Pulse wave measuring device for diagnosing pulse rate and method of using same

Abstract

A pulse wave measuring device for diagnosing pulse includes an airbag, a pressure control module, a displacement detection module, a scanning position control module, and a computer. The pressure control module, the displacement detection module, and the scanning position control module are each connected to the computer via communication, and the pump of the pressure control module is connected to the airbag via a gas line and an air valve. A method for using the pulse wave measuring device is also provided.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This international application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 304,367 (Pulse Wave Measuring Apparatus for Diagnosis of Pulse and Method of Using the Same), filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on January 28, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this international application.

[0002] The present invention relates to a physiological characteristic measuring system and a method for using the same, and more particularly to a pulse wave measuring device for diagnosing a pulse rate and a method for using the same. [Background technology]

[0003] At present, there are many different pulse diagnostic devices or instruments for detecting people's physiological state. The prior art is almost all based on pressure film sensors. After the operator roughly determines the pulse measurement position, the pressure film sensor is aligned with a position in the human limb, and an airbag is combined to adjust the pressure of the airbag, thereby adjusting the depth of the wrist to be pressurized by the airbag. Then, the pressure film sensor measures the dynamic pressure generated by the pulsation of the human body and the static pressure of the pressurization depth, which are used as the reference basis for the pulse signal and the pressurization depth signal. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, due to differences in the operating habits of the operator, the static pressure of the pressure depth and the depth of pressure applied were not in a linear relationship, resulting in errors in the measurement of the physiological state. For this reason, it was necessary to develop a measurement system that could measure the pulse wave for pulse diagnosis and accurately measure various physiological state information of the subject (subject).

[0005] In order to accurately measure various physiological state information of a subject, an object of the present invention is to provide a pulse wave measuring device and a method for using the same. The pulse wave measuring device is suitable for being worn on the wrist of a subject. The pulse wave measuring device is brought into contact with a test area on the wrist of the subject, the test area including the location of the subject's artery, and physiological characteristic information related to the pulse wave of the subject's artery is detected, for example, a pulse characteristic wave is detected.

[0006] In order to further understand the technology, means and effects of the present invention, the objects, features and concepts of the present invention can be fully and specifically understood by referring to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. However, the following detailed description and the drawings are only used for reference and illustration of the implementation of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the functional blocks of a pulse wave measuring device for diagnosing a pulse rate according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a flowchart showing a first step of a pulse wave measuring method using the pulse wave measuring device for pulse diagnosis shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing a second step of performing a pulse wave measuring method using the pulse wave measuring device for pulse diagnosis shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a third step of performing a pulse wave measuring method using the pulse wave measuring device for pulse diagnosis shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of tissues in various parts of the wrist and a schematic diagram showing a system when measuring with a linear displacement meter. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a pulse wave of length, distance and pulse position measured in parallel to a blood vessel by a linear laser displacement meter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 4 is a schematic diagram showing a pulse measurement operation process and a waveform of a pulse characteristic according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 8]2 is a flowchart showing a method of using the pulse wave measuring device for pulse diagnosis shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the pulse wave measuring device 100 does not have a scanning position control module 400, and the displacement detection module 300 is a point-type photoelectric displacement sensor. [Figure 9A] 10 is a flowchart showing a method of using the pulse wave measuring device for pulse diagnosis shown in FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which the pulse wave measuring device 100 does not have a scanning position control module 400, and the displacement detection module 300 is a linear or surface photoelectric displacement sensor. [Figure 9B] 10 is a flowchart showing a method of using the pulse wave measuring device for pulse diagnosis shown in FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which the pulse wave measuring device 100 does not have a scanning position control module 400, and the displacement detection module 300 is a linear or surface photoelectric displacement sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Definition: The XY plane is substantially parallel to the subject's skin surface, the X axis is substantially parallel to the direction in which the subject's blood vessels extend, and the Y axis is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the subject's blood vessels extend. Therefore, the Z axis is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the subject's skin surface. The definitions of the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis described below are all the same.

[0009] <Pulse wave measuring device for pulse diagnosis> Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the functional blocks of a pulse wave measuring device for diagnosing a pulse according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the example of Fig. 1, the pulse wave measuring device 100 includes an airbag 200, a pressure control module 230, a displacement detection module 300, a scan position control module 400, and a computer 500. The scan position control module 400 is an element that can be selected and combined, that is, an element that can be omitted.

