[0125] Preferably, emitter 5 can be activated and / or deactivated and / or switched on and / or off separately, particularly by the MOSFET assigned to emitter 5.

[0126] Figures 3 and 4 show an example of a schematic top view of sensor device 4 in different embodiments. The sensor device 4 according to Figures 3 and 4 has basically the same or a similar design, differing mainly only in the number of emitters 5 and detectors 6.

[0127] Preferably, sensor device 4 has a plurality of emitters 5 and a plurality of detectors 6. However, in principle, sensor device 4 can also have exactly one emitter 5 and exactly one detector 6, or exactly one emitter 5 and a plurality of detectors 6, or a plurality of emitters 5 and exactly one detector 6.

[0128] However, preferably, sensor device 4 has at least nine, exactly nine in the example shown in Figures 1 and 3, emitters 5 and / or at least four, exactly four in the example shown in Figures 1 and 3, detectors 6.

[0129] Emitter 5 and detector 6 are preferably arranged on the same plane.

[0130] Emitter 5 and detector 6 are preferably arranged in a repeating and / or iterative structure. Particularly preferably, emitter 5 and detector 6 are arranged in a periodic or periodic structure.

[0131] Preferably, emitter 5 and detector 6 are arranged in the form of (virtual) rows and columns or a horizontal and vertical matrix, or in a matrix or array form. Preferably, the matrix or array has three or more rows and / or three or more columns.

[0132] In other words, the emitter 5 and the detector 6 are preferably arranged in one or more than two rows, particularly in a straight row. Preferably, the emitter 5 and the detector 6 form a plurality of parallel rows and rows extending laterally, particularly perpendicularly to each other, and in particular the rows form the vertical and horizontal rows of a (virtual) matrix or (virtual) array.

[0133] In other words, the emitter 5 and the detector 6 are preferably arranged in a particularly uniform grid pattern.

[0134] The emitter 5 and the detector 6 are preferably arranged alternately. Preferably, the emitter 5 and the detector 6 form one or more than two, particularly in a straight row, and the emitter 5 and the detector 6 are arranged alternately in each row. The rows may also be curved and / or can mimic an organic shape such as the leg 2.

[0135] Particularly preferably, the emitter 5 and the detector 6 are arranged alternately not only in the horizontal rows but also in the vertical rows of the (virtual) matrix.

[0136] Preferably, (except in the case of the sensor device 4 and / or the emitter 5 and / or the detector 6 located on the outermost side and / or at the edge of the horizontal row and / or the matrix), each detector 6 is (directly) surrounded by a plurality of emitters 5, and / or each emitter 5 is (directly) surrounded by a plurality of detectors 6.

[0137] Particularly preferably, a plurality of emitters 5 are assigned to each detector 6, or vice versa. Thereby, preferably, a plurality of emitters 5 and / or detectors 6 can be used.

[0138] The emitter 5 and the detector 6 are assigned to each other, particularly when the radiation R emitted by the emitter 5 reaches or can reach the detector 6, particularly after scattering or reflection in the leg 2. Particularly preferably, these emitters 5 have a minimum distance D from this detector 6 and / or are assigned to the detector 6 that is (directly) adjacent to this detector 6. Similarly, particularly, these detectors 6 are assigned to the emitter 5 that has a minimum distance D from this emitter 5 and / or the emitter 5 that is (directly) adjacent to this emitter 5.

[0139] The distance D between the emitter 5 and the detector 6 is particularly understood as the distance between the center point or geometric center of the emitter 5 or its light-emitting surface and the center point or geometric center of the detector 6 or its detection surface. Preferably, the emitter 5 and the detector 6 are formed by components of different sizes and / or rectangular components, as also shown by rectangles of different sizes in FIGS. 1 to 4, and the emitter 5 and the detector 6 are arranged such that the center points or geometric centers of these components indicated by dots in FIG. 3 have the same distance D from each other.

[0140] Preferably, the emitters 5 assigned to the detector 6 have the same distance D to the detector 6. Similarly, this also applies to the detectors 6 assigned to the emitter 5.

[0141] In the illustrated example, exactly four emitters 5 are assigned to each detector 6 and / or exactly four detectors 6 are assigned to each emitter 5. The emitters 5 assigned to the detector 6 are preferably arranged symmetrically around the detector 6 and / or are arranged at an equal distance D from the detector 6 and / or vice versa.

[0142] Preferably, the emitter 5 and the detector 6 are arranged at an equal distance or at an equal distance D from each other. In other words, the detector 6 has the same distance D from two adjacent emitters 5 in a row in each case and / or from four adjacent emitters 5 in a matrix in each case.

[0143] The distance D between the emitter 5 and the detector 6 arranged directly adjacent to each other is preferably greater than 1 mm, particularly greater than 2 mm, particularly preferably greater than 4 mm, and / or less than 20 mm, particularly less than 15 mm, particularly preferably less than 10 mm, and most preferably 5 mm to 7 mm, especially in a vertical or horizontal row.

[0144] Preferably, the emitters 5 of the sensor device 4 are of the same design or type. Particularly preferably, the emitters 5 of the sensor device 4 have the same structure and / or are designed to emit light of the same wavelength or within the same wavelength range.

[0145] Preferably, the detectors 6 of the sensor device 4 are of the same design or type. Particularly preferably, the detectors 6 have the same structure and / or design, especially for detecting the same radiation R or wavelength emitted by the emitter 5.

[0146] The sensor device 4 is preferably designed for inspection by electromagnetic radiation R in the infrared region. Particularly preferably, the emitter 5 is designed for infrared radiation and / or the detector 6 is designed for infrared detection.

[0147] Infrared rays are, in particular, electromagnetic waves R having a wavelength in the range of 780 nm to 1400 nm.

[0148] Preferably, the emitter 5 is designed to emit electromagnetic radiation R having a wavelength greater than 900 nm and / or less than 1200 nm or 1100 nm. Particularly preferably, the emitter 5 is designed to emit electromagnetic radiation R having a wavelength greater than 920 nm and / or less than 960 nm, particularly (approximately) 940 nm. However, alternatively or additionally, it is also possible that the emitter 5 or a subset of the emitters 5 is designed to emit electromagnetic radiation R having a wavelength greater than 1030 nm and / or less than 1070 nm, particularly (approximately) 1050 nm.

[0149] Detector 6 is preferably designed to detect the radiation R emitted by emitter 5.

[0150] Preferably, sensor device 4 has at least one, preferably a plurality of sensors 7. Sensor 7 has or is formed with at least one emitter 5 and at least one detector 6. Particularly preferably, sensor 7 has exactly one detector 6 and a plurality of emitters 5, exactly four emitters 5 in the examples shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0151] Preferably, the emitters 5 of sensor 7 are arranged symmetrically about the detector 6 of sensor 7, and / or the emitters 5 of sensor 7 have the same distance D from the detector 6 of sensor 7.

[0152] In particular, sensor device 4 has a plurality of sensors 7 of the same type or kind, particularly of the same structure. Particularly preferably, all sensors 7 of sensor device 4 are identical. However, other solutions are possible here. For example, sensor device 4 can have two or more different types of sensors 7, and sensor device 4 has a plurality of sensors 7 of each type. Different types of sensors 7 can differ, for example, in the number of emitters 5 and / or detectors 6, the wavelength of the radiation R emitted by emitter 5, the distance of emitter 5 from detector 6, or the like.

[0153] In the illustrated example shown in FIG. 3, sensor device 4 has exactly four sensors 7, and one of the four sensors 7 is shown by a dotted line in FIG. 2. Also, in FIG. 4, some sensors 7 are shown by dashed lines.

[0154] Preferably, emitter 5 is assigned to a plurality of sensors 7, and / or emitter 5 each forms part of a plurality of sensors 7 (separate from the emitter 5 disposed at the outermost edge of sensor device 4). In particular, each emitter 5 is assigned to adjacent detectors 6 in a row or column and / or detectors 6 having a minimum distance D. In the illustrated example, emitter 5 (separate from the emitter 5 disposed at the edge) is assigned to each of the four detectors 6.

[0155] In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of emitters 5 are assigned to each detector 6, and these emitters 5 (excluding the outermost emitter 5 or the emitter 5 disposed at the edge) are each assigned to a plurality of detectors 6 in sequence. Thereby, in particular, a plurality of sensors 7 of the same type or kind are formed, and emitter 5 (excluding the outermost emitter 5 or the emitter 5 disposed at the edge) is each part of a plurality of sensors 7. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the emitter 5 disposed at the center of sensor device 4 is assigned to each of the four detectors 6. The emitters 5 disposed at the uppermost, lowermost, leftmost, and rightmost positions in FIG. 3 are each assigned to only one detector 6. The remaining four emitters 5 in FIG. 3 are each assigned to two detectors 6. In this way, four sensors 7 of the same type or kind are formed in FIG. 3.

[0156] FIG. 3 shows the basic design of sensor device 4, or the basic arrangement of emitter 5, detector 6 and / or sensor 7, but sensor device 4 preferably has a fairly large number of emitters 5, detectors 6 and / or sensors 7, as shown in FIG. 4 as an example. In this way, a large sensor area can be realized, so the exact positioning of leg 2 for inspection and / or blood pressure measurement is not decisive, and a larger area can be inspected by sensor device 4. Thereby, it is not necessary to fix leg 2 of animal T, so the stress during the inspection of animal T is reduced, and a quicker, more accurate, more reliable and as comfortable as possible inspection for animal T, particularly blood pressure measurement, can be realized.

[0157] The sensor device 4 preferably has an emitter 5 that is greater than 30, particularly greater than 60, and / or less than 500, preferably less than 200, more preferably less than 100, particularly less than 100, and particularly preferably about 80.

[0158] Preferably, the sensor device 4 has a detector 6 that is greater than 20, preferably greater than 40, and / or less than 500, preferably less than 200, particularly less than 100, and particularly preferably about 60.

[0159] Preferably, the detector 6 forms a sensor 7 together with a plurality of emitters 5, so the number of sensors 7 corresponds to the number of detectors 6. However, when the emitter 5 forms a sensor 7 together with a plurality of detectors 6, the number of sensors 7 preferably corresponds to the number of emitters 5.

[0160] The sensor device 4 and / or the matrix of the emitter 5 and the detector 6 preferably has an area greater than 10 cm 2 greater than, particularly greater than 20 cm 2 greater than, particularly preferably greater than 30 cm 2 greater than, extremely particularly preferably greater than 40 cm 2 greater than, and / or less than 200 cm 2 less than, preferably less than 150 cm 2 less than, more preferably less than 100 cm 2 less than, particularly less than 80 cm 2 and has the following area.

[0161] Preferably, the area density of the emitter 5, the area density of the detector 6, the area density of the sensor 7, and / or the common area density of the emitter 5 and the detector 6 is greater than 0.5 / cm 2 greater than, preferably greater than 1 / cm 2 greater than, particularly greater than 2 / cm 2 greater than, and / or less than 40 / cm 2 less than, preferably less than 20 / cm 2 less than, particularly less than 10 / cm 2 less than. Here, the number of emitters 5 and / or detectors 6 and / or sensors 7 per unit area is particularly referred to as the area density.

[0162] The number, arrangement, area and / or area density of the sensor device 4, emitter 5, detector 6 and / or sensor 7 preferably enable reliable and accurate examinations, in particular photoplethysmography and / or the measurement of blood pressure BP, without fixing the leg 2 of the animal T to the examination means such as the sensor, so that the animal T can move freely relative to the sensor device 4 during the examination. This results in a particularly comfortable and stress-free examination for the animal T and improves the measurement accuracy.

