blood pressure measuring device

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of healthcare-related technology, and more particularly to blood pressure measurement devices. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, health management has become commonplace, using measuring devices to measure information about an individual's physical and health, such as blood pressure, and recording and analyzing the measurement results. A well-known example of such a measuring device is the blood pressure monitor, which is widely used in ordinary homes and is used for long-term measurements in daily life.

[0003] Such blood pressure monitors with various functions have been proposed. For example, a blood pressure monitor equipped with a display means capable of displaying the signal level of the pulse wave detected from the start to the end of blood pressure measurement in a time-series graph is known (Patent Document 1).

[0004] The blood pressure monitor described in Patent Document 1 displays a time series graph of the pulse wave signal level as a time series pulse wave graph, making it possible to clearly indicate what kind of pulse wave the blood pressure calculation means detected and what characteristic points of the detected pulse wave were used to calculate the blood pressure value. This allows visual confirmation that no noise is superimposed on the pulse wave, and makes it possible to confirm whether the blood pressure value was calculated correctly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-98003 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Incidentally, it is possible to detect arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation (AF), which indicates a symptom of serious diseases such as cerebral infarction, based on information related to pulse waves (particularly pulse wave intervals). Acquiring pulse waves when measuring blood pressure values, as in the sphygmomanometer described in Patent Document 1, is a conventionally known technique. If such pulse wave information could be presented to the user along with the blood pressure value, the user would be able to check for arrhythmias simply by measuring blood pressure.

[0007] However, even if a time series graph of pulse wave signal levels is displayed as in the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult for an average user without medical knowledge to correctly read arrhythmia information from the time series graph. Moreover, even if arrhythmia information can be read from the time series graph, the arrhythmia (i.e., irregularity of the pulse) cannot be grasped intuitively, and it is only grasped as objective (less real) information, which may result in the user not feeling a sense of crisis.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology in a blood pressure measurement device capable of presenting pulse wave information that enables even a user without medical knowledge to intuitively grasp arrhythmia and improve their own awareness of their own arrhythmia. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration: a pulse wave acquiring means for acquiring a pulse wave of a human body; a blood pressure measurement means for calculating a blood pressure value based on the pulse wave; a pulse wave reproduction information generating means for generating pulse wave reproduction information, which is dynamic information that reproduces the pulsation of the pulse wave when calculating the blood pressure value; a storage means for storing the pulse wave reproduction information; a display means capable of displaying the calculated blood pressure value; and an output means capable of outputting the pulse wave reproduction information, The output means is capable of outputting the pulse wave reproduction information relating to the pulse wave at the time when the blood pressure value is displayed on the display means. The blood pressure measuring device is characterized by the above.

[0010] The "pulse wave" referred to here is waveform information relating to changes in vascular pulsation accompanying the cardiac blood ejection, and includes both pressure pulse waves and volume pulse waves. The blood pressure measurement means may calculate blood pressure using the pulse wave, and the calculation method may be the oscillometric method or the Korotkoff method. The term "dynamic" used here means that the blood pressure changes over time.

[0011] With a blood pressure measuring device configured as described above, when checking the measured blood pressure value, the user can recognize the pulsation of the pulse wave at the time of measurement as dynamic information, which allows the user to intuitively and intuitively grasp the presence of arrhythmia.

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

[0013] This allows the user to recognize information that reproduces the pulse wave at the time of previous blood pressure measurements, not only during blood pressure measurement but also when reading and checking past blood pressure measurement results afterward. This allows the user to intuitively grasp the changes in the pulse wave. Furthermore, when a doctor examines the user, the doctor can view pulse wave information from past blood pressure measurements, allowing the doctor to determine a treatment plan based on the user's blood pressure values ​​and pulse wave information in their daily lives.

