Laboratory equipment for animal medical testing

Abstract

The present invention relates to an examination device for medical examinations, particularly blood pressure measurements, of animals, particularly legged animals, particularly preferably felines. The examination device has a sensor device for optical examination of the animal's arterial blood flow, particularly for performing photoplethysmography. For this purpose, 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. Preferably, the sensor device has multiple emitters and multiple detectors, the emitters and detectors being arranged in a periodic structure. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device has a limiting device that defines the boundary of the detection area of ​​the sensor device, such that the distance of the boundary from the sensor device is greater than 0.5 mm and / or less than 5 mm.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an examination device for the medical examination of animals and, in particular according to the preamble of claim 1, to a method for the medical examination of animals and to the use of the examination device. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, the object of the present invention is to enable or simplify non-invasive blood pressure measurement in pets, such as cats or dogs. In humans, non-invasive blood pressure measurement often involves the use of an inflatable cuff worn around the arm. However, measuring blood pressure using a cuff is not without problems for dogs, and especially for cats, because these animals are not accustomed to such tests and it can be difficult for them to wear the cuff, especially for cats. On the other hand, wearing the cuff is stressful for the animal, which can lead to erroneous measurements and is therefore something that should be avoided if possible.

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

[0004] In addition to cuff-based blood pressure measurements, other methods of measuring blood pressure non-invasively are already known in the prior art.

[0005] WO85 / 03211A1 relates to a method for measuring arterial blood pressure, in which the heart rate is measured by an electrocardiograph and the arterial blood flow is measured by photoplethysmography. The blood pressure is then determined from the time interval between the heart rate and the arterial pulse wave caused thereby and measured by photoplethysmography. This is done by exploiting the fact that the blood pressure is correlated to the time span between the heart rate and the arterial pulse wave caused thereby.

[0006] The time between the heart beat and the resulting arterial pulse wave is also called the pulse wave transit time.

[0007] WO89 / 08424A1 relates to a method for continuously measuring the blood pressure of a human being. The pulse transit time is continuously measured with the aid of a probe-specific calibration curve showing the pulse transit time as a function of the blood pressure volume used to determine one of the three blood pressure volumes (systolic, diastolic, mean blood pressure). To measure the pulse transit time, two electrodes are placed over the patient's heart, a sensor is attached to the ear lobe with an ear clip and an ECG is recorded. A small light source of the sensor shines through the ear lobe and the transmittance of the ear lobe, which varies proportionally to the blood pressure, is measured by a photodiode. The temporal transmittance curve shows the arrival of the pulse wave at the ear lobe relative to the systole registered by the ECG signal. The pulse transit time is thus determined relative to the distance between the heart and the ear lobe. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 85 / 03211A1 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 89 / 08424A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution which allows reliable, accurate, fast and / or non-invasive medical testing of animals such as dogs or cats, in particular blood pressure measurement, in particular without the use of a cuff, and which makes the test or measurement as comfortable as possible for the animal. [Means for solving the problem]

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

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

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

[0013] In principle, however, the examination device according to the invention is alternatively or additionally suitable for medical examinations, in particular blood pressure measurements, in any animal, in particular in humans.

[0014] The examination apparatus comprises a sensor device for optically examining the arterial blood flow of the animal. Preferably, the examination apparatus is designed for percutaneous and / or non-invasive examination of the blood flow of the animal. Particularly preferably, the sensor device and / or the examination apparatus is designed for performing photoplethysmography.

[0015] For the examination of the animal, it is preferably intended that a body part of the animal, in particular a leg, is positioned on or above the sensor device so that the arterial blood flow can be examined with the sensor device. Preferably, the body part or leg is not fixed relative to the sensor device and / or the body part or leg can be freely moved relative to the sensor device. This allows the examination to be very comfortable and therefore stress-free for the animal. This is favorable for accurate and / or meaningful results of blood pressure measurement, since it has been shown that under stress caused, for example, by the fixation of the animal or manual manipulation of the animal, blood pressure can change rapidly and significantly. Thus, if the animal is stressed during the examination or blood pressure measurement, this leads to erroneous recognition of the measurement result.

[0016] The sensor device comprises at least one emitter for emitting electromagnetic radiation and at least one detector for detecting the radiation emitted by the emitter, the electromagnetic radiation being 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 repeating or repetitive structure, in particular a periodic structure. This results in accurate and reliable tests, in particular blood pressure measurements. In particular, this allows a larger area or region to be detected or measured by the sensor device, allowing multiple, in particular simultaneous, measurements at different points of the leg and / or allowing a certain degree of freedom in positioning the leg on the sensor device. Furthermore, this allows or allows for movement of the leg relative to the sensor device during the test. In this way, a comfortable and therefore stress-free test for the animal can be performed. This results in accurate and reliable tests, in particular blood pressure measurements.

[0018] According to another aspect, which may also be realized independently, the sensor device comprises a limiting device that defines a boundary of the sensing area of ​​the sensor device such that the boundary of the sensing area of ​​the sensor device is at a distance from the sensor device that is greater than 0.5 mm and / or less than 5 mm, in this way a reliable examination of the arterial blood flow is possible, a minimum penetration depth into the leg can be achieved and / or the detector can be prevented from measuring reflections from the outer surface of the leg.

[0019] Preferably, the sensor device has a plurality of emitters and a plurality of detectors. Here, the sensor device preferably has at least four detectors and / or at least nine emitters. Particularly preferably, a plurality, in particular at least or exactly four emitters, are assigned to each detector. This results in reliable and accurate tests, in particular blood pressure measurements.

[0020] The emitters and detectors are preferably arranged in a matrix having columns and rows. Here, the emitters and detectors are preferably arranged equidistantly. The matrix preferably has more than two columns and / or rows. Particularly preferably, the emitters and detectors are arranged alternately in columns and rows. In other words, both in columns and rows, except for the emitters and detectors arranged at the edges of the matrix, an emitter is arranged in each case between two detectors and a detector is arranged in each case between two emitters. This results in reliable and accurate testing, in particular blood pressure measurements.

[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 to about 60°. For this purpose, the limiting device can be designed as a barrier. However, it is also possible that the limiting device comprises or is formed by an optical lens, and that the corresponding emission angle and / or detection angle is achieved by focusing or scattering by the lens.

[0022] The limiting device preferably comprises or is formed by a barrier to the radiation emitted by the emitter, the barrier being arranged between the emitter and the detector and thus limiting the emission area of ​​the emitter and / or the detection area of ​​the detector so that a sensitive area of ​​the sensor device is formed, the border of which is at a distance of more than 0.5 mm and / or less than 5 mm from the sensor device. In this way it can be achieved that the light scattered from the surface of the leg is blocked and / or blocked and / or at least does not essentially reach the detector and / or ensures a minimum penetration depth of the radiation emitted by the emitter and detected by the detector.

[0023] Preferably, the height and / or width of the limiting device, the distance of the limiting device from adjacent or associated emitters and adjacent or associated detectors, and the distance between the emitters and detectors 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 more than 0.5 mm and / or less than 5 mm.

[0024] The examination device preferably comprises one or more electrodes for recording a heart rate curve, in particular an electrocardiogram. Preferably, at least one of the electrodes is arranged so that the electrode allows recording a heart rate curve at the leg of the animal and at the same time an optical examination can be performed at this leg by the sensor device. This results in an accurate and fast examination, in particular a blood pressure measurement. Furthermore, since the electrodes do not have to be fixed to the animal and / or the animal can move freely relative to the electrodes, a more comfortable examination for the animal is possible, thus reducing the stress on the animal. This results in an accurate and reliable examination, in particular a blood pressure measurement.

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

[0026] Particularly preferably, the electrodes, in particular for recording the heart rate curve, are arranged on the side of the cover facing away from the emitters and detectors, so that recording of the heart rate curve and optical examination by the sensor device on one or the same leg can be carried out simultaneously.

[0027] Here, it is particularly preferred that the electrodes are arranged between and / or offset from the emitter and the detector in a projection perpendicular to the cover and / or on the opposite side of the barrier. The electrodes can be arranged as a mask, forming the barrier or part of it, or in an area not covered or sensed by the emitter and / or the detector. Alternatively or additionally, the electrodes can be transparent to the radiation emitted by the emitter. This allows simultaneous recording of the heart rate curve and optical examination using the sensor device on the same leg. This simplifies the examination and makes it more comfortable for the animal, i.e. less stressful for the animal. This results in accurate and reliable examinations, especially blood pressure measurements.

[0028] The sensor device preferably has more than 30, preferably more than 60 and / or less than 500, preferably less than 200 emitters. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device has more than 20, preferably more than 40 and / or less than 500, preferably less than 200 detectors. This results in accurate and reliable tests, in particular blood pressure measurements. In particular, this increases the sensor area and facilitates positioning the animal's leg on the sensor device so that the test can be performed and / or the test can be performed even if the leg is moved relative to the sensor device during the test. In other words, the sensor device and / or the test apparatus is preferably designed to enable or allow the movement of the animal during the test and / or to enable reliable and accurate tests, in particular blood pressure measurements, and / or to reduce, avoid and / or compensate for movement artifacts. This makes the test more comfortable for the animal and less stressful for the animal. This results in accurate or reliable tests, in particular blood pressure measurements.

[0029] Preferably, the areal density of the emitters, the areal density of the detectors, and / or the common areal density of the emitters and detectors is less than 0.5 / cm 2 preferably greater than 1 / cm 2 Above 2 / cm 2 and / or 40 / cm 2 Less than 20 / cm 2 Less than 10 / cm 2 This results in reliable and accurate blood pressure measurements.

[0030] The emitters are preferably designed to emit radiation at the same wavelength and the detectors are preferably designed to detect at the same wavelength. In particular, it is preferred that the emitters are of identical construction and / or that the detectors are of identical construction. This allows different detectors or sensors to record equivalent signals or the same type of signals, preferably from different positions, in particular from positions offset from one another along the sensor device. In particular, in this way, the signals recorded by the different detectors and / or sensors contain essentially the same or similar information. This results in reliable and accurate examinations, in particular blood pressure measurements, even when the animal under examination is moving. This allows for a more comfortable examination for the animal and therefore less stressful for the animal. This results in accurate and reliable examinations, in particular blood pressure measurements.

[0031] Preferably, the emitter is designed to emit infrared radiation and / or radiation having a wavelength above 780 nm, preferably above 900 nm and / or below 1400 nm, preferably below 1100 nm, in particular about 940 nm and / or 1050 nm. Since infrared radiation is not perceived, this allows the examination, in particular the blood pressure measurement, to be extremely comfortable for the animal. Furthermore, the use of infrared radiation has proven surprisingly advantageous for animals with highly pigmented or dark legs or paws.

[0032] The testing device is preferably at least essentially flat and in the form of a mat and / or plate and / or mat and / or plate. This has proven to be particularly advantageous for testing animals such as cats and dogs. In particular, it allows non-invasive testing, in particular blood pressure measurement, without the use of a cuff. Thus, it allows a very comfortable and stress-free test for the animal. This results in accurate and reliable testing, in particular blood pressure measurement.