[0163] The emitter 5 and / or the detector 6 are preferably each divided into a plurality of groups or preferably form a plurality of groups, which are in particular separate from each other and / or are separately connected.

[0164] Preferably, the emitter 5 is divided into two groups and / or the emitter 5 forms two groups.

[0165] Preferably, the detector 6 is divided into five groups and / or the detector 6 forms five groups.

[0166] The emitter 5 within the group and / or the detector 6 within the group are preferably connected in series or interconnected.

[0167] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view through the sensor device 4.

[0168] Figure 6 shows the sensor device 4 in a schematic exploded view.

[0169] The sensor device 4 preferably has a limiting device 8.

[0170] At this point, it should be noted that the limiting device 8 and the associated features and advantages can, in principle, be realized independently of the above-described design of the sensor device 4. In particular, the limiting device 8 can also be advantageous for a sensor device 4 having exactly one emitter 5 and exactly one detector 6. As a result, in the following, the terms "emitter" and "detector" are preferably used in the singular. Of course, this description also applies to the design of a sensor device 4 having a plurality of emitters 5 and / or a plurality of detectors 6, in particular a sensor device 4 designed as described above.

[0171] The limiting device 8 is preferably designed to determine, define, and / or limit the emission region 9 of the emitter 5, the detection region 10 of the detector 6, the sensor region 11 of the sensor 7, and / or the sensing region 12 of the sensor device 4. In particular, the limiting device 8 is designed as an aperture for the emitter 5 and / or the detector 6.

[0172] For this purpose, the limiting device 8 of the illustrated example has or is formed by a barrier 13, which will be explained in more detail below. However, alternatively or additionally, the limiting device 8 can have one or more lenses, in particular focusing lenses (not shown), which in particular bring about a corresponding limitation of the emission region 9 and / or the detection region 10 by focusing the radiation R.

[0173] The emission region 9 of the emitter 5 is generally the range in which the emitter 5 can emit the radiation R. For example, the emission region 9 of the emitter 5 can be at least essentially conical and / or can be defined by one or (in the case of a non-conical emission region 9 in particular) a plurality of emission angles 9a.

[0174] The detection area 10 of the detector 6 is generally the range where the radiation R can reach the detector 6 and / or the range where the radiation R can be detected by the detector 6. For example, the detection area 10 of the detector 6 is at least essentially conical and / or can be defined by one or (especially in the case of a non-conical detection area 10) a plurality of detection angles 10a.

[0175] Preferably, the emitter 5 and / or the detector 6 each necessarily has a certain specific radiation area 9 or detection area 10. Preferably, this natural radiation area 9 and / or detection area 10 is respectively restricted or limited by the limiting device 8, or the limiting device 8 is designed for this purpose. Therefore, the terms "radiation area" and "detection area" in the sense of the present invention preferably refer to the radiation area 9 or detection area 10 defined or restricted by the limiting device 8, rather than referring to the natural radiation area 9 or detection area 10 of the emitter 5 or the detector 6 itself.

[0176] The radiation area 9 is shown in FIG. 5 by a V-shaped dotted line starting from the emitter 5. The dotted line represents the boundary of the radiation area 9 and is particularly defined by the limiting device 8. In particular, the radiation area 9 is an area surrounded or restricted by a line.

[0177] The detection area 10 is shown in FIG. 5 by a V-shaped dotted line starting from the detector 6. The dotted line represents the boundary of the detection area 10 and is particularly defined by the limiting device 8. In particular, the detection area 10 is an area surrounded or restricted by a line.

[0178] The radiation area 9 of the emitter 5 is preferably restricted by a (virtual) line, particularly the line shown by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 5. This line represents the optical path of the outermost light ray that can emerge from the sensor device 4 starting from the central point or geometric center of the radiation area of the emitter 5. In particular, the line represents the edge or boundary of the radiation area 9. In particular, the radiation area 9 is an area surrounded or restricted by a line.

[0179] As shown in FIG. 5, when the limiting device 8 is realized by the barrier 13, since these outermost beams are the beams not blocked by the limiting device 8 with the center point or geometric center as the starting point, the lines representing these beams in FIG. 5 are in contact with the edge or corner of the limiting device 8 or the barrier 13.

[0180] When the limiting device 8 has or is formed by a lens instead of or in addition to the barrier 13, these outermost light rays are the light rays passing from the center point or geometric center of the light emitting surface of the emitter 5 to the outermost edge of the lens.

[0181] The detection area 10 of the detector 6 is preferably limited by a (virtual) line, particularly the line shown by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 5. This line represents the optical path of the outermost light rays among the light rays that can reach the detection surface of the detector 6, particularly its center point or geometric center, from outside the sensor device 4. In particular, the line represents the edge or boundary of the detection area 10. In particular, the detection area 10 is an area surrounded or limited by the line.

[0182] As shown in FIG. 5, when the limiting device 8 is realized by the barrier 13, since these outermost light rays are not blocked by the limiting device 8 and thus can reach the center point or geometric center of the detection surface of the detector 6, the lines in FIG. 5 representing these light rays are in contact with the rim or edge or corner of the limiting device 8 or the barrier 13.

[0183] When the limiting device 8 has or is formed by a lens instead of or in addition to the barrier 13, these outermost light rays are the light rays that can pass from the outside of the sensor device 4 through the outermost edge of the lens and reach the center point or geometric center of the detection surface of the detector 6.

[0184] Preferably, the emission angle 9A is the angle between the lines (virtual, particularly outside where the sensor device 4 extends) representing the boundary of the emission region 9. This is particularly shown in FIG. 5.

[0185] Preferably, the detection angle 10A is the angle between lines (virtual, especially outside where the sensor device 4 extends) representing the boundaries of the detection region 10. This is shown in particular in FIG. 5.

[0186] In the above definitions of the emission region 9 and the detection region 10, an idealized approach was chosen and the center point or geometric center of the emission region or the detection region was referred to. In reality, however, it deviates from a point and forms an extended region (at least extremely small). As a result, in reality, the radiation R from the emitter 5 can also reach regions outside the emission region 9 defined above, and / or radiation R from outside the detection region 10 defined above can reach the detector 6, especially as scattered light. However, the above definitions of the emission region 9 and the detection region 10 remain unaffected thereby. Furthermore, the emission region 9 and the detection region 10 defined above also actually represent the region where most of the radiation R emitted by the emitter 5 is emitted, and / or the region where the radiation R can reach the detector 6.

[0187] The sensor region 11 of the sensor 7 is generally the region that can be inspected or sensed by the sensor 7. Preferably, only the object located in the sensor region 11 can be inspected by the sensor 7. In particular, the sensor region 11 of the sensor 7 is the region where the emission region 9 of the emitter 5 of the sensor 7 and the detection region 10 of the detector 6 of the sensor 7 overlap.

[0188] In FIG. 5, by way of example, the arrows show how the radiation R can pass from the emitter 5 to the detector 6. The arrows very schematically show the path of the light beam emitted by the emitter 5 to the detection region 10, thus the region where the emission region 9 and the detection region 10 overlap, and scattered or reflected in the direction of the detector 6 by an object not shown and reaching the detector 6 in this way.

[0189] In principle, deviating from the idealized view chosen here, in practice, it is possible for an object outside the sensor region 11 defined above to be at least partially detected or sensed by the sensor 7. On the one hand, this can be done because, as already mentioned above, in practice a small amount of radiation R can reach regions outside the defined radiation region 9 and / or radiation R from outside the defined detection region 10 can also reach the detector 6. However, on the other hand, for example in the case of multiple scattering in an object, it can also happen that an object or a part of the object is detected by a sensor 7 located outside the defined sensor region 11.

[0190] The sensing region 12 of the sensor device 4 is the range within which the sensor device 4 can inspect and / or detect / sense. In particular, the sensing region 12 includes, or is formed by, the radiation region 9, the detection region 10 and / or the sensor region 11.

[0191] Preferably, the sensing region 12 is the sum / whole of the sensor regions 11 of the sensors 7 of the sensor device 4.

[0192] The sensing region 12 can be formed by a continuous / connected region. This is the case when the sensor regions 11 of the sensors 7 of the sensor device 4 overlap.

[0193] However, it is also possible for the sensing region 12 to be unconnected, or to be formed by separate or unconnected regions or sensor regions 11. This is the case when at least a part of the sensor region 11 of the sensor 7 does not overlap with other sensor regions 11.

[0194] The sensing region 12 preferably has a boundary G. The boundary G is preferably formed by the edge or the entire edge of the sensor region 11. The boundary G is in particular the point or line where the radiation region 9 and the detection region 10 intersect. This is shown in particular in FIG. 5.

[0195] The sensing area 12 and / or its boundary G preferably has a distance X from the sensor device 4. In particular, it is possible to achieve or ensure the (minimum) penetration depth of the radiation R emitted by the emitter 5 and / or detected by the detector 6 into the leg 2 during the examination. In particular, this minimum penetration depth or distance X prevents the light reflected or scattered from the surface of the leg 2 from reaching the detector 6. Thereby, the accuracy and reliability of the examination, in particular blood pressure measurement, are improved.

[0196] The distance X is preferably the minimum distance from the sensor device 4 to the sensing area 12 or its boundary line G. Preferably, in particular as can be seen from FIG. 5, the boundary G of the sensing area 12 does not extend linearly or parallel to the sensor device 4. In a cross-sectional view as shown in FIG. 5, the boundary line G extends in a zigzag manner in particular. This is particularly due to the fact that the sensor area 11 of the sensor 7 preferably increases in a V-shape (in cross-section) as the distance from the sensor device 4 increases. As a result, the sensing area 12 preferably has different distances from the sensor device 4 at different positions of the sensor device 4, and the distance X is the minimum of these different distances.

[0197] The limiting device 8 is preferably designed such that the distance X from the sensor device 4 to the boundary G of the sensing area 12 is greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 1 mm, and / or less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, in particular less than 3 mm.

[0198] The limiting device 8 preferably limits the emission angle 9A of the emitter 5 and / or the detection angle 10A of the detector 6 to less than 90°, preferably less than 75°, in particular approximately 60° (in particular in the cross-sectional plane shown in FIG. 5). The cross-sectional plane shown in FIG. 5 is perpendicular to the plane defined by the matrix of the emitter 5 and the detector 6, and intersects the emitter 5 and the detector 6 along a row or a column of the matrix.

[0199] The limiting device 8 is preferably formed by one or more barriers 13. The barriers 13 are arranged between the emitter 5 and the detector 6. Preferably, the barriers 13 are arranged between each detector 6 and the respective adjacent emitter 5.

[0200] The barrier 13 is impermeable to the radiation R emitted by the emitter 5, particularly infrared radiation.

[0201] However, in principle, the limiting device 8 can also be realized in a way different from the barrier 13. For example, one or more lenses designed or arranged to focus or scatter the radiation R emitted by the emitter 5 and thus define the radiation area 9 and / or the radiation angle 9A can be assigned to the emitter 5. Alternatively or additionally, one or more lenses can be assigned to the detector 6 in a corresponding way, which are designed or arranged to bundle or scatter the radiation R to be detected by the detector 6, so that the detection area 10 and / or the detection angle 10A are defined in this way.

[0202] The barrier 13 is preferably arranged or designed to reach or be realized to reach the above-mentioned distance X of the boundary G of the detection range 8 from the sensor device 4.

