electrocardiograph

Abstract

To prevent a mistake in a placement site of an electrode.SOLUTION: An electrocardiograph includes clothing which comprises an electrocardiogram electrode portion and an electrocardiograph main body and is worn in measuring an electrocardiogram of a subject. The electrocardiograph main body includes a determination portion determining whether the electrocardiogram electrode portion is correctly placed on the subject or not. The electrocardiogram electrode portion includes a plurality of electrodes each of which is placed on corresponding placement site, and the electrocardiograph main body includes an instruction portion instructing the subject to operate a specific site of the subject. The determination portion detects an electric signal generated by operating the specific site based on the instruction out of the plurality of the electrodes, identifies the electrode where the electric signal is generated, and determines whether the electrocardiogram electrode portion is correctly placed on the subject or not.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrocardiograph that measures an electrocardiogram. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrocardiographs are known that measure electrocardiographic waveforms (electrocardiograms), which are time-varying electrical signals generated by cardiac activity. Some electrocardiographs allow patients suffering from heart disease or the like to measure their own electrocardiograms (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such electrocardiographs are equipped with multiple cables (induction cords) with electrodes that are attached to the body surface, and the electrodes of these cables must be worn correctly by the patient. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-82366 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Some electrocardiographs are capable of measuring standard 12-lead electrocardiograms (three types of bipolar limb lead waveforms, three types of unipolar limb lead waveforms, and six types of chest lead waveforms). Electrocardiographs capable of measuring standard 12-lead electrocardiograms require a large number of electrodes to be attached, and when worn by the patient themselves, there is a risk of them being attached to the wrong locations. For example, there is a risk of incorrectly attaching the electrodes to the limbs. Furthermore, because there are many electrodes to be attached to the chest and adjacent electrodes are close to each other, there is a risk of incorrectly attaching them to the wrong locations. Consequently, an electrocardiogram obtained with electrodes attached to the wrong locations may lead to erroneous findings. Therefore, there is a need for an electrocardiograph that can prevent incorrect electrode placement, even when the patient attaches the electrodes themselves.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an electrocardiograph that can prevent electrodes from being attached to the wrong sites. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The electrocardiograph according to the present invention comprises: an electrocardiogram electrode unit and an electrocardiograph main body are provided, and the electrocardiogram measurement device has clothing to be worn when measuring the electrocardiogram of the subject; the electrocardiogram electrode unit includes a plurality of electrodes attached to corresponding attachment sites, The electrocardiograph body includes a determination unit that determines whether the electrocardiogram electrode unit is correctly attached to the subject. an instruction unit that instructs the subject to move a specific part of the subject; With death, The determination unit detects an electrical signal generated by operating the specific part of the plurality of electrodes based on the instruction, identifies the electrode from which the electrical signal was generated, and determines whether the electrocardiogram electrode unit is correctly attached to the subject. . The electrocardiograph according to the present invention comprises: a garment provided with an electrocardiogram electrode unit and an electrocardiograph body, the garment being worn when measuring an electrocardiogram of a subject; an image generating unit that generates an image of a waveform of the electrical signal based on the electrical signal acquired by the electrocardiogram electrode unit; and the electrocardiograph main body has a determination unit that determines whether the electrocardiogram electrode unit is correctly attached to the subject, When the image spans multiple pages, the image generating unit starts a new page at a position where the waveform is flat. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the electrodes from being attached to the wrong sites. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a sleeveless shirt-type electrocardiograph capable of obtaining a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram, as an example of an electrocardiograph according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a sleeveless shirt-type electrocardiograph capable of obtaining a 15-lead electrocardiogram, as another example of an electrocardiograph according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a long-sleeved shirt-type electrocardiograph capable of obtaining a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram, as another example of an electrocardiograph according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a bodysuit-type electrocardiograph capable of obtaining a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram, as another example of an electrocardiograph according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electrocardiograph main body according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for wearing the electrocardiograph shown in FIG. 1 and a measurement method. [Figure 7] 7 is a flowchart illustrating an electrode attachment instruction and determination subroutine in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an image of a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram generated by an electrocardiograph according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of an image of a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram generated by an electrocardiograph according to an embodiment of the present invention, the image spanning multiple pages. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram illustrating a case where the page break position of the image of the standard 12-lead electrocardiogram shown in FIG. 9 is changed. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a measurement value report of a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram generated by an electrocardiograph according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an analysis report of a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram generated by the electrocardiograph according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] [Electrocardiograph] 1 to 4 are schematic diagrams showing electrocardiographs 1A to 1D according to the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a sleeveless shirt-type electrocardiograph 1A capable of acquiring a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a sleeveless shirt-type electrocardiograph 1B capable of acquiring a 15-lead electrocardiogram. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a long-sleeved shirt-type electrocardiograph 1C capable of acquiring a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a bodysuit-type electrocardiograph 1D capable of acquiring a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram.

[0011] Electrocardiographs 1A to 1D of the present embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4 are garment-type electrocardiographs. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the electrocardiographs 1A to 1D have garments such as shirts 30, 40 and a bodysuit 50, and the shirts 30, 40 and the bodysuit 50 are provided with electrocardiogram electrodes and an electrocardiograph main body 10, which will be described later. A subject wears the shirts 30, 40 and the bodysuit 50 when measuring their own electrocardiogram.