[0014] The blood pressure measuring device further comprises an arrhythmia detection means for detecting an arrhythmia in the pulse wave, if any. The output means may be configured to output dynamic information that reproduces the pulsation of the pulse wave when the blood pressure value was calculated only when the blood pressure value calculated based on the pulse wave when the arrhythmia was detected is displayed on the display means.

[0015] This allows the information reproducing the pulse wave pulsation to be output only when the blood pressure value is displayed in the event of arrhythmia, thereby eliminating the need for the user to waste time checking the information reproducing the normal pulse wave pulsation. When blood pressure values ​​are stored in the storage means, information on arrhythmia detected when the blood pressure values ​​are acquired may also be stored in association with the information.

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

[0017] The pulse wave reproduction information may be dynamic information that reproduces the pulse wave interval of the pulse wave. From the viewpoint of grasping arrhythmia, it is preferable to output such information. However, the information reproduced by the output means is not necessarily limited to the pulse wave interval, and information relating to, for example, the amplitude (magnitude) of the pulse may also be reproduced.

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

[0019] However, the output of dynamic information that reproduces the pulsation of the pulse wave is not limited to a moving image. For example, the pulsation of the pulse wave can be reproduced by generating sound or vibration, or the pulsation of the pulse wave can be reproduced by combining multiple outputs of images, sound, and vibration.

[0020] The present invention can be achieved by combining the above-described configurations and processes as long as no technical contradiction occurs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, in a blood pressure measurement device capable of presenting pulse wave information, a technology can be provided that enables even a user without medical knowledge to intuitively grasp arrhythmia and improve their own awareness of their own arrhythmia. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

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

[0023] <Embodiment 1> Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, the material, shape, relative position, and the like of each component described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to those.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the device configuration and functional configuration of a blood pressure measurement device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the blood pressure measurement device 1 is generally composed of a main body 11, a cuff 12, and an air tube 13. As shown in the functional blocks of FIG. 1, the blood pressure measurement device 1 includes: , regulation control unit 100, sensor unit 110, cuff pressure control system 120, memory unit 130, operation unit 140, image display unit 150, audio output unit 1 6 0, and has each functional part.

[0025] Although not shown, the main body 11 has an image display means 151 such as an LCD (liquid crystal display), various operation buttons, an audio output means such as a speaker, a power supply unit such as a battery, a pump and valve connected to the cuff, a housing for accommodating these, etc. The cuff 12 is a member that is used by being wrapped around the upper arm of the user, and the pump and valve of the main body 11 and the air tube The device is configured to include an air bag (cuff) that communicates via a tube 13, a belt that incorporates the cuff, a pressure sensor that is attached to the belt (none of which are shown), etc. If blood pressure is measured by the Korotkoff method, a microphone may also be included.

[0026] The belt of the cuff portion 12 is provided with a fixing means (e.g., a hook-and-loop fastener) for fixing the cuff portion 12 to the user's upper arm, and when measuring blood pressure using the blood pressure measuring device 1, the cuff portion 12 is wrapped around the user's upper arm using the belt.

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

[0028] The sensor unit 110 is configured to include a pressure sensor (for example, a piezo-resistive sensor equipped with a piezoelectric element) provided in the cuff as described above, and detects at least the user's pulse wave. Note that the sensor unit 110 may include a sensor other than a pressure sensor, and may include a PPG (Photoplethysmography) sensor when detecting the pulse wave by a photoelectric method. That is, in this embodiment, form In this example, the sensor unit 110 corresponds to the pulse wave acquiring means.

[0029] The cuff pressure control system 120 controls the pump and valve of the main body 11 to adjust the cuff pressure of the cuff 12 during blood pressure measurement. Specifically, during blood pressure measurement, the pump is driven with the cuff 12 wrapped around the upper arm, sending air into the cuff to inflate the cuff (increasing the cuff pressure). In this way, the blood vessels in the user's upper arm are compressed to temporarily inhibit blood flow, and then the pump is stopped, the valve is opened, and air is gradually released from the cuff to deflate the cuff (decreasing the cuff pressure).