[0203] The dimensions of the limiting device 8 or the barrier 13, particularly its height HB and / or width BB, and the distance DB of the limiting device 8 or the barrier 13 from the emitter 5 and the detector 6 and the distance D of the emitter 5 from the detector 6 are preferably matched to each other so that the radiation area 9 of the emitter 5 and the detection area 10 of the detector 6 overlap and reach or realize the above-mentioned distance X of the boundary G of the sensing area 12 from the sensor device 4 and / or the above-mentioned radiation angle 9A and / or detection angle 10A.

[0204] Preferably, the barrier 13 performs a plurality of functions and / or has a plurality of sections 13B, 13C that particularly realize these functions.

[0205] The function of the barrier 13 is preferably, in particular, to shield the detector 6 from the emitter 5 in such a way that the radiation R emitted by the emitter 5 cannot reach the detector 6 directly or without intermediate scattering and / or reflection. For this purpose, the barrier 13 preferably has a shielding section 13b. Accordingly, the shielding section 13B is preferably designed to shield the detector 6 from the emitter 5 or to prevent direct crosstalk from the emitter 5 to the detector 6. The shielding section 13B is preferably arranged between the emitter 5 and the detector 6. The shield section 13B preferably extends at least substantially parallel to the main radiation direction of the emitter 5 and / or transversely to the plane formed by the emitter 5 and the detector 6, in particular at least substantially perpendicular thereto.

[0206] Another function of the barrier 13 is preferably, as already mentioned above, to limit the radiation area 9, the detection area 10, the sensor area 11 and / or the sensing area 12. In other words, the barrier 13 and / or a part thereof preferably represents an aperture for the emitter 5 and / or the detector 6. For this purpose, the barrier 13 preferably has an aperture section 13C. The aperture section 13C is preferably designed and / or arranged such that the radiation area 9 of the emitter 5 and / or the detection area 10 of the detector 6 is limited or restricted, in particular in the manner described above. The aperture section 13C preferably forms an aperture. In particular, the aperture section 13C preferably extends transversely to the main radiation direction of the emitter 5, preferably at least substantially perpendicular thereto, and / or at least substantially parallel to the plane formed by the emitter 5 and the detector 6.

[0207] The shielding section 13B and the aperture 13C are preferably designed as an integral part and / or formed by different sections of the same component. In particular, the aperture section 13C can be wider than the shielding section 13B, so that, as shown in FIG. 5, a T-shaped cross-section of the barrier 13 is obtained. However, this is not essential.

[0208] The restriction device 8 and / or the barrier 13, in particular the aperture section 13C, preferably have a width BB greater than 1 mm, in particular greater than 2 mm, and / or less than 5 mm, in particular less than 4 mm. Furthermore, the restriction device 8 and / or the barrier 13 preferably have a height HB greater than 1 mm, preferably greater than 2 mm, and / or less than 5 mm, in particular less than 4 mm.

[0209] Preferably, the barrier 13 forms or delimits a region 13A that is transparent and / or translucent to the radiation R emitted by the emitter 5 and / or detected by the detector 6. Since these transparent regions 13A are each arranged corresponding to the emitter 5 and the detector 6, they are located above the emitter 5 and the detector 6 respectively in the sensor device 4, and the material located between the transparent regions 13A or the material surrounding the transparent regions 13A forms the restriction device 8 and / or the barrier 13. This is shown as an example in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0210] The inspection device 1 and / or the sensor device 4 preferably have a barrier element 13D. Preferably, the barrier element 13D has or forms one or more barriers 13.

[0211] The barrier element 13D is preferably an integral part, in particular a flat and / or plate-like part, having the transparent regions 13A.

[0212] The transparent regions 13A are preferably formed by through-holes in the barrier element 13D. However, in principle, alternatively or additionally, the transparent regions 13A can be formed by or include a material that is transparent to the radiation R emitted by the emitter 5 and / or detected by the detector 6, such as glass, plexiglass or the like.

[0213] In FIG. 6, the transparent regions 13A are shown as rectangles. However, deviating from this, the transparent regions 13A can in particular be circular.

[0214] The limiting device 8 and / or the barrier 13 and / or the barrier element 13D and / or the transparent region 13A preferably form a grid or lattice, in particular a grid aperture, corresponding to the emitter 5 and / or the detector 6.

[0215] Preferably, the sensor device 4 has a cover 14 that is transparent to the radiation R emitted by the emitter 5 and / or detected by the detector 6. The cover 14 can be made of glass, plexiglass, transparent plastic or the like.

[0216] Preferably, the cover 14 completely, continuously, and / or without gaps covers the sensor device 4.

[0217] The cover 14 is preferably designed to protect the sensor device 4 and / or the emitter 5 and / or the detector 6 from soiling and / or damage. The cover 14 preferably forms or has at least a substantially flat and / or uniform, in particular smooth, surface for supporting the legs 2.

[0218] Preferably, the cover 14 lies on top of the limiting device 8 or the barrier 13 and / or is in particular directly adjacent thereto. However, it is also possible for the limiting device 8 and / or the barrier 13 to have or form the cover 14 and / or for the cover 14 to be integrated into the limiting device 8 and / or the barrier 13 and / or the barrier element 13D. In particular, if the transparent region 13A is formed by or contains a transparent material, the cover 14 can be formed simultaneously by the barrier 13 and / or the barrier element 13D and / or an additional cover 14 can be omitted.

[0219] Preferably, the sensor device 4 and / or the cover 14 are in the same plane as the inspection device 1, in particular the upper surface and / or the mounting surface 3 of the inspection device 1, and / or the sensor device 4 and / or the cover 14 do not protrude from the mounting surface 3 and / or the upper surface.

[0220] Particularly preferably, the distance X from the sensor device 4 to the boundary G of the sensing area 12 is the distance from the cover 14 to the boundary G of the sensing area 12, in particular the distance from the side surface of the cover 14 facing outward from the emitter 5 and / or the detector 6, or corresponds thereto.

[0221] The cover 14 preferably has scratch resistance.

[0222] Preferably, the inspection device 1 has one or more detection elements for detecting the activity of the heart of the animal T, in particular for recording the electrocardiogram KG.

[0223] The electrocardiogram KG preferably represents the activity of the heart, in particular the activity of the animal T inspected by the inspection device 1, and / or contains information regarding the activity of the heart.

[0224] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the electrocardiogram KG.

[0225] In particular, the time at which the heartbeat or the occurrence of the heartbeat can be read from, derived from, or determined from the electrocardiogram KG.

[0226] The electrocardiogram KG is preferably an electrocardiogram. However, in principle, the electrocardiogram KG can also be an impedance electrocardiogram, a phonocardiogram, a ballistocardiogram, or the like.

[0227] The detection element is preferably formed by the electrode 15. However, in principle, the detection element can also be formed by, or can include, one or more microphones or other sound sensors or the like.

[0228] Preferably, the inspection device 1 thus has at least one electrode 15, preferably at least two electrodes 15. In the illustrated example, the inspection device 1 has three electrodes 15. However, in principle, the inspection device 1 can also have a significantly large number of electrodes 15.

[0229] Preferably, the heartbeat curve KG can be recorded by the electrode 15, and / or the electrode 15 is designed to record the heartbeat curve KG. In particular, the heartbeat curve KG is an electrocardiogram.

[0230] The electrode 15 is preferably flat and / or layered. In particular, the electrode 15 is made of a conductive material or has a conductive material.

[0231] Preferably, at least one of the electrodes 15 is designed as a tissue electrode. This is schematically shown by the hatching of the electrode 15 in FIG. 1. Preferably, all the electrodes 15 are designed as cloth electrodes. This has been found to be particularly advantageous for the examination of an animal T such as a cat or a dog, since the examination can be made particularly comfortable for the animal T. In particular, it has been found that the animal T is easily stimulated by a metallic and / or shiny surface, which can be avoided by using tissue electrodes.

[0232] Hereinafter, in order to clearly distinguish at least two electrodes 15, they are denoted as the first electrode 15A and the second electrode 15B. The electrodes 15A and 15B may be the same or may have different designs.

[0233] Therefore, the description referring to the first electrode 15A preferably also applies to the second electrode 15B, and vice versa.

[0234] Preferably, the electrodes 15A and 15B are each designed to contact the leg 2 of the animal T. Particularly preferably, the first electrode 15A is designed to contact the left front leg, and the second electrode 15B is designed to contact the right front leg.

[0235] Optionally, the inspection device 1 has a third electrode 15C. The third electrode 15C is preferably designed as a reference electrode or a current collecting electrode. The third electrode 15C is preferably designed to simultaneously contact a plurality of parts of the body of the animal T to be inspected, particularly a plurality of legs 2, particularly two hind legs of the animal T.

[0236] The electrode 15 is preferably arranged such that when the animal T is placed on the inspection device 1, particularly in a natural posture for the animal T such as a sitting or lying position, one leg 2 of the animal T contacts one of the electrodes 15. By doing so, the inspection can be carried out particularly comfortably for the animal T.

[0237] The arrangement, size and design of the electrode 15 are preferably adapted to the anatomical structure of the animal T to be inspected, particularly a pet cat, such that the inspection can be carried out in a natural, preferably comfortable position for the animal T and / or such that the animal T can move freely with respect to the electrode 15 during the inspection.

[0238] The electrodes 15, particularly the first electrode 15A and the second electrode 15B, are preferably arranged at a distance DE greater than 2 cm, particularly greater than 5 cm, and / or less than 25 cm, particularly less than 20 cm, particularly preferably less than 15 cm, and most preferably approximately 10 cm.

[0239] The distance DE between the two electrodes 15 is particularly referred to as the distance DE between the center points or geometric centers of the electrodes 15 or their surfaces. This is schematically shown in FIG. 1.

[0240] The distance DE of the first electrode 15A from the second electrode 15B, particularly for the electrodes 15, is preferably fixed and / or not variable. In other words, the electrodes 15 are preferably arranged at a fixed distance DE from each other and / or cannot move relative to each other. Particularly preferably, the distance DE of the first electrode 15A from the second electrode 15B, particularly for the electrodes 15, corresponds to the distance between the front legs in the natural posture of the animal T, particularly a pet cat or a pet dog, particularly in a sitting and / or lying position, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 2. Thereby, the inspection of the animal T can be carried out in a natural position for the animal T and thus a comfortable position. This results in a particularly comfortable inspection for the animal T.

[0241] (Each of the) electrodes 15A, 15B is preferably greater than 10 cm 2 and particularly greater than 15 cm 2Greater than and / or 100 cm 2 Less than, particularly 80 cm 2 Less than, particularly preferably 50 cm 2 Having an area less than...

[0242] The third electrode 15C preferably has an area greater than 50 cm 2 Particularly greater than 100 cm 2 Greater than and / or 1000 cm 2 Less than, preferably 500 cm 2 Less than, particularly 200 cm 2 Having an area less than...

[0243] The third electrode 15C preferably has a larger area than the first electrode 15A and / or the second electrode 15B, particularly larger by a factor of 2 or 3, and particularly preferably larger by a factor of 4 than the area of the first electrode 15A and / or the second electrode 15B.

[0244] Preferably, the first electrode 15A is disposed on the leg 2, particularly the left front leg or the right front leg, such that the first electrode 15A can record the heartbeat curve KG, and simultaneously perform an optical inspection, and / or the sensor device 4 can record the curve K, particularly the photoplethysmogram.

[0245] FIG. 7 shows, by way of illustration, the leg 2 positioned such that the first electrode 15A can record the heartbeat curve KG and simultaneously perform an optical inspection, and / or the sensor device 4 can record the curve K.

[0246] In other words, the first electrode 15A is preferably arranged such that the first electrode 15A can record the heartbeat curve KG and simultaneously the sensor device 4 can perform an optical inspection, particularly photoplethysmography, on the same leg 2 of the animal T, by positioning the leg 2 of the animal T on top of the sensor device 4.