[0010] The airbag 200 described above has at least a transparent window 210 and a contact portion 220. The main material of the airbag 200 may be any applicable polymeric material, and the polymeric material may be, for example, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), cellulose acetate (CA), nylon-66 polyamide resin (PA-66), nylon-6 polyamide resin (PA-6), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), parylene (PPO), polycarbonate (PC), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyoxymethylene (POM), or polyurethane (PU) (the present invention is not limited thereto).

[0011] The transparent window 210 described above is used to align the displacement sensing module 300, and thus can be constructed using transparent materials with high hardness, such as, but not limited to, glass, quartz, polystyrene (PS), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The surface of the transparent window 210 may be further plated with a layer of anti-reflective film to increase light transmittance, reduce scattering of reflected light, and increase wear resistance.

[0012] The contact portion 220 is made of a soft (Shore hardness is between 20C and 72D) and elastic polymeric material to be used for contacting the skin of the test area 600 of the subject, and is easy to adhere closely to the skin of the test area 600 of the subject. The polymeric material is, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and examples of the usable thermoplastic elastomers include TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), TPO (polyolefin elastomer), TPV (dynamic sulfur crosslinked polyolefin elastomer), TPS / TPR (polystyrene elastomer), TPEE (polyether ester elastomer), and TPA (polyamide elastomer). The inner surface of the contact portion 220 facing the airbag is smooth or plated with a layer of reflective material to enhance the reflection of light rays, so that the light rays are reflected uniformly (not scattered).

[0013] The pressure control module 230 controls the internal pressure of the airbag 200 by supplying air to the inside of the airbag 200 and / or exhausting air to the inside of the airbag 200. According to some embodiments, the pressure control module 230 may include, for example, a pressure sensor, a pump, a gas line, and an air valve. The pressure sensor can detect the internal pressure of the airbag 200, both ends of the gas line are connected to the pump and the airbag 200, respectively, and an appropriate air valve is installed at an appropriate position in the gas line. In this way, the operation (forward and reverse rotation) of the pump motor and the air valve in combination control the flow of gas into or out of the airbag 200, and further control the internal pressure of the airbag 200, thereby controlling the pressurization depth of the airbag 200 against the skin of the test area 600 of the subject in the Z axis. Thus, the function of the airbag is to adjust the pressurization position and allow the laser sensor to acquire reflected light.

[0014] The above-mentioned displacement detection module 300 is used to measure the distance in the Z-axis direction when the displacement detection module 300 reaches the skin of the subject in the test area 600 (when the contact portion 220 of the airbag 200 is made of a transparent material), or to measure the distance in the Z-axis direction when the displacement detection module 300 reaches the contact portion 220 of the airbag 200 (when the contact portion 220 of the airbag 200 is made of a non-transparent material).

[0015] The displacement sensing module 300 may be any applicable displacement sensor, the measurement resolution of which is at least 100 μm, for example, a displacement sensor having a resolution of 100 μm, 90 μm, 80 μm, 70 μm, 60 μm, 50 μm, 40 μm, 30 μm, 20 μm, 10 μm, or 1 μm. The above-mentioned displacement sensor may be, for example, a photoelectric displacement sensor that uses various light sources to perform distance measurement. The above-mentioned photoelectric displacement sensor may be, for example, a laser displacement meter, a fiber-optic displacement meter, a 3-dimensional scanner (3D scanner; for example, a binocular stereoscopic CCD plus a programmable structured light system), a Time of Flight (TOF) device, or a laser interferometer distance measurement device. When classified based on the shape of the detectable area of ​​the displacement sensing module 300, the above-mentioned displacement sensing module 300 may be a point-type, linear, or surface-type displacement sensor.

[0016] As described above, when the displacement detection module 300 is a photoelectric displacement sensor, since the displacement detection module 300 is close to the transparent window 210 of the airbag 200, the light emitted from the light source of the displacement detection module 300 can pass through the transparent window 210 of the airbag 200.

[0017] When the contact portion 220 of the airbag 200 is made of a transparent material, the light emitted from the light source of the displacement detection module 300 is irradiated directly onto the skin of the subject in the test area 600 and then reflected back to the light receiver of the displacement detection module 300, enabling the displacement detection module 300 to measure the distance between the displacement detection module 300 and the skin of the subject in the test area 600.

