Biological information measuring device, control method and program for biological information measuring device

The wrist-worn device with electrode and position detection ensures stable contact and posture for accurate simultaneous blood pressure and electrocardiogram measurements, addressing instability issues in existing technologies.

JP7861531B2Active Publication Date: 2026-05-19OMRON HEALTHCARE CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
OMRON HEALTHCARE CO LTD
Filing Date
2022-06-23
Publication Date
2026-05-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing portable devices for measuring electrocardiogram waveforms and blood pressure suffer from unstable contact with electrodes and improper posture, leading to inaccurate measurements.

Method used

A wrist-worn device with integrated electrode contact state detection and position detection, ensuring stable electrode contact and correct posture before simultaneous blood pressure and electrocardiogram waveform measurements are performed.

Benefits of technology

Accurate and convenient simultaneous measurement of blood pressure and electrocardiogram waveforms by ensuring proper electrode contact and posture, preventing noise and ensuring high measurement accuracy.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a technology to accurately measure blood pressure and an electrocardiographic waveform in a portable biological information measuring device capable of measuring blood pressure and an electrocardiographic waveform.SOLUTION: A biological information measuring device used by being worn on the wrist of a human body includes: blood pressure measuring means; electrocardiographic waveform measuring means equipped with a plurality of electrodes for measuring an electrocardiographic waveform of the human body; electrode contact state detection means for detecting a contact state of the human body with the plurality of electrodes; position detection means for detecting the position of the device; control means; input means for receiving an input of a measurement start instruction; a first propriety determination unit for determining whether or not the device is positioned at a height within a predetermined range; a second propriety determination unit for determining whether or not the human body is in contact with the plurality of electrodes in a stable manner; and a comprehensive measurement control unit for executing control to perform blood pressure measurement and the electrocardiographic waveform measurement for the human body comprehensively on condition that determination results of the first and second propriety determination units are both proper.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field related to healthcare, and particularly relates to a biological information measurement device, a control method for a biological information measurement device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, it has become common for individuals to routinely measure information related to their physical health, such as blood pressure values and electrocardiogram waveforms (hereinafter also referred to as biological information), using measurement devices by themselves and utilize the measurement results for health management. From this, the demand for devices that emphasize portability has been increasing, and many portable measurement devices have been proposed, and portable devices that can measure both blood pressure values and electrocardiogram waveforms have also been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1, etc.).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a portable electrocardiogram measurement device having means for measuring blood pressure in an electrocardiogram measurement device that is worn on the wrist of a human body using a belt provided with electrodes. According to this invention, by carrying the device, the user can obtain information on the electrocardiogram waveform representing the electrical activity of the heart and measure blood pressure at any timing, such as when feeling chest pain. Also, by wearing the device on the wrist, it is possible to measure the electrocardiogram waveform (and blood pressure) by so-called IV induction simply by applying the device body fixed to the arm to the chest, and it is also possible to measure the electrocardiogram waveform by I induction by wearing the device on one (right) arm and touching the electrode arranged on the device body with the other (left) hand. According to these measurement methods, there is no need to hold the device body by hand, and since no extra force is applied, a signal with less noise due to electromyogram or the like can be obtained.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, according to the technology described in Patent Document 1 above, when performing measurements using the device, in the case of lead IV, the user attaches the device to their right wrist, places the electrodes on their chest, and starts the measurement by pressing the measurement start button on the device body with their left hand, which is not wearing the device. In the case of lead I, after pressing the measurement start button with the left hand, the user needs to touch the electrodes on the device body with that same hand.