[0247] For this purpose, the first electrode 15A is preferably arranged in the immediate vicinity of the sensor device 4 and / or the emitter 5 and / or the detector 6, and / or integrated into the sensor device 4. Preferably, the sensor device 4 has the first electrode 15A.

[0248] The first electrode 15A is preferably designed as a tissue electrode.

[0249] A tissue electrode is preferably an electrode having or formed by a thin fabric. In particular, in the case of a tissue electrode, the contact surface that contacts a part of the body, especially the leg 2, has or is formed by a thin fabric. The thin fabric is preferably a conductive thin fabric, for example, a thin fabric incorporating conductive yarns and / or a thin fabric coated with a conductive layer.

[0250] The first electrode 15A is preferably arranged on the sensor device 4 and / or on the cover 14, particularly preferably on the side surface of the cover 14 facing outward from the emitter 5 and the detector 6. This is particularly shown in FIGS. 5 to 7.

[0251] However, if the cover 14 is not provided, the first electrode 15A can also be arranged directly on the restriction device 8 and / or the barrier 13, and / or can have or form the cover 14 or a part thereof.

[0252] The first electrode 15A is preferably arranged only on the side opposite to the barrier 13 in a projection perpendicular to the plane formed by the emitter 5 and the detector 6 and / or the cover 14 and / or the emitter 5 and the detector 6. Alternatively or additionally, the electrode 15A is transparent to the radiation R emitted by the emitter 5. Thereby, the optical inspection of the animal T and / or the leg 2 by the sensor device 4 is not affected by the first electrode 15A.

[0253] Preferably, the first electrode 15A is designed as an integral part and is in particular flat plate-shaped or plate-like and / or mat-shaped or mat-like.

[0254] The first electrode 15A preferably has a region 16 that is transparent to the radiation R emitted by the emitter 5 and / or detected by the detector 6. Since these transparent regions 16 are arranged corresponding to the emitter 5 and the detector 6, they are located above the emitter 5 and the detector 6 respectively (in a projection perpendicular to the plane of the emitter 5 and / or the detector 6 and / or the cover 14).

[0255] This is shown in particular in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0256] The transparent region 13A of the first electrode 15A is preferably formed by a through-hole in the electrode 15A. In principle, alternatively or additionally, the transparent region 16 or the entire first electrode 15A can be formed of or include a material that is transparent to the radiation R emitted by the emitter 5 and / or detected by the detector 6.

[0257] The first electrode 15A and / or the transparent region 16 preferably form a grid or grid corresponding to the emitter 5 and / or the detector 6.

[0258] In particular, as an alternative or addition to the restriction device 8 and / or the barrier 13, the electrode 15A can be designed to restrict or define the radiation region 9 and / or the detection region 10, in particular by the transparent region 13A and the opaque material arranged therebetween. In particular, the first electrode 15A can form or have one or more apertures for the emitter 5 and / or the detector 6. In this sense, the electrode 15A can in particular form or have the restriction device 8 and / or the barrier 13 or a part thereof.

[0259] The electrode 15 is preferably designed to be scratch-resistant so that it cannot be scratched by the pet cat or dog being examined or its claws.

[0260] The electrode 15 can be manufactured and / or applied to the inspection device 1 and / or the sensor device 4, in particular the cover 14 or the barrier 13, by means of adhesion, printing, spraying, vapor deposition (in particular physical vapor deposition (PVD)), chemical vapor deposition, in particular plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition, selective electroplating, indium tin oxide coating, doping of a transparent carrier material with conductive particles or the like.

[0261] Optionally, the inspection device 1 has a positioning aid 24. The positioning aid 24 is designed to assist in the correct positioning of the animal T or the leg 2 for the inspection. In particular, the positioning aid 24 is designed to indicate or mark an area for positioning the leg 2 or a plurality of legs 2, in particular the left front leg and / or the right front leg. The positioning aid 24 is preferably arranged near the sensor device 4 and / or preferably surrounds the sensor device 4. Alternatively or additionally, the position of one or more of the electrodes 15 can be indicated by the positioning aid 24.

[0262] The positioning aid 24 is preferably formed by a raised or recessed portion of the inspection device 1 and / or the mounting surface 3. The positioning aid 24 can, for example, be funnel-shaped or have the shape of a funnel.

[0263] However, the positioning aid 24 is merely optional and not essential.

[0264] Optionally, the inspection device 1 can also have a feeding location (not shown), whereby the animal T can be fed or can feed during the inspection. For example, the feeding location can have or be formed by a food bowl or cup and / or a drinking bottle.

[0265] The inspection device 1 preferably has a circuit board 17, in particular a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0266] Preferably, the circuit board 17 holds the sensor device 4 and / or the sensor device 4 is arranged on the circuit board 17.

[0267] Preferably, the circuit board 17 holds the first and / or second electrodes 15A, 15B or the first and / or second electrodes 15A, 15B are arranged on the circuit board 17. Optionally, the circuit board 17 further holds the third electrode 15C and / or the third electrode 15C is also arranged on the circuit board 17.

[0268] The circuit board 17 preferably has or forms the peripheral devices and / or electrical circuitry necessary for the operation of the sensor device 4, in particular the emitter 5 and / or the detector 6 and / or the sensor 7, and the electrodes 15A, 15B, and for the evaluation of the signals measured by the detector 6 and / or the electrodes 15.

[0269] The inspection device 1 preferably has a scale 18. The scale 18 is preferably an electronic scale 18.

[0270] The scale 18 is preferably designed to measure the weight of the animal T positioned or arranged on the inspection device 1.

[0271] The inspection device 1 and / or the scale 18 are preferably designed to perform body fat measurement, i.e., to determine the body fat percentage of the animal T on the scale 18. The body fat measurement or determination of the body fat percentage is preferably carried out via bioimpedance measurement. In particular, two or more of the electrodes 15, 15A, 15B, 15C can be used for this purpose.

[0272] The inspection device 1 preferably has a force sensor 18A. The force sensor 18A is preferably designed to measure or detect the force exerted on the inspection device 1 by the animal T, in particular gravity.

[0273] The force sensor 18A can form part of the scale 18 or be integrated into the scale 18, but can also be provided instead of or in addition to the scale 18.

[0274] The force sensor 18A can be designed, for example, as a piezo element or a strain gauge or the like.

[0275] The inspection device 1 can also have a plurality of force sensors 18A of the same type or kind in particular. Preferably, one or more force sensors 18A are arranged under the sensor device 4, under the placement surface 3, and / or under the electrode 15 (respectively), and / or the force sensor 18A is integrated into the sensor device 4 and / or the placement surface 3 and / or the electrode 15. In particular, the force sensor 18A can be designed in such an arrangement to determine and / or assist in determining the presence and / or positioning of the animal T.

[0276] The inspection device 1 preferably has a display device 19. The display device 19 is designed in particular for optical display. The display device 19 is preferably formed by a display, for example, an LCD display, an LED display, an OLED display, etc.

[0277] The display device 19 is preferably designed to display values measured or determined by the inspection device 1, such as a heartbeat curve KG, a heart rate, a blood pressure BP, a body weight, a body fat percentage, or the like. In particular, the display of the blood pressure BP and the heartbeat curve KG by the display device 19 is schematically shown in FIG. 1.

[0278] Alternatively or additionally, the display device 19 can be designed for user guidance, for example, to display instructions, selection menus, error messages, warning messages, or the like regarding the operation or use of the inspection device 1.

[0279] Furthermore, the inspection device 1 preferably has an input device 20. The input device 20 is preferably designed for the setting and / or adjustment and / or control of the inspection device 1. The input device 20 is preferably arranged in the immediate vicinity of the display device 19 and / or integrated into the display device 19.

[0280] For example, the input device 20 can be formed by one or more keys, buttons, switches or the like. However, the display device 19 is designed as a touch display or a touch-sensitive display, such that the display device 19 has or forms the input device 20 and / or the input device 20 is integrated into the display device 19.

[0281] The inspection device 1 preferably has a power supply device 21. The power supply device 21 is designed to supply electrical energy to the inspection device 1.

[0282] Preferably, the power supply device 21 has an energy storage device for storing electrical energy, such as an accumulator, a battery or the like. In particular, the power supply device 21 is designed to charge an accumulator or a battery, particularly preferably for inductive charging. For this purpose, the power supply device 21 preferably has a corresponding charging device. Alternatively or additionally, the power supply device 21 can also have or form a connection for connecting the power supply device 21 to an external power supply, such as a household power supply. In particular, the connection can comprise or form a charging device or a part thereof.

[0283] The inspection device 1 preferably has the inspection device 1 and / or a control device 25 for controlling the inspection. The control device 25 is preferably formed by a processor P and / or preferably has a processor P. The processor P is preferably a microprocessor. The control device 25 and / or the processor P are preferably designed to control the sensor device 4, in particular the emitter 5, the detector 6 and / or the sensor 7, to control the electrode 15 and / or to control the scale 18.

[0284] Accordingly, the control device 25 is preferably coupled to the sensor device 4, the emitter 5, the detector 6, the sensor 7, the electrode 15, the scale 18 and / or the force sensor 18A.

[0285] Furthermore, the power supply device 21 is preferably designed to supply power to the control device 25. In particular, the control device 25 is coupled to the power supply device 21.

[0286] The control device 25 is preferably designed to control the display device 19 and / or is coupled to the display device 19. Preferably, the control device 25 is coupled to the input device 20 and / or can be operated by the input device 20.

[0287] The control device 25 is preferably designed to process and / or transfer signals measured by the sensor device 4 and / or the electrode 15.

[0288] The inspection device 1 preferably has a memory and / or a storage medium 26 for data storage. Preferably, the storage medium 26 is coupled to the control device 25. In particular, the storage medium 26 is designed for at least temporary storage of signals measured by the sensor device 4 and / or the electrode 15.

[0289] The storage medium 26 can have and / or can be formed by a plurality of separate components.

[0290] Preferably, the storage medium 26 has one or more permanently attached memory modules and / or storage elements such as, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a RAM module and / or a flash memory or the like.

[0291] Alternatively or additionally, the storage medium 26 can have or be formed by one or more storage elements separate from and / or connectable to the inspection device 1, such as a USB stick or the like.

[0292] In principle, the storage medium 26 can be formed by or can comprise one or more arbitrary storage devices for storing electronic data such as a CD-ROM, a hard disk, a USB memory, a flash memory, a cloud memory, an external database, or other computer equipment separate from or external to the inspection device 1, and / or a mobile terminal device having an integrated memory such as a PC, a data center, a supercomputer, a cloud computer, a server, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop or the like.

[0293] The inspection device 1 is preferably designed for the analysis and / or evaluation of signals measured by the electrodes 15, the sensor device 4 and / or the scale 18. The evaluation of the signals is preferably carried out by the control device 25 and / or the processor P and / or is thereby controlled in particular by using the storage medium 26.

[0294] The inspection device 1 preferably has an interface device 22 for connecting the inspection device 1 to one or more external devices 23. The interface device 22 can have a plurality of particularly different interfaces. The interface can be a wired or wireless interface. For example, the interface device can have one or more serial interfaces, one or more USB interfaces, one or more HDMI interfaces, and / or some or more other interfaces, which are particularly designed for (especially wired) data exchange between the external device 23 and the inspection device 1. Alternatively or additionally, the interface device 22 can also have one or more wireless interfaces such as a WiFi interface, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface, particularly a Bluetooth Low Energy interface (BLE interface), an NFC interface or the like.