[0018] When the contact portion 220 of the airbag 200 is made of a non-transparent material, the light emitted from the light source of the displacement detection module 300 is directly irradiated onto the inner surface of the contact portion 220 of the airbag 200 facing the airbag, and then reflected back to the light receiver of the displacement detection module 300, so that the displacement detection module 300 can measure the distance from the displacement detection module 300 to the contact portion 220 of the airbag 200. Therefore, when the inner surface of the contact portion 220 facing the airbag is sufficiently smooth or plated with a layer of reflective film, the degree of scattering of the light reflected from the contact portion 220 is effectively reduced, and the light receiver of the displacement detection module 300 can receive a signal with a favorable S / N ratio, so that the distance measurement of the displacement detection module 300 becomes more accurate.

[0019] In addition, the displacement detection module 300 may further include a filter. The original displacement signal acquired by the displacement detection module 300 includes a displacement value having a pulsating AC signal, and the pulsating AC signal is filtered by a filter to leave a stable DC signal, which can be shown as a displacement value of the Z-axis depth. If the displacement detection module 300 does not include a filter, the pulsating AC signal is also included, and the obtained measurement value is a dynamic pulse signal. In addition, the so-called displacement signal refers to a test area 600 of the subject that contacts when the airbag 200 is not pressurized (or when lightly pressurized) as a first position, a test area 600 of the subject that contacts after the airbag 200 is pressurized (or after strongly pressurized) as a second position, and a difference value obtained by subtracting the second position from the first position is used as the displacement signal. Please refer to the explanation related to the pulse wave measurement method described later.

[0020] The above-mentioned scanning position control module 400 is used to control the displacement detection module 300 to move to the test range 600 of the subject, and controls the displacement detection module 300 to perform distance measurement scanning within the test range 600. For example, when measuring the pulsation of the radial artery of the subject's wrist, the pulsation state of the subject changes from time to time, so that the "pulse measurement distance" between the displacement detection module 300 and the skin of the subject in the test range 600 or between the displacement detection module 300 and the contact part 220 of the airbag 200 changes. Therefore, using the scanning position control module 400, the displacement detection module 300 moves to the test range 600 at the body surface part above the radial artery of the subject, and then performs measurement following the time change of the above-mentioned "pulse measurement distance", and performs scanning within the test range 600 to measure the distance.

[0021] The scanning position control module 400 is an optional component, i.e., an optional component. Without the scanning position control module 400, the user manually moves the displacement detection module 300 to the test area 600 of the subject, and allows the displacement detection module 300 to perform distance measurement scanning on the test area 600 of the subject. The displacement detection module 300 may be a point-type, linear, or surface photoelectric displacement sensor with a detection area.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the above-mentioned scanning position control module 400 may comprise an X-Y 2-axis position control device (X-Y 2-axis moving platform or cylindrical coordinate moving mechanism), and the associated displacement detection module 300 may be a point-type photoelectric displacement sensor, which performs distance measurement scanning of the test range 600 of the subject.

[0023] The above-mentioned computer 500 is signal-connected to the above-mentioned pressure control module 230, displacement detection module 300, and scanning position control module 400, respectively, and transmits control signals to the above-mentioned pressure control module 230, displacement detection module 300, and scanning position control module 400, respectively, or receives information transmitted from the above-mentioned pressure control module 230, displacement detection module 300, and scanning position control module 400. The above-mentioned computer 500 may be any device having applicable computing capabilities, such as various computers, microprocessors, mobile computing devices, etc.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the computer 500 includes a computation module 510, an operation module 540, a power module 550, a display module 570, and a storage module 580.

[0025] The above-mentioned calculation module 510 may include a calculation module 5100 and an analysis module 530. The above-mentioned calculation module 5100 is responsible for providing control instructions to the pressure control module 230, the displacement detection module 300, and the scanning position control module 400. The above-mentioned analysis module 530 is responsible for calculating and analyzing information transmitted from the pressure control module 230, the displacement detection module 300, and the scanning position control module 400.

[0026] The above-mentioned operation module 540 provides a user interface, through which a user issues operation commands to operate the pressure control module 230, the displacement detection module 300, and the scanning position control module 400.

[0027] The power supply module 550 mentioned above is used to provide the necessary power to the computer 500. The power supply module 550 may be an AC power source (e.g., power supplied from a power station obtained through a general power socket) or a DC power source (e.g., various types of dry cell batteries or redundant rechargeable batteries).

[0028] The above-mentioned display module 560 is used to display information transmitted from the user interface of the calculation module 5100, the pressure control module 230, the displacement detection module 300, and the scan position control module 400 to the analysis module 530, and the results of the analysis of this information by the analysis module 530.