[0033] According to another aspect, which can also be realized independently, the examination device is designed as a support for at least one leg of the animal, in particular as a support for the whole animal. Particularly preferably, the examination device or the support is designed so that the animal, in particular a domestic cat or a domestic dog, can be completely positioned on the support during the examination and / or can be freely moved relative to the support. This allows the examination to be particularly comfortable for the animal and therefore stress-free. This is advantageous for a correct and / or meaningful result of the blood pressure measurement, since it has been found that under stress, caused for example by the immobilization of the animal or manual manipulation of the animal, the blood pressure can change quickly and significantly. Therefore, if the animal is stressed during the examination or during the blood pressure measurement, the result is distorted.

[0034] The examination apparatus comprises a sensor device for optically examining the arterial blood flow of an animal. Preferably, the examination apparatus is designed for percutaneous and / or non-invasive examination of the blood flow and / or the animal. Particularly preferably, the sensor device and / or the examination apparatus is designed for performing photoplethysmography.

[0035] For the examination of the animal, it is preferably intended that a body part of the animal, in particular a leg, is positioned on or above the sensor device so that the arterial blood flow can be examined with the sensor device. Preferably, the body part or leg is not fixed relative to the sensor device and / or the body part or leg can move freely relative to the sensor device. This allows the examination to be very comfortable and therefore stress-free for the animal. It has been shown that under stress caused, for example, by the fixation of the animal or manual manipulation of the animal, the blood pressure can change rapidly and significantly, which leads to a false recognition of the measurement result if the animal is stressed during the examination or blood pressure measurement.

[0036] Preferably, the sensor device is designed for inspection by electromagnetic radiation in the infrared range, which proves to be particularly advantageous for animals with highly pigmented or dark legs or paws.

[0037] According to another aspect, which can also be realized independently, the examination device has at least two, preferably three, detection elements for detecting the cardiac activity of the animal. The detection elements are preferably formed by electrodes for recording a heartbeat curve. This results in a simple measurement of blood pressure. In principle, however, the detection elements can also be formed by microphones for recording a heartbeat curve or the like.

[0038] According to another aspect, which can also be realized independently, the test device has at least one tissue electrode. This has proven to be advantageous in the testing of animals such as cats, compared to the use of metal electrodes. It has been shown that cats in particular often react irritably to metal electrodes, and in contrast, the use of tissue electrodes can make the test with the test device more comfortable for the cat, thus inducing less stress for the animal. This results in accurate and reliable tests, particularly blood pressure measurements.

[0039] According to another aspect, which can also be implemented independently, the test device comprises or forms a scale, which can improve the accuracy of the blood pressure measurement.

[0040] Preferably, the detector together with one or more emitters each form a sensor, so that the sensor device comprises several sensors, which are designed to simultaneously record several curves containing information about the arterial blood flow, in particular about the photoplethysmogram, thereby resulting in a fast, reliable and accurate blood pressure measurement.

[0041] The electrodes are preferably positioned at a distance of more than 5 cm and / or less than 20 cm, in this way the test device is particularly well adapted to dogs and / or cats, making the test as comfortable as possible for the dog or cat and enabling the test to be carried out quickly.

[0042] The test device preferably comprises a reference or collecting electrode and two further electrodes, which is advantageous for an accurate and reliable recording of the heart rate curve.

[0043] The test device preferably has a resting surface. Preferably, a feline or canine animal, in particular a domestic cat or dog, can rest completely on the resting surface. Preferably, the resting surface has a width of more than 20 cm, preferably more than 40 cm, and / or less than 80 cm, preferably less than 60 cm, and / or a length of more than 40 cm, preferably more than 60 cm, and / or less than 120 cm, preferably less than 80 cm. This allows the test to be particularly comfortable and therefore stress-free for the animal. This results in an accurate or reliable test, in particular blood pressure measurement.

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

[0045] According to another aspect, which can also be realized independently, the present invention relates to a method for medical examination, in particular blood pressure measurement, of a legged animal, in particular a feline or canine animal, particularly preferably a domestic cat or dog, in which the animal is positioned on an examination device such that the animal's leg rests on a sensor device of the examination device. By means of the sensor device, a curve is recorded which contains information about the animal's arterial blood flow, in particular the photoplethysmogram. In this way, the medical examination, in particular the blood pressure measurement, can be made particularly comfortable and therefore stress-free for the animal. This is particularly achieved by allowing the animal to move freely on or relative to the examination device, preferably without attaching or fixing any means for the medical examination, such as sensors, electrodes, clips or the like, to the animal. This results in an accurate and reliable examination, in particular blood pressure measurement.

[0046] According to a first aspect of the method, a reflection measurement with electromagnetic radiation in the infrared range is carried out to record the curve. Reflection measurements have proven to be particularly advantageous, since it is only necessary to place the leg on the sensor device, without the leg having to be fixed or the device placed against the leg, as is the case with cuffs or clips. This allows a particularly comfortable examination for the animal to be carried out. In reflection measurements, the emitter and the detector are preferably arranged on the same side of the leg, the light emitted by the emitter being reflected and / or scattered in the leg and thus reaching the detector. However, in principle, a transmission measurement is also possible, in which the emitter and the detector are arranged on both 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, since the infrared radiation is not perceived by the animal and therefore the examination can be made particularly comfortable.

[0047] According to another aspect of the method, which can be implemented independently, the heart rate curve of the animal, in particular 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 which can be implemented independently, the signal is recorded by at least one tissue electrode, the use of which has proven to be particularly advantageous for animals such as cats.

[0049] According to another aspect of the method, which can be implemented separately, the testing device measures the weight of the animal, which can improve the accuracy of the blood pressure measurement.

[0050] Preferably, the curve characteristics, in particular the pulse transit time, are determined by the curve and the blood pressure is measured based on the curve characteristics or the pulse transit time, preferably by means of an empirically determined correlation function.

[0051] The curve and the heart rate curve are preferably recorded simultaneously, and in particular the heart rate curve is used to cut the curve into sections corresponding to the heart beats, which results in an accurate measurement of the pulse transit time and / or blood pressure.

[0052] Preferably, the presence and / or the position of the animal on the testing device is determined by evaluating the signals measured by the testing device, in particular by means of electrodes, sensor devices, force sensors and / or balances. For example, it can be determined by the sensor devices whether and / or in what position the legs of the animal are positioned above the sensor devices and / or whether the legs are positioned such that the signals recorded by the sensor devices contain information about the arterial blood flow of the animal. Alternatively or additionally, it can be determined by the electrodes, for example by resistance measurements, whether the animal is positioned correctly, in particular whether the electrodes are in contact with the legs for example. Finally, the weight measured by the scales also provides information about whether the animal was already positioned on the testing device and / or whether the animal is completely present on the testing device.

[0053] Preferably, a body fat measurement is performed by means of a scale and / or a testing device. Particularly preferably, the blood pressure of the animal is determined taking into account the body fat measurement and, preferably, simultaneously taking into account the weight of the animal, which is measured by means of a scale. Taking into account body fat leads, in particular, to a more accurate and more reliable measurement of blood pressure.

[0054] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to the use of the examination device for medical examination, in particular blood pressure measurement, of legged animals, in particular felines or canines, particularly preferably domestic cats or dogs.

[0055] As a result, the present invention makes it possible to measure blood pressure in animals, particularly in animals that have a high motility and / or low stress tolerance with respect to manipulation of the animal's body, as has been shown in experience to be the case, in particular in domestic dogs and cats.

[0056] Here, up to now, blood pressure measurements have always been very stressful for the animal. The present invention solves this problem in a completely different way to known approaches where the animal is immobilized and / or the sensor technology is immobilized on the animal. The present invention provides a solution in an unpredictable and surprising way by combining measures that do not require movement restrictions but at least basically do not restrict the freedom of movement. Instead of immobilizing the animal, possible measurement problems caused by possible movements of the animal during the examination are technically solved. In particular, so-called movement artifacts, i.e. measurement inaccuracies and measurement errors caused by movements, are eliminated and / or compensated for.

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

[0058] Thus, on the one hand, it is preferably intended that the position of the animal, in particular the leg position, is not strictly given, instead multiple sensors are used and the sensor suitable for the measurement can be selected.

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

[0060] A particularly advantageous and basis for some of the further measures is the subdivision or division of the signal or curve into curve sections on the basis of the simultaneously determined heart rate curve. Another basis for most of the proposed measures is the averaging between the curve sections.

[0061] Furthermore, there is also a choice between several alternative results determined in particular on the selection of suitable curve sections and / or on the curve characteristics and / or on filter means and / or on statistical methods. In particular, these and further means described in detail lead to the conclusion that it is sufficient to simply place one or more legs on or at the sensor device and / or to place the animal on the testing apparatus in order to achieve a meaningful determination of the curve characteristics and a reliable blood pressure measurement resulting therefrom, which previously did not seem possible in this form.

[0062] An "animal" in the sense of the present invention is preferably a vertebrate, in particular a mammal, particularly preferably a terrestrial mammal. In particular, the term "animal" in the sense of the present invention also includes humans. Preferably, the animal to be examined has legs. Preferably, the animal to be examined is an animal of the Feloidea (cat-like) or Canoidea (dog-like), in particular an animal of the Felidae (cat) or Canidae (dog), particularly preferably an animal of the family Felinae (small cats) or Caninae (true dogs), in this family in particular an animal of the family Canidae (wolf-like and jackal-like), particularly preferably a domestic cat or a domestic dog.

[0063] An "emitter" in the sense of the present invention is preferably a structure that emits or is designed to emit electromagnetic radiation, in particular in the optical and / or infrared range. Preferably, the emitter is formed by a light-emitting diode, a laser diode or generally a light-generating element. However, the emitter can also be formed by the end of an optical fiber, at least as far as the position of the emitter is concerned, from which emerges the light guided by the optical fiber. From one point of view, the combination of the associated light source and light guide is the emitter. In principle, therefore, the term "emitter" in the sense of the present invention is preferably understood in a broad sense.

[0064] A "detector" in the sense of the present invention is preferably a structure designed to detect electromagnetic radiation, especially in the light and / or infrared range. Preferably, the detector is formed by a photodiode. In principle, however, the detector can also be formed by another structure designed especially for the detection of electromagnetic radiation emitted by an emitter, for example a photocathode, a photocell, a CCD sensor or the like. The detector can also have a light guide having one end on which the light guided by the light guide can enter. In this case, at least as far as the position of the detector is concerned, the end of the light guide is the detector.

[0065] The "radiation area" of an emitter in the sense of the present invention is preferably the area in which the radiation emitted by the emitter reaches or can reach. Preferably, the emitter emits radiation in a certain direction, for example in a certain angular range. The radiation area is therefore preferably defined or limited by one or more radiation angles. The radiation area may be essentially conical.