[0295] In other words, the inspection device 1 is preferably designed to exchange data with the external device 23, particularly using the interface device 22.

[0296] The inspection device 1 is preferably designed to transmit data or signals measured by the sensor device 4 and / or the electrode 15 and / or results or evaluations determined based on these data or signals to the external device 23, particularly by the interface device 22.

[0297] The external device 23 is preferably a device that is separate from the inspection device 1, particularly physically separated.

[0298] The external device 23 can be designed to control the inspection device 1 and / or record, evaluate, analyze, display, or output in other ways the signals and / or data measured by the inspection device 1 and / or the results transmitted by the inspection device 1. Preferably, as schematically shown in FIG. 8, the external device 23 is designed to display the electrocardiogram KG and / or the blood pressure BP.

[0299] The external device 23 is preferably designed as a mobile end device such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc. and / or as a PC, server, computer network, cloud, internet portal, application, and / or other computer devices.

[0300] Alternatively or additionally, the external device 23 is designed as a storage medium 26 such as a memory stick. In particular, the external device 23 can form or have the storage medium 26 or a part thereof.

[0301] Preferably, the inspection device 1 has the external device 23, or the external device 23 forms part of the inspection device 1, or the external device 23 is assigned to the inspection device 1.

[0302] Preferably, the evaluation of the signals measured by the inspection device 1, in particular by the sensor device 4 and / or the electrodes 15, 15A, 15B, 15C, is carried out in the inspection device 1 itself or by the inspection device 1 itself. Alternatively or additionally, the evaluation or part thereof can also be carried out outside the inspection device 1 and / or by the external device 23.

[0303] In FIG. 8, the wiring of the electrode 15 and the processing of the signals measured by the sensor device 4 and the electrode 15 are shown in a schematic representation in the form of a block diagram.

[0304] The inspection device 1 preferably has a preprocessing device 27. The preprocessing device 27 preferably has an amplifier, particularly a differential amplifier, or is formed by an amplifier. The differential amplifier is particularly preferably formed by an operational amplifier or has such an amplifier. However, other solutions are also possible.

[0305] The preprocessing device 27 is preferably coupled or connected to the electrode 15 and is particularly designed to preprocess the signals measured by the electrodes 15, 15A, 15B, 15C. In particular, the preprocessing device 27 amplifies the difference between the signals measured at different electrodes 15, particularly the voltage such as the bioelectric potential, and is particularly preferably designed to amplify the difference between the signal measured at the first electrode 15A and the signal measured at the second electrode 15B.

[0306] Optionally, the electrode 15 is coupled to the preprocessing device 27 via a capacitance or a capacitor. This is shown by the capacitance symbol within the dotted box in FIG. 8.

[0307] Furthermore, the preprocessing device 27 is preferably designed to filter the signals measured by the electrode 15.

[0308] Preferably, although merely optional, the preprocessing device 27 has a common-mode rejection device 28.

[0309] The common-mode rejection device 28 is preferably designed to suppress or filter the DC current component or the DC voltage component of the signals measured by various electrodes 15.

[0310] The inspection device 1 preferably has an A / D converter 29. The A / D converter 29 is preferably designed to convert the signals preprocessed by the electrode 15 and possibly by the preprocessing device 27, particularly analog signals, into digital signals. The A / D converter 29 is preferably downstream of the preprocessing device 27.

[0311] The signal measured by electrode 15, in particular the cardiogram KG recorded by electrode 15, is preferably further evaluated and / or processed, especially after conversion into a digital signal. In particular, the usability check can be carried out, for example, by the checking device 29A. During the usability check, preferably, it is determined whether the cardiogram KG is useful, i.e., whether it can be evaluated meaningfully and / or whether it contains useful information. This is schematically shown by the box in the lower right corner in FIG. 8.

[0312] Preferably, the inspection device 1 comprises one or more further preprocessing devices 30 as an alternative to or in addition to the preprocessing device 27. The preprocessing device 30 is preferably designed for the preprocessing of the signal S measured by the sensor device 4 or the detector 6 and / or the sensor 7.

[0313] The preprocessing device 30 preferably has an amplifier 31. The amplifier 31 is preferably designed to amplify the signal S measured by the detector 6 or the sensor 7. In particular, the amplifier 31 is a transimpedance amplifier and / or converts current into voltage.

[0314] Preferably, the preprocessing device 30 has a filter device 32 for filtering the signal S amplified especially by the amplifier 31.

[0315] The filter device 32 preferably has a plurality of different electrical filters. In particular, the filter device 32 can have or form one or more passive filters and / or one or more active filters. The filter device 32 can have or form, for example, one or more band-pass filters, band-stop filters, high-pass filters and / or low-pass filters.

[0316] Preferably, a preprocessing device 30 is assigned to each detector 6 or sensor 7, or each detector 6 or sensor 7 has a preprocessing device 30.

[0317] Preferably, the evaluation of the signal S measured by the sensor device 4 and preferably preprocessed by the preprocessing device 30, in particular the curve K, is carried out together with the heartbeat curve KG and / or taking into account the heartbeat curve KG.

[0318] Subsequently, the result of the evaluation can be transferred to the external device 23, for example, as already schematically shown in FIG. 8 above.

[0319] The inspection device 1 is preferably designed to execute the method described below. Alternatively or additionally, the inspection device 1 can be used to execute the method described below. This use can also be realized independently of a further aspect of the present invention.

[0320] In particular, the inspection device 1 has means for executing the steps of the method. These means preferably comprise or are formed by a computer program.

[0321] According to another aspect, the computer program and / or instructions are stored in the computer-readable storage medium 26 or the computer-readable storage medium 26 contains the computer program and / or instructions.

[0322] The means and / or the computer program preferably contain instructions that cause the test device 1 to execute the described method during execution.

[0323] For a medical examination by the inspection device 1, in particular for blood pressure measurement, it is preferably intended to place the animal T, in particular a pet cat or dog, on the inspection device 1. In particular, the animal T is placed completely on the inspection device 1, that is, preferably, so that all limbs, in particular the legs 2, are on the inspection device 1 and / or so that the entire weight of the animal T is carried by the inspection device 1.

[0324] Particularly preferably, the animal T is positioned on the inspection device 1 such that the legs 2 of the animal T, particularly the front legs, rest on the sensor device 4 and / or are located directly above the sensor device 4, and / or the curve K containing information on the arterial blood flow BF can be recorded for the legs 2.

[0325] Preferably, the animal T is positioned such that each of the electrodes 15, 15A, 15B, 15C contacts a body part of the animal T, particularly the legs 2, so that the electrocardiogram curve KG can be recorded by the electrode 15. In particular, when one of the front legs of the animal T contacts the first electrode 15A, the other leg contacts the second electrode 15B, and when the inspection device 1 has a third electrode 15C, one or both of the hind legs are positioned to contact the third electrode 15C.

[0326] After positioning the animal T, preferably, a medical examination and / or a blood pressure measurement is started. Optionally, after positioning the animal T, it is possible to wait a little first so that the animal T can calm down, and the medical examination and / or the blood pressure measurement is started only after the waiting time. In particular, the curve K containing information on the arterial blood flow BF of the animal T is recorded for the medical examination or the blood pressure measurement. This curve K is particularly a photoplethysmogram.

[0327] In the lower part of FIG. 9, the curve K is shown as an example.

[0328] Particularly preferably, reflectance measurements are performed to record the curve K, or the inspection device 1 is designed for this purpose. This particularly means that the sensor device 4 is arranged only on one side of the leg 2 and / or does not have components arranged on the opposite side of the leg 2.

[0329] Preferably, the inspection or measurement is performed using radiation R in the infrared region.

[0330] Particularly preferably, the inspection device 1 records the electrocardiogram curve KG of the animal T simultaneously with the recording of the curve K containing information on the arterial blood flow BF of the animal T.

[0331] In the upper part of FIG. 9, a heartbeat curve KG is shown as an example.

[0332] Preferably, the presence and / or positioning of the animal T can be determined or is determined by the inspection device 1. In particular, this is done by evaluating the signals measured by the sensor device 4, the electrodes 15 and / or the scale 18. Preferably, the determination of the presence and / or positioning of the animal T is made before recording the curve K containing information on the arterial blood flow BF. However, the determination of the presence and / or positioning is not essential and can also be omitted.

[0333] The determination of the presence and / or positioning of the animal T is preferably carried out in a plurality of steps.

[0334] In the first step, preferably, it is determined whether the animal T is present on the inspection device 1. Optionally, the inspection device 1 can automatically switch from the energy-saving mode to the operating mode when the presence is detected.

[0335] In the second step, which can also be carried out simultaneously with the first step, preferably, it is checked or determined whether the animal T is arranged on the inspection device 1 so that a medical examination can be carried out.

[0336] In the third step, which can be carried out simultaneously with the first and / or second steps or instead of the second step, preferably, it is determined on which sensor 7 of the sensor device 4 the leg 2 or another body part of the animal T is positioned and / or with which sensor 7 of the sensor device 4 a medical examination can be carried out.

[0337] Preferably, the presence and / or positioning of the animal T is determined by the electrodes 15. This is done in particular by resistance measurement. The resistance measured by the electrodes 15 changes in particular depending on whether the electrodes 15 are in contact with the leg 2 of the animal T or not. In this way, it is possible to determine whether the leg 2 of the animal T is in contact with the electrodes 15 and / or which of the electrodes 15 it is in contact with. Thereby, it is possible to determine whether the animal T is correctly and / or completely positioned on the inspection device 1 so that the electrocardiogram KG can be recorded by the electrodes 15 in particular.

[0338] Alternatively or additionally, the presence of the animal T can be determined by the scale 18 and / or the force sensor 18A. In particular, for this purpose, a force or weight threshold can be specified or made specifiable. In this case, the force or weight threshold is preferably selected to exceed the threshold when a pet cat or dog or other animal T to be examined is placed on the inspection device 1. Therefore, exceeding the weight threshold indicates the presence of the animal T. Falling below the weight threshold indicates that the animal T is not positioned on the inspection device 1 and / or is only partially positioned on the inspection device 1 or is not positioned on the inspection device 1 in the intended manner.

[0339] By a suitable arrangement of the force sensor 18A, it is also possible to determine by the force sensor 18A preferably whether the electrodes 15 and / or the sensor device 4 are being contacted by the animal T and / or which of the electrodes 15 and / or the sensor device 4 is being contacted.

[0340] Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device 4 can determine whether the leg 2 or other part of the body of the animal T is located directly above the sensor device 4 and / or whether the leg 2 and / or the body part is arranged so that it can be optically inspected by the sensor device 4, in particular whether a photoplethysmogram can be executed. This is preferably done by comparing the signal S measured by the sensor 7 of the sensor device 4.

[0341] The comparison of the signal S measured by the sensor 7 and / or the detector 6 is preferably carried out using the emitter 5 that is activated or switched on or emitting, but it is also possible to carry out the comparison with the emitter 5 switched off.

[0342] By comparing the signals S from different sensors 7 and / or detectors 6, preferably, it is possible to determine in which position the leg 2 is. In particular, preferably, the shape and / or positioning of the leg 2 can be modeled.

[0343] When the leg 2 is located on the sensor device 4, preferably, some regions of the sensor device 4 and / or some of the sensors 7 are covered by the leg 2, and other regions and / or sensors 7 are not covered by the leg 2. In particular, this results in differences in the brightness and / or radiation R measured by the individual sensors 7. For the inspection by the sensor device 4, preferably, the leg 2 is positioned on the sensor device 4 such that the sensor 7 or at least one sensor 7 is completely covered by the leg 2. In this way, it is possible that ambient light cannot reach the sensor 7 or its detector 6, and only the radiation R emitted by the emitter 5 of the sensor 7 or one of the emitters 5 and scattered towards the detector 6 at the leg 2 reaches.