[0029] The above-mentioned communication module 570 is used for communication connection with the pressure control module 230, the displacement detection module 300, the scanning position control module 400, and some external databases. The above-mentioned external databases are, for example, a pulse comparison database, a Chinese medicine database, or a combination thereof (the present invention is not limited thereto).

[0030] The aforementioned storage module 580 may be any applicable volatile or non-volatile data storage device, and stores any data generated by the displacement sensing module 300 during the measurement process.

[0031] As described above, the combination of the airbag 200 and the pressure control module 230 provides the pressurization depth of the airbag 200 in the Z-axis, and enables the displacement detection module 300 to find the pulse wave measurement position with the best S / N ratio on the Z-axis. The scanning position sensing module 400 enables the displacement detection module 300 to find the pulse wave measurement position with the best S / N ratio in the XY plane. In this way, the above-mentioned pulse wave measurement device can easily find the pulse wave measurement position with the best S / N ratio of the pulse wave displaced in the radial direction of the blood vessel within the test area 600 of the subject, increase the intensity of the original pulse wave displacement signal, and perform measurement using a displacement sensor with high accuracy and linearity, providing more detailed information related to the subject's pulse wave required for Chinese medicine pulse diagnosis.

[0032] <Pulse wave measurement method: Taking pulse diagnosis in Chinese medicine as an example> To provide a more detailed explanation of how the pulse wave measuring device acquires the subject's pulse characteristic wave, a method for measuring a pulse wave using the pulse wave measuring device shown in Fig. 1 will be described below. With reference to Figs. 1 to 4, Fig. 2 is a flow chart showing a first step of performing the pulse wave measuring method using the pulse wave measuring device for pulse diagnosis shown in Fig. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a flow chart showing a second step of performing the pulse wave measuring method using the pulse wave measuring device for pulse diagnosis shown in Fig. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing a third step of performing the pulse wave measuring method using the pulse wave measuring device for pulse diagnosis shown in Fig. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] The pulse wave measuring method using the pulse wave measuring device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is mainly divided into three stages. In the first stage, the positions of the chun, kan, and shaku pulses on the subject's wrist are confirmed. In the second stage, the positions of the chun, kan, and shaku pulses on the subject's wrist are confirmed, and then pressure is applied to the chun, kan, and shaku pulse measurement positions, and the pulse measurement depths at the chun, kan, and shaku pulse measurement positions are calculated. In the third stage, the pulse wave is measured, and the waveforms and wave volumes of the chun, kan, and shaku pulse waves are obtained. Each of the three stages of the measuring method will be described below.

[0034] <Step 1: Check the location of the pulses on the subject's wrist> In the example of FIG. 2, the size of the position of the scanning area of ​​the test area 600 of the subject is confirmed, and two conditions are provided, that is, the airbag 200 is lightly and strongly pressurized in the test area 600. In step S602, the execution sequence, the initial pressure setting value, the final pressure setting value, the start position of the scanning area, and the end position of the scanning area are determined based on the pulse diagnosis program of the calculation module 510. The initial pressure setting value refers to the pressure value when the airbag 200 lightly pressurizes the skin, the final pressure setting value refers to the pressure value when the airbag 200 strongly pressurizes the skin, and the final pressure setting value is a pressure value that is almost unchanged after the airbag 200 is pressurized to the depth of the hand bone. In addition, the start position of the scanning area and the end position of the scanning area are recorded as the start position and the end position of the scanning position of the scanning position control module 400.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, first, two conditions are provided, that is, the airbag 200 is lightly and strongly pressurized in the scanning area to check the scanning area of ​​the test area 600 of the subject. In step S202, the calculation module 510 determines the execution sequence, the initial pressure setting value, the final pressure setting value, the scanning area start position, and the scanning area end position according to the pulse diagnosis program. The initial pressure setting value refers to the pressure value when the airbag 200 lightly pressurizes the skin, the final pressure setting value refers to the pressure value when the airbag 200 strongly pressurizes the skin, and the final pressure setting value is the pressure value that remains almost unchanged after the airbag 200 is pressurized to the depth of the hand bone. In addition, the scanning area start position and the scanning area end position are recorded as the start position and the end position of the scanning position of the multiple points of the scanning position control module 400.

[0036] In step S204, the pressure control module 230 receives a measurement command, i.e., a command to measure the pulse. The pressure control module 230 issues a pressure control command to open the air valve of the airbag 200, allowing air to enter the airbag 200, and gradually increasing the pressure of the airbag 200 to an initial pressure setting value. The pressure applied by the airbag 200 to the subject's skin (initial pressure setting value) is returned to the pressure control module 230 using an analog-to-digital converter.