[0066] The "detection area" of a detector in the sense of the present invention is preferably the area in which radiation reaches or can reach the detector. The detection area is preferably defined or limited by one or more detection angles. The detection area may 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, a detector together with one or more emitters forms a sensor in the sense of the present invention. A sensor preferably comprises precisely one detector and at least one emitter. The emitter is designed to emit electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength that the detector is sensitive to and / or is capable of detecting this electromagnetic radiation.

[0068] A "sensor area" of a sensor in the sense of the present invention is preferably an area that can be detected / sensed by the sensor or where a measurement can be performed by the sensor. In particular, the sensor area is the overlapping area of ​​the emission area of ​​the emitter and the detection area of ​​the detector of the sensor. The sensor area can be formed by a continuous area or by a number of disconnected or separated areas.

[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 examination of animal body parts. The sensor device is in particular designed to perform photoplethysmography.

[0070] A "sensing area" of a sensor device in the sense of the present invention is preferably an area detectable / sensible by the sensor device and / or the emitter and / or the detector. The sensing area is in particular an overlapping area of ​​the emission area of ​​the emitter and the detection area of ​​the detector. Preferably, the sensing area is formed by one or more overlapping emission areas and one or more detection areas. The sensing area can be linked or alternatively formed by several separate areas. In particular, the sensing area can be formed by one or more overlapping areas of essentially conical emission and detection areas.

[0071] A "periodic" arrangement of emitters and / or detectors in the sense of the present invention is preferably an arrangement in which the emitters and / or detectors are arranged in an at least substantially equally spaced repeating structure, such periodicity may in particular exist in one or more mutually orthogonal directions.

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

[0073] "Photoplethysmography" in the sense of the present invention is a method for optically examining the arterial blood flow of an animal. In particular, photoplethysmography is a method for non-invasive optical examination, in which an animal's body part is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, in particular with the range visible to humans and / or with the infrared range, and the radiation scattered and / or (in particular diffusely) reflected and / or transmitted by the body part is measured with a detector. The proportion of reflected and / or scattered and / or transmitted, in particular reflected or transmitted electromagnetic radiation in the direction of the detector, depends, inter alia, on the arterial blood flow, in particular on the arterial blood volume and / or on the oxygen saturation of the arterial blood. Preferably, the fluctuations in the arterial blood flow and / or the changes in the arterial blood volume and / or the changes in the oxygen saturation change the signal measured by the detector, such that the fluctuations in the measurement signal and / or in the course of the measurement signal make it possible to draw conclusions about the arterial blood flow. Pulse oximetry is therefore also (extended) photoplethysmography in the sense of the present invention.

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

[0075] A "photoplethysmogram" within the meaning of the present invention is in particular a curve that is recorded or measured during the performance of photoplethysmography.

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

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

[0078] A "detection element" in the sense of the present invention is preferably an element for detecting the cardiac activity of an animal. The detection element is particularly suitable or designed for recording a cardiac curve. The detection element is preferably formed by an electrode. However, the detection element can also be formed by or have a microphone or other sound sensor or the like.

[0079] "Arterial blood flow" in the sense of the present invention preferably refers to the flow of blood through an artery. An artery is in particular a blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart. In particular, the arterial blood flow refers to the blood flow of the animal being examined.

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

[0081] A "curve" in the sense of the present invention is preferably a time course of a signal measured by a detector or sensor. The term "curve" also includes data-technical equivalents such as individual data points which (together) represent or correspond to a course. A curve is preferably a time course over several heartbeats.

[0082] A "curve section" in the sense of the present invention is preferably also a section or part of the curve, i.e. in particular also the time course of a signal measured by a detector or sensor. In particular, the curve section is a section of the curve that corresponds to a heart beat, in particular starting at the time of a heart beat and preferably ending at the time of a subsequent heart beat.

[0083] A "curve containing information about the arterial blood flow" in the sense of the present invention is in particular a curve from which results can be drawn concerning the arterial blood flow, in particular the arrival of a pulse wave, the changes in the blood volume in the artery, the changes in the oxygen saturation of the blood in the artery or the like. A photoplethysmogram is a particularly preferred example of a curve containing information about the arterial blood flow.

[0084] A "curve feature" in the sense of the present invention is preferably a feature of the curve and / or of a section of the curve, which contains information, in particular about the arterial blood flow. The curve feature is preferably a feature related to and / or correlated with the pulse wave transit time and / or the blood pressure. In particular, the curve feature is a feature by means of which the blood pressure can be measured. The curve feature is particularly preferably a feature of the curve and / or of a section of the curve, which corresponds to the course and / or the form of the curve and / or of the curve section and / or contains information about the form of the curve and / or of the curve section. For example, the curve feature can be the position of the (absolute) extrema, the distance between the (absolute) extrema, the position or absolute value of the (maximum) gradient, the distance between the extrema and / or the 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 characteristic of the curve corresponds to the pulse wave transit time.

[0086] "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, the pressure wave originating from the heart and passing through the artery due to the heartbeat is referred to as a pulse wave. The speed of this pressure wave is in particular faster than the flow speed when blood flows through the artery. 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 location in the artery, i.e. the time required for the pulse wave to travel the distance from the heart to the location of the artery. However, preferably, the term pulse wave transit time also includes the time distance until the pulse wave reaches the first location and the time distance until the pulse wave reaches the second location.

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

[0088] "Transcutaneous" testing in the sense of the present invention is preferably testing through the skin. In optical transcutaneous testing, the inside of the body is irradiated through the skin with electromagnetic radiation, preferably in the optically visible (for humans) and / or infrared range, and the scattered, transmitted and / or reflected parts thereof are detected.

[0089] A "non-invasive" test within the meaning of the present invention is preferably a test in which the animal being tested is not injured or harmed.

[0090] The above mentioned aspects and features, as well as further aspects and features emerging from the claims and the following description, can be realized independently of one another and in different combinations.

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

[0092] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic top view of an inspection device according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a testing device according to the invention with an animal placed thereon; FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the sensor device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of a sensor device according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-section through a sensor device; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a sensor device with electrodes disposed thereon. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensor device with legs disposed thereon. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an inspection device; [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram of a heart rate curve and a curve containing information about arterial blood flow. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0093] In the schematic drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar parts, and corresponding or equivalent features and advantages can be obtained even if repeated description is omitted.

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

[0095] The examination device 1 is preferably designed for medical examination, in particular for measuring blood pressure BP, of an animal T, in particular of an animal T having a leg 2, preferably of a feline animal T, particularly preferably of a domestic cat.

[0096] In principle, however, the examination device 1 is suitable for medical examination of any animal T, in particular humans, in particular animals T in which the blood pressure BP can be measured. Examination with the examination device 1 is particularly advantageous if the animal T has legs or the like.

[0097] However, the testing device 1 may also be designed and / or suitable for medical testing of other animals T, in particular domestic animals such as dogs, mice, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs or the like, in particular for measuring blood pressure BP, and / or may be specifically adapted for testing of these animals T.

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

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

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

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

[0102] The inspection device 1 is preferably designed as a plate or mat, or as a mat-like or plate-like device, or in the form of a mat or plate. In particular, a plate or mat is understood to be a device whose width and length are more than a multiple of its height. A plate is preferably understood to be an at least substantially rigid device. A mat is preferably understood to be an at least partially flexible device. 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 test device 1 has a rest surface 3. An animal T, in particular a domestic dog, a domestic cat or another animal T of equal or smaller size, can be placed preferably completely on the rest surface 3.

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

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

[0106] The rest surface 3, in its use position, in particular during testing, is preferably at least substantially horizontal or forms a horizontal surface. The use position is a preferred position of the testing device 1 in which an animal T can be placed on the testing device 1 for testing. The use position is particularly shown in FIG. 2.

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

[0108] The inspection device 1 and / or the rest 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 rest surface 3 are also conceivable.

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

[0110] The test device 1 preferably does not have fixing and / or fastening means. Preferably, the test device 1 is not designed to clip onto the leg 2. Preferably, the test device 1 does not have a clip for attachment to the leg 2 and does not have a cuff for application to the leg 2 or other fixing or fastening means for attaching, fixing or fastening the test means, such as sensors or electrodes, to the animal T. In contrast, it is preferred that the test device 1 has a contact surface and a rest surface 3, by which the test can be performed when the leg 2 or a body part is placed or positioned on the device.

[0111] The design of the examination device 1 as a support and / or rest surface 3 for the animal T makes the examination particularly comfortable and therefore stress-free for the animal T. Preferably, it is not intended to fix the animal T to the examination device 1 or to attach or fix parts of the examination device 1, such as sensors or the like, to the animal T. Such methods would cause stress to the animal T, making the examination uncomfortable for the animal T, and it has been shown that stress also affects the blood pressure BP. In contrast, the design of the examination device 1 according to the present invention allows for an extremely comfortable and stress-free examination for the animal T.

[0112] Preferably, the test device 1 or the mounting surface 3 is designed so that the animal T can move freely on the test device 1 and / or the mounting surface 3.

[0113] By the design of the testing apparatus 1, which will be described in more detail below, and in particular the design and / or positioning of the sensor device 4 and / or the electrodes 15, it is achieved that testing of the animal T, in particular reliable and / or accurate blood pressure measurement, is possible while avoiding fixation of the animal T, or can be performed without fixation of the animal T, or can be performed or is possible when the animal T moves during testing with the testing apparatus 1.

[0114] The examination apparatus 1 preferably comprises a sensor device 4. The sensor device 4 is designed for optical examination of the arterial blood flow BF of an animal T, in particular for recording a curve K containing information about the arterial blood flow BF of the animal T. In particular, the sensor device 4 is designed for performing photoplethysmography and / or for recording a photoplethysmogram.

[0115] A curve K containing information about the arterial blood flow BF is shown by way of example in FIG. 9, which will be explained in more detail later.

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

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

[0118] The sensor device 4 is preferably arranged on or integrated into the testing apparatus 1 in such a way that the leg 2 of the animal T can be located at, above and / or in the vicinity of the sensor device 4, particularly when the animal T is located on the testing apparatus 1 and / or on the resting surface 3. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the sensor device 4 is arranged in such a way 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 in other positions.

[0119] 2 and 7 show, by way of example, the positioning of the leg 2 during testing with the sensor device 4. For testing with the sensor device 4, the leg 2 is preferably positioned such that one or preferably several paw pads of the leg 2 are in contact with the sensor device 4, in particular the cover 14 and / or the electrodes 15.

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

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

[0122] The sensor device 4 has at least one emitter 5 which emits electromagnetic radiation R (in particular light including ultraviolet and / or infrared radiation) and preferably at least one detector 6 which detects the electromagnetic radiation R (in particular light including ultraviolet and / or infrared radiation) 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, the emitters 5 can be activated and / or deactivated and / or switched on and / or off separately, in particular by means of MOSFETs assigned to the emitters 5 .