[0006] However, with this measurement method, there was a risk that the contact with the electrodes would not be proper after the measurement start button was pressed (i.e., after the measurement started), resulting in the recording of an unstable electrocardiogram, or, especially in the case of lead I, the measurement might proceed even if the electrodes were not in contact with the device at all. An explanatory diagram illustrating this situation is shown in Figure 10. Furthermore, when measuring blood pressure in conjunction with measuring the electrocardiogram waveform, it is necessary to position the device itself (the part where blood pressure is measured) at approximately the same height as the heart, and the aforementioned problems become more pronounced due to the uncomfortable posture required.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a technology for accurately measuring blood pressure and electrocardiogram waveforms in a portable bio-information measuring device capable of measuring blood pressure and electrocardiogram waveforms. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following configuration. That is, A biological information measuring device that is worn on the wrist of a human body, The blood pressure measuring means for measuring the blood pressure of the human body, An input means for receiving an instruction to start measuring the blood pressure of the human body, A means for measuring the electrocardiogram waveform of the human body, comprising multiple electrodes, An electrode contact state detection means for detecting the contact state of the human body with the plurality of electrodes, Position detection means for detecting the position of the device, It includes control means for controlling the electrocardiogram waveform measuring means and the blood pressure measuring means, The control means is After receiving an instruction to start measuring the blood pressure of the human body via the input means, a first validity determination unit determines whether or not the wrist of the human body to which the device is attached is located at a height within a first predetermined range, based on the output of the position detection means. A second validity determination unit determines whether or not the human body is in stable contact with the plurality of electrodes based on the output of the electrode contact state detection means. The system includes a batch measurement control unit that performs control to simultaneously perform blood pressure measurement of the human body by the blood pressure measurement means and electrocardiogram waveform measurement of the human body by the electrocardiogram waveform measurement means, provided that at least the determination result of the second validity determination unit is valid. This is a biological information measuring device characterized by the following features.

[0009] In this specification, "measurement of electrocardiogram waveform" means recording waveform data of an electrocardiogram signal. "In a single operation" includes performing operations simultaneously and in parallel. Examples of the blood pressure measurement means include, but are not limited to, a cuff, pressure sensor, and pump for measuring blood pressure using the oscillometric method. As for the position detection means, for example, a 3-axis accelerometer can be used, but other means may be used as long as they can detect at least the position of the device on its vertical axis (i.e., the height at which the device is located).

[0010] Furthermore, the "input means" in the above description can be, for example, an operation button provided on a biological information measuring device, but is not limited to this. For example, a device configuration can be envisioned in which measurement is started when a measurement start instruction signal is received from another device via communication, in which case the communication means functions as the input means.

[0011] With this configuration, blood pressure and electrocardiogram shape can be measured simultaneously with a single (measurement start) operation, provided that the electrodes are in a suitable contact state for measuring the electrocardiogram waveform. Therefore, the electrocardiogram waveform will not be measured if it is not properly in contact with the electrodes for measuring the electrocardiogram waveform, nor will it be measured with noise caused by actions taken to correct posture immediately after the start of measurement. This allows for accurate and convenient simultaneous measurement of two types of biological information: blood pressure and electrocardiogram shape.

[0012] The second validity determination unit may, when the determination result of the first validity determination unit is valid, determine whether or not the human body is in stable contact with the plurality of electrodes based on the output of the electrode contact state detection means.

[0013] With this configuration, provided the subject is in a suitable posture for measuring blood pressure and electrocardiogram waveforms, blood pressure and electrocardiogram waveforms can be measured simultaneously, and more accurate blood pressure measurements can be performed.

[0014] Furthermore, the control means further includes a third validity determination unit that, if the determination result of the second validity determination unit is valid, determines whether or not the wrist of the human body to which the device is attached is located at a height within a second predetermined range based on the output of the position detection means, and the batch measurement control unit, if the determination results of the second validity determination unit and the third validity determination unit are valid, the blood The control system may be configured to perform both the measurement of the human body's blood pressure using the pressure measuring means and the measurement of the human body's electrocardiogram waveform using the electrocardiogram measuring means in a single operation.

[0015] With the configuration described above, the first step is to roughly adjust the height of the device to prevent contact with the electrodes in an improper posture. Once it is confirmed that the contact with the electrodes is stable, a more precise height adjustment is then performed. This makes it possible to guide the user into the correct posture more reliably.

[0016] Also, the height within the second predetermined range may be set to be the same as the height of the heart of the human body. When measuring blood pressure, such a height is suitable. Further, the biological information measuring device may be a wristwatch-type wearable device.

[0017] Further, the biological information measuring device further has output means. The control means further includes a fourth pass / fail determination unit that determines whether or not the human body has been in contact with the plurality of electrodes before the pass / fail determination by the first pass / fail determination unit, and an electrode prior contact notification unit that, when the determination result of the fourth pass / fail determination unit is affirmative, notifies to that effect via the output means.

[0018] If the contact with the electrode was made before the first pass / fail determination, even if the results of the first pass / fail determination and the second pass / fail determination are affirmative, there is a possibility that the posture is inappropriate, such as the palm facing downward. In this regard, with the above-described configuration, it is possible to notify the user that such a posture may exist, and the user can take measures such as re-measuring (or determining to start batch measurement) based on the information.

