Wrist-worn blood pressure measurement device

Abstract

The wrist-worn blood pressure measurement device according to an embodiment of the present application comprises: a strap that winds around the wrist of a subject; a blood pressure-measuring sensor positioned in a portion adjacent to an artery of the subject; a blood pressure measurement module that receives data measured by the blood pressure-measuring sensor; and an angle sensor that senses the rotation state of the wrist of the subject, wherein the angle sensor measures the angle by which the inner surface of the wrist has rotated relative to a vertical reference axis that is perpendicular to the ground, and the blood pressure measurement module determines the state to be a normal state when the angle received from the angle sensor is within an allowable angle range, and determines the state to be an abnormal state when the angle is not within the allowable angle range, and thus determines at least one among whether or not to continuously measure, whether or not to guide and the validity of a measurement value.

Description

Wrist-worn blood pressure monitoring device

[0001] The present invention relates to a wrist-worn blood pressure measuring device.

[0002] Blood pressure is a crucial piece of information for assessing your health. Blood pressure refers to the pressure exerted by blood on the walls of blood vessels. The pressure exerted by the blood vessels when the heart contracts and pushes blood is called systolic blood pressure, or systolic blood pressure. The pressure exerted by the blood vessels when the heart relaxes and accepts blood is called diastolic blood pressure, or diastolic blood pressure.

[0003] In general, a healthy person's blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg for systolic blood pressure and less than 80 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure. Meanwhile, a person with a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher and a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher is considered to have high blood pressure, while a person with a systolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or lower and a diastolic blood pressure of 60 mmHg or lower is considered to have low blood pressure.

[0004] Measuring blood pressure is important for obtaining health information, as high or low blood pressure can indicate health problems. Common methods for measuring blood pressure include auscultation, oscillometrics, and tonometrics.

[0005] Among these, the oscillometric method is a method of measuring systolic and diastolic blood pressure by detecting pulse waves generated during the process of sufficiently pressurizing the body part through which arterial blood passes to block the blood flow in the artery and then decompressing it at a constant rate, or during the process of increasing the pressure and then pressurizing the body part through which arterial blood passes at a constant rate.

[0006] And, the tonometric method is a method of measuring blood pressure by applying a certain amount of pressure to a body part so as not to completely block blood flow in the artery, and using the size and shape of the pulse wave generated at this time.

[0007] Conventional blood pressure measurement devices using the oscillometric method are mostly designed to be worn around the subject's arm. However, these devices, designed to be worn around the subject's arm, are bulky and difficult to carry.

[0008] To solve this problem, Korean Patent No. 10-1349767 (hereinafter referred to as “prior document”) discloses a wristwatch-type blood pressure monitor that is worn on a subject’s wrist to improve portability and has an air chamber capable of pressurizing the subject’s artery. The wristwatch-type blood pressure monitor of the prior document is configured to measure the pressure of the air chamber when the air chamber pressurizes the subject’s artery, and to calculate the subject’s blood pressure based on the measured pressure of the air chamber.

[0009] However, the wrist-worn blood pressure monitors in the prior literature have a problem in that when blood pressure is measured at the wrist below the palm, if the wrist is bent inward, the skin at the area where blood pressure is measured folds or thickens, causing errors in blood pressure measurement.

[0010] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a wrist-worn blood pressure measuring device that can accurately measure blood pressure by guiding the inside of the wrist on which the blood pressure measuring device is worn to face perpendicular to the ground or in the opposite direction when measuring blood pressure.

[0011] However, the technical task that this embodiment seeks to achieve is not limited to the technical task described above, and other technical tasks may exist.

[0012] As a technical means for solving the above-described technical problem, a wrist-worn blood pressure measuring device according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a strap that wraps around a wrist of a subject, a blood pressure measuring sensor positioned adjacent to an artery of the subject, a blood pressure measuring module that receives data measured by the blood pressure measuring sensor, and an angle sensor that detects a rotational state of the wrist of the subject, wherein the angle sensor measures an angle at which an inner surface of the wrist is rotated from a vertical reference axis perpendicular to the ground, and the blood pressure measuring module determines that the angle received from the angle sensor is normal if it is within an allowable angle range, and determines that the angle is abnormal if it is not within the allowable angle range, and determines at least one of whether to continue measurement, whether to provide guidance, or the validity of the measured value.