[0126] Figures 3 and 4 show examples of schematic top views of sensor devices 4 in different embodiments. The sensor devices 4 according to Figures 3 and 4 are basically of the same or similar design and differ mainly only in the number of emitters 5 and detectors 6.

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

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

[0129] The emitter 5 and the detector 6 are preferably arranged in the same plane.

[0130] The emitters 5 and detectors 6 are preferably arranged in a repeating and / or repetitive structure. Particularly preferably, the emitters 5 and detectors 6 are arranged in a periodic or cyclic structure.

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

[0132] In other words, the emitters 5 and detectors 6 are preferably arranged in one or more rows, in particular linear rows. Preferably, the emitters 5 and detectors 6 form a plurality of parallel rows and columns extending laterally, in particular perpendicularly, to one another, in particular the rows forming columns and rows of a (virtual) matrix or a (virtual) array.

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

[0134] The emitters 5 and detectors 6 are preferably arranged in an alternating fashion. Preferably, the emitters 5 and detectors 6 form one or more, in particular linear, rows, with the emitters 5 and detectors 6 arranged in an alternating fashion in each row. The rows may also be curved and / or may mimic an organic shape, such as a leg 2.

[0135] Particularly preferably, the emitters 5 and detectors 6 are arranged alternately not only in the rows but also in the columns of the (virtual) matrix.

[0136] Preferably, each detector 6 (except for emitters 5 and / or detectors 6 which, as the case may be, are located at the outermost and / or edge of the sensor device 4 and / or row and / or matrix) 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, several emitters 5 are assigned to each detector 6 or vice versa. This preferably allows multiple use of emitters 5 and / or detectors 6.

[0138] Emitters 5 and detectors 6 are assigned to one another, in particular if they are arranged in such a way that radiation R emitted by the emitters 5 reaches or can reach the detector 6, in particular after scattering or reflection on the legs 2. Particularly preferably, these emitters 5 are assigned to the detector 6 which has a minimum distance D to this detector 6 and / or is (directly) adjacent to this detector 6. Likewise, in particular, these detectors 6 are assigned to the emitter 5 which has a minimum distance D to this emitter 5 and / or is (directly) adjacent to this emitter 5.

[0139] The distance D between the emitter 5 and the detector 6 is understood in particular 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 and / or rectangular components of different sizes, as also shown by the rectangles of different sizes in Figures 1 to 4, and the emitter 5 and the detector 6 are arranged such that the center points or geometric centers of gravity of these components, shown as dots in Figure 3, have the same distance D from each other.

[0140] Preferably, the emitters 5 assigned to a detector 6 have the same distance D to the detector 6. Similarly, this also applies to the detectors 6 assigned to the emitters 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 a detector 6 are preferably arranged symmetrically around the detector 6 and / or at an equal distance D from the detector 6 and / or vice versa.

[0142] Preferably, the emitters 5 and the detectors 6 are arranged equidistant from one another or with the same distance D. In other words, a detector 6 has the same distance D to in each case two adjacent emitters 5 of a row and / or to in each case four adjacent emitters 5 of a matrix.

[0143] The distance D between emitters 5 and detectors 6 arranged directly adjacent to one another, in particular in a column or row, is preferably more than 1 mm, in particular more than 2 mm, particularly preferably more than 4 mm and / or less than 20 mm, in particular less than 15 mm, particularly preferably less than 10 mm, very particularly preferably between 5 mm and 7 mm.

[0144] Preferably, the emitters 5 of the sensor devices 4 are of the same design or type. Particularly preferably, the emitters 5 of the sensor devices 4 are of the same construction and / or are designed to emit light of the same wavelength or in 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 are of identical construction and / or design, in particular for detection of the same radiation R or wavelength emitted by the emitter 5.

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

[0147] Infrared rays are in particular electromagnetic waves R having wavelengths between 780 nm and 1400 nm.

[0148] Preferably, the emitter 5 is designed for the emission of electromagnetic radiation R having a wavelength above 900 nm and / or below 1200 nm or 1100 nm. Particularly preferably, the emitter 5 is designed for the emission of electromagnetic radiation R having a wavelength above 920 nm and / or below 960 nm, in particular at (approximately) 940 nm. However, alternatively or additionally, it is also possible for the emitter 5 or a subset of the emitters 5 to be designed to emit electromagnetic radiation R having a wavelength above 1030 nm and / or below 1070 nm, in particular at (approximately) 1050 nm.

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

[0150] Preferably, the sensor device 4 comprises at least one, preferably several, sensors 7. The sensor 7 comprises or is formed in this way at least one emitter 5 and at least one detector 6. Particularly preferably, the sensor 7 comprises exactly one detector 6 and several emitters 5, exactly four emitters 5 in the example shown in figures 3 and 4.

[0151] Preferably, the emitters 5 of the sensors 7 are arranged symmetrically around the detector 6 of the sensors 7 and / or the emitters 5 of the sensors 7 have the same distance D to the detector 6 of the sensors 7 .

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

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

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

[0155] In the illustrated embodiment, a number of emitters 5 are assigned to each detector 6, and these emitters 5 (except the outermost emitters 5 or the emitters 5 arranged at the edges) are assigned in turn to each of the detectors 6. In this way, a number of sensors 7, in particular of the same kind or type, are formed, and the emitters 5 (except the outermost emitters 5 or the emitters 5 arranged at the edges) are each part of the number of sensors 7. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the emitter 5 arranged in the center of the sensor device 4 is assigned to each of the four detectors 6. The emitters 5 arranged at the top, bottom, leftmost and rightmost parts 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, in particular of the same kind or type, are formed in FIG. 3.

[0156] 3 shows the basic design of the sensor device 4 or the basic arrangement of the emitters 5, detectors 6 and / or sensors 7, the sensor device 4 preferably has a significantly larger number of emitters 5, detectors 6 and / or sensors 7, as shown by way of example in FIG. 4. In this way, a large sensor area can be realized, so that the exact positioning of the leg 2 for the examination and / or blood pressure measurement is not critical and a larger area can be examined by the sensor device 4. This results in less stress on the animal T during the examination, since the leg 2 of the animal T does not have to be fixed, and a quicker, more accurate, more reliable and as comfortable as possible for the animal T to be examined, in particular the blood pressure measurement, can be realized.

[0157] The sensor device 4 preferably comprises more than 30, in particular more than 60 and / or less than 500, preferably less than 200, more preferably less than 100, in particular less than 100, particularly preferably about 80 emitters 5.

[0158] Preferably, the sensor device 4 comprises more than 20, preferably more than 40 and / or less than 500, preferably less than 200, in particular less than 100, particularly preferably about 60 detectors 6 .

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

[0160] The sensor devices 4 and / or the matrix of emitters 5 and detectors 6 preferably have a size of 10 cm 2 Above 20cm 2 More than 30 cm, particularly preferably 2 More than 40 cm, very particularly preferably 2 and / or 200cm 2 Less than 150cm, preferably 2 Less than 100cm, more preferably 2 Less than 80cm 2 It has the following area:

[0161] Preferably, the areal density of the emitters 5, the areal density of the detectors 6, the areal density of the sensors 7, and / or the common areal density of the emitters 5 and the detectors 6 is less than 0.5 / cm 2 preferably greater than 1 / cm 2 Above 2 / cm 2 and / or 40 / cm 2 Less than 20 / cm 2 Less than 10 / cm 2 Here, the number of emitters 5 and / or detectors 6 and / or sensors 7 per area is especially denoted as areal density.

[0162] The number, arrangement, area and / or area density of the sensor devices 4, emitters 5, detectors 6 and / or sensors 7 preferably allow reliable and accurate tests, in particular photoplethysmography and / or blood pressure BP measurements, to be performed without fixing the leg 2 of the animal T relative to a test means such as a sensor, thus allowing the animal T to move freely relative to the sensor device 4 during the test. This results in a particularly comfortable and stress-free test for the animal T and improves the measurement accuracy.

[0163] The emitters 5 and / or the detectors 6 are preferably each divided into or preferably form a number of groups, which in particular are separate from one another and / or are connected separately.

[0164] Preferably, the emitters 5 are divided into two groups and / or the emitters 5 form two groups.

[0165] Preferably, the detectors 6 are divided into and / or form five groups.

[0166] The emitters 5 within a group and / or the detectors 6 within a group are preferably connected or interconnected in series.

[0167] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-section through the sensor device 4.

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

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

[0170] At this point, it is to be noted that the limiting device 8 and the associated features and advantages can in principle be realised independently of the above-mentioned 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 designs of a sensor device 4 having multiple emitters 5 and / or multiple detectors 6, in particular to a sensor device 4 designed as described above.

[0171] The limiting device 8 is preferably designed to determine, define and / or limit an emission area 9 of the emitter 5, a detection area 10 of the detector 6, a sensor area 11 of the sensor 7 and / or a sensing area 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 in the shown example comprises or is formed by a barrier 13, which will be explained in more detail below. Alternatively or additionally, however, the limiting device 8 can comprise one or more lenses, not shown, in particular focusing lenses, which in particular focus the radiation R and thereby result in a corresponding limiting of the emission region 9 and / or the detection region 10.

[0173] The emission area 9 of the emitter 5 is generally the area within which radiation R can be emitted by the emitter 5. For example, the emission area 9 of the emitter 5 may be at least essentially conical and / or defined by one or (particularly in the case of a non-conical emission area 9) multiple emission angles 9a.

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

[0175] Preferably, the emitter 5 and / or the detector 6 necessarily have a certain emission area 9 or detection area 10, respectively. Preferably, this natural emission area 9 and / or detection area 10 is limited or restricted, respectively, by the limiting device 8 or the limiting device 8 is designed for this purpose. The terms "emission area" and "detection area" in the sense of the present invention therefore preferably refer to the emission area 9 or detection area 10 defined or restricted by the limiting device 8, and not to the natural emission area 9 or detection area 10 of the emitter 5 or detector 6 as such.

[0176] The emission region 9 is indicated in Fig. 5 by a V-shaped dotted line originating from the emitter 5. The dotted line represents the boundary of the emission region 9, which is in particular defined by the limiting device 8. In particular, the emission region 9 is an area surrounded or limited by a line.

[0177] The detection area 10 is indicated in Fig. 5 by a V-shaped dotted line originating from the detector 6. The dotted line represents the boundary of the detection area 10, in particular where the limiting device 8 is defined. In particular, the detection area 10 is an area enclosed or limited by a line.

[0178] The emission area 9 of the emitter 5 is preferably limited by a (virtual) line, in particular a line shown in dashed dotted line in Fig. 5, which represents the optical paths of the outermost rays of light that can leave the sensor device 4 as the centre point or geometric centre origin of the emission area of ​​the emitter 5. In particular, the line represents an edge or boundary of the emission area 9. In particular, the emission area 9 is an area enclosed or limited by a line.

[0179] As shown in FIG. 5, when the limiting device 8 is realized by a barrier 13, these outermost beams are the beams that are not blocked by the limiting device 8 as a central point or geometric central origin, so that the lines representing these beams in FIG. 5 are in contact with the edges or corners of the limiting device 8 or barrier 13.