[0019] Further, the present invention can also be regarded as a control method for the following device. That is, It is worn on the wrist of a human body and used, Blood pressure measurement means for measuring the blood pressure of the human body, Input means for receiving an instruction to start measuring the blood pressure of the human body, It includes a plurality of electrodes and electrocardiogram measurement means for measuring the electrocardiogram waveform of the human body, Electrode contact state detection means for detecting the contact state of the human body with the plurality of electrodes, A control method for a biological information measuring device including position detection means for detecting the position of the device, A start instruction reception step of receiving an instruction to start measuring the blood pressure of the human body, A first determination step that is executed after the start instruction reception step and determines whether or not the wrist of the human body wearing the device is located at a height within a first predetermined range based on the output of the position detection means; A second determination step that determines whether or not the human body is stably in contact with the plurality of electrodes based on the output of the electrode contact state detection means; A batch measurement step of collectively executing the blood pressure measurement of the human body by the blood pressure measurement means and the measurement of the electrocardiogram waveform of the human body by the electrocardiogram measurement means, provided that at least the determination result in the second determination step is affirmative. This is a control method for a biological information measurement device.

[0020] In the control method, the second determination step may be executed when the determination result in the first determination step is affirmative.

[0021] Further, when the determination result in the second determination step is affirmative, a third determination step is further provided to determine whether or not the wrist of the human body wearing the device is located at a height within a second predetermined range based on the output of the position detection means. In the batch measurement step, When the determination result in the third determination step is affirmative, the blood pressure measurement of the human body by the blood pressure measurement means and the measurement of the electrocardiogram waveform of the human body by the electrocardiogram measurement means may be collectively executed.

[0022] Further, the biological information measurement device further includes an output means. The control method of the biological information measurement device includes a fourth determination step of determining whether or not the human body has been in contact with the plurality of electrodes before the determination in the first determination step is performed. When the determination result in the fourth determination step is affirmative, an electrode prior contact notification step of notifying to that effect via the output means may be further provided.

[0023] Furthermore, the present invention can also be understood as a program for causing a biological information measuring device to execute the above method, or as a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily stores such a program.

[0024] Furthermore, each of the above components can be combined with one another to constitute the present invention, provided that no technical inconsistencies arise. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, a portable bio-information measuring device capable of measuring blood pressure and electrocardiogram waveforms can be provided with a technique for accurately measuring blood pressure and electrocardiogram waveforms. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0026] [Figure 1] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance of the biological information measuring device of Embodiment 1. Figure 1B is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the biological information measuring device of Embodiment 1 is worn. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the biological information measuring device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3A is the first figure showing an example of an image output by the biological information measuring device of Embodiment 1. Figure 3B is the second figure showing an example of an image output by the biological information measuring device of Embodiment 1. Figure 3C is the third figure showing an example of an image output by the biological information measuring device of Embodiment 1. Figure 3D is the fourth figure showing an example of an image output by the biological information measuring device of Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing some of the processes performed in the biological information measuring device of Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the biological information measuring device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing some of the processes performed in the biological information measuring device of Embodiment 2. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the process performed by the biological information measuring device of Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the biological information measuring device according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing some of the processes performed in the biological information measuring device of Embodiment 3. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the problems with conventional technology. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] <Embodiment 1> Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, this embodiment Unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the description of the form are not intended to limit the scope of this invention to those specific items.

[0028] (Overall configuration of the device) Figure 1A is a schematic diagram showing the external configuration of the biometric information measuring device 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 1B is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the biometric information measuring device 10 according to this embodiment is attached to the wrist T. Figure 2 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the biometric information measuring device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1A, 1B, and 2, the bio-information measuring device 10 is generally a wristwatch-type wearable device having a main body 11 and a belt 15, and can measure blood pressure values ​​and electrocardiogram waveforms while being worn on the wrist T of a person.

[0030] The main unit 11 includes a display unit 133 (for example, a liquid crystal display can be used), operation buttons 134a and 134b, a bezel that functions as a second electrode 112, and an acceleration sensor 131. Either of the operation buttons 134a or 134b functions as a measurement start button to initiate blood pressure measurement. The acceleration sensor 131 corresponds to the position detection means according to the present invention and detects the position and orientation of the biological information measuring device 10.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the main unit 11 comprises, as part of its functional configuration, a control unit 100, an electrocardiogram signal measurement unit 110, a blood pressure measurement unit 120, a power supply unit 132, a display unit 133, an operation unit 134, a communication unit 135, a memory unit 136, and a vibration unit 137. The details of each of these functional configurations will be described later.