[0012] [Electrocardiograph form example 1] The electrocardiograph 1A shown in FIG. 1 includes an electrocardiograph body 10, a chest electrode group 21, a limb electrode group 22, and a shirt 30 (clothing).

[0013] The electrocardiograph main body 10 will be described later with reference to FIG. 5. The chest electrode group 21 and the limb electrode group 22 are connected to the electrocardiograph main body 10, which receives electrical signals acquired by the chest electrode group 21 and the limb electrode group 22 and performs instruction processing, judgment processing, image generation processing, transmission processing, etc., which will be described later.

[0014] The electrocardiograph main body 10 is attached to the shirt 30. The electrocardiograph main body 10 may be configured to be detachable from the shirt 30.

[0015] The chest electrode group 21 consists of multiple chest electrodes C1 to C6 arranged at predetermined locations on the chest of the shirt 30. Chest electrode C1 is arranged on the chest of the shirt 30 so as to contact the chest at the right edge of the sternum in the fourth intercostal space of a human body (not shown). Chest electrode C2 is arranged on the chest of the shirt 30 so as to contact the chest at the left edge of the sternum in the fourth intercostal space of a human body. Chest electrode C3 is arranged on the chest of the shirt 30 so as to contact the chest at the midpoint of a line connecting chest electrode C2 and chest electrode C4 (described later). Chest electrode C4 is arranged on the chest of the shirt 30 so as to contact the chest at the intersection of the left midclavicular line and the fifth intercostal space. Chest electrode C5 is arranged on the chest of the shirt 30 so as to contact the chest at the same height as chest electrode C4 on the left anterior axillary line of the human body. Additionally, the chest electrode C6 is placed on the chest of the shirt 30 so as to contact the chest at the same height as the chest electrode C4 on the left mid-axillary line of the human body.

[0016] The chest electrodes C1 to C6 arranged in this manner are electrically connected to the electrocardiograph main body 10 by a circuit pattern (not shown) formed on the shirt 30.

[0017] Here, the chest electrode group 21 (chest electrodes C1 to C6) and the circuit pattern correspond to the electrocardiogram electrode section and the first electrode section in the present invention. Also, the chest electrode group 21 (chest electrodes C1 to C6) corresponds to the electrodes included in the electrocardiogram electrode section and attached to the corresponding attachment positions in the present invention.

[0018] When a subject wears the shirt 30 having the chest electrodes C1-C6 arranged in this manner, the chest electrodes C1-C6 come into contact with the subject's chest at predetermined locations (first predetermined locations), allowing the chest electrodes C1-C6 to acquire electrical signals from the subject's chest at the predetermined locations.

[0019] In this way, the chest electrodes C1 to C6 are placed at predetermined locations on the chest of the shirt 30, so that the chest electrodes C1 to C6 come into contact with the correct locations on the chest of the subject when the subject wears the shirt 30. As a result, there is no risk of the chest electrodes C1 to C6 being attached to the wrong locations.

[0020] The limb electrode group 22 is arranged at the tip of a plurality of cables (lead cords) not shown in the figure, the base ends of which are connected to the electrocardiograph main body 10.

[0021] Here, the four limb electrode group 22 and the cable correspond to the electrocardiogram electrode unit and the second electrode unit in the present invention. Also, the four limb electrode group 22 corresponds to the plurality of electrodes included in the electrocardiogram electrode unit and attached to the corresponding attachment sites in the present invention. Here, the four limb electrode group 22 is two pairs of electrodes attached to the left hand and left foot on the left side and the right hand and right foot on the right side, respectively.

[0022] The multiple cables are, for example, retractable and can be stored in left and right storage sections 31L and 31R provided in shirt 30, and when not in use, are stored in left and right storage sections 31L and 31R. When in use, the multiple cables are taken out from left and right storage sections 31L and 31R, and the limb electrode groups 22 are manually attached to the limbs (second predetermined parts) of the subject, making it possible to acquire electrical signals from the limbs of the subject.

[0023] In this embodiment, the housing for housing multiple cables is composed of left housing 31L and right housing 31R. The cables of the limb electrodes corresponding to the left limbs (left hand and left foot) are housed in left housing 31L, and the cables of the limb electrodes corresponding to the right limbs (right hand and right foot) are housed in right housing 31R.

[0024] In this way, by separating the multiple cables having the four limb electrode group 22 into left and right housing sections 31L and 31R, it is possible to prevent the subject from attaching them to the limbs incorrectly. Even if an incorrect attachment occurs, in this embodiment, the incorrect attachment can be dealt with by a determination process or the like, which will be described later. Note that the electrodes and cables stored separately in the left housing section 31L and the right housing section 31R are not limited to being attached to the limbs, and may be attached to other parts of the subject, as long as they are one or more pairs attached to the left and right parts of the subject, respectively.

[0025] Using the chest electrode group 21 (chest electrodes C1 to C6) and the limb electrode group 22 arranged on the chest of the shirt 30, the electrocardiograph main body 10 can obtain a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram.

[0026] Here, the housing is configured to be divided into a left housing portion 31L and a right housing portion 31R, but it is also possible to store all of the multiple cables having the limb electrode group 22 in one housing portion. Even in this case, even if an incorrect attachment occurs, in this embodiment, the incorrect attachment can be dealt with by a determination process etc., which will be described later.