[0180] If the limiting device 8 comprises 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 central point or geometric centre of the light emitting surface of the emitter 5 through the outermost edge of the lens.

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

[0182] As shown in Figure 5, when the limiting device 8 is realised by a barrier 13, these outermost rays are the rays that are not blocked by the limiting device 8 and can therefore reach the central point or geometric centre of the detection surface of the detector 6, so that the lines in Figure 5 representing these rays touch the rim or edge or corner of the limiting device 8 or barrier 13.

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

[0184] Preferably, the emission angle 9A is the angle between lines (imaginary, in particular outside of which the sensor device 4 extends) representing the boundaries of the emission area 9. This is shown in particular in FIG.

[0185] Preferably, the detection angle 10A is the angle between lines (imaginary, in particular outside of which the sensor device 4 extends) representing the boundaries of the detection area 10. This is in particular shown in FIG.

[0186] In the above definitions of the emission area 9 and the detection area 10, an idealized approach was chosen and reference was made to a central point or geometric center of the emission or detection area, which in reality deviates from point-like and forms an extended area (albeit very small). This makes it possible that in reality the radiation R from the emitter 5 can also reach areas outside the above-defined emission area 9 and / or that radiation R from outside the above-defined detection area 10 can reach the detector 6, in particular as scattered light. However, the above definitions of the emission area 9 and the detection area 10 remain unaffected by this. Moreover, the above-defined emission area 9 and the detection area 10 also represent in reality an area from which a large part of the radiation R emitted by the emitter 5 is emitted and / or an area from which the radiation R can reach the detector 6.

[0187] The sensor area 11 of the sensor 7 is generally an area that can be inspected or sensed by the sensor 7. Preferably, only objects located in the sensor area 11 can be inspected by the sensor 7. In particular, the sensor area 11 of the sensor 7 is an overlapping area of ​​the emission area 9 of the emitter 5 of the sensor 7 and the detection area 10 of the detector 6 of the sensor 7.

[0188] 5, by way of example, arrows indicate how radiation R can pass from emitter 5 to detector 6. The arrows very diagrammatically indicate the path of a light beam emitted by emitter 5 and reaching detection area 10, and thus the area of ​​overlap of emission area 9 and detection area 10, and scattered or reflected by an object not shown in the figure in the direction of detector 6 and thus reaching detector 6.

[0189] In principle, it is possible, deviating from the idealized view chosen here, that in reality objects outside the above-defined sensor area 11 are at least partially detectable or detectable by the sensor 7. On the one hand, this can be done by the fact that, as already mentioned above, in reality small amounts of radiation R can also reach areas outside the defined emission area 9 and / or radiation R from outside the defined detection area 10 can also reach the detector 6. On the other hand, however, it can also happen that objects or parts of objects are detected by the sensor 7 which are located outside the defined sensor area 11, for example in the case of multiple scattering in the object.

[0190] The sensing area 12 of the sensor device 4 is the area that can be inspected and / or detected / sensed by the sensor device 4. In particular, the sensing area 12 comprises or is formed by the emission area 9, the detection area 10 and / or the sensor area 11.

[0191] Preferably, the sensing area 12 is the sum / entire of the sensor areas 11 of the sensors 7 of the sensor device 4 .

[0192] The sensing area 12 may be formed by a continuous / connected area, which is the case when the sensor areas 11 of the sensors 7 of the sensor device 4 overlap.

[0193] However, it is also possible that the sensing area 12 is not connected or is formed by separate or unconnected areas or sensor areas 11. This is the case when at least a part of a sensor area 11 of a sensor 7 does not overlap with another sensor area 11.

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

[0195] The sensing area 12 and / or its boundary G preferably have a distance X from the sensor device 4. In particular, a (minimum) penetration depth into the leg 2 of the radiation R emitted by the emitter 5 and / or detected by the detector 6 during the test can be achieved or ensured. In particular, this minimum penetration depth or distance X prevents light reflected or scattered from the surface of the leg 2 from reaching the detector 6. This improves the accuracy and reliability of the test, in particular the blood pressure measurement.

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

[0197] The limiting device 8 is preferably designed such that the distance X of the boundary G of the sensing area 12 from the sensor device 4 is more than 0.5 mm, preferably more 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 emitters 5 and / or the detection angle 10A of the detectors 6 (particularly in the cross-sectional plane shown in Figure 5) to less than 90°, preferably less than 75°, in particular about 60°. The cross-sectional plane shown in Figure 5 is perpendicular to the plane defined by the matrix of emitters 5 and detectors 6 and intersects the emitters 5 and detectors 6 along the rows or columns of the matrix.

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

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

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

[0202] The barrier 13 is preferably arranged or designed to reach or achieve 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 barrier 13, in particular its height HB and / or width BB, as well as the distance DB of the limiting device 8 or barrier 13 from the emitter 5 and detector 6 and the distance D of the emitter 5 from the detector 6 are preferably matched to one another such that the emission 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 emission angle 9A and / or detection angle 10A.

[0204] Preferably, the barrier 13 performs several functions and / or has several sections 13B, 13C which specifically fulfill these functions.

[0205] The function of the barrier 13 is preferably to shield the emitter 5 from the detector 6, in particular 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. The shielding section 13B is thus 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 shielding section 13B preferably extends at least substantially parallel to the main radiation direction of the emitter 5 and / or transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the plane formed by the emitter 5 and the detector 6.

[0206] Another function of the barrier 13 is preferably to limit the emission area 9, the detection area 10, the sensor area 11 and / or the sensing area 12, as already mentioned above. In other words, the barrier 13 and / or parts thereof preferably represent 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 emission 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 mentioned above. The aperture section 13C preferably forms an aperture. In particular, the aperture section 13C preferably extends transversely, preferably at least substantially perpendicularly, to the main emission direction of the emitter 5 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 in one piece and / or are formed by different sections of the same component. In particular, the aperture section 13C can be wider than the shielding section 13B, resulting in a T-shaped cross section of the barrier 13, as shown in Figure 5. However, this is not necessary.

[0208] The restriction device 8 and / or the barrier 13, in particular the aperture section 13C, preferably has 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 has 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 limits areas 13A that are transparent and / or semi-transparent to the radiation R emitted by the emitter 5 and / or detected by the detector 6. These transparent areas 13A are arranged corresponding to the emitters 5 and detectors 6, respectively, so that the material located in the sensor device 4 above the emitters 5 and detectors 6, respectively, and between or surrounding the transparent areas 13A forms the limiting device 8 and / or the barrier 13. This is shown by way of example in figures 5 and 6.

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

[0211] The barrier element 13D is preferably a one-piece part, in particular a flat and / or plate-like part, having a transparent area 13A.

[0212] The transparent areas 13A are preferably formed by through-holes in the barrier element 13D, but in principle it is alternatively or additionally possible for the transparent areas 13A to be formed by or to comprise a material 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 figure 6 the transparent area 13A is shown as a rectangle, however, deviating from this, the transparent area 13A may in particular be circular.

[0214] The restriction device 8 and / or the barrier 13 and / or the barrier elements 13D and / or the transparent areas 13A preferably form a grid or lattice, in particular a grid aperture, which corresponds to the emitters 5 and / or the detectors 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 covers the sensor device 4 completely, continuously and / or without gaps.

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

[0218] Preferably, the cover 14 rests on and / or is in particular directly adjacent to the restriction device 8 or the barrier 13. However, it is also possible for the restriction device 8 and / or the barrier 13 to have or form the cover 14 and / or for the cover 14 to be integrated in the restriction device 8 and / or the barrier 13 and / or the barrier element 13D. In particular, if the transparent area 13A is formed by or comprises 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 flush with the inspection apparatus 1, in particular with the top surface and / or the mounting surface 3 of the inspection apparatus 1, and / or the sensor device 4 and / or the cover 14 do not protrude from the mounting surface 3 and / or the top surface.

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

[0221] The cover 14 is preferably scratch resistant.

[0222] Preferably, the examination device 1 comprises one or more detection elements for detecting the cardiac activity of the animal T, in particular for recording the heart rate curve KG.

[0223] The heart rate curve KG preferably represents the activity of the heart, in particular of the animal T examined by the examination device 1, and / or contains information regarding the activity of the heart.

[0224] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a heart rate curve KG.

[0225] In particular, the heart beats or the times at which the heart beats occur can be read or derived or determined from the heart rate curve KG.

[0226] The heart rate curve KG is preferably an electrocardiogram, but in principle it can also be an impedance cardiogram, a phonocardiogram, a ballistocardiogram or the like.

[0227] The detection element is preferably formed by an electrode 15. In principle, however, the detection element can also be formed by or comprise one or more microphones or other sound sensors or the like.

[0228] Preferably, the test device 1 thus comprises at least one electrode 15, preferably at least two electrodes 15. In the example shown, the test device 1 comprises three electrodes 15. In principle, however, the test device 1 can also comprise a significantly greater number of electrodes 15.

[0229] Preferably, the heart rate curve KG can be recorded by the electrodes 15 and / or the electrodes 15 are designed to record the heart rate curve KG, in particular the heart rate curve KG being an electrocardiogram.

[0230] The electrode 15 is preferably planar and / or layered, in particular made of or comprising an electrically conductive material.

[0231] Preferably, at least one of the electrodes 15 is designed as a tissue electrode. This is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1 by the hatching of the electrodes 15. Preferably, all the electrodes 15 are designed as fabric electrodes. This has proven to be particularly advantageous for the examination of animals T, such as cats or dogs, since the examination can be made particularly comfortable for the animals T. In particular, it has proven to be easily irritated by metallic and / or shiny surfaces, which can be avoided by using tissue electrodes.

[0232] In the following, the at least two electrodes 15 are referred to as a first electrode 15A and a second electrode 15B in order to better distinguish between them. The electrodes 15A and 15B may be the same or may have different designs.

[0233] Thus, any description making reference to the first electrode 15A preferably also applies to the second electrode 15B, and vice versa.

[0234] Preferably, electrodes 15A, 15B are each designed to contact a leg 2 of 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 test device 1 has a third electrode 15C. The third electrode 15C is preferably designed as a reference electrode or a collector electrode. The third electrode 15C is preferably designed to simultaneously contact multiple parts of the body of the animal T to be tested, in particular multiple legs 2, in particular the two hind legs of the animal T.

[0236] The electrodes 15 are preferably arranged so that when the animal T is placed on the examination device 1 in a natural posture for the animal T, particularly in a sitting or lying position, one leg 2 of the animal T comes into contact with one of the electrodes 15. In this way, the examination can be performed in a particularly comfortable manner for the animal T.

[0237] The arrangement, size and design of the electrodes 15 are preferably adapted to the anatomical structure of the animal T being tested, in particular a domestic cat, so that the test can be carried out in a natural, preferably comfortable, position for the animal T and / or so that the animal T can move freely relative to the electrodes 15 during the test.