[0013] Additionally, the allowable angle range can be between 0 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0014] In addition, if the blood pressure measurement module determines that the subject's wrist angle is abnormal, the subject can be guided to have the inner side of the wrist parallel to the vertical reference axis or to have the inner side of the wrist perpendicular to the vertical reference axis and facing the sky.

[0015] Additionally, if the wrist angle of the subject is determined to be normal through the blood pressure measurement module, notification information can be output to inform the subject that the condition is normal.

[0016] Additionally, the wrist-worn blood pressure measuring device can output notification information indicating that the rotational state of the wrist is normal or that the rotational state is abnormal through vibration notification, voice notification, display screen output, or cuff air pressure.

[0017] Additionally, it may include a communication unit for transmitting and receiving data with an external device.

[0018] A method for controlling a blood pressure measuring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of (a) measuring an angle at which an inner surface of a subject's wrist is rotated from a vertical reference axis perpendicular to the ground through an angle sensor built into the blood pressure measuring device, (b) determining a normal state if the measured angle is within an allowable angle range, and determining an abnormal state if the measured angle is not within the allowable angle range, (c) notifying the subject of the abnormal state if the measured angle is within an abnormal state, and (d) measuring the subject's blood pressure through the blood pressure measuring sensor if the measured angle is within a normal state.

[0019] Additionally, step (d) may further include a step of outputting notification information indicating that the state is normal.

[0020] Additionally, in step (c), notification information indicating that the wrist rotation state is normal or notification information indicating that the wrist rotation state is abnormal can be output through vibration notification, voice notification, display screen output, or cuff air pressure.

[0021] According to the aforementioned means for solving the problem of the present invention, the wrist-worn blood pressure measuring device of the present invention has the effect of accurately measuring blood pressure by using an angle sensor to guide the wrist so that the inner side of the wrist is parallel to the vertical reference axis or the inner side of the wrist is perpendicular to the vertical reference axis and faces the sky, or by determining whether or not the measurement has been made, and thereby determining the validity of the measured value.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wrist-worn blood pressure measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram of the wrist angle of a wrist-worn blood pressure measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a guide unit of a blood pressure measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a control method of a blood pressure measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail to facilitate easy implementation by those skilled in the art. However, the present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, irrelevant parts have been omitted for clarity, and similar reference numerals have been used throughout the specification to indicate similar elements.

[0027] Throughout this specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly connected" but also cases where it is "electrically connected" with another element in between.

[0028] Throughout this specification, when it is said that an element is “on” another element, this includes not only cases where the element is in contact with the other element, but also cases where another element exists between the two elements.

[0029] The present invention proposes a wrist-worn blood pressure measuring device (100) that is worn on the wrist of a subject to measure the subject's blood pressure.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a wrist-worn blood pressure measuring device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a wrist angle of a wrist-worn blood pressure measuring device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a guide unit (150) of a blood pressure measuring device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a control method of a blood pressure measuring device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a wrist-worn blood pressure measuring device (100) (hereinafter referred to as “blood pressure measuring device (100)”) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0032] A blood pressure measuring device (100) can be configured to be worn on the wrist of a subject, and includes a strap (110) that wraps around the wrist of the subject, a blood pressure measuring sensor (120) positioned adjacent to an artery of the subject, a blood pressure measuring module (130) that receives data measured by the blood pressure measuring sensor (120), and an angle sensor (140) that detects the rotational state of the wrist of the subject.

[0033] The strap (110) may include a first strap (111) that wraps around a portion of the subject's wrist and a second strap (112) that wraps around another portion of the subject's wrist. In addition, the first strap (111) is arranged to wrap around a portion of the subject's wrist adjacent to the ulnar artery, and is formed of a material having a strength greater than a predetermined size, thereby preventing the subject's wrist and the ulnar artery from being compressed by the first strap (111), thereby preventing blood flowing through the ulnar artery from being blocked. In addition, the second strap (112) is connected to the first strap (111) so as to wrap around another portion of the wrist, and may be arranged to wrap around a portion of the wrist adjacent to the radial artery. For example, the second strap (112) has a hook (113) attached to the middle portion and a hook (124) arranged at the end portion, so that the blood pressure measuring device (100) can be fixed to the wrist using Velcro that attaches the hook (113) to the hook (124). However, the strap (110) is not limited to the configuration, and may be configured as various types of straps (110) that are generally known for fixing the device to the wrist.