[0344] The comparison of different sensors 7 and / or the signals S measured by the sensor 7 is preferably carried out by creating a difference between the signals S of different sensors 7.

[0345] Alternatively or additionally, the determination of the position or presence by the sensor device 4 can be carried out by examining whether the signal S measured by the sensor device 4 exceeds or falls below a threshold value, in particular the absolute signal intensity.

[0346] Preferably, the threshold represents absolute brightness. In this way, in particular, it is possible to determine whether the leg 2 of the animal T and / or any other body part is located above the sensor 7 of the sensor device 4 and / or above which sensor 7 of the sensor device 4 the leg 2 or any other body part is located.

[0347] In particular, exceeding the threshold indicates that no part of the body of the animal T is above the sensor device 4 or the sensor 7, and / or falling below the threshold indicates that the leg 2 or another part of the body of the animal T is located above the sensor device 4 and / or the sensor 7 so that the curve K can be recorded.

[0348] Alternatively or additionally, the wavelength of the radiation R measured by the detector 6 or the sensor 7 can be analyzed. Preferably, the emitter 5 is designed to emit radiation R of a specific wavelength or a narrow wavelength range. In other words, the emitter 5 preferably has a narrow spectrum. In contrast, ambient light such as sunlight and / or artificially generated light for indoor lighting usually has a broad spectrum, i.e., a plurality of different wavelengths, which are particularly outside the wavelength range emitted by the emitter 5. Therefore, by spectral analysis of the radiation R detected by the detector 6 or the sensor 7, it is possible to preferably determine whether the sensor 7 is covered by the leg 2 or whether ambient light is measured.

[0349] If it is found that the leg 2 is located only above some of the sensors 7 of the sensor device 4 and, in particular, not above all of the sensors 7 of the sensor device 4, these sensors 7 can be selected for inspection and / or for recording a curve K containing information about the arterial blood flow BF.

[0350] For the purpose of presence and / or positioning by means of the sensor device 4, in particular, a scan or search can be carried out by means of the sensor 7, during which different sensors 7 and / or emitters 5 are successively activated or switched on. In particular, the influence of ambient light can be determined by comparing the signal S measured in this way and / or with the emitter 5 switched on with the signal S measured with the emitter 5 switched off.

[0351] After presence and / or positioning and / or sensor selection, preferably a medical examination, in particular a blood pressure measurement, is continued by means of the sensor device 4 and / or the electrode 15, and thus in particular preferably a recording of a curve K containing information on the arterial blood flow BF by means of the sensor device 4 and / or a recording of an electrocardiogram KG by means of the electrode 15 is continued. The medical examination preferably continues only if the presence and / or positioning indicates that the animal T can be placed on the examination device 1 so that it can be medically examined by means of the sensor device 4 and / or the electrode 15. Preferably, if the presence and / or position detection is successful, the examination is automatically started.

[0352] However, it is also possible to carry out the examination without performing presence and / or position detection and / or sensor selection.

[0353] In particular, a curve K containing information on the arterial blood flow BF of the animal T is recorded by means of the sensor device 4. This is done by positioning the leg 2 on the sensor device 4 such that the radiation R emitted by one or more emitters 5 enters the leg 2 and is scattered and / or reflected by one or more detectors 6. In particular, the time course of the signal S captured by the detector 6 and / or the sensor 7 is recorded.

[0354] Preferably, the time course of the signal S recorded by the detector 6 and / or the sensor 7 is called a curve K, in particular a photoplethysmogram.

[0355] The radiation R emitted by the emitter 5 is scattered and / or reflected within the leg 2 during the examination of the leg 2 and can thus reach the detector 6. This is shown as an example in FIG. 7. The signal S detected by the detector 6 thus corresponds to the scattering, reflection and / or absorption of the radiation R emitted by the emitter 5 within the leg 2. Here, the scattering, reflection and / or absorption depends in particular on the volume of blood and / or the oxygen saturation of the blood in the blood vessels extending within the leg 2.

[0356] The scattering, reflection and / or absorption measured by the detector 6 and / or the sensor 7 and thus the curve K is composed of a component that is at least approximately constant over time and a component that varies over time.

[0357] The fact that the time course of the signal S recorded by the detector 6 or the sensor 7 is constant is caused in particular by the tissue surrounding the blood vessels such as muscle, nerve, tendon, bone and / or skin, and the scattering and / or absorption by this tissue preferably does not change or changes only to a small extent. In particular, this component that is at least approximately constant over time is not correlated with the heartbeat of the animal T. The blood flowing in the veins can also contribute to this at least approximately constant component.

[0358] The component that varies over time is preferably caused at least essentially by the arterial blood flow BF, i.e., the time variation of the blood flowing in the artery A. The artery A is the blood vessel through which the blood is carried from the heart. The volume or volumetric flow rate of the blood flowing in the artery A and the oxygen saturation of the blood in the artery A change in a manner correlated with the heartbeat. In particular, the absorption and / or scattering of the blood in the artery A depends not only on the volume or blood flow rate of the blood in the artery A but also on the oxygen content or oxygen saturation of the blood in the artery A.

[0359] Preferably, the curve feature is determined by the curve K. The curve feature is in particular the pulse wave propagation time, and particularly preferably, it is the time interval between the heartbeat and the time when the pulse wave due to this heartbeat reaches a specific position of the artery A. Here, the pressure wave passing through the artery A is called the pulse wave.

[0360] However, in principle, another curve feature can be used instead of the pulse wave propagation time. The curve feature is preferably a feature of curve K or curve section KA, related to and / or correlated with the pulse wave propagation time and / or blood pressure. In particular, the curve feature is a feature capable of measuring blood pressure. The curve feature is particularly preferably a feature of curve K and / or curve section KA corresponding to the course of curve K and / or curve section KA and / or including information regarding the shape of curve K and / or curve section KA.

[0361] For the determination of the curve feature and / or the pulse wave propagation time, it is advantageous to record the heartbeat curve KG simultaneously with curve K. This particularly facilitates the determination of the time when the heartbeat and / or the pulse wave starts at the heart. However, in principle, it is also possible to determine the curve feature or the pulse wave propagation time without simultaneously recording the heartbeat curve KG, for example, by autocorrelation of curve K or the like.

[0362] Curve K is preferably segmented into curve sections KA. This is done in such a way that curve section KA corresponds to the heartbeat, preferably such that each curve section KA exactly corresponds to one heartbeat. However, other solutions are possible here. Particularly preferably, curve section KA starts at the time of the first heartbeat and ends at the time of a further heartbeat immediately after the first heartbeat.

[0363] Segmenting curve K into curve sections KA is preferably automated or performed in an automated manner.

[0364] Particularly preferably, curve K is segmented into curve sections KA using the information of the heartbeat curve KG recorded simultaneously with curve K. However, in principle, other methods are also conceivable.

[0365] Using the heart rate curve KG to slice / divide the curve K into the curve sections KA is particularly advantageous because the time TH of the heart rate can be determined particularly easily and reliably in the heart rate curve KG, and the curve K can be divided at this time TH or based on this time TH.

[0366] Preferably, the time TH of the heart rate is determined based on the heart rate curve KG, and the curve K at these times TH is divided into the curve sections KA. Preferably, each curve section KA starts at a time TH of a certain heart rate and ends at the time TH of the next immediately following heart rate.

[0367] In FIG. 9, different QRS complexes of the heart rate curve KG are marked. One QRS complex preferably represents one heart rate.

[0368] Preferably, the position of one or more QRS complexes of the heart rate curve KG is used to divide the curve K into the curve sections KA. In particular, the QRS complexes of the heart rate curve KG are used to determine the time TH of the heart rate. Preferably, the curve K is divided into the curve sections KA at the time TH determined by the QRS complexes. In other words, the QRS complexes or a part thereof are information on the means by which the curve K is divided into the sections KA.

[0369] The QRS complex preferably has three peaks, particularly the Q peak, the R peak and the S peak.

[0370] The Q peak indicates the first, particularly negative or downward deflection or peak of the QRS complex.

[0371] The R peak indicates the deflection or peak of the QRS complex following the Q peak, particularly in the negative direction or downward.

[0372] The S peak indicates the deflection or peak of the QRS complex following the R peak, particularly positive or upward.

[0373] In particular, the position of the R peak or the position of the maximum value of the R peak can be used as the heart rate time TH. This is shown as an example in FIG. 9.

[0374] As an alternative to using the R peak as the heart rate time TH, it is also conceivable to use another structure or another characteristic point of the heart rate curve KG, such as the Q peak, the S peak, the midpoint or inflection point between two peaks, in particular the R peak and the S peak, or the like, as the heart rate time TH.

[0375] Preferably, the curve characteristics and / or the pulse wave propagation time are determined by the curve K. This is done in particular based on a plurality or a large number of curve sections KA.

[0376] Instead of or in addition to determining the pulse wave propagation time, the pulse wave propagation speed can be determined. The pulse wave propagation speed is the quotient of the distance traveled by the pulse wave and the pulse wave propagation time required to travel this distance. In particular, the pulse wave propagation speed can be used as a variable in the correlation function for determining the blood pressure BP from the pulse wave propagation time instead of the pulse wave propagation time, and / or can be taken into account in the correlation function in addition to the pulse wave propagation time.

[0377] Preferably, for the determination of the curve characteristics and / or the pulse wave propagation time, an averaging based on a plurality of curve sections KA is performed.

[0378] "Averaging" in this sense is in particular the determination of the average or average course of a set of a plurality of curve sections KA, or the average or average course of the curve K during the heartbeat.

[0379] In the averaging, in particular the curve average value is determined. The curve average value is in particular the average or average course of the curve section KA or the curve K in the curve section KA. In particular, the curve average value is determined by calculating the average value of the curve section KA at this time point for each time point. This average value is preferably the arithmetic mean value, but may also be other average values.

[0380] Based on the curve characteristics and / or the pulse wave transit time, or on the basis thereof, the blood pressure BP of the animal T is preferably determined, in particular by means of a correlation function. The correlation function can be determined empirically, for example.

[0381] Accordingly, the correlation function preferably represents the causal relationship between the curve characteristic or the pulse wave transit time and the blood pressure BP, and / or assigns the blood pressure BP to the curve characteristic or the pulse wave transit time.

[0382] In the context of the present invention, it has been shown that the pulse wave transit time of the animal T, in particular of domestic cats and dogs, is correlated with the blood pressure BP.

[0383] The correlation function is preferably a scalar field that depends on at least two variables.

[0384] Preferably, the curve characteristic quantity or the pulse wave transit time constitutes a variable of the correlation function.

[0385] In addition to the curve characteristic or the pulse wave transit time, it is preferable that the heart rate constitutes a variable of the correlation function. The heart rate describes the number of heartbeats in a certain time interval and is preferably determined from the heartbeat curve KG, in particular from the distance of the QRS complex or the R peak.

[0386] Accordingly, the correlation function can, for example, take the following functional form. F(x,y)=a·x+b·y+c Here, x is the pulse wave transit time, y is the heart rate, and a, b, c represent the parameters to be determined.

[0387] Furthermore, the correlation function is preferably a non-linear function. The correlation function can thus depend non-linearly on the pulse wave transit time and / or the heart rate, and in particular can thus have higher-order terms (x 2 、x 3 、y 2 、y 3 etc.) in x and / or y.