[0238] The electrodes 15, in particular the first electrode 15A and the second electrode 15B, are preferably arranged at a distance DE of more than 2 cm, in particular more than 5 cm and / or less than 25 cm, in particular less than 20 cm, particularly preferably less than 15 cm, very particularly preferably about 10 cm.

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

[0240] The distance DE of the electrodes 15, in particular the first electrode 15A from the second electrode 15B, 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 be moved relative to each other. Particularly preferably, the distance DE of the electrodes 15, in particular the first electrode 15A from the second electrode 15B, corresponds to the distance of the front legs in a natural posture, in particular in a sitting and / or lying position, of an animal T, in particular a domestic cat or a domestic dog, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 2. This allows the examination of the animal T to be performed in a natural and therefore comfortable position for the animal T. This results in a particularly comfortable examination for the animal T.

[0241] The electrodes 15A, 15B are preferably spaced apart by 10 cm 2 Above 15cm 2and / or 100cm 2 Less than 80cm 2 Less than 50 cm, particularly preferably 2 having an area of ​​less than

[0242] The third electrode 15C is preferably 50 cm 2 Exceeding 100cm 2 and / or 1000 cm 2 Less than 500cm, preferably 2 Less than 200cm 2 having an area of ​​less than

[0243] The third electrode 15C preferably has an area larger than that of the first electrode 15A and / or the second electrode 15B, in particular an area two or three times larger, and particularly preferably four times larger, than that of the first electrode 15A and / or the second electrode 15B.

[0244] Preferably, the first electrode 15A is arranged on the leg 2, in particular the left front leg or the right front leg, so that a heart rate curve KG can be recorded by the first electrode 15A and simultaneously an optical examination can be performed and / or a curve K, in particular a photoplethysmogram, can be recorded by the sensor device 4.

[0245] FIG. 7 shows, by way of example, a leg 2 positioned so that a heart rate curve KG can be recorded by a first electrode 15A and at the same time an optical inspection can be performed and / or a curve K can be recorded by a sensor device 4.

[0246] In other words, the first electrode 15A is preferably arranged so that the leg 2 of the animal T can be positioned above the sensor device 4 so that the heart rate curve KG can be recorded by the first electrode 15A and at the same time an optical examination, in particular photoplethysmography, can be performed on the same leg 2 by 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 is integrated in the sensor device 4. Preferably, the sensor device 4 comprises the first electrode 15A.

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

[0249] A tissue electrode is preferably an electrode which comprises or is formed by a tissue. In particular, in the case of a tissue electrode, the contact surface which comes into contact with the body part, and in particular with the leg 2, comprises or is formed by a tissue. The tissue is preferably a conductive tissue, for example a tissue incorporating conductive threads and / or a tissue 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 of the cover 14 facing away from the emitter 5 and the detector 6. This is shown in particular in figures 5 to 7.

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

[0252] The first electrode 15A is preferably arranged (only) between the emitter 5 and the detector 6 and / or opposite the barrier 13 in a projection perpendicular to the plane formed by 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 examination 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 in one piece, in particular in the form of a flat plate or plate-shaped and / or a mat or mat-shaped.

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

[0255] This is particularly shown in FIGS.

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

[0257] The first electrodes 15A and / or the transparent areas 16 preferably form a lattice or grid corresponding to the emitters 5 and / or detectors 6 .

[0258] In particular, as an alternative or in addition to the limiting device 8 and / or the barrier 13, the electrode 15A can be designed to limit or define the emission area 9 and / or the detection area 10, in particular by means of transparent areas 13A and opaque material arranged therebetween. In particular, the first electrode 15A can form or comprise one or more apertures for the emitter 5 and / or the detector 6. In this sense, the electrode 15A can in particular form or comprise the limiting device 8 and / or the barrier 13 or parts thereof.

[0259] The electrodes 15 are preferably designed to be particularly scratch resistant so that they cannot be scratched by the domestic cat or dog being tested or its claws.

[0260] The electrodes 15 may be manufactured and / or applied to the inspection apparatus 1 and / or the sensor device 4, in particular the cover 14 or the barrier 13, by bonding, 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 test apparatus 1 comprises a positioning aid 24. The positioning aid 24 is designed to assist in the correct positioning of the animal T or leg 2 for the test. In particular, the positioning aid 24 is designed to indicate or mark an area for positioning the leg 2 or legs 2, in particular the left front leg and / or the right front leg. The positioning aid 24 is preferably arranged close to 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 protuberance or a recess in the inspection device 1 and / or in the rest 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 required.

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

[0265] The test device 1 preferably comprises 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 carries the first and / or second electrodes 15A, 15B, and / or the first and / or second electrodes 15A, 15B are disposed on the circuit board 17. Optionally, the circuit board 17 also carries and / or the third electrode 15C is also disposed on the circuit board 17.

[0268] The circuit board 17 preferably comprises or forms peripherals and / or electrical wiring 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 comprises a scale 18. The scale 18 is preferably an electronic scale 18.

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

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

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

[0273] The force sensor 18A may form part of or be integral to the scale 18, but may 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 testing device 1 can also comprise a number of force sensors 18A, in particular of the same kind or type. Preferably, one or more force sensors 18A are arranged below the sensor device 4, below the resting surface 3 and / or below the electrodes 15 (respectively) and / or the force sensors 18A are integrated into the sensor device 4 and / or the resting surface 3 and / or the electrodes 15. In particular, the force sensors 18A can be designed with such an arrangement to determine the presence and / or positioning of the animal T and / or to assist in such a determination.

[0276] The inspection device 1 preferably comprises a display device 19. The display device 19 is especially designed for optical display. The display device 19 is preferably formed by a display, for example an LCD display, an LED display, an OLED display or the like.

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

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

[0279] Furthermore, the inspection apparatus 1 preferably comprises an input device 20. The input device 20 is preferably designed for setting and / or adjusting and / or controlling the inspection apparatus 1. The input device 20 is preferably arranged in the immediate vicinity of the display device 19 and / or is integrated in the display device 19.

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

[0281] The test device 1 preferably comprises a power supply device 21. The power supply device 21 is designed to supply the test device 1 with electrical energy.

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

[0283] The inspection apparatus 1 preferably comprises a control device 25 for controlling the inspection apparatus 1 and / or the inspection. The control device 25 is preferably formed by and / or preferably comprises 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 devices 4, in particular the emitters 5, the detectors 6 and / or the sensors 7, to control the electrodes 15 and / or to control the scale 18.

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

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

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

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

[0288] The testing device 1 preferably comprises a memory and / or 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 electrodes 15.

[0289] Storage medium 26 may comprise and / or be formed by multiple separate components.

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

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

[0292] In principle, the storage medium 26 can be formed by or 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 computing equipment separate from or external to the inspection device 1, and / or a mobile terminal device with 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 testing 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 performed by and / or controlled by the control device 25 and / or the processor P, in particular by using a storage medium 26.

[0294] The inspection apparatus 1 preferably comprises an interface device 22 for connecting the inspection apparatus 1 with one or more external devices 23. The interface device 22 may comprise a number of, in particular different, interfaces. The interfaces may be wired or wireless interfaces. For example, the interface device may comprise one or more serial interfaces, one or more USB interfaces, one or more HDMI interfaces and / or several or more other interfaces, which are in particular designed for (in particular wired) data exchange between the external device 23 and the inspection apparatus 1. Alternatively or additionally, the interface device 22 may also comprise one or more wireless interfaces, such as a WiFi interface, a Bluetooth interface, in particular a Bluetooth Low Energy interface (BLE interface), an NFC interface or similar.

[0295] In other words, the inspection apparatus 1 is preferably designed for data exchange with an external device 23 , in particular by means of the interface device 22 .

[0296] The testing apparatus 1 is preferably designed to transmit data or signals measured by the sensor device 4 and / or the electrodes 15 and / or results or evaluations determined on the basis of these data or signals to an external device 23, in particular by means of the interface device 22.

[0297] The external device 23 is preferably a separate, in particular physically separated, device from the inspection apparatus 1 .

[0298] The external device 23 may be designed to control the test apparatus 1 and / or to record and / or evaluate and / or analyze and / or display or otherwise output the signals and / or data measured by the test apparatus 1 and / or the results transmitted by the test apparatus 1. Preferably, the external device 23 is designed to display the heart rate curve KG and / or the blood pressure BP, as shown diagrammatically in FIG.

[0299] The external device 23 is preferably designed as a mobile end device, such as, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, and / or as a PC, a server, a computer network, a cloud, an internet portal, an app and / or another computing device.

[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 may form or comprise the storage medium 26 or part thereof.

[0301] Preferably, the inspection apparatus 1 comprises an external device 23 , which forms part of the inspection apparatus 1 or which is assigned to the inspection apparatus 1 .

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

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

[0304] The inspection device 1 preferably comprises a pre-processing device 27. The pre-processing device 27 preferably comprises or is formed by an amplifier, in particular a differential amplifier. The differential amplifier is particularly preferably formed by an operational amplifier or comprises such an amplifier. However, other solutions are also possible.

[0305] The pre-processing device 27 is preferably coupled or connected to the electrodes 15 and is especially designed to pre-process the signals measured by the electrodes 15, 15A, 15B, 15C. In particular, the pre-processing device 27 is designed to amplify differences between signals measured at different electrodes 15, especially voltages such as biopotentials, and especially preferably 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 pretreatment device 27 via a capacitance or capacitor. This is illustrated in Figure 8 by the capacitance symbol within the dotted box.

[0307] Furthermore, the pre-processing device 27 is preferably designed to filter the signals measured by the electrodes 15 .

[0308] Preferably, but only optionally, the pre-processing device 27 comprises a common mode suppression device 28 .

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

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

[0311] The signals measured at the electrodes 15, in particular the heart rate curve KG recorded at the electrodes 15, are preferably further evaluated and / or processed, in particular after conversion to a digital signal. In particular, a usability check can be performed, for example, by the checking device 29A. During the usability check, it is preferably determined whether the heart rate curve KG is useful, i.e. can be meaningfully evaluated and / or contains useful information. This is diagrammatically indicated by the box in the lower right corner in FIG. 8.

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

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

[0314] Preferably, the pre-processing device 30 comprises a filter device 32 for filtering the signal S, which is notably amplified by the amplifier 31 .

[0315] The filter device 32 preferably comprises a number of different electrical filters. In particular, the filter device 32 may comprise or form one or more passive filters and / or one or more active filters. The filter device 32 may for example comprise or form one or more bandpass filters, bandstop filters, highpass filters and / or lowpass filters.

[0316] Preferably, each detector 6 or sensor 7 is assigned or comprises a pre-processing 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 and / or taking into account the heart rate curve KG.

[0318] The results of the evaluation can then be transferred to an external device 23, for example as already mentioned above and illustrated diagrammatically in FIG.

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

[0320] In particular, the inspection device 1 comprises means for carrying out 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 on the computer readable storage medium 26 or the computer readable storage medium 26 includes the computer program and / or instructions.