[0027] Further, here, the shirt 30 is provided with a storage section, but the electrocardiograph main body 10 may be provided with one storage section or left and right storage sections.

[0028] The shirt 30 is capable of attaching the electrocardiograph main body 10, arranging the chest electrode group 21 (chest electrodes C1 to C6), and accommodating a plurality of cables having the limb electrode group 22. The shirt 30 may be a short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirt, but in this embodiment, a sleeveless shirt 30 is used so that it is easy for the subject to wear.

[0029] Furthermore, it is desirable that the shirt 30 be made of a stretchy material that can apply pressure to the subject's chest so that the chest electrodes C1 to C6 are pressed against the subject's chest. This configuration ensures that the chest electrodes C1 to C6 can be securely in contact with the subject's chest.

[0030] [Electrocardiograph form example 2] The electrocardiograph according to the present invention may be an electrocardiograph 1B shown in FIG. 2 instead of the electrocardiograph 1A shown in FIG.

[0031] The electrocardiograph 1B shown in FIG. 2 is capable of obtaining a 15-lead electrocardiogram and has the same configuration as the electrocardiograph 1A shown in FIG.

[0032] In the electrocardiograph 1B, the electrocardiograph main body 10, the chest electrode group 21, the limb electrode group 22, and the shirt 30 have the same configuration as the electrocardiograph 1A shown in FIG. 1, so a duplicated description will be omitted here.

[0033] The back electrode group 23 consists of multiple back electrodes C7-C9 arranged at predetermined locations on the back (back portion) of the shirt 30. The back electrode C7 is arranged on the back of the shirt 30 so as to contact the back (back) of the human body (not shown) on the left posterior axillary line at the same height as the chest electrode C4. The back electrode C8 is arranged on the back of the shirt 30 so as to contact the back of the human body on the left mid-scapular line at the same height as the chest electrode C4. The back electrode C9 is arranged on the back of the shirt 30 so as to contact the back at the left edge of the spine at the same height as the chest electrode C4.

[0034] The back electrodes C7 to C9 arranged in this manner are also electrically connected to the electrocardiograph main body 10 by a circuit pattern (not shown) formed on the shirt 30.

[0035] Here, the back electrode group 23 and the cable correspond to the electrocardiogram electrode unit in the present invention. Also, the back electrode group 23 corresponds to the plurality of electrodes included in the electrocardiogram electrode unit and attached to the corresponding attachment positions in the present invention.

[0036] When a subject wears the shirt 30 having the chest electrodes C1 to C6 and back electrodes C7 to C9 arranged in this manner, the chest electrodes C1 to C6 and back electrodes C7 to C9 come into contact with the subject's chest and back at predetermined locations, thereby enabling the chest electrodes C1 to C6 and back electrodes C7 to C9 to acquire electrical signals from the subject's chest and back at the predetermined locations.

[0037] In this way, the chest electrodes C1 to C6 and the back electrodes C7 to C9 are arranged at predetermined locations on the chest and back of the shirt 30, so that when the subject wears the shirt 30, the chest electrodes C1 to C6 and the back electrodes C7 to C9 come into contact with the correct locations on the subject's chest and back. As a result, there is no risk of the subject attaching the chest electrodes C1 to C6 and the back electrodes C7 to C9 to the wrong locations. In particular, if the back electrodes C7 to C9 are arranged at the end of a cable, it is difficult for the subject to wear them alone. However, by arranging the back electrodes C7 to C9 at predetermined locations on the back of the shirt 30 as shown in FIG. 2, it becomes easier for the subject to wear them alone.

[0038] [Electrocardiograph example 3] The electrocardiograph according to the present invention may be an electrocardiograph 1C shown in FIG. 3 instead of the electrocardiograph 1A shown in FIG.

[0039] 3 is capable of obtaining a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram and includes an electrocardiograph main body 10, a chest electrode group 21, a four limb electrode group 22, and a shirt 40 (garment). Like the electrocardiograph 1A shown in FIG. 1, the electrocardiograph 1C includes the chest electrode group 21 and the four limb electrode group 22, but differs in that the four limb electrodes LA and RA of the four limb electrode group 22 are arranged on the shirt 40, and that the garment is a long-sleeved shirt 40.

[0040] In the electrocardiograph 1C, the electrocardiograph main body 10 and the chest electrode group 21 have the same configuration as the electrocardiograph 1A shown in FIG. 1, so a duplicated description will be omitted here.

[0041] The limb electrode group 22 consists of limb electrodes LA, RA and limb electrodes LF, RF. The limb electrode LA is placed on the left hand (for example, the left wrist) of the shirt 40 so as to come into contact with the left hand of the human body (not shown). The limb electrode RA is placed on the right hand (for example, the right wrist) of the shirt 40 so as to come into contact with the right hand of the human body.

[0042] The limb electrodes LA, RA arranged in this manner are electrically connected to the electrocardiograph main body 10 by a circuit pattern (not shown) formed on the shirt 40.

[0043] When a subject wears the shirt 40 having the chest electrodes C1-C6 and limb electrodes LA, RA arranged in this manner, the chest electrodes C1-C6 come into contact with the subject's chest at predetermined locations (first predetermined locations). The limb electrodes LA, RA also come into contact with the left and right wrists, which are predetermined locations (second predetermined locations) of the subject's limbs. This allows the chest electrodes C1-C6 to acquire electrical signals from the subject's chest at the predetermined locations. The limb electrodes LA, RA also enable acquisition of electrical signals from the subject's left and right wrists.