[0032] The belt portion 15 also includes a cuff 121 for compressing an artery in the wrist T, a collar 152 for supporting the cuff 121, a first electrode 111, and a belt 151 for fixing the biometric information measuring device 10 to the wrist T. The belt 151 can be, for example, a type that consists of a thumb band and a tip band, with the tip band being fixed by a buckle on the thumb band, but any configuration is acceptable as long as the biometric information measuring device 10 can be properly fixed to the wrist T. For example, a configuration that uses hook-and-loop fasteners for fixing can also be used.

[0033] (Functional configuration of the main unit) Next, the functional configuration of the main unit 11 will be described. The control unit 100 is responsible for controlling the entire biological information measurement device 10, including the electrocardiogram signal measurement unit 110 and the blood pressure measurement unit 120. The control unit 100 also includes the following functional units: an electrode contact state determination unit 101, a blood pressure measurement posture determination unit 102, a batch measurement execution unit 103, and an information output processing unit 104. By reading and executing programs from the storage unit 136 (described later), the control unit 100 controls each component of the biological information measurement device 10 to realize the functional units that fulfill their predetermined purposes. From a hardware perspective, the control unit 100 is composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0034] The electrocardiogram signal measurement unit 110 comprises a first electrode 111, a second electrode 112, and an electrocardiogram signal measurement circuit 113. It measures the user's electrocardiogram signal based on the potential difference between the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112, which are in contact with the surface of the human body (specifically, the wrist of one hand and the fingers of the other hand) (in the so-called lead I). The electrocardiogram signal measurement circuit 113 also detects the contact state of the user's skin surface with the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. In other words, the electrocardiogram signal measurement circuit 113 in this embodiment also serves as the electrode contact state detection means according to the present invention. The electrocardiogram signal measurement unit 110 also includes an AD conversion circuit, amplifier, filter, etc. (not shown), but these are not included. Since these are composed of known technologies, we will omit the explanation.

[0035] The blood pressure measurement unit 120 comprises a cuff 121, a pressure sensor 122, and a pump 123, and measures the user's blood pressure using the so-called oscillometric method. Since blood pressure measurement using the oscillometric method is a well-known technique, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0036] The power supply unit 132 includes a battery (not shown) that supplies the power necessary for the operation of the device. The battery may be a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, or it may be a primary battery.

[0037] The display unit 133 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and displays various information, including guide information about the operation of the device, on the display device. The display unit 133 may also be equipped with LED indicators or the like. The operation unit 134 includes operation buttons 134a and 134b, and accepts user input operations through these buttons. The operation unit 134 can also accept user input by receiving input signals from other electronic devices via the communication unit 135, which will be described later.

[0038] The communication unit 135 includes an antenna (not shown) for wireless communication and communicates with other electronic devices, such as information processing terminals, for example, via BLE communication. It may also be equipped with terminals for wired communication.

[0039] The memory unit 136 is configured to include a main memory (not shown) such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and stores various types of information such as application programs, measured electrocardiogram waveforms, blood pressure, and guide information. In addition to RAM, it may also include a long-term storage medium such as flash memory. Measurement results such as electrocardiogram waveform data and measured blood pressure values ​​are also stored.

[0040] The vibrating unit 137 includes a vibrator (not shown) consisting of a small motor or the like, and generates vibrations in a predetermined pattern set for each guidance content. This allows the user to be notified of predetermined guidance information corresponding to that pattern.

[0041] Next, the various functions of the control unit 100 will be described. The electrode contact state determination unit 101 determines whether the user is making stable contact with the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 based on the output of the electrocardiogram signal measurement circuit 113. Whether or not the contact is stable can be distinguished by any indicator, but for example, the evaluation may be performed using information such as baseline fluctuations of the electrocardiogram waveform or attitude fluctuations of the device based on the output of the acceleration sensor 131.

[0042] The blood pressure measurement posture determination unit 102 determines, based on the output of the acceleration sensor 131, whether the user's wrist, while wearing the device, is positioned within a predetermined height range, or more specifically, whether it is at approximately the same height as the heart. It may also determine whether this height is continuously maintained.