[0322] The means and / or computer program preferably comprise instructions which, when executed, cause the test device 1 to carry out the described method.

[0323] For a medical examination with the examination device 1, in particular for blood pressure measurement, it is preferably intended to place an animal T, in particular a domestic cat or a domestic dog, on the examination device 1. In particular, the animal T is placed completely on the examination device 1, i.e. preferably such that all limbs, in particular the legs 2, are on the examination device 1 and / or such that the entire body weight of the animal T is supported by the examination device 1.

[0324] Particularly preferably, the animal T is positioned on the testing apparatus 1 such that the leg 2 of the animal T, in particular the front leg, rests on the sensor device 4 and / or is located directly above the sensor device 4, and / or a curve K containing information about the arterial blood flow BF can be recorded for the leg 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, in particular the leg 2, so that the heart rate curve KG can be recorded by the electrode 15. In particular, the animal T is positioned such that one of its front legs contacts the first electrode 15A, the other leg contacts the second electrode 15B, and, if the testing device 1 has a third electrode 15C, one or both of its rear legs contact the third electrode 15C.

[0326] After positioning the animal T, the medical examination and / or blood pressure measurement is preferably started. Optionally, after positioning the animal T, it is possible to first wait a short time to allow the animal T to settle down, and only after the waiting time the medical examination and / or blood pressure measurement is started. In particular, a curve K is recorded for the medical examination or blood pressure measurement, which curve K is in particular a photoplethysmogram.

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

[0328] Particularly preferably, a reflectance measurement is performed or the testing device 1 is designed for this purpose in order to record the curve K. This means in particular that the sensor device 4 is arranged only on one side of the leg 2 and / or does not have any components arranged on the opposite side of the leg 2.

[0329] Preferably, the inspection or measurement is carried out using radiation R in the infrared range.

[0330] It is particularly preferred that the examination device 1 records a heart rate curve KG of the animal T, in particular at the same time as recording the curve K which contains information about the arterial blood flow BF of the animal T.

[0331] The upper part of FIG. 9 shows a heart rate curve KG as an example.

[0332] Preferably, the presence and / or positioning of the animal T can be or is determined by the examination device 1. In particular, this is done by evaluating 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 done 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 several steps.

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

[0335] The second step, which may also be performed simultaneously with the first step, preferably involves verifying or determining whether the animal T has been placed on the testing device 1 so that a medical test can be performed.

[0336] In a third step, which may be performed simultaneously with the first and / or second steps or instead of the second step, it is preferably 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 on which sensor 7 of the sensor device 4 a medical test can be performed.

[0337] Preferably, the presence and / or positioning of the animal T is determined by the electrodes 15. This is done in particular by a resistance measurement. The resistance measured at the electrodes 15 varies 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 can be determined whether the leg 2 of the animal T is in contact with the electrodes 15 or not and / or which electrodes 15 are in contact with it. This makes it possible to determine whether the animal T is correctly and / or completely positioned on the examination device 1 in order to be able to record the heart rate curve KG in particular by means of the electrodes 15.

[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 such that it is exceeded when the domestic cat or dog or other animal T to be tested is placed on the testing device 1. Exceeding the weight threshold is therefore indicative of the presence of the animal T. Falling below the weight threshold is indicative of the animal T not being positioned on the testing device 1 and / or that the animal T is only partially positioned on the testing device 1 or is not positioned on the testing device 1 in the intended manner.

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

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

[0341] The comparison of the signals S measured by the sensors 7 and / or detectors 6 is preferably carried out with the emitters 5 activated or switched on or emitting, but can also be carried out with the emitters 5 switched off.

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

[0343] When the leg 2 is located on the sensor device 4, preferably some areas and / or some sensors 7 of the sensor device 4 are covered by the leg 2, while other areas 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 inspection by the sensor device 4, it is preferably intended that 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, ambient light cannot reach the sensor 7 or its detector 6, and only radiation R emitted by the emitter 5 or one of the emitters 5 of the sensor 7 and scattered in the leg 2 towards the detector 6 can reach.

[0344] The comparison of different sensors 7 and / or signals S measured by the sensors 7 is preferably performed by forming a difference between the signals S of the different sensors 7 .

[0345] Alternatively or additionally, the determination of the location or presence by the sensor device 4 can be performed by checking whether the signal S measured by the sensor device 4 exceeds or falls below a threshold value, in particular an absolute signal strength.

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

[0347] In particular, exceeding the threshold indicates that no part of the animal T's body is over the sensor device 4 or sensor 7, and / or falling below the threshold indicates that the leg 2 or another part of the animal T's body is located over the sensor device 4 and / or sensor 7 so that the curve K can be recorded.

[0348] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the wavelength of the radiation R measured by the detector 6 or the sensor 7 is analyzed. Preferably, the emitter 5 is designed to emit radiation R at a certain 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 room lighting usually has a broad spectrum, i.e. several different wavelengths, which are outside the wavelength range emitted in particular by the emitter 5. Thus, by spectral analysis of the radiation R detected by the detector 6 or the sensor 7, it may preferably be determined 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 over some of the sensors 7 of the sensor device 4, and in particular therefore not over all of the sensors 7 of the sensor device 4, then these sensors 7 can be selected for performing an examination and / or for recording a curve K containing information about the arterial blood flow BF.

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

[0351] After the presence and / or position determination and / or after sensor selection, a medical test, in particular a blood pressure measurement, preferably follows by means of the sensor device 4 and / or the electrodes 15, and therefore particularly preferably a recording of a curve K containing information about the arterial blood flow BF by means of the sensor device 4 and / or a recording of a heart rate curve KG by means of the electrodes 15. The medical test preferably follows only if the presence and / or position determination indicates that the animal T is positioned on the examination apparatus 1 in such a way that a medical test can be performed by means of the sensor device 4 and / or the electrodes 15. Preferably, if the presence and / or position detection is successful, the test is started automatically.

[0352] However, it is also possible to perform the inspection without presence and / or position detection and / or sensor selection.

[0353] In particular, a curve K containing information about the arterial blood flow BF of the animal T is recorded by the sensor device 4. This is done by positioning the leg 2 over the sensor device 4 in such a way that radiation R emitted by one or more emitters 5 enters the leg 2 and is scattered and / or reflected to one or more detectors 6. In particular, the time course of the signal S captured by the detectors 6 and / or sensors 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 can be scattered and / or reflected in the leg 2 during examination of the leg 2 and can thus reach the detector 6. This is shown by way of example in Fig. 7. The signal S detected by the detector 6 thus corresponds to the scattering, reflection and / or absorption in the leg 2 of the radiation R emitted by the emitter 5, where the scattering, reflection and / or absorption depends in particular on the volume of blood in the blood vessels extending into the leg 2 and / or on the oxygen saturation of the blood.

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

[0357] The constancy of the time course of the signal S recorded by the detector 6 or sensor 7 is caused in particular by tissues surrounding the blood vessels, such as muscles, nerves, tendons, bones and / or skin, since scattering and / or absorption by said tissues preferably does not vary or varies only to a small extent. In particular, this at least approximately constant component in time is not correlated with the heartbeat of the animal T. Blood flowing through the veins may also contribute to this at least approximately constant component.

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

[0359] Preferably, the curve characteristic is determined by the curve K. The curve characteristic is particularly a pulse wave transit time, and particularly preferably, a time interval between a heartbeat and the time it takes for the pulse wave caused by this heartbeat to reach a specific position in the artery A. Here, the pressure wave passing through the artery A is called a pulse wave.

[0360] In principle, however, other curve features can be used instead of the pulse transit time. The curve features are preferably features of the curve K or of the curve section KA which are related to and / or correlated with the pulse transit time and / or blood pressure. In particular, the curve features are features from which the blood pressure can be measured. The curve features are particularly preferably features of the curve K and / or of the curve section KA which correspond to the course of the curve K and / or of the curve section KA and / or which contain information about the shape of the curve K and / or of the curve section KA.

[0361] For the determination of the curve characteristics and / or the pulse wave transit time, it is advantageous to record the heartbeat curve KG simultaneously with the curve K. This in particular facilitates the determination of the time at which the heart beat and / or the pulse wave begins at the heart. However, in principle it is also possible to determine the curve characteristics or the pulse wave transit time without simultaneously recording the heartbeat curve KG, for example by autocorrelation of the curve K or the like.

[0362] The curve K is preferably cut into curve sections KA. This is done in particular in such a way that the curve sections KA correspond to heart beats, preferably each curve section KA corresponds exactly to one heart beat. However, other solutions are also possible here. Particularly preferably, the curve section KA starts at the time of the first heart beat and ends at the time of a further heart beat immediately after the first heart beat.

[0363] The cutting of the curve K into curve sections KA is preferably automated or performed in an automated manner.

[0364] Particularly preferably, the curve K is divided into curve sections KA using information of the heart rate curve KG recorded simultaneously with the curve K. In principle, however, other methods are also conceivable.

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

[0366] Preferably, the times TH of the heart beats are determined on the basis of the heart beat curves KG, and the curves K at these times TH are cut into curve sections KA. Preferably, each curve section KA starts at the time TH of one heart beat and ends at the time TH of the immediately following heart beat.

[0367] In figure 9 the different QRS complexes of the heart rate curve KG are marked, one QRS complex preferably representing one heart beat.

[0368] Preferably, the location of one or more QRS complexes of the heartbeat curve KG are used to cut the curve K into curve sections KA. In particular, the QRS complexes of the heartbeat curve KG are used to determine the time TH of the heartbeat, and preferably the curve K is cut into curve sections KA at the time TH determined by the QRS complex. In other words, the QRS complexes or parts thereof are information on the means by which the curve K is cut into sections KA.

[0369] The QRS complex preferably has three peaks, in particular a Q peak, an R peak and an S peak.

[0370] As the Q peak, the initial, specifically negative or downward deflection or peak of the QRS complex is designated.

[0371] The R peak refers specifically to the negative or downward deflection or peak of the QRS complex that follows the Q peak.

[0372] The S peak refers specifically to the positive or upward deflection or peak of the QRS complex following the R peak.

[0373] In particular, the position of the R-peak or the position of the maximum of the R-peak can be used as the time TH of the heart beat, which is shown as an example in FIG.

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

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

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

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

[0378] "Averaging" in this sense is in particular the determination of the average or mean course of a set of several curve sections KA or of the average or mean course of the curve K during a heart beat.

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

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

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

[0382] In the context of the present invention, it has been shown that the pulse wave transit time of animals T, particularly domestic cats and dogs, correlates with blood pressure BP.

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

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

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

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

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

[0388] In principle, the correlation function can also depend on the anatomical specifics of the respective animal T. For example, the length of the legs or arms or any other parameter corresponding to the distance between the heart and the leg 2 can be taken into account in the correlation function. A preferred parameter in this context can be the weight of the animal T, since in many cases sufficiently accurate results can be drawn for the distance between the heart and the leg 2. In this respect, the correlation function can therefore have the weight of the animal T as a parameter.