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

[0031] The operation unit 140 includes elements such as a power button, a measurement execution button, and a selection / determination button, and functions to accept input operations from the user and cause the control unit 100 to execute processing in accordance with the operations.

[0032] The image display unit 150 is configured to include the image display means 151 of the main body 11, and provides information to the user by displaying various types of information on the image display means 151. FIGS. 2A and 2B are examples of screens displayed on the image display means 151, and are diagrams showing the display screen of blood pressure measurement results. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the display screen of blood pressure measurement results displays the measurement time T, maximum (systolic) blood pressure value SBP, minimum (diastolic) blood pressure value DBP, pulse rate HB, blood pressure value level indicator LI, etc. In addition, it also displays whether the cuff portion 12 is properly attached or not. The icons displayed include an attachment status icon S indicating the wear status of the device, an arrhythmia notification icon A indicating that arrhythmia has been detected during blood pressure measurement, and a pulse wave icon PW indicating the pulsation of the pulse wave during blood pressure measurement. The arrhythmia notification icon A and pulse wave icon PW will be described in more detail below.

[0033] The audio output unit 160 includes a sound generating means such as a speaker, and presents information to the user by sound. Regular openingAn initial announcement or a voice guide for using the device may be generated. Also, as will be described later, pulse wave reproduction information may be reproduced by voice.

[0034] Each functional module of the control unit 100 is described below. The blood pressure value calculation unit 101 calculates the user's blood pressure value (and pulse rate) based on the pulse wave acquired by the sensor unit 110. Any known technique can be used to calculate the blood pressure, for example, an oscillometric method can be used to measure blood pressure by detecting a pressure pulse wave with a pressure sensor. Alternatively, a Korotkoff method can be used, in which a microphone is provided in the cuff unit 12 and Korotkoff sounds are detected. The blood pressure value and pulse rate calculated by the blood pressure value calculation unit 101 are stored in the memory unit 130 in association with the time of blood pressure measurement.

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

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

[0037] 3A, 3B, and 3C are diagrams showing the relationship between the pulse wave detected during blood pressure measurement and the blinking timing of the pulse wave icon PW. FIG. 3A shows a normal (regular) pulse wave without arrhythmia and the blinking timing of the pulse wave icon PW that reproduces that pulsation. FIG. 3B shows a pulse wave in which an overall irregular arrhythmia suspected of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been detected and the blinking timing of the pulse wave icon PW that reproduces that pulsation. FIG. 3C shows a pulse wave in which an arrhythmia (partially irregular) that is unlikely to be AF has been detected and the blinking timing of the pulse wave icon PW that reproduces that pulsation. As can be seen from FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, in this embodiment, form The timing at which the pulse wave icon PW blinks is synchronized with the peak position of the pulse wave amplitude.

[0038] The example display screen in Figure 2A shows the pulse wave icon PW in an off state, while the example display screen in Figure 2B shows the pulse wave icon PW in an on state. As shown in Figures 3A to 3C, the pulse wave pulsation can be reproduced by turning on the pulse wave icon PW (the state shown in Figure 2B) when the amplitude of the pulse wave reaches its peak (when the pulse fluctuates) and turning it off (the state shown in Figure 2A) at other times. This allows the user to easily recognize the presence of arrhythmia (especially AF) by seeing the irregular flashing of the pulse wave icon PW, which gives an intuitive sense of discomfort.