[0044] In this way, the chest electrodes C1 to C6 are placed at predetermined locations on the chest of the shirt 40, and the limb electrodes LA, RA are placed at predetermined locations on the left and right hands of the shirt 40. Therefore, when the subject wears the shirt 40, the chest electrodes C1 to C6 come into contact with the correct locations on the subject's chest, and the limb electrodes LA, RA come into contact with the correct locations on the subject's left and right hands. As a result, there is no risk of the chest electrodes C1 to C6 or the limb electrodes LA, RA being attached to the wrong locations.

[0045] 1, the limb electrodes LF are arranged at the tip of a retractable cable and can be housed in the left housing portion 31L provided in the shirt 40. Similarly to the limb electrode group 22 of the electrocardiograph 1A shown in FIG. 1, the limb electrodes RF are arranged at the tip of a retractable cable and can be housed in the right housing portion 31R provided in the shirt 40.

[0046] During use, the cables for the limb electrodes LF and RF are taken out from the left housing portion 31L and the right housing portion 31R. The limb electrodes LF and RF are then manually attached to the left and right ankles, which are predetermined parts of the subject's limbs (second predetermined parts), making it possible to acquire electrical signals from the subject's left and right ankles.

[0047] In this way, by separating the cables having the limb electrodes LF, RF into the left and right housing sections 31L and 31R, it is possible to prevent the subject from attaching the device to the left or right ankle. Even if an incorrect attachment occurs, this embodiment can deal with the incorrect attachment by a determination process, etc., which will be described later.

[0048] The electrocardiograph main body 10 can obtain a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram using the chest electrode group 21 (chest electrodes C1 to C6) arranged on the chest and both hands of the shirt 40, the limb electrodes LA, RA, and the limb electrodes LF, RF.

[0049] Although the housing is configured to be divided into the left housing 31L and the right housing 31R, all of the cables having the limb electrodes LF, RF may be housed in one housing. In this case, even if an incorrect attachment occurs, this embodiment can deal with the incorrect attachment by the determination process described below.

[0050] The shirt 40 is capable of attaching the electrocardiograph main body 10, arranging the chest electrode group 21 (chest electrodes C1 to C6) and the limb electrodes LA and RA, and accommodating multiple cables carrying the limb electrodes LF and RF. Here, too, a storage section is provided in the shirt 40, but the electrocardiograph main body 10 may be provided with one storage section or left and right storage sections.

[0051] Furthermore, it is desirable that the shirt 40 be made of a stretchy material that can apply pressure to the subject's chest and left and right wrists so that the chest electrodes C1 to C6 are pressed against the subject's chest and the limb electrodes LA and RA are pressed against the left and right wrists. This configuration ensures that the chest electrodes C1 to C6 are in secure contact with the subject's chest and the limb electrodes LA and RA are in secure contact with the subject's left and right wrists.

[0052] [Electrocardiograph form example 4] The electrocardiograph according to the present invention may be an electrocardiograph 1D shown in FIG. 4 instead of the electrocardiograph 1A shown in FIG.

[0053] 4 is capable of obtaining a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram, and includes an electrocardiograph main body 10, a chest electrode group 21, a four limb electrode group 22, and a body suit 50 (clothing). Like the electrocardiograph 1A shown in FIG. 1, the electrocardiograph 1D includes the chest electrode group 21 and the four limb electrode group 22, but differs in that the four limb electrode group 22 is arranged in the body suit 50 and that the clothing is the body suit 50.

[0054] In the electrocardiograph 1D, the electrocardiograph main body 10 and the chest electrode group 21 have the same configuration as the electrocardiograph 1A shown in FIG. 1, so a duplicated description will be omitted here.

[0055] The limb electrode group 22 consists of multiple limb electrodes LA, RA, LF, and RF arranged on the limbs of the bodysuit 50. The limb electrode LA is arranged on the left hand (e.g., left wrist) of the bodysuit 50 so as to contact the left hand of the human body (not shown). The limb electrode RA is arranged on the right hand (e.g., right wrist) of the bodysuit 50 so as to contact the right hand of the human body. The limb electrode LF is arranged on the left foot (e.g., left ankle) of the bodysuit 50 so as to contact the left foot of the human body. The limb electrode RF is arranged on the right foot (e.g., right ankle) of the bodysuit 50 so as to contact the right foot of the human body.

[0056] The limb electrodes LA, RA, LF, RF (limb electrode group 22) arranged in this manner are electrically connected to the electrocardiograph main body 10 by a circuit pattern (not shown) formed on the body suit 50.

[0057] When a subject wears the bodysuit 50 having the chest electrodes C1-C6 and limb electrodes LA, RA, LF, and RF arranged in this manner, the chest electrodes C1-C6 and limb electrodes LA, RA, LF, and RF come into contact with the subject's chest and limbs at predetermined locations, making it possible for the chest electrodes C1-C6 and limb electrodes LA, RA, LF, and RF to acquire electrical signals from the subject's chest and limbs at the predetermined locations.