[0389] Complementarily, it is also possible to take into account a parameter corresponding to the body fat percentage, such as bioimpedance. The respective measurement can be carried out using electrodes 15 for determining the heart rate curve KG and / or the scale 18. In particular, the combination of bioimpedance and the weight of the animal T is taken into account in the correlation function F with implicit or actual results for the anatomical peculiarities of the animal T with regard to the distance between the heart and the legs 2, making it possible to determine the blood pressure BP more reliably from the pulse wave transit time.

[0390] Further aspects of the invention which can be realised independently or in combination with the above mentioned aspects and features are in particular the following:

[0391] 1. An examination device 1 for the medical examination, in particular for the measurement of blood pressure BP, of an animal T, in particular an animal T having legs 2, particularly preferably an animal T of the feline subfamily, very particularly preferably a domestic cat, a sensor device 4 for optically examining the arterial blood flow BF of an animal T, in particular for performing photoplethysmography, said 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 comprises 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 An inspection apparatus, in which the sensor device 4 has a limiting device 8 defining a boundary G of a sensing area 12 of the sensor device 4, such that the distance X of the boundary G from the sensor device 4 is greater than 0.5 mm and / or less than 5 mm.

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

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

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

[0395] 5. The examination device according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, characterized in that the examination device 1 is provided with electrodes 15, 15A, 15B, 15C for recording a heart rate curve KG, and preferably one of the electrodes 15, 15A, 15B, 15C is arranged so that the leg 2 of the animal T can be positioned over the sensor device so that the heart rate curve KG can be recorded by the electrodes 15, 15A, 15B, 15C and at the same time optical examination can be performed by the sensor device 4.

[0396] 6. An inspection apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, characterized in that 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 a side of the cover 14 that faces outward from the emitter 5 and the detector 6.

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

[0398] 8. The area density of the emitters 5 and / or detectors 6 and / or the common area density of the emitters 5 and detectors 6 is less than 0.5 / cm 2 preferably greater than 1 / cm 2 Above 2 / cm 2 and / or 40 / cm 2 Less than 20 / cm 2 Less than 10 / cm 2 8. The inspection device according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the distance between the first and second electrodes is less than or equal to the distance between the first and second electrodes.

[0399] 9. An inspection apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, characterized in that 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°.

[0400] 10. An inspection apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, characterized in that 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 matched to each other such that the emission area 9 of the emitter 5 and / or the detection area 10 of the detector 6 overlap such that the distance X of the boundary G of the detection area 12 from the sensor device 4 is greater than 0.5 mm and / or less than 5 mm.

[0401] 11. An inspection apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, characterized in that the sensor device 4 has more than 30, preferably more than 60, and / or less than 500, preferably less than 200 emitters 5.

[0402] 12. An inspection apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, characterized in that the sensor device 4 comprises more than 20, preferably more than 40, and / or less than 500, preferably less than 200 detectors 6.

[0403] 13. An inspection device according to any one of the aspects, characterized in that the emitters 5 are designed to emit radiation R of the same wavelength and / or the detectors 6 are designed to detect at the same wavelength.

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

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

[0406] 16. An examination device 1 for medical examination, in particular for measuring blood pressure BP, of an animal T having a leg 2, in particular of a feline animal T, particularly preferably a domestic cat, comprising: Preferably, the inspection device 1 is designed according to one of the aspects 1 to 15, the test device 1 is designed as a support for at least one leg 2 of an animal T, the examination device 1 has a sensor device 4 for performing an optical examination, in particular photoplethysmography, of the arterial blood flow BF of an animal T, the sensor device 4 is designed for inspection by electromagnetic radiation R in the infrared range and / or the test device 1 has at least one detection element, preferably at least two electrodes 15, 15A, 15B, 15C, for recording the heart rate curve KG; and / or the test device 1 comprises at least one tissue electrode; and / or The inspection device 1 has or forms a scale 18, An inspection device comprising:

[0407] 17. An inspection apparatus as described in aspect 16, wherein the sensor device 4 comprises multiple emitters 5 and detectors 6, and preferably the multiple 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. An examination apparatus as described in aspect 17, wherein the detectors 6 together with one or more emitters 5 each form a sensor 7, and the sensor device 4 has a plurality of sensors 7 forming different measurement channels for simultaneously recording a plurality of curves containing information about the arterial blood flow BF, in particular a photoplethysmogram.

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

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

[0411] 21. An examination device described in any one of aspects 1 to 20, wherein one of the electrodes 15, 15A, 15B, 15C is positioned so that the electrodes 15, 15A, 15B, 15C are simultaneously in contact when the leg 2 of the animal T is positioned on the sensor device 4 to record a curve K containing information about the arterial blood flow BF, in particular a photoplethysmogram.

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

[0413] 23. A testing device according to any one of aspects 1 to 22, wherein the scale 18 and / or the testing device 1 are designed to measure body fat, and preferably the testing device 1 is designed to measure the blood pressure BP of the animal T taking into account the body fat measurement.

[0414] 24. A testing device according to any one of aspects 1 to 23, wherein the testing device 1 has a mounting surface 3 on which a feline animal T, in particular a domestic cat, can be placed completely, 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.

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

[0416] 26. A method of using the examination device 1 described in any one of aspects 1 to 25 for medical examination of an animal T having a leg 2, particularly an animal T of the feline subfamily, particularly preferably a domestic cat, particularly preferably for measuring the diastolic blood pressure BP.

[0417] 27. A method for medical examination, in particular for measuring blood pressure BP, of an animal T having a leg 2, in particular of a feline animal T, particularly preferably a domestic cat, comprising: The animal T is positioned on a test device 1, in particular designed according to one of the embodiments 1 to 26, such that a leg 2 of the animal T rests on a sensor device 4 of the test device 1; A curve K containing information about the arterial blood flow BF of the animal T, in particular the photoplethysmogram, is recorded by a sensor device 4, A reflection measurement with electromagnetic radiation R in the infrared range is carried out to record the curve K, and / or The heart rate curve KG of the animal T is recorded by the examination device 1, and / or A signal is recorded by at least one tissue electrode; An animal T is weighed by a testing device 1; method.

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

[0419] 29. The method according to aspect 27 or 28, wherein the curve K and the heart rate curve are recorded simultaneously and the heart rate curve KG is used to divide the curve K into curve sections KA corresponding to the heart rates.

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

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

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

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

[0424] 34. Method of using an examination device 1 having a sensor device 4 for optical examination of the arterial blood flow BF and at least one detection element, in particular an electrode 15, for recording a heart rate curve 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 detection element.

[0425] 35. A method of use according to embodiment 34, wherein the inspection device 1 is designed according to any one of embodiments 1 to 25.

[0426] 36. The use according to embodiment 34 or 35, wherein the animal T has a leg 2, preferably the animal T is an animal T of the Felinae subfamily, particularly preferably a domestic cat. [Explanation of symbols]

[0427] 1. Inspection equipment 2 legs 3. Placement surface 4. Sensor Devices 5 Emitter 6. Detector 7 Sensors 8. Restriction Devices 9 Radiation Area 9A emission angle 10 Detection Area 10A Detection angle 11 Sensor Area 12 Sensing area 13. Barriers 13A Transmission area (barrier) 13B Shielding Section 13C Aperture Section 13D Barrier Element 14 Cover 15 electrodes 15 First electrode 15B Second electrode 15C Third electrode 16 Transparent area (electrode) 17 Circuit Board 18 Scale 18A Force Sensor 19 Display Devices 20 Input Devices 21 Power supply 22 Interface Devices 23 External Devices 24 Positioning aid 25 Control device 26 Storage medium 27 Pretreatment Equipment 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 Heart Rate Curve L Length P Processor R Radiation S signal T animal TH Heartbeat Time X distance

Claims

1. An examination device (1) for measuring the blood pressure of an animal (T), comprising: a sensor device (4) for optical examination of the arterial blood flow (BF) of said animal (T), said sensor device (4) having at least one emitter (5) for emitting electromagnetic radiation (R) and at least one detector (6) for detecting said radiation (R) emitted by said 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, the sensor device (4) having a cover (14) that is transparent to the radiation (R) emitted by the emitters (5); The examination device (1) comprises electrodes (15, 15A, 15B, 15C) for recording a heart rate curve (KG), the electrodes (15, 15A, 15B, 15C) being arranged on a side of the cover (14) facing outward from the emitter (5) and the detector (6), and the electrodes (15, 15A, 15B, 15C) being arranged between the emitter (5) and the detector (6) in a projection perpendicular to a plane defined by the emitter (5) and the detector (6).

2. The inspection device described in Claim 1, characterized in that the optical inspection of the arterial blood flow (BF) is photoplethysmography.

3. 3. An inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the emitters (5) and the detectors (6) are arranged equidistantly and / or in a matrix having columns and rows, the matrix having two or more columns and / or two or more rows.

4. 4. An inspection device according to claim 3, characterized in that the emitters (5) and detectors (6) of the columns and rows are arranged in an alternating manner.

5. the sensor device (4) has a limiting device (8) 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; 5. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the inspection device is a semiconductor laser.

6. An inspection device described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the electrodes (15, 15A, 15B, 15C) are transparent to the radiation (R) emitted by the emitter (5).

7. The inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sensor device (4) comprises more than 30 and / or less than 500 emitters (5) and / or the sensor device (4) comprises more than 20 and / or less than 500 detectors (6).

8. The areal density of the emitters (5) and / or the detectors (6) and / or the common areal density of the emitters (5) and the detectors (6) is less than 0.5 / cm 2 and / or greater than 40 / cm 2 The inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the distance between the first and second electrodes is less than 100 mm.

9. The examination device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the examination device (1) is designed as a support for the animal (T) or the leg (2) of the animal (T), on which the animal (T) or the leg (2) of the animal (T) is placed during the examination, and the sensor device (4) is integrated into the support.

10. The test device (1) has at least two electrodes (15, 15A, 15B, 15C) for recording the heart rate curve (KG), and the electrodes (15, 15A, 15B, 15C) are arranged at a distance (DE) of more than 5 cm and / or less than 20 cm. The test device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The examination apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the examination apparatus (1) has at least two of the electrodes (15, 15A, 15B, 15C) for recording the heart rate curve (KG), and one of the electrodes (15, 15A, 15B, 15C) is arranged so that the electrode (15, 15A, 15B, 15C) is simultaneously in contact with the leg (2) of the animal (T) when the leg (2) is positioned on the sensor device (4) for recording a curve (K) containing information about the arterial blood flow (BF).

12. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the inspection device (1) has a support surface (3) on which a feline animal (T) can rest completely, and / or the support surface (3) has a width (B) greater than 20 cm and / or less than 80 cm, and / or a length (L) greater than 40 cm and / or less than 120 cm.

13. Use of the examination device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for measuring the blood pressure of an animal (T) of the superfamily Felidae or Caninoidea having a leg (2).

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