[0388] In principle, the correlation function can also depend on the anatomical specificities of each animal T. For example, it can be made such that parameters such as the length of the legs or arms, or any other parameter corresponding to the distance between the heart and leg 2 are taken into account in the correlation function. In many cases, since sufficiently accurate results can be obtained for the distance between the heart and leg 2, a preferred parameter in this context can be the body weight of animal T. Therefore, in this regard, the correlation function can have the body weight of animal T as a parameter.

[0389] Complementarily, it is also possible to consider parameters corresponding to body fat percentage such as bioimpedance. Each measurement can be performed using electrodes 15 for determining the cardiac curve KG and / or scale 18. In particular, the combination of bioimpedance and the body weight of animal T is taken into account in the correlation function F by the implicit or actual results regarding the anatomical particularities of animal T with respect to the distance between the heart and leg 2, making it possible to more reliably determine the blood pressure BP from the pulse wave transit time.

[0390] Further aspects of the invention that can be realized independently or in combination with the aspects and features described above are particularly as follows.

[0391] 1. An examination device 1 for the medical examination of animal T, particularly an animal T having leg 2, particularly preferably an animal T of the Felinae family, and most particularly preferably a pet cat, particularly for measuring blood pressure BP, comprising a sensor device 4 for optically examining the arterial blood flow BF of animal T, particularly for performing photoplethysmography, the sensor device 4 having at least one emitter 5 for emitting electromagnetic radiation R and at least one detector 6 for detecting the radiation R emitted by emitter 5, in the examination device 1, the sensor device 4 has a plurality of emitters 5 and a plurality of detectors 6, and the emitters 5 and detectors 6 are arranged in a periodic structure, and / or, An inspection device in which the sensor device 4 has a limiting device 8 that defines a boundary G of the sensing area 12 of the sensor device 4, and the distance X from the sensor device 4 to the boundary G is greater than 0.5 mm and / or less than 5 mm.

[0392] 2. The sensor device 4 includes a plurality of, particularly at least nine emitters 5 and a plurality of, particularly at least four detectors 6, and preferably, a plurality of, particularly at least four emitters 5 are assigned to each detector 6. The inspection device according to aspect 1, characterized in that.

[0393] 3. The emitters 5 and the detectors 6 are arranged in a matrix having equal distances and / or in rows and columns, preferably the matrix has two or more rows and / or two or more columns, and preferably the emitters 5 and the detectors 6 are alternately arranged in rows and columns in each case. The inspection device according to aspect 1 or 2, characterized in that.

[0394] 4. The limiting device 8 includes a barrier 13 that is opaque to the radiation R emitted by the emitter 5, and the barrier is arranged between the emitter 5 and the detector 6 so that the distance X from the sensor device 4 to the boundary G of the sensing area 12 is greater than 0.5 mm and / or less than 5 mm, and limits the radiation area 9 of the emitter 5 and / or the detection area 10 of the detector 6. The inspection device according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, characterized in that.

[0395] 5. The inspection device 1 includes electrodes 15, 15A, 15B, 15C for recording an electrocardiogram curve KG, and preferably, one of the electrodes 15, 15A, 15B, 15C can record the electrocardiogram curve KG by the electrodes 15, 15A, 15B, 15C and at the same time can perform an optical inspection by the sensor device 4, and is arranged so that the leg 2 of the animal T can be positioned on the sensor device. The inspection device according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, characterized in that.

[0396] 6. The sensor device 4 has a cover 14 that is transparent to the radiation R emitted by the emitter 5, and preferably the electrodes 15, 15A, 15B, 15C are arranged on the side of the cover 14 facing the outside from the emitter 5 and the detector 6. The inspection device according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, characterized in that.

[0397] 7. The electrodes 15, 15A, 15B, 15C are arranged on the side opposite to the barrier 13 in a projection perpendicular to the plane defined by the emitter 5 and the detector 6 and / or with respect to the cover 14 and / or the emitter 5 and the detector 6. The electrodes 15, 15A, 15B, 15C are transparent to the radiation emitted by the emitter. The inspection device according to aspect 6, characterized in that.

[0398] 8. The area density of the emitter 5 and / or the detector 6, and / or the common area density of the emitter 5 and the detector 6 is greater than 0.5 / cm 2 Preferably greater than 1 / cm 2 Particularly greater than 2 / cm 2 And / or less than 40 / cm 2 Preferably less than 20 / cm 2 Particularly less than 10 / cm 2 Less than. The inspection device according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, characterized in that.

[0399] 9. The limiting device 8 limits the emission angle 9A of the emitter 5 and / or the detection angle 10A of the detector 6 to less than 90 °, preferably about 60 °. The inspection device according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, characterized in that.

[0400] 10. The height HB and width BB of the limiting device 8, the distance DB of the limiting device 8 from the emitter 5 and the detector 6, and the distance D of the emitter 5 from the detector 6 are such that the emission region 9 of the emitter 5 and / or the detection region 10 of the detector 6 overlap so that the distance X from the boundary G of the detection region 12 from the sensor device 4 is greater than 0.5 mm and / or less than 5 mm. The inspection device according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, characterized in that.

[0401] 11. The inspection device according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, characterized in that the sensor device 4 has an emitter 5 that is greater than 30, preferably greater than 60, and / or less than 500, preferably less than 200.

[0402] 12. The inspection device according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, characterized in that the sensor device 4 comprises a detector 6 that is greater than 20, preferably greater than 40, and / or less than 500, preferably less than 200.

[0403] 13. The inspection device according to any one of the aspects, characterized in that the emitter 5 is designed to emit radiation R of the same wavelength, and / or the detector 6 is designed to detect at the same wavelength.

[0404] 14. The inspection device according to any one of the aspects, characterized in that the emitter 5 is designed to emit infrared rays and / or radiation R having a wavelength greater than 900 nm and / or less than 1100 nm, preferably about 940 nm and / or 1050 nm.

[0405] 15. The inspection device according to any one of aspects 1 to 14, characterized in that the inspection device 1 is designed as a support for the animal T or the leg 2 or the body part on which the animal T or the leg 2 or the body part is placed during the inspection, in particular as a mat, and the sensor device 4 is integrated into the support.

[0406] 16. An inspection device 1 for a medical examination of an animal T having legs 2, in particular an animal T of the subfamily Felinae, particularly preferably a pet cat, particularly for measuring blood pressure BP, preferably, the inspection device 1 is designed according to one of aspects 1 to 15, the inspection device 1 is designed as a support for at least one leg 2 of the animal T, the inspection device 1 has a sensor device 4 for optically inspecting the arterial blood flow BF of the animal T, in particular for performing photoplethysmography. The sensor device 4 is designed for inspection by electromagnetic waves R in the infrared region, and / or The inspection device 1 has at least one detection element, preferably at least two electrodes 15, 15A, 15B, 15C, for recording the heartbeat curve KG, and / or The inspection device 1 has at least one tissue electrode, and / or The inspection device 1 has or forms a scale 18, An inspection device, characterized in that.

[0407] 17. The inspection device according to aspect 16, wherein the sensor device 4 comprises a plurality of emitters 5 and detectors 6, and preferably, the plurality of emitters 5 are designed to emit at the same wavelength, and / or the detectors 6 are designed to detect at the same wavelength.

[0408] 18. The inspection device according to aspect 17, wherein the detector 6 forms a sensor 7 together with one or more than two emitters 5, and the sensor device 4 has a plurality of sensors 7 that form different measurement channels for simultaneously recording a plurality of curves, particularly photoplethysmograms, containing information on arterial blood flow BF.

[0409] 19. The inspection device according to any one of aspects 1 to 18, wherein the electrodes 15, 15A, 15B, 15C are arranged at a distance greater than 5 cm and / or less than 20 cm.

[0410] 20. The inspection device according to any one of aspects 1 to 19, wherein the inspection device 1 has a Wilson electrode 15C and two further electrodes 15A, 15B.

[0411] 21. The inspection device according to any one of aspects 1 to 20, wherein when one of the electrodes 15, 15A, 15B, 15C is arranged to be in simultaneous contact when the leg 2 of the animal T is located on the sensor device 4 for recording a curve K, particularly a photoplethysmogram, containing information on arterial blood flow BF.

[0412] 22. The inspection device 1 according to any one of aspects 1 to 21, wherein the inspection device 1 is at least substantially flat, matte and / or plate-shaped.

[0413] 23. The inspection device according to any one of aspects 1 to 22, wherein the scale 18 and / or the inspection device 1 is designed to measure body fat, and preferably, the inspection device 1 is designed to measure the blood pressure BP of the animal T in consideration of body fat measurement.

[0414] 24. The inspection device 1 has a mounting surface 3, on which an animal T of the subfamily Felinae, particularly a pet cat, can be completely placed on the inspection device 1, and / or the mounting surface 3 has a width B greater than 20 cm, preferably greater than 40 cm, and / or less than 80 cm, preferably less than 60 cm, and / or a length L greater than 40 cm, preferably greater than 60 cm, and / or less than 120 cm, preferably less than 80 cm. The inspection device according to any one of aspects 1 to 23.

[0415] 25. The inspection device 1 is designed or suitable for measuring diastolic blood pressure. The inspection device according to any one of aspects 1 to 24.

[0416] 26. A method of using the inspection device 1 according to any one of aspects 1 to 25 for medical examination of an animal T having legs 2, particularly an animal T of the subfamily Felinae, particularly preferably a pet cat, particularly preferably for measuring diastolic blood pressure BP.

[0417] 27. A method for medical examination of an animal T having legs 2, particularly an animal T of the subfamily Felinae, particularly preferably a pet cat, particularly for measuring blood pressure BP, comprising: The animal T is positioned on the inspection device 1 designed particularly according to one of aspects 1 to 26 such that the legs 2 of the animal T are placed on the sensor device 4 of the inspection device 1. The arterial blood flow BF of the animal T, particularly a curve K containing information regarding a photoplethysmogram, is recorded by the sensor device 4. To record the curve K, reflection measurement by electromagnetic waves R in the infrared region is performed, and / or The heartbeat curve KG of animal T is recorded by the inspection device 1 and / or, a signal is recorded by at least one tissue electrode, animal T is weighed by the inspection device 1, Method.

[0418] 28. The method according to embodiment 27, wherein curve characteristics, in particular the pulse wave propagation time, are determined by curve K, and the blood pressure BP is determined by a correlation function preferably determined empirically from or based on curve characteristics, in particular the pulse wave propagation time.

[0419] 29. The method according to embodiment 27 or 28, wherein curve K and the heartbeat curve are recorded simultaneously, and the heartbeat curve KG is used to segment curve K into a curve section KA corresponding to the heartbeat.

[0420] 30. The method according to any one of embodiments 27 to 29, wherein the presence and / or positioning of animal T is determined by the inspection device 1, in particular by evaluating signals measured by the sensor device 4, electrodes 15, 15A, 15B, 15C, force sensor 18A and / or scale 18.

[0421] 31. The method according to any one of embodiments 27 to 30, wherein body fat measurement is performed by scale 18 and / or the inspection device 1, and preferably the blood pressure BP of animal T is determined taking into account the body fat measurement.

[0422] 32. The method according to any one of embodiments 27 to 31, wherein the diastolic blood pressure BP is determined.

[0423] 33. The method according to any one of embodiments 27 to 32, wherein the inspection device 1 is designed according to any one of embodiments 1 to 25.

[0424] 34. A method of using an inspection device 1 having a sensor device 4 for optical inspection of arterial blood flow BF and at least one detection element, in particular an electrode 15, for recording a cardiogram KG for determining the preferably diastolic blood pressure BP of an animal T that is freely movable relative to the sensor device 4 and / or the electrode 15 or the detection element.