[0043] The batch measurement execution unit 103 controls the blood pressure measurement by the blood pressure measurement unit 120 and the electrocardiogram waveform measurement simultaneously, based on the outputs of the electrode contact state determination unit 101 and the blood pressure measurement posture determination unit 102, if both determination results are correct. Here, the measurement of the electrocardiogram waveform refers to recording the electrocardiogram signal measured by the electrocardiogram signal measurement unit 110 as waveform data. In other words, in this embodiment, the electrocardiogram waveform measurement means includes the electrocardiogram signal measurement unit 110 and the storage unit 136.

[0044] The information output processing unit 104 displays images using the display unit 133 and vibrates using the vibration unit 137. The device outputs guide information related to its use. Specifically, it performs control to output information such as information guiding the user on the correct posture for measuring biological information, and information indicating the start and end of measurement. Figures 3A to 3D show examples of guide images displayed on the display unit 133.

[0045] Figure 3A is a guide image instructing the user to raise and maintain the wrist with the device attached to the level of the heart in preparation for measurement. Figure 3B is a guide image instructing the user to touch the second electrode 112 of the device in preparation for measurement. Figure 3C is a guide image instructing the user that blood pressure (electrocardiogram) measurement is in progress. Figure 3D is a guide image showing the measurement results after the measurement is completed. Each image may be a still image or a moving image.

[0046] (Processing of biological information measurement) Next, the processing flow when the biological information measuring device 10 performs biological information measurement will be explained based on Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure when performing simultaneous measurement of blood pressure and electrocardiogram using the biological information measuring device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0047] First, the biometric information measuring device 10 receives a blood pressure measurement start operation from the user via the operation unit 134 (S101). The acceleration sensor 131 detects the position and orientation of the device (S102), and based on the output of the acceleration sensor 131, the blood pressure measurement orientation determination unit 102 determines whether the height of the biometric information measuring device 10 is within a predetermined range (S103). If it is determined that the height of the device is not within the predetermined range, the process returns to step S102, and the determination process of whether the height of the device is within the predetermined range is repeated based on the output of the acceleration sensor 131.

[0048] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the height of the device is within a predetermined range, the process proceeds to step S104. In step S104, the electrocardiogram signal measurement circuit 113 detects the contact state of the human body (user) with the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 (S104). The electrode contact state determination unit 101 then determines, based on the output of the electrocardiogram signal measurement circuit 113, whether or not the user is in stable contact with the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 (S105). If it is determined that the user is not in stable contact with each electrode, the process returns to step S104 and repeats the subsequent processing.

[0049] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S105 that the user is making stable contact with each electrode, the batch measurement execution unit 103 controls the blood pressure measurement unit 120 to perform blood pressure measurement and electrocardiogram waveform measurement simultaneously (S106). When the blood pressure measurement is completed, the electrocardiogram waveform measurement (i.e., recording of waveform data) is also completed at the same time, and the measurement results are stored in the storage unit 136 (S107), and this routine ends.

[0050] Furthermore, the information output processing unit 104 may output guide information at appropriate timings in the above flow. For example, prior to step S102, the user may be guided by the display unit 133 to raise and maintain the wrist with the device attached to the height of the heart using the guide image shown in Figure 3A, or by a predetermined vibration pattern from the vibration unit 137. Alternatively, an image showing the measurement results (see Figure 3D) may be displayed on the display unit 133 from step S106 onward.

[0051] According to the bio-information measuring device 10 of this embodiment described above, by maintaining the site where blood pressure is measured (i.e., the position of the device) at a height suitable for blood pressure measurement while the device is attached, and by ensuring stable contact with the electrodes, simultaneous measurement of blood pressure and electrocardiogram waveform is performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent measurements from being taken in inappropriate postures or situations, and to obtain highly accurate measurement results for both blood pressure and electrocardiogram waveform.

[0052] (modified version) In the above biometric information measurement process flow, if it is determined in step S103 that the height of the device is not within a predetermined range, the process returns to step S102 and does not proceed to step S104 until the condition is met. However, other processing is also possible. For example, if it is determined that the height of the device is not within a predetermined range, information to that effect may be stored in the storage unit 136 before proceeding to step S104. That is, in this modified example, if the determination result of the electrode contact state determination unit 101 is correct, the batch measurement execution unit 103 controls the blood pressure measurement unit 120 to perform blood pressure measurement and electrocardiogram waveform measurement in a batch. This prevents situations where measurement will not start indefinitely unless the correct posture is assumed, while also storing a note indicating doubts about the accuracy of the measured blood pressure value and obtaining at least an accurate electrocardiogram waveform.