[0037] In step S208, the control module 520 issues a displacement detection command and then requests the displacement detection module 300 to start scanning the scanning area of ​​the wrist based on the set values ​​of the scanning area start position and the scanning area end position.

[0038] Next, in step S208, when the scanning position control module 400 moves the displacement detection module 300, the displacement detection module 300 simultaneously reads the numerical value of the displacement signal acquired by the displacement detection module 300 until the displacement detection module 300 completes the scanning operation of the set values ​​of the scanning area start position and the scanning area end position. The scanning position control module 400 and the displacement detection module 300 simultaneously transmit the coordinates of each measurement point in the scanning area and the measured depth (referred to as the initial scanning area coordinates) to the memory module 580 of the computer 500 respectively.

[0039] In step S210, it is determined whether the scanning of the subject's scanning area start position and scanning area end position is completed. If the scanning of the wrist scanning area is not completed, return to step S208, and the displacement detection module 300 will continuously perform the scanning operation between the scanning area start position and the scanning area end position until all the scanning areas are completed. If the scanning is completed, proceed to step S212.

[0040] In step S212, the pressure control module 230 requests the pressure in the airbag 200 to reach the end pressure setting value (strong pressurization) through the pressure control command. This step is to scan the radial artery area of ​​the wrist and first determine the position of the arm bone and the position of the radial artery. Similarly, when strongly pressurizing, the displacement detection module 300 obtains the displacement signal readings of the entire scanning area of ​​the wrist, that is, the coordinates of each measurement point in the scanning area and the depth to be measured, and the maximum depth range to be scanned.

[0041] Then, in step S214, when the pressure control module 230 applies light pressure (initial pressure setting value) and strong pressure (final pressure setting value), the displacement detection module 300 subtracts the displacement amount of the coordinate depth of the final scanning area from the displacement amount of the coordinate depth of the initial scanning area at the same point coordinate, to obtain the modification amount of the measured distance from the skin to the displacement detection module 300 measured at the coordinate of the same point.

[0042] Please refer to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of tissues in various parts of the wrist and a schematic diagram showing a system when measuring with a linear displacement meter.

[0043] In step S216, the hard tissue portion near the radial artery (i.e., wrist bone 502 and flexor carpi radialis tendon 504 in FIG. 5) has the smallest change in depth when compressed twice by airbag 200, and the soft tissue portion (i.e., radial artery 506 in FIG. 5 and its surrounding area) has the largest change in depth when compressed twice. The location where the area with small change in depth is distributed is the relative location that distinguishes the arm bone, hand bone, and flexor carpi radialis tendon, and the area with large change in depth is the area where the radial artery is relatively distributed. Within the location surrounded by the radius and flexor carpi radialis tendon, a pulsating area within the location surrounded by the arm bone and flexor carpi radialis tendon is found, and this is determined as the location of the radial artery.

[0044] Next, along the radial artery, find the maximum pulsation point at the radial artery position before the arm bone position, and set the coordinate of that point as the coordinate position of "sun". Finally, in the vascular area pulsating behind the arm bone and within the position surrounded by the flexor carpi radialis tendon, find two points before and after where the pulsation is maximum, and set the coordinate point close to the arm bone as the position coordinate of "guan", and the marking point away from the arm bone as the position coordinate of "shaku". Figure 6, which corresponds to Figure 5, shows a schematic diagram of the pulse wave at the positions of sun, guan, and shaku measured when the linear laser displacement meter is parallel to the blood vessel.

[0045] Finally, in step S218, after completing the above steps, the control module 520 causes the display module 560 to display the waveform of Fig. 7 on the display module 560. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a pulse measurement operation process and a waveform of pulse characteristics according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] <Second step: Pressurize the sun, kana, and shaku pulse measurement positions and calculate the pulse depth at the sun, kana, and shaku pulse measurement positions> In the first step, the position of the subject's wrist is determined, and then the subject's pulse depth is determined, allowing the most clear measurement of the pulse signal.

[0047] In the example of FIG. 3, similar to the first stage, in step S302, the pressure control module 230 causes the pressure in the airbag 200 to reach an initial pressure setpoint pressure at the measurement point at the inch, minute, and foot position.