[0039] With the blood pressure measuring device 1 configured as described above, the user can check whether or not there is an irregular pulse when measuring blood pressure daily, along with the measurement results of the blood pressure value, and if there is arrhythmia, the irregularity of the pulse can be easily grasped. Furthermore, if there is arrhythmia, the irregular pulse timing is reproduced in an intuitively understandable manner, so that not only the presence of arrhythmia but also the manner of the irregular pulse (its abnormality) can be easily grasped. Furthermore, for the measurement results for which data remains in the memory unit 130, the user can read out the measurement results at any time and check the blood pressure value and the pulsation timing of the pulse wave when the blood pressure value was measured. Furthermore, the user can read out the measurement results at any time for the blood pressure measuring device 1 (or the auxiliary storage device of the memory unit 130, if it is detachable, the auxiliary storage device). memory The patient can bring the device (device only) to the consultation and have it checked by the doctor. The doctor can then review the information and decide on an appropriate treatment plan, such as conducting detailed examinations.

[0040] <Modification> The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Various modifications and combinations of the present invention are possible within the scope of the technical concept thereof.

[0041] For example, in the above embodiment, the pulse wave icon PW is flashed when displaying the blood pressure measurement results, i.e., the timing of the pulse wave pulsation is reproduced as moving image information. However, the reproduction method is not limited to images. For example, the timing of the pulse wave pulsation may be reproduced by outputting sound (e.g., an electronic sound such as "beep, beep...") from the sound output unit 160 at the timing of the pulse wave fluctuations. Even with this method, if arrhythmia is present, the sound output at irregular intervals will cause the user to feel uncomfortable, allowing them to easily understand the nature of the pulse irregularity. Furthermore, a similar effect can be achieved by further providing vibration means for vibrating the device and generating vibrations at the timing of the pulse wave fluctuations.

[0042] Furthermore, the reproduction of the pulse wave pulsation timing by sound or vibration as described above may be combined with the reproduction of the pulse wave pulsation timing by image as described in the embodiment, thereby making it possible to more clearly show the pulse wave pulsation timing to the user.

[0043] Furthermore, it is not necessary to present the pulsation timing reproduction information using the pulse wave icon PW when displaying all blood pressure measurement results. For example, the pulse wave icon PW may be displayed in a flashing manner only when blood pressure measurement results are displayed when the arrhythmia detection unit 102 detects an arrhythmia. This prevents the user from wasting time viewing the regular flashing of the pulse wave icon PW when displaying blood pressure measurement results even when no arrhythmia is present during blood pressure measurement. Furthermore, it may be possible to select, using an operation button on the operation unit 140, whether or not to display the pulsation timing reproduction information of the pulse wave only when an arrhythmia is present.

[0044] Furthermore, when past blood pressure calculation results are read out from the storage unit 130 and checked, only blood pressure measurement results in which arrhythmia was detected by the arrhythmia detection unit 102 may be extracted.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the pulse wave pulsation timing, i.e., the pulse wave interval, is reproduced by flashing the pulse wave icon PW when displaying the blood pressure measurement results. However, the reproduced information is not limited to the pulse wave interval. For example, information related to the amplitude of the pulse wave may be reproduced. Specifically, the amplitude may be reproduced by using different types or brightness of the pulse wave icon PW, or by displaying a level gauge indicating the amplitude. Furthermore, when reproducing the information by sound, pulse wave amplitude information may be presented by using the sound pressure level or the frequency of the sound.

[0046] In addition, in the above embodiment, the blood pressure measuring device 1 has the main body 11 and the cuff 12 as separate bodies, but the present invention can also be applied to an integrated blood pressure monitor in which the main body is provided on the belt part of the cuff, or a watch-type wearable blood pressure monitor that is worn on the wrist. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1. Blood pressure measuring device 11 Main body 12 Cuff 13. Air tube 151 Image display means 100 Control unit 110 Sensor section 120 Cuff pressure control system 130...Storage section 140...Operation unit 150 Image display unit 160 Audio output section T...Measurement time SBP: Maximum blood pressure DBP: Diastolic blood pressure HB...Pulse rate LI···Blood Pressure Level Indicator S Wearing status icon A. Arrhythmia notification icon PW···Pulse wave icon

Claims

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

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

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

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

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

4. The display means also serves as the output means, The pulse wave reproduction information is output as a moving image. The blood pressure measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that:

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

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

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