[0058] In this way, the chest electrodes C1 to C6 and the limb electrodes LA, RA, LF, and RF are arranged at predetermined locations on the chest and limbs of the bodysuit 50. Therefore, when the subject wears the bodysuit 50, the chest electrodes C1 to C6 and the limb electrodes LA, RA, LF, and RF come into contact with the correct positions on the subject's chest and limbs. As a result, there is no risk of the chest electrodes C1 to C6 and the limb electrodes LA, RA, LF, and RF being attached to the wrong locations. Even if there is a problem with the attachment condition and poor contact occurs, in this embodiment, the attachment condition problem can be addressed by the determination process described below.

[0059] The body suit 50 is used to attach the electrocardiograph main body 10 and to arrange the chest electrode group 21 (chest electrodes C1 to C6) and the four limb electrode group 22 (four limb electrodes LA, RA, LF, RF). As shown in Fig. 4, the body suit 50 is preferably a long-sleeved and long-trouser type.

[0060] Furthermore, it is desirable that the body suit 50 be made of a stretchy material that can apply pressure to the subject's chest and limbs so that the chest electrodes C1-C6 and the limb electrodes LA, RA, LF, and RF are pressed against the chest and limbs. This configuration ensures that the chest electrodes C1-C6 and the limb electrodes LA, RA, LF, and RF can be securely brought into contact with the subject's chest and limbs.

[0061] If a cable (guiding cord) is used, the cable may break or become tangled, and the subject may feel stressed due to the presence of the cable. However, in the third embodiment, there is no cable, so such problems do not occur.

[0062] [Electrocardiograph unit] The electrocardiograph main body 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the electrocardiograph main body 10. Although not shown, the electrocardiograph main body 10 is driven by a battery power source.

[0063] The electrocardiograph main body 10 includes, for example, an A / D conversion unit 11, an operation unit 12, a storage unit 13, an output unit 14, a communication unit 15, and a control unit 16, as shown in FIG.

[0064] The chest electrode group 21 and the four limb electrode group 22 are connected to the A / D conversion unit 11, and electrical signals acquired by the chest electrode group 21 and the four limb electrode group 22 are input to the A / D conversion unit 11. The A / D conversion unit 11 converts the electrical signals (analog signals) input from the chest electrode group 21 and the four limb electrode group 22 into digital data and outputs the digital data to the control unit 16. The control unit 16 stores the input digital data in the memory unit 13.

[0065] In the case of the electrocardiograph 1B shown in Figure 2, the back electrode group 23 is also connected to the A / D conversion unit 11, and electrical signals acquired by the back electrode group 23 are also input.The A / D conversion unit 11 also converts the electrical signals input from the back electrode group 23 into digital signals and outputs them to the control unit 16.

[0066] The operation unit 12 has the minimum number of operation buttons required for operation, such as a power-on button and a start button. When the subject presses the power-on button, the electrocardiograph main body 10 starts up. When the subject presses the start button, this operation signal is output to the control unit 16, which performs a series of processes described below, and automatically turns off after the process is completed. In this way, since the operation unit 12 has the minimum number of operation buttons required for operation, the subject can perform measurements such as a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram without any confusion about how to operate it.

[0067] Here, the operation unit 12 has a power-on button and a start button, but it may have one button that serves as both the power-on button and the start button, and the above operations are possible with just one button.

[0068] The storage unit 13 is a storage device for saving, in time series, the digital data input from the control unit 16. As the storage unit 13, for example, a storage medium such as a nonvolatile memory is used.

[0069] The output unit 14 is, for example, a speaker, and provides instructions (audio guidance) to the subject, which will be described later.

[0070] The communication unit 15 (transmitting unit) performs communication processing to transmit images such as electrocardiograms (described later) to other terminals, such as mobile phones, computers, servers, etc., via a network such as a mobile phone line or a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The communication unit 15 is not limited to a mobile phone line or a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) can also be used.

[0071] The control unit 16 controls the above-mentioned operation unit 12, storage unit 13, output unit 14, communication unit 15, etc., to control the overall operation of the electrocardiograph main body 10. The control unit 16 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The CPU of the control unit 16 reads out various programs such as processing programs stored in the ROM, expands them in the RAM, and executes various processes according to the expanded programs.

[0072] The electrocardiograph main body 10 may be provided with a simple display unit that indicates its operating status. The display unit may also be capable of displaying messages, in which case the display unit may function as the output unit 14 described above and display messages instructing the subject.

[0073] [How to wear an electrocardiograph and how to measure] Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for wearing and measuring electrocardiograph 1A. Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an electrode wearing instruction and determination subroutine in the flowchart shown in Fig. 6. Here, as an example of a method for wearing and measuring an electrocardiograph, a method for wearing and measuring electrocardiograph 1A shown in Fig. 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 5. Here, it is assumed that the limb electrode LF on the left ankle is green, the limb electrode RF on the right ankle is black, the limb electrode LA on the left wrist is yellow, and the limb electrode RA on the right wrist is red.

[0074] First, the subject puts on the shirt 30. Once the subject puts on the shirt 30, the attachment of the chest electrode group 21 is complete.

[0075] (Step S11) When the subject presses the power-on button of the electrocardiograph main body 10, the control unit 16 checks whether the start button has been pressed. If the start button has been pressed (YES), the process proceeds to step S12; if not (NO), the check in step S11 is repeated.