[0048] Next, in step S304, the pressure control module 230 controls the air valve to supply air to the airbag 200 and gradually pressurize it to the end pressure setting value. Then, the pressure of the airbag 200 is adjusted to a precise amount of pressure at a pressure that stabilizes the airbag 200 to obtain a stable pulse depth, allowing the displacement detection module 300 to capture the pulse signal for a sufficient time, and capturing the pulse signal with the highest S / N ratio for use in subsequent signal discrimination and processing. Next, the pressure control module 230 returns the pressure reading to the storage module 580 of the computer 500, or stores it in an external data storage device of the computer 500 through the communication module 570. It should be noted here that the initial displacement reading when the skin is touched is 0, and the reading when the continuous pressure (after strong pressure) is a negative value, and the relative distance is used as the basis for calculating the ratio between different people.

[0049] In step S306, the scanning position control module 400 of the displacement detection module 300 scans the position of the subject's length, and the displacement detection module 300 calculates the displacement signal readings from no pressure to strong pressure, and converts them into positions in Cartesian and cylindrical coordinates, so that the position coordinates of different points in the scanning area can be combined into the measurement depth result. Since the displacement signal readings are a mixture of the depth displacement value and the pulsation displacement value at the same time, a stable DC signal is obtained by filtering to obtain the depth displacement value. If the pulsation AC signal is not filtered, the measured value is a dynamic pulsation signal, and the depth value of the maximum amplitude in the pulsation signal is calculated.

[0050] Next, in step S308, the pulse detection depth at the positions of the sun, the yin, and the shaku is obtained by calculation of the pulse diagnosis program. The depth at the position where the amplitude of the pulsation is maximum is the pulse detection depth.

[0051] <Third step: Measure the pulse wave volume and obtain the waveform and wave volume of the pulse wave at each point> In the example of FIG. 4, in step S402, the pressure control module 230 controls the inflating depth of the airbag 200 based on the pulse depth at the inch, square, and foot positions of the subject, and sets the pulse depth at the inch, square, and foot positions as the initial setting.

[0052] Next, in step S404, it is determined whether the pressurization depth of the airbag 200 reaches the pulse detection depth. The pressure in the airbag 200 is adjusted by the pressure control module 230 to obtain an accurate pulse detection depth. If not, the process returns to step S402, and the pressure control module 230 continues to control the pressurization of the airbag 200. If it is reached, in step S406, the pressure control module 230 detects that the airbag 200 has reached the pulse detection depth, and then the displacement detection module 300 sets the position coordinates of the subject to the initial pulse detection coordinates of the pulse detection depth, and captures pulse wave data for a certain period of time (for example, one minute) and stores it in the computer 500.

[0053] Next, in step S408, based on the pulse wave data acquired in step S406, the analysis module 530 calculates the results such as pulse rate, pulse wave morphology, and pulse wave amplitude, and stores them in the computer 500 or an external data storage device of the computer 500.

[0054] Next, in step S410, the analysis module 530 reads the pulse wave measurement result data, and calculates the three positions of dimension C, dimension G, and dimension Ch shown in FIG. 6, and the pulse detection depth and pulse detection depth ratio shown in FIG.

[0055] 7 is a schematic diagram showing a pulse measurement operation process and a waveform of pulse characteristics according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 7, pulse characteristics such as pulse rate, pulse wave morphology, and / or pulse wave amplitude are obtained from pulse wave measurement result data.

[0056] Further, in the example of Fig. 7, the skin depth of the test area 600 that the displacement detection module 300 contacts is D1, the depth at which the pulsation signal begins to appear is D2, the maximum depth of the pulsation signal is D3, the signal at which the pulse signal begins to disappear is D4, and the depth at which the pressure reading reaches the end pressure storage is D5. In this case, the total depth is D5 minus D1 (D5-D1). Also, the ratio of the depth at which the pulsation signal begins to appear is (D1-D2) / (D5-D1), the ratio of the depth at which the pulse signal begins to disappear is (D1-D4) / (D5-D1), the ratio at which the signal appears is (D2-D4) / (D5-D1), and the ratio of the depth at which the pulse amplitude reaches its maximum point is (D1-D3) / (D5-D1).

[0057] When calculating the pulse rate result, first run the digital filtering program once to filter out low frequency noise caused by breathing. Then set the lower limit value for calculating the peak. Finally, the analysis module 530 calculates the number of pulses within a certain period (e.g., 1 minute) as shown in the result in Figure 7, and stores it in the computer 500 or its external data storage device.