[0034] The blood pressure measurement sensor (120) is located adjacent to the subject's artery and can measure the blood pressure of the subject's artery. For example, the blood pressure measurement sensor (120) may be a pressure sensor, but is not limited thereto.

[0035] The blood pressure measurement module (130) can receive data measured by the blood pressure measurement sensor (120). In addition, the blood pressure measurement module (130) can control the blood pressure measurement sensor (120) to measure blood pressure when blood pressure measurement is required, such as when blood pressure measurement request information is received or when blood pressure is automatically set to be measured at regular intervals, and can display the measured information on the display unit (153). For example, the blood pressure measurement module (130) can measure blood pressure on an hourly basis, display the measured blood pressure information on the display unit (153), generate an alarm when blood pressure is measured outside a preset range, and transmit the information to a preset mobile phone, medical facility, etc. using a communication unit.

[0036] The communication unit (not shown) can transmit and receive data, such as measured blood pressure information, by communicating with an external device using a set communication format. In addition, the communication unit can receive update information, such as a program related to blood pressure measurement, from the external device and transmit it to the blood pressure measurement module (130). For example, the communication unit can utilize communication technologies, such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), UWB (Ultra Wide Band), Bluetooth, and wireless sensor networks, to be suitable for data transmission and reception, but is not limited thereto.

[0037] The angle sensor (140) detects the rotational state of the subject's wrist. At this time, referring to (b) of FIG. 2, the angle sensor (140) measures the angle (θ) at which the inner side (20) of the wrist is rotated from a vertical reference axis perpendicular to the ground. In other words, the blood pressure measuring device (100) can measure an appropriate blood pressure when the inner side (20) of the wrist of the subject is parallel to the vertical reference axis or when the inner side (20) of the wrist is perpendicular to the vertical reference axis and faces the sky. Preferably, as shown in (a) of FIG. 2, when the inner side (20) of the subject's wrist faces the opposite direction to the ground or faces the sky, the blood pressure can be measured in an optimal state. Accordingly, the blood pressure measuring device (100) can measure the angle (θ) at which the inner side (20) of the wrist is rotated compared to the vertical reference axis through the angle sensor (140) to determine whether the angle (θ) at which the inner side (20) of the wrist is rotated is within the allowable angle range.

[0038] As described above, the blood pressure measurement device (100) can determine whether the rotation angle (θ) of the inner side (20) of the wrist of the subject received through the angle sensor (140) is within the allowable angle range, and determine whether it is normal. In other words, the blood pressure measurement module (130) determines that the rotation angle (θ) of the inner side (20) of the wrist of the subject received from the angle sensor (140) is within the allowable angle range, and determines that the rotation angle is normal, and determines that the rotation angle is not within the allowable angle range, and determines that the rotation angle is abnormal. In addition, the blood pressure measurement module (130) determines at least one of whether to continue measurement, whether to provide guidance, or the validity of the measurement value based on the rotation angle (θ) of the inner side (20) of the wrist of the subject. At this time, the above-described allowable angle range may be 0 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less. For example, if the inner side (20) of the wrist is parallel to the vertical reference axis (i.e., the rotation angle is 0 degrees), or if the inner side (20) of the wrist is perpendicular to the vertical reference axis (i.e., the rotation angle is 90 degrees) and faces the sky, or if the inner side (20) of the wrist is in a state in between, proper blood pressure measurement is possible. However, if the inner side (20) of the wrist is facing the ground, it may be difficult to ensure proper blood pressure measurement. In this case, a notification is output to encourage the user to maintain an appropriate wrist rotation state.

[0039] In detail, the blood pressure measurement module (130) can stop the measurement if the rotation angle (θ) of the inner side (20) of the wrist of the subject received through the angle sensor (140) is abnormal, and can maintain the measurement state if it is normal. In addition, if the rotation angle (θ) of the inner side (20) of the wrist of the subject is determined to be abnormal, the blood pressure measurement module (130) can guide the subject to adjust the rotation angle (θ) of the inner side (20) of the wrist through the guidance unit (150). In addition, the blood pressure measurement module (130) can classify blood pressure measurement data measured in an abnormal state as invalid data, classify blood pressure measurement data measured in a normal state as valid data, and calculate the blood pressure of the subject based on the valid data.