[0053] <Embodiment 2> Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. The biological information measuring device 20 according to this embodiment has almost the same configuration as the biological information measuring device 10 of Embodiment 1. For this reason, the same reference numerals are used for the same components and processes as in Embodiment 1, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0054] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the biological information measuring device 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the biological information measuring device 20 according to this embodiment differs from the biological information measuring device 10 in some of the functional units of the control unit 200. Specifically, the control unit 200 includes a first posture determination unit 201 and a second posture determination unit 202 instead of a blood pressure measurement posture determination unit 102.

[0055] Both the first posture determination unit 201 and the second posture determination unit 202 are functional units that determine whether the height of the biological information measuring device 20 is within a predetermined range, but the threshold of the second posture determination unit 202 is set more strictly than that of the first posture determination unit 201.

[0056] Next, based on Figure 6, the processing flow when the biological information measuring device 20 performs biological information measurement will be executed. As shown in Figure 6, the general processing flow in this embodiment is the same as in Embodiment 1. When the input for the measurement start operation is made (S101), the process proceeds to step S102, where the first posture determination unit 201 determines whether the device is at a height within a first predetermined range (S201). Here, roughly, a determination is made based on the height at which the device is located to determine whether the posture is appropriate for performing the measurement. If it is determined in step S201 that the device is not at a height within the first predetermined range, the process returns to step S102, and the determination process of whether the height of the device is within a predetermined range is repeated based on the output of the acceleration sensor 131.

[0057] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S201 that the device is within the first predetermined range, the process proceeds to step S104. Then, in step S105, if it is determined that the device is stably touching both electrodes, the position and orientation of the device are detected again (S202), and based on the output of the acceleration sensor 131, it is determined whether or not the height of the device is within the second predetermined range (S203). If it is determined that the height is not within the second predetermined range, the process returns to step S202, and the determination of whether the height of the device is within the second predetermined range is repeated based on the output of the acceleration sensor 131.

[0058] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S203 that the height of the device is within a second predetermined range, the process proceeds to step S106, where blood pressure and electrocardiogram are measured simultaneously. The subsequent processing is the same as in Embodiment 1, so the explanation is omitted.

[0059] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the processes performed by the bio-information measuring device 20 according to this embodiment, the device position (posture), and the electrode contact state, along with the measured bio-information, in chronological order. As shown in Figure 7, according to the bio-information measuring device 20 of this embodiment, after inputting the measurement start operation, first, a first threshold is used to determine whether the posture for blood pressure measurement is roughly correct. After that, a process is performed to determine whether the electrode contact state is stable. If it is determined to be stable, then a process is performed to determine whether the device is positioned at the correct height suitable for blood pressure measurement, using a stricter threshold. If the second height determination process determines that the device is positioned at the appropriate height, blood pressure and electrocardiogram waveform measurements are performed simultaneously.

[0060] With this configuration, the height of the device can be roughly adjusted first to prevent contact with the electrodes in an improper posture. Once it is confirmed that the contact with the electrodes is stable, a more precise height adjustment can be performed, making it possible to guide the user to the correct posture more reliably.

[0061] <Embodiment 3> Next, yet another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. The biological information measuring device 30 according to this embodiment has almost the same configuration as the biological information measuring device 10 of Embodiment 1. For this reason, the same reference numerals are used for the same components and processes as in Embodiment 1, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0062] Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the biological information measuring device 30 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the biological information measuring device 30 according to this embodiment has some differences in the functional parts of the control unit 300 compared to the biological information measuring device 10. Specifically, the control unit 300 further includes an electrode contact timing determination unit 301.

[0063] The electrode contact timing determination unit 301 determines, based on the output of the electrocardiogram signal measurement circuit 113, whether or not the user was in contact with the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 before the height determination was performed by the blood pressure measurement posture determination unit 102.

[0064] Furthermore, if the user has already made contact with the first electrode 111 and the second electrode before the blood pressure measurement posture determination unit 102 performs height determination, the information output processing unit 104 outputs guide information to inform the user of this fact by displaying an image on the display unit 133 or by using a vibration pattern from the vibration unit 137. In other words, in this embodiment, the information output processing unit 104 corresponds to the electrode pre-contact notification unit.