[0058] Similarly, when calculating the pulse wave morphology, first filter out low-frequency noise caused by breathing, then perform Fourier transform (FFT) spectrum operation to decompose the captured waveform from the time domain into a quantification analysis result composed of waves of different frequencies, and finally store the pulse wave spectrum analysis result in the computer 500 or its external data storage device.

[0059] In step S412, the above steps are executed in duplicate to measure the pulse characteristics of the other wrist of the subject and store them in the subject data storage database. In step S414, after completing the measurement of both hands, the control module 520 displays the subject's pulse wave on the display module 560, for example, a waveform as shown in FIG. 7, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0060] <Pulse wave measurement method 1: Remove the scanning position control module and use a point-type photoelectric displacement sensor> In the following, in the state where the scanning position control module 400 in the system structure diagram is removed, the displacement detection module 300 is a point-type photoelectric displacement sensor. In this state, the displacement detection module 300 is manually operated to move to the test range 600 of the subject and perform a measurement.

[0061] 1 and 8, Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing a method of using the pulse wave measuring device for pulse diagnosis shown in Fig. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the pulse wave measuring device 100 does not have a scanning position control module 400, and the displacement detection module 300 is a point type, linear or surface photoelectric displacement sensor. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the radial artery of the subject's wrist is used as the test area 600.

[0062] 8, in step S802, the measurer touches the subject's wrist, marks the point on the radial artery of the wrist where the amplitude is maximum, and sets it as the subject's test range 600. In step S804, a point-type photoelectric displacement sensor is placed in the test range 600 at the radial artery of the subject's wrist, and measurement is performed.

[0063] Next, the process proceeds to the second stage of measurement, and in step S806, the internal pressure of the airbag 200 is adjusted by the pressure control module 230 to pressurize the skin of the subject in the test range 600 in the Z-axis direction, and adjusted to the initial pressure setting value (light pressure). In addition, in step S808, the radial displacement pulse wave of the blood vessel at the position to be aligned is recorded.

[0064] Proceed to step S810 to compare whether the end pressure set value has been reached.

[0065] If not, proceed to step S807, where the pressure control module 230 continuously increases the pressure to adjust the depth to which the airbag 200 is pressurized in the Z-axis direction. In step S808, the change in the skin displacement of the test subject at 600 points in the test area caused by the radial pulse wave of the blood vessel is continuously recorded.

[0066] If it has reached that point, proceed to step S812, and calculate the pulse detection depth of the pulse wave and the pulse detection depth ratio to the thickness of the subject's wrist based on the change curve of the recorded skin displacement over time at 600 points in the test range of the subject (hereinafter, this change curve will be recorded as the abbreviated name of the recorded pulse wave).

[0067] When the process proceeds to the third stage, the process proceeds to step S814, where the pressurization depth in the Z axis of the airbag 200 is adjusted to the pulse detection depth. In step S816, a comparison is made to see if the airbag 200 has been pressurized to the pulse detection depth. If not, the process returns to step S814, and the airbag 200 to be pressurized in the Z axis is adjusted to the pulse detection depth. If pressurized, the process proceeds to step S818, where the pulse wave waveform is captured and recorded for a certain period (e.g., one minute), and the waveform characteristics of the pulse wave are calculated.

[0068] <Pulse wave measurement method 2: Photoelectric displacement sensor combining point type, linear type, or surface type using a scanning position control module> The operation flow charts for combining the linear photoelectric displacement sensor and the surface photoelectric displacement sensor with the pressure control module 230 and displacing them by applying pressure in the Z-axis direction are almost the same for the two types of operation processes. The only difference is that for the linear photoelectric displacement sensor, the measurer must touch the wrist of the subject and mark the positions of the sun, kan, and shaku where the amplitude of the wrist is maximum. In step S904B, the subject's wrist is placed at the measurement position, and the laser beam emitted from the point photoelectric displacement sensor is aligned with the positions of the three symbols, and the detection position of the surface photoelectric displacement sensor can be obtained by calculation because the detection area is large.

[0069] 1 and 9A-9B, which are flow charts showing a method of using the pulse wave measuring device for pulse diagnosis shown in FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which the displacement detection module 300 of the pulse wave measuring device 100 is a linear or surface photoelectric displacement sensor, and the scanning position control module 400 has a Y-axis position controller. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the radial artery of the subject's wrist is used as the test range 600.

[0070] 9A, in step S902, the measurer touches the wrist of the subject, marks the point where the wrist amplitude is maximum, and sets the point as the test range 600 of the subject. In step S904, the subject's wrist is placed at the measurement position, and the linear laser beam emitted from the linear photoelectric displacement sensor is aligned with the position of the mark, and the linear laser beam irradiation area is made parallel to the X-axis.