[0076] At this time, the control unit 16 may acquire electrical signals from the chest electrode group 21 and determine whether or not the shirt 30 is being worn correctly based on the detection results. If it is determined that the shirt 30 is not being worn correctly, the control unit 16 (instruction unit) instructs the subject by voice guidance via the output unit 14 to put the shirt 30 back on.

[0077] Furthermore, if the subject presses the power-on button or start button on the electrocardiograph main body 10 before putting on the shirt 30, the control unit 16 may acquire electrical signals from the chest electrode group 21 and determine whether or not the subject is wearing the shirt 30 based on the detection results. If it is determined that the subject is not wearing the shirt 30, the control unit 16 (instruction unit) instructs the subject by voice guidance via the output unit 14 to put on the shirt 30.

[0078] When the start button is pressed, the control unit 16 (instruction unit) instructs the subject to assume a resting state by voice guidance via the output unit 14. At this time, the control unit 16 may instruct the subject on a posture (for example, a sitting position, etc.).

[0079] (Step S12) In step S12, the subroutine for instructing and determining whether to attach electrodes shown in Fig. 7 is executed. That is, the control unit 16 (instruction unit) instructs the subject to attach designated electrodes of the electrocardiogram electrode unit to the corresponding parts via the output unit 14, and then, after attachment, to move the corresponding parts by voice guidance. Then, the control unit 16 (determination unit) determines whether the designated electrodes of the electrocardiogram electrode unit have been correctly attached to the corresponding parts.

[0080] Specifically, it is determined whether or not the designated electrodes of the electrocardiogram electrode unit are correctly attached to the corresponding parts by the instructions and determinations exemplified below. Here, as an example, a case where the four limb electrode group 22 is attached to the four limbs of the subject will be described.

[0081] (Step S12-1) The control unit 16 instructs the subject to attach the designated electrode to the corresponding part and, after attachment, to move the corresponding part via the output unit 14. For example, when instructing the subject to attach the green limb electrode LF for the left ankle to the left ankle, the subject is instructed by voice guidance to "Attach the green electrode to the left ankle, and after attachment, move your left foot."

[0082] (Step S12-2) The control unit 16 detects an electrical signal (electromyogram signal) generated by moving the left leg based on the instruction, and identifies the electrode from which the electrical signal is generated from among the limb electrodes LA, RA, LF, and RF.

[0083] (Step S12-3) The control unit 16 determines whether the electrode from which the electrical signal was generated is the limb electrode LF, and determines whether the limb electrode LF is correctly attached to the left ankle. If the electrode from which the electrical signal was generated is the limb electrode LF, it determines that the limb electrode LF is correctly attached to the left ankle, and if it is an electrode other than the limb electrode LF, it determines that the limb electrode LF is incorrectly attached to the left ankle. If it is correctly attached (YES), proceed to step S12-5, and if it is not correctly attached (NO), proceed to step S12-4.

[0084] (Step S12-4) If the limb electrode LF is not attached correctly to the left ankle, the control unit 16 instructs the subject via the output unit 14 to attach the specified electrode to the corresponding part correctly, and then to move the corresponding part again after attachment. For example, when instructing the subject to attach the green limb electrode LF to the left ankle, which is the correct attachment part, the voice guide instructs the subject, "The attached electrode is incorrect. Please attach the green electrode to the left ankle. After attachment, please move your left foot again." Then, the process returns to step S12-3.

[0085] (Step S12-5) After the attachment or reattachment, if the limb electrode LF is correctly attached to the left ankle, the control unit 16 checks whether attachment to all target parts has been completed. If attachment to all target parts has been completed (YES), the process proceeds to step S13, and if not (NO), the process returns to step S12-1.

[0086] If attachment to all target parts has not been completed, the procedure of instructing to attach and determining electrodes shown in steps S12-1 to S12-5 is repeated for the remaining parts. Here, as an example, electrodes are attached to the limbs, so after the attachment instruction and determination for the left ankle (green limb electrode LF) is completed, the attachment instruction and determination for the right ankle (black limb electrode RF) is performed. Next, the attachment instruction and determination for the left wrist (yellow limb electrode LA) is performed, and finally the attachment instruction and determination for the right wrist (red limb electrode RF) is performed.

[0087] When giving instructions and making judgments about attaching electrodes to the right ankle, left wrist, and right wrist, the electrodes that are instructed to be attached and the parts that are instructed to be moved are different from those instructed for the left ankle described above, but the basic procedures are the same as those described above, so redundant explanations will be omitted here.

[0088] In addition, in order to use the potential of the foot limb electrodes LF and RF as the reference potential, the hand limb electrodes LA and RA are attached after the foot limb electrodes LF and RF, but this order is not limited to this. Also, regarding the left-right order, the right limb electrode RF is attached after the left foot limb electrode LF, and the right hand limb electrode RA is attached after the left hand limb electrode LA, but this order is not limited to this.

[0089] In addition, here, if the attachment site of the four limb electrode group 22 is incorrect, the voice guide instructs the user to reattach it, but other methods may be used to deal with this. For example, the control unit 16 (changing unit) may change the correspondence between the four limb electrode group 22 and the attachment site based on the result of determining the attachment site of the four limb electrode group 22.