[0065] Next, based on Figure 9, the processing flow when the biological information measuring device 30 performs biological information measurement will be executed. As shown in Figure 9, the general processing flow in this embodiment is the same as in Embodiment 1, except that steps S301 and S302 have been added.

[0066] In the biological information measuring device 30 of this embodiment, if it is determined in step S105 that the user is stably in contact with both electrodes, the electrode contact timing determination unit 301 determines whether the user was in contact with the first electrode 111 and the second electrode before the height determination was performed (S301). If it is determined that the user was not in contact with the second electrode before the height determination was performed, the process proceeds to step S106, and simultaneous measurement of blood pressure and electrocardiogram is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S301 that the user was in contact with both electrodes before the height determination was performed, the information output processing unit 104 outputs a message to the user informing them of this (S302). However, the process then proceeds to S106, and simultaneous measurement of blood pressure and electrocardiogram is performed. The subsequent processing is the same as in Embodiment 1, so the explanation is omitted.

[0067] If the device was in contact with both electrodes before the height determination was performed, even if the determination results in steps S103 and S105 were deemed appropriate, there is a risk that the user was actually in an inappropriate posture, such as having their palms facing downwards. In this regard, with the configuration described above, the user can be notified if there is a possibility of an inappropriate posture, and the user can take appropriate action based on this information, such as repeating the measurement (or the batch measurement start determination).

[0068] <Other> The above description of embodiments is merely illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to the specific forms described above. The present invention can be modified and combined in various ways within the scope of its technical concept. For example, although the above embodiment described displaying a guide image on the display unit 133, the guide image may be output to an external device connected via the communication unit 135. Alternatively, the measured biological information may be streamed via the communication unit 135 to an external electronic device equipped with a memory area.

[0069] Furthermore, the input means for receiving instructions to start blood pressure measurement is not limited to the operation buttons 134a and 134b in each of the above embodiments. For example, a measurement start signal may be received from an external electronic device via the communication unit 135, thereby starting blood pressure measurement. In other words, the input means in the present invention is not limited to a configuration such as operation buttons. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 10, 20, 30... Biological information measuring devices 11. Main body 15. Belt section 100, 200, 300... Control Unit 101...Electrode contact state determination unit 102... Blood pressure measurement posture determination unit 103...Batch Measurement Execution Unit 104... Information Output Processing Unit 110...Electrocardiogram waveform measurement section 111...1st electrode 112...Second electrode 113...Electrocardiogram signal measurement circuit 120·· Blood pressure measurement unit 121... Cuff 122... Pressure sensor 123... pump 131...Accelerometer 132...Power supply section 133...Display section 134...Operation unit 134a, 135b... Operation buttons 135... Communications Department 136...Storage section 137...Vibration section 151... belt 152... Carla T...wrist

Claims

1. A biological information measuring device that is worn on the wrist of a human body, The blood pressure measuring means for measuring the blood pressure of the human body, An input means for receiving an instruction to start measuring the blood pressure of the human body, A means for measuring the electrocardiogram waveform of the human body, comprising multiple electrodes, An electrode contact state detection means for detecting the contact state of the human body with the plurality of electrodes, Position detection means for detecting the position of the device, It includes control means for controlling the electrocardiogram waveform measuring means and the blood pressure measuring means, The control means is After receiving an instruction to start measuring the blood pressure of the human body via the input means, a first validity determination unit determines whether or not the wrist of the human body to which the device is attached is located at a height within a first predetermined range, based on the output of the position detection means. If the determination result of the first correct / false determination unit is correct, the second correct / false determination unit determines whether or not the human body is in stable contact with the plurality of electrodes based on the output of the electrode contact state detection means. If the determination result of the second correct / false determination unit is correct, a third correct / false determination unit determines whether or not the wrist of the human body to which the device is attached is located at a height within a second predetermined range, based on the output of the position detection means. The system includes a batch measurement control unit that performs batch measurement of the blood pressure of the human body by the blood pressure measurement means and batch measurement of the electrocardiogram waveform of the human body by the electrocardiogram waveform measurement means when the determination results of the second and third validity determination units are valid, A biological information measuring device characterized by the following features.