[0425] 35. The method according to aspect 34, wherein the inspection device 1 is designed according to any one of aspects 1 to 25.

[0426] 36. The method according to aspect 34 or 35, wherein the animal T has legs 2, preferably the animal T is a feline animal T, and particularly preferably a domestic cat.

Explanation of symbols

[0427] 1 Inspection device 2 Leg 3 Placement surface 4 Sensor device 5 Emitter 6 Detector 7 Sensor 8 Limiting device 9 Radiation area 9A Emission angle 10 Detection area 10A Detection angle 11 Sensor area 12 Sensing area 13 Barrier 13A Transmission area (Barrier) 13B Shielding section 13C Aperture section 13D Barrier element 14 Cover 15 Electrode 15 First electrode 15B Second electrode 15C Third electrode 16 Transparent area (Electrode) 17 Circuit board 18 Scale 18A Force sensor 19 Display device 20 Input device 21 Power supply device 22 Interface device 23 External device 24 Positioning assistance device 25 Control device 26 Storage medium 27 Pretreatment device 28 Common mode suppression device 29 A / D converter 29A Check device 30 Pretreatment device 31 Amplifier 32 Filter device A Artery B Width (inspection device) BB Width (barrier) BF Blood flow BP Blood pressure D Distance (emitter-detector) DB Distance (barrier-emitter / detector) DE Distance (electrode) G Boundary HB Height (barrier) K Curve KA Curve section KG Heartbeat curve L Length P Processor R Radiation S Signal T Animal TH Heartbeat time X Distance

Claims

1. An inspection device (1) for medical examinations, particularly for measuring blood pressure (BP), of an animal (T), particularly an animal (T) having legs (2), particularly preferably an animal (T) of the subfamily Felinae, comprising: a sensor device (4) for optical examination of the arterial blood flow (BF) of the animal (T), particularly for performing photoplethysmography, the sensor device (4) having at least one emitter (5) for emitting electromagnetic radiation (R) and at least one detector (6) for detecting the radiation (R) emitted by the emitter (5); in the inspection device (1), the sensor device (4) has a plurality of emitters (5) and a plurality of detectors (6), the emitters (5) and the detectors (6) being arranged in a periodic structure, and / or the sensor device (4) has a limiting device (8) for defining a boundary (G) of a sensing area (12) of the sensor device (4), the distance (X) of the boundary (G) from the sensor device (4) being greater than 0.5 mm and / or less than 5 mm; characterized in that the inspection device (1).

2. The sensor device (4) has a plurality of, particularly at least nine, emitters (5) and a plurality of, particularly at least four, detectors (6), preferably a plurality of, particularly at least four, of the emitters (5) being associated with each detector (6); characterized in that the inspection device according to claim 1.

3. The emitters (5) and the detectors (6) are arranged in a matrix having equidistant and / or vertical and horizontal rows, the matrix having two or more vertical rows and / or two or more horizontal rows, preferably the emitters (5) and the detectors (6) in the vertical and horizontal rows being arranged alternately; characterized in that the inspection device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The limiting device (8) limits the emission angle (9A) of the emitter (5) and / or the detection angle (10A) of the detector (6) to less than 90°, preferably approximately 60°; characterized in that the inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The limiting device (8) has a barrier (13) that is opaque to the radiation (R) emitted by the emitter (5), and the barrier is arranged between the emitter (5) and the detector (6) such that the distance (X) of the boundary (G) of the sensing region (12) from the sensor device (4) is greater than 0.5 mm and / or less than 5 mm, thereby restricting the radiation region (9) of the emitter (5) and / or the detection region (10) of the detector (6). The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that.

6. The height (HB) and width (BB) of the limiting device (8), the distance (DB) of the limiting device (8) from the emitter (5) and the detector (6), and the distance (D) of the emitter (5) from the detector (6) are such that the distance (X) of the boundary (G) of the sensing region (12) from the sensor device (4) is greater than 0.5 mm and / or less than 5 mm, and the radiation region (9) of the emitter (5) and / or the detection region (10) of the detector (6) overlap each other and are aligned with each other. The inspection device according to claim 5, characterized in that.

7. The inspection device (1) has at least one detection element, in particular an electrode (15), for recording an electrocardiogram (KG), and preferably one of the detection elements, in particular one of the electrodes (15), can record an electrocardiogram (KG) by the detection element, in particular the electrode (15), and is arranged such that the leg (2) of the animal (T) can be positioned on the sensor device (4) so that an optical inspection can be performed simultaneously by the sensor device (4). The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The sensor device (4) has a cover (14) that is transparent to the radiation (R) emitted by the emitter (5), and the electrodes (15, 15A) are arranged on the side of the cover (14) facing outward from the emitter (5) and the detector (6). The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that.

9. The inspection device (1) comprises electrodes (15, 15A) arranged in a projection perpendicular to the plane defined by the emitter (5) and the detector (6) between the emitter (5) and the detector (6) and / or on the side opposite to the barrier (13), and / or the electrode (15) is transparent to the radiation (R) emitted by the emitter (5). The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that.

10. The sensor device (4) includes emitters (5) that are more than 30, preferably more than 60, and / or less than 500, preferably less than 200, and / or the sensor device (4) includes detectors (6) that are more than 20, preferably more than 40, and / or less than 500, preferably less than 200. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that.

11. The areal density of the emitter (5) and / or the detector (6), and / or the common areal density of the emitter (5) and the detector (6) is greater than 0.5 / cm 2 preferably greater than 1 / cm 2 more preferably greater than 2 / cm 2 and / or less than 40 / cm 2 preferably less than 20 / cm 2 more preferably less than 10 / cm 2 The inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it is so.

12. The emitter (5) is designed to emit radiation (R) of the same wavelength, and the detector (6) is designed to detect at the same wavelength. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that.

13. The emitter (5) is designed to emit infrared rays and / or radiation (R) having a wavelength greater than 900 nm and / or less than 1100 nm, preferably about 940 nm and / or 1050 nm. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that.

14. The inspection device (1) is designed as a support for the animal (T) or the leg (2), particularly as a plate or a mat, on which the animal (T) or the leg (2) is placed during the inspection, and the sensor device (4) is integrated into the support. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that.

15. An inspection device (1) for a medical examination of an animal (T) having legs (2), particularly an animal (T) of the Felinae family, particularly preferably a pet cat, particularly for measuring blood pressure (BP), preferably the inspection device (1) being designed according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the inspection device (1) being designed as a support for at least one leg (2) of the animal (T), the inspection device (1) having a sensor device (4) for optically inspecting the arterial blood flow (BF) of the animal (T), particularly photoplethysmography, in the inspection device (1). The sensor device (4) is designed for inspection by electromagnetic radiation (R) in the infrared region, and / or the inspection device (1) has at least one detection element, preferably at least two electrodes (15, 15A, 15B, 15C), for recording an electrocardiogram (KG), and / or the inspection device (1) comprises at least one tissue electrode, and / or the inspection device (1) comprises or forms a scale (18), characterized by an inspection device.

16. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the sensor device (4) comprises a plurality of emitters (5) and detectors (6), preferably adapted such that the plurality of emitters (5) emit at the same wavelength and the detectors (6) are adapted to detect at the same wavelength.

17. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein each of the emitters (5) and detectors (6), together with one or two or more of the emitters (5), forms a sensor (7), and the sensor device (4) has a plurality of sensors (7) designed to simultaneously record a plurality of curves (K), in particular photoplethysmograms, containing information on arterial blood flow (BF).

18. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the electrodes (15, 15A, 15B) are arranged at a distance (DE) greater than 5 cm and / or less than 20 cm.

19. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the inspection device (1) comprises a reference electrode or a current collector electrode (15, 15C) and two further electrodes (15, 15A, 15B).

20. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein one of the electrodes (15, 15A, 15B, 15C) is arranged such that when the leg (2) of the animal (T) is located on the sensor device (4) for recording a curve (K), in particular a photoplethysmogram, containing information on arterial blood flow (BF), the electrodes (15, 15A, 15B, 15C) are in contact simultaneously.

21. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the inspection device (1) is at least substantially flat, matt, and / or plate-shaped.

22. The scale (18) and / or the inspection device (1) are designed to measure body fat, and preferably, the inspection device (1) is designed to measure the blood pressure (BP) of the animal (T) taking into account the body fat measurement. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. The inspection device (1) has a placement surface (3), and an animal (T) of the subfamily Felinae, particularly a pet cat, can completely lie on the support surface (3), and / or the placement surface (3) has a width (B) greater than 20 cm, preferably greater than 40 cm, and / or less than 80 cm, preferably less than 60 cm and / or a length (L) greater than 40 cm, preferably greater than 60 cm, and / or less than 120 cm, preferably less than 80 cm. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

24. The inspection device (1) is designed and / or suitable for measuring diastolic blood pressure (BP). The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. A method for medical examination of an animal (T) having legs (2), particularly an animal (T) of the subfamily Felinae, particularly preferably a pet cat, particularly for measuring blood pressure (BP), comprising: The animal (T) is positioned on an inspection device (1) designed in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 24 such that the legs (2) of the animal (T) rest on the sensor device (4) of the inspection device (1). The arterial blood flow (BF) of the animal (T), particularly a curve (K) containing information regarding a photoplethysmogram, is recorded by the sensor device (4). For recording the curve (K), reflection measurements are performed using electromagnetic radiation (R) in the infrared region. And / or The heart rate curve (KG) of the animal (T) is recorded by the inspection device (1). And / or Signals are recorded by at least one tissue electrode. And / or The weight of the animal (T) is measured by the inspection device (1). Method.

26. Curve characteristics, particularly the pulse wave propagation time, are determined from the curve (K), and the blood pressure (BP) is determined based on the curve characteristics, particularly the pulse wave propagation time, preferably by an empirically determined correlation function. The method according to claim 25.

27. The method according to any one of claims 25 or 26, wherein the curve (K) and the heart rate curve (KG) are recorded simultaneously, and the heart rate curve (KG) is used to cut the curve (K) into curve sections (KA) corresponding to heartbeats.

28. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the presence and / or positioning of the animal (T) and / or the leg (2) of the animal (T) is determined by the inspection device (1), in particular by evaluating signals measured by the sensor device (4), the electrode (15) and / or the scale (18).

29. Body fat measurement is performed by the scale (18) and / or the inspection device (1), and preferably the blood pressure of the animal (T) is determined taking into account the body fat measurement and preferably the body weight measured by the scale (18). The method according to any one of claims 25 to 28.

30. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein the diastolic blood pressure (BP) is determined.

31. A method of using an inspection device (1) preferably designed according to any one of claims 1 to 24, having a sensor device (4) for optical inspection of arterial blood flow (BF) and at least one detection element, in particular an electrode (15), for recording a heart rate curve (KG), and measuring the blood pressure (BP) of an animal (T) that is freely movable relative to the sensor device (4) and / or the detection element or the electrode (15).

32. A method of using an inspection device (1) preferably designed according to any one of claims 1 to 24 for medical examination of an animal (T) having legs (2), in particular an animal (T) of the subfamily Felinae, particularly preferably a domestic cat, in particular for measuring blood pressure (BP), Preferably, the inspection device (1) has a sensor device (4) for optical inspection of arterial blood flow (BF) and at least one detection element, in particular an electrode (15), for recording a heart rate curve (KG), and the inspection device (1) is designed to measure the blood pressure (BP) of an animal (T) that is freely movable relative to the sensor device (4) and / or the electrode (15) or the detection element.

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