[0090] Specifically, when it is determined that the four limb electrode group 22 is not attached correctly, the control unit 16 (change unit) identifies the attachment site where the four limb electrode group 22 is attached, based on at least two determination results for the four limb electrode group 22. Then, based on the identified results, it changes the correspondence relationship between the four limb electrode group 22 and the attachment site.

[0091] For example, suppose that the limb electrodes LA and RA, which are supposed to be attached to the left and right wrists, are attached to the correct positions, but the limb electrode LF, which is supposed to be attached to the left ankle, is mistakenly attached to the right ankle, and the limb electrode RF, which is supposed to be attached to the right ankle, is mistakenly attached to the left ankle. In this case, based on the results of the determinations on the limb electrode LF and the limb electrode RF from among all the results of the determinations on the limb electrode group 22, it is determined that the limb electrode LF is attached to the right ankle, and the limb electrode RF is attached to the left ankle. Then, based on the determination results, the correspondence between the limb electrodes LF and RF and their attachment positions is changed to the right ankle for the limb electrode LF, and the left ankle for the limb electrode RF.

[0092] In addition, in the case of the electrocardiograph 1D shown in FIG. 4, there is no possibility of attaching the four limb electrode group 22 to the wrong location, so in this case, the above-described procedure may be performed to check the contact state of the four limb electrode group 22.

[0093] (Step S13) When the attachment of the chest electrode group 21 and the limb electrode group 22 is completed, the control unit 16 starts measuring the electrocardiogram waveform, and stores the digital data of the electrocardiogram waveform input via the A / D conversion unit 11 in chronological order in the storage unit 13. If the correspondence between the limb electrode group 22 and the attachment site has been changed, the digital data of the electrocardiogram waveform is stored in the storage unit 13 based on the changed correspondence.

[0094] For example, if the measurement time is set to 10 seconds, the electrocardiogram waveform is measured for 10 seconds. For example, in the case of a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram, the electrocardiogram is measured as a time series electrocardiogram as shown in Figure 8.

[0095] (Step S14) The control unit 16 (image generation unit) generates an electrocardiogram as image data G1 as shown in Fig. 8 based on the digital data of the electrocardiogram waveform stored in the storage unit 13. For example, the image is generated in an image format such as JPEG, which allows for a relatively large amount of data to be compressed.

[0096] (Step S15) The control unit 16 (image generation unit) checks whether the generated image data G1 will fit on one page. For example, if it is considered that the image data G1 will be printed, it checks whether the image data G1 will fit on one page of A4 size paper. Note that the A4 size paper here is just an example, and any other size, such as A3 size paper, may be used. Also, if the image data G1 is to be checked on a computer display without printing, for example, one screen of the display may be considered one page. If the image data G1 will fit on one page (YES), proceed to step S17; if not (NO), proceed to step S16.

[0097] (Step S16) It is desirable that the image data G1 fit on one page when displayed on a screen or printed. However, if the measurement time is long, the image data G11 may become long and span multiple pages, as shown in Figure 9. In such cases, a page break may occur in the middle of the waveform, especially while the waveform is fluctuating.

[0098] In such a case, the control unit 16 (image generation unit) generates image data G111 and image data G112 so that a page break occurs at a flat portion of the waveform (a portion where there is no change), as shown in Fig. 10. By generating image data G111 and image data G112 in this way so that a page break occurs at a flat portion of the waveform, it is possible to prevent abnormalities in the waveform from being overlooked. Note that the image data G111 and image data G112 are also generated in the same image format as the image data G1.

[0099] (Steps S17 and S18) The control unit 16 transmits the generated image data G1, G111, G112, etc. to an external device, such as a mobile terminal of the attending physician, a hospital computer, a server, etc., via the communication unit 15. After transmitting the image data G1, G111, G112, etc., the control unit 16 automatically turns off the power of the electrocardiograph 1A (electrocardiograph main body 10).

[0100] In this way, the data capacity of image data G1, G111, G112, etc. is reduced, and the power is automatically turned off after transmitting image data G1, G111, G112, etc., thereby saving power in the battery-powered electrocardiograph 1A (electrocardiograph main body 10).

[0101] The control unit 16 may have an electrocardiogram analysis function. In this case, the control unit 16 analyzes the digital data of the electrocardiogram waveform stored in the storage unit 13 and creates an electrocardiogram measurement value report shown in Fig. 11 and an electrocardiogram analysis report shown in Fig. 12. The measurement value report is a report that shows a summary (main points) of the electrocardiogram measurement values, and the analysis report is a report that shows the results of an analysis of whether the electrocardiogram measurement values ​​are normal or abnormal.

[0102] In this case, the control unit 16 (image generation unit) also generates measurement value reports and analysis reports in an image format such as JPEG, converts them into image data G2 shown in FIG. 11 and image data G3 shown in FIG. 12, and transmits them to an external device.

[0103] The electrocardiograph main body 10 may also have a camera function. For example, an audio guide may be used to instruct the subject to take a photograph of himself or herself, so that a photograph can be obtained that allows the connection relationship between the four limb electrode group 22 and the four limbs to be confirmed. If the obtained photograph is transmitted together with image data G1, etc., the connection relationship between the four limb electrode group 22 and the four limbs can be reliably confirmed.