2. The height within the second predetermined range is set to be approximately the same height as the human heart. A biological information measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that

3. A biological information measuring device used by being attached to the wrist of a human body, The blood pressure measuring means for measuring the blood pressure of the human body, An input means for receiving an instruction to start measuring the blood pressure of the human body, A means for measuring the electrocardiogram waveform of the human body, comprising multiple electrodes, An electrode contact state detection means for detecting the contact state of the human body with the plurality of electrodes, Position detection means for detecting the position of the device, Control means for controlling the electrocardiogram waveform measuring means and the blood pressure measuring means, It has an output means, The control means is After receiving an instruction to start measuring the blood pressure of the human body via the input means, a first validity determination unit determines whether or not the wrist of the human body to which the device is attached is located at a height within a first predetermined range, based on the output of the position detection means. A second validity determination unit determines whether or not the human body is in stable contact with the plurality of electrodes based on the output of the electrode contact state detection means, A batch measurement control unit that performs control to execute the measurement of the blood pressure of the human body by the blood pressure measuring means and the measurement of the electrocardiogram waveform of the human body by the electrocardiogram waveform measuring means, provided that at least the determination result of the second validity determination unit is valid, A fourth validity determination unit determines whether the human body was in contact with the plurality of electrodes before the validity determination unit performed the validity determination, The system includes an electrode pre-contact notification unit that, if the determination result of the fourth correct / incorrect determination unit is correct, notifies the user of that fact via the output means. A biological information measuring device characterized by the following features.

4. It is a wristwatch-type wearable device. A biological information measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

5. It is worn on the wrist of the human body. The blood pressure measuring means for measuring the blood pressure of the human body, An input means for receiving an instruction to start measuring the blood pressure of the human body, A means for measuring the electrocardiogram waveform of the human body, comprising multiple electrodes, An electrode contact state detection means for detecting the contact state of the human body with the plurality of electrodes, A control method for a biological information measuring device comprising a position detection means for detecting the position of the device, A start command reception step that receives an instruction to start measuring the blood pressure of the human body, A first validity determination step is performed after the start instruction reception step, and determines whether or not the wrist of the human body to which the device is attached is located at a height within a first predetermined range based on the output of the position detection means, A second validity determination step, which determines whether or not the human body is in stable contact with the plurality of electrodes based on the output of the electrode contact state detection means, If the determination result in the second correct / false determination step is correct, a third correct / false determination step is performed to determine whether the wrist of the human body to which the device is attached is located at a height within a second predetermined range, based on the output of the position detection means. If the determination result in the third correct / false determination step is correct, the system includes a combined measurement step which simultaneously performs blood pressure measurement of the human body using the blood pressure measurement means and electrocardiogram measurement of the human body using the electrocardiogram waveform measurement means. A control method for a biological information measuring device, characterized by the above.

6. The height within the second predetermined range is set to be approximately the same height as the human heart. A control method for a biological information measuring device according to claim 5, characterized in that

7. Used by being worn on the wrist of a human body, The blood pressure measuring means for measuring the blood pressure of the human body, An input means for receiving an instruction to start measuring the blood pressure of the human body, A means for measuring the electrocardiogram waveform of the human body, comprising multiple electrodes, An electrode contact state detection means for detecting the contact state of the human body with the plurality of electrodes, Position detection means for detecting the position of the device, A control method for a biological information measuring device comprising an output means, A start command reception step that receives an instruction to start measuring the blood pressure of the human body, A first validity determination step is performed after the start instruction reception step, and determines whether or not the wrist of the human body to which the device is attached is located at a height within a first predetermined range based on the output of the position detection means, A second validity determination step, which determines whether or not the human body is in stable contact with the plurality of electrodes based on the output of the electrode contact state detection means, A combined measurement step in which, provided that the determination result in at least the second correct / false determination step is correct, the blood pressure measurement of the human body by the blood pressure measurement means and the electrocardiogram measurement of the human body by the electrocardiogram waveform measurement means are performed in a single step, A fourth validity determination step, which determines whether or not the human body was in contact with the plurality of electrodes before the validity determination step described in the first validity determination step, The system includes an electrode pre-contact notification step in which, if the determination result in the fourth correct / false determination step is correct, notification to that effect is given via the output means. A control method for a biological information measuring device, characterized by the following:

8. A program for causing a biological information measuring device to perform each step of the control method described in claim 5 or 7.