[0071] The above-mentioned first stage detection is started, and in step S906, the pressure control module 230 adjusts the internal pressure of the airbag 200 to pressurize the skin of the subject in the test area 600 in the Z-axis direction, and adjusts it to the initial pressure setting value (light pressure). In step S908, the pulse wave displacing along the radial direction of the blood vessel at each position on the wrist in the linear laser beam irradiation area is recorded.

[0072] In step S911, a comparison is made to see if the end pressure setpoint has been reached.

[0073] If not, proceed to step S909, record the amplitude of the pulse wave at each position on the wrist, proceed to step S910, adjust the pressure of the airbag 200 to be pressurized in the Z axis to increase, and then redundantly execute step S908.

[0074] If it has reached the limit, proceed to step S912, open the air valve of the airbag 200 to release the pressure in the airbag 200. Proceed to step S914, compare the X-axis coordinate position where the maximum amplitude appears and the corresponding pressure, and obtain the position where the amplitude of the subject's pulse is maximum.

[0075] Next, proceed to the second stage, and proceed to steps S916 to S922 in Fig. 9B based on the position where the amplitude of the subject's pulse at the cunning, kinematic, and shaku position obtained in step S914 is maximum. After repeatedly executing the above-mentioned steps S906 to S912 at the cunning, kinematic, and shaku position of the subject's wrist, proceed to step S924, and calculate the pulse detection depth and depth ratio of the pulse wave.

[0076] Then, proceeding to the third stage, in step S926, the airbag 200 is adjusted to be pressurized to the pulse detection depth in the Z axis, and in step S928, it is compared whether the pulse detection depth has been reached. If the pulse detection depth has not been reached, the process returns to step S926, and the airbag 200 is adjusted to be pressurized to the pulse detection depth in the Z axis. If the pulse detection depth has been reached, the process proceeds to step S930, where a pulse wave is captured for a certain period (e.g., one minute) and pulse wave characteristics are calculated.

[0077] In addition, the above steps need to be repeated on the other wrist of the subject to obtain the pulse wave characteristics. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 100 Pulse wave measuring device 200 Airbag 210 Transparent Window 220 Contact part 230 Pressure Control Module 300 Displacement Detection Module 400 Scanning Position Control Module 500 computers 502 Bones 504 Flexor carpi radialis tendon 506 Radial artery 510 Calculation Module 520 Control Module 530 Analysis Module 540 Operation Module 550 Power Supply Module 560 Display Module 570 Communication Module 580 Memory Module S202~S218 Step S302~S308 Step S402~S412 Step S802~S818 Steps S902~S930 Step

Claims

1. an airbag having a transparent window and a contact part, the contact part being used to contact the skin of a test subject in a test area, the airbag having at least one arterial blood vessel below the test area, the extension direction of the arterial blood vessel being defined as an X-axis direction; a pressure control module for controlling the internal pressure of the airbag; a displacement detection module for measuring a distance from the skin of the subject in the test area to the displacement detection module, the displacement detection module having a measurement resolution of less than 50 μm; a computer that is communicatively connected to the pressure control module and the displacement detection module, respectively, and is used to transmit control signals to the pressure control module and the displacement detection module, respectively, and to receive and calculate information transferred by the pressure control module and the displacement detection module.

2. The pressure control module includes: a pressure sensor for detecting an internal pressure of the airbag; 2. The pulse wave measuring device for diagnosing a pulse rate according to claim 1, further comprising a pump for increasing or decreasing the internal pressure of the airbag.

3. 2. The pulse wave measuring device for diagnosing pulse rate according to claim 1, wherein said displacement detection module comprises a photoelectric displacement sensor.

4. 4. The pulse wave measuring device for pulse diagnosis according to claim 3, wherein the photoelectric displacement sensor comprises a distance measuring device selected from the group consisting of a laser displacement meter, an optical fiber displacement meter, a three-dimensional scanning displacement meter, a time-of-flight distance measuring device, and a laser interferometer.

5. 2. The pulse wave measuring device for diagnosing pulse rate according to claim 1, wherein the displacement detection module includes a filter for filtering a pulsating AC signal.

6. 2. The pulse wave measuring device for pulse diagnosis according to claim 1, further comprising a scanning position control module connected for communication with the computer for controlling the position of the displacement detection module in the test range so that the displacement detection module performs distance measurement scanning in the test range.

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