[0104] With the electrocardiographs 1A to 1D configured as described above, patients can measure themselves before their doctor visits, or they can measure themselves during online medical consultations. If the patient measures themselves before their doctor visits, the measurement results, such as an electrocardiogram, are sent to the doctor before the visit, simplifying and streamlining medical consultations and treatments. Furthermore, since it is desirable to treat patients with infectious diseases and the like without contact, by having the patient wear the electrocardiographs 1A to 1D configured as described above and conducting online medical consultations, accurate examinations of the patient can be performed while reducing the risk of infection.

[0105] Furthermore, the electrocardiographs 1A to 1D having the above configuration are also suitable for tests involving exercise stress, such as exercise stress electrocardiograms. The electrocardiographs 1A to 1D have few or no cables, which reduces the stress caused by the hassle of cables and allows for more accurate exercise stress electrocardiogram tests.

[0106] Furthermore, the electrocardiographs 1A to 1D having the above-described configuration are also suitable for tests requiring long-term measurement, such as Holter electrocardiogram tests. As described above, the chest electrode group 21 and the limb electrode group 22 can be attached to the correct locations, and stress caused by the cumbersomeness of cables can be reduced over long periods of time, allowing for more accurate Holter electrocardiogram tests.

[0107] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments and modifications are merely examples of specific embodiments of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these. In other words, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the gist or main features thereof.

[0108] For example, here, electrocardiographs 1A to 1D capable of acquiring standard 12-lead electrocardiograms and 15-lead electrocardiograms have been exemplified, but the number of leads is not limited to these, and the configuration may be such that electrocardiograms with other numbers of leads, such as 18-lead electrocardiograms, can be acquired. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D electrocardiograph 10 Electrocardiograph body 11 A / D conversion section 12 Control section 13 Storage section 14 Output section 15 Communications Department 16 Control Unit 21 Chest electrode group 22 Limb electrode group 23 Back electrode group 30, 40 shirts 31L left side compartment 31R Right side storage compartment 50 Bodysuit

Claims

1. an electrocardiogram electrode unit and an electrocardiograph main body are provided, and the electrocardiogram measurement device has clothing to be worn when measuring the electrocardiogram of the subject; the electrocardiogram electrode unit includes a plurality of electrodes attached to corresponding attachment sites, the electrocardiograph main body has a determination unit that determines whether the electrocardiogram electrode unit is correctly attached to the subject, and an instruction unit that instructs the subject to move a specific part of the subject, the determination unit detects an electrical signal generated by operating the specific part of the plurality of electrodes based on the instruction, identifies the electrode from which the electrical signal was generated, and determines whether the electrocardiogram electrode unit is correctly attached to the subject. Electrocardiograph.

2. an image generating unit that generates an image of a waveform of the electrical signal based on the electrical signal acquired by the electrocardiogram electrode unit; a transmitting unit that transmits the image to an external device; Equipped with 2. The electrocardiograph according to claim 1.

3. When the image spans multiple pages, the image generating unit breaks a page at a position where the waveform is flat.

3. The electrocardiograph according to claim 2.

4. Clothing provided with an electrocardiogram electrode unit and an electrocardiograph body, the clothing being worn when measuring the electrocardiogram of a subject; an image generating unit that generates an image of a waveform of the electrical signal based on the electrical signal acquired by the electrocardiogram electrode unit; and the electrocardiograph main body has a determination unit that determines whether the electrocardiogram electrode unit is correctly attached to the subject, When the image spans multiple pages, the image generating unit breaks a page at a position where the waveform is flat. Electrocardiograph.

5. A transmission unit that transmits the image generated by the image generation unit to an external device, the electrocardiogram electrode unit includes a plurality of electrodes attached to corresponding attachment sites, the electrocardiograph main body has an instruction unit that instructs the subject to move a specific part of the subject, the determination unit detects an electrical signal generated by operating the specific part of the plurality of electrodes based on the instruction, identifies the electrode from which the electrical signal was generated, and determines whether the electrocardiogram electrode unit is correctly attached to the subject.

5. The electrocardiograph according to claim 4.

6. the instructing unit instructs the subject on the correct attachment positions of the electrocardiogram electrodes when the determining unit determines that the electrocardiogram electrodes are not attached correctly.

6. The electrocardiograph according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 5.

7. a change unit that changes the correspondence relationship between the plurality of electrodes and the attachment sites, when the determination unit determines that the electrocardiogram electrode unit is not correctly attached, the change unit identifies the attachment sites to which the plurality of electrodes are attached based on a plurality of determination results, and changes the correspondence relationship between the plurality of electrodes and the attachment sites based on the identification results.

6. The electrocardiograph according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 5.

8. The electrocardiogram electrode unit includes: a first electrode unit disposed at a predetermined location on the garment so as to come into contact with a first predetermined part of the subject wearing the garment; a second electrode unit that is manually attached to a second predetermined part of the subject wearing the clothing, the determination unit determines whether the second electrode unit is correctly attached to the second predetermined portion.

8. The electrocardiograph according to claim 1.

9. the garment has a housing portion that houses the second electrode portion including at least a pair of electrodes attached to left and right sides of the subject when the second electrode portion is not in use; The housing portion is composed of a left housing portion and a right housing portion, and a cable of an electrode attached to the left side portion is housed in the left housing portion, and a cable of an electrode attached to the right side portion is housed in the right housing portion.

9. The electrocardiograph according to claim 8.

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