[0040] If the blood pressure measurement device (100) determines through the blood pressure measurement module (130) that the rotation angle (θ) of the inner side (20) of the wrist of the subject is normal, the blood pressure measurement device (100) can output notification information to inform the subject that the condition is normal. In addition, if the blood pressure measurement device (100) determines through the blood pressure measurement module (130) that the rotation angle (θ) of the inner side (20) of the wrist of the subject is abnormal, the blood pressure measurement device (100) can guide the subject so that the inner side (20) of the wrist is parallel to the vertical reference axis or so that the inner side of the wrist is perpendicular to the vertical reference axis and faces the sky. In addition, the blood pressure measurement device (100) can further include a guide unit (150) to inform the subject that the angle of the wrist of the subject is normal or abnormal.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 3, the guide unit (150) may include at least one of a vibration unit (151), a speaker unit (152), and a display unit (153). In addition, the blood pressure measuring device (100) may output notification information indicating that the wrist rotation state is normal or abnormal through vibration notification, voice notification, display screen output, or cuff air pressure.

[0042] The vibration unit (151) can guide the subject through vibration whether the rotational state of the wrist is normal or abnormal. For example, the vibration unit (151) can generate a single long vibration when the rotational state of the wrist is normal, and can generate several short vibrations when the rotational state of the wrist is abnormal. In this case, the vibration unit (151) can be a vibration motor that vibrates in response to an external signal to cause a feeling of shaking. Since the vibration motor is a common technology, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0043] The speaker unit (152) can guide the subject through sound whether the rotational state of the wrist is normal or abnormal. In other words, the speaker unit (152) can output a voice guiding the subject to maintain or change the rotational angle (θ) of the inner side (20) of the wrist for measuring blood pressure based on the angle value measured by the angle sensor (140). In addition, if the rotational angle (θ) of the inner side (20) of the wrist of the subject based on the angle value measured by the angle sensor (140) is abnormal, the speaker unit (152) can output a voice guiding the subject to make the inner side of the wrist parallel to the vertical reference axis or perpendicular to the vertical reference axis and facing the sky, and if it is normal, can output a voice guiding the subject to stop changing the angle (θ) of the wrist and to minimize movement while measuring blood pressure. At this time, the output voice can output various sounds such as a recorded voice or a machine sound that modulates text into voice, and the sound can include information recommending that the subject's inner side (20) of the wrist be maintained or changed at an angle (θ) of rotation as described above. In addition, the speaker unit (152) is composed of one or more speakers, and the volume and language type of the output sound can be adjusted and selected through the control unit.

[0044] The display unit (153) can guide the subject through the display whether the rotational state of the wrist is normal or abnormal. In other words, the display unit (153) can output a display that guides the subject to maintain or change the rotational angle (θ) of the inner side (20) of the wrist of the subject whose blood pressure is measured based on the angle value measured by the angle sensor (140). In addition, if the rotational angle (θ) of the inner side (20) of the wrist of the subject whose blood pressure is measured is abnormal based on the angle value measured by the angle sensor (140), the display unit (153) can output information on the display that guides the inner side of the wrist to be parallel to the vertical reference axis or perpendicular to the vertical reference axis and facing the sky, and if it is normal, can output information on the display that guides the subject to stop changing the angle (θ) of the wrist and to minimize movement while measuring blood pressure. In addition, the display unit (153) can be implemented as a display module of various types, such as a liquid crystal display, a reflective display, an OLED display, etc., and can display blood pressure or other information.

[0045] In addition, the blood pressure measuring device (100) can inform the subject of whether the rotational state of the wrist is normal or abnormal through the cuff air pressure. The cuff is located adjacent to an artery located on the subject's wrist, so that air can be supplied from the outside to pressurize the artery of the wrist. At this time, the blood pressure measuring module (130) can measure the pressure of the cuff to calculate the subject's blood pressure. For example, if the rotational state of the wrist is abnormal, the blood pressure measuring device (100) can periodically repeat supplying air pressure to the cuff or releasing filled air, so that the subject can confirm through the cuff that the rotational state of the wrist is abnormal, but is not limited thereto.

[0046] In addition, when the blood pressure measuring device (100) detects movement beyond a preset angle range through the angle sensor (140) while measuring blood pressure, the measurement is stopped and guidance to the subject to minimize movement is transmitted through the vibration unit (151), speaker unit (152), display unit (153), or cuff air pressure.

[0047] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, a method for controlling a blood pressure measuring device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0048] Step (S110) measures the angle (θ) at which the inner side (20) of the subject's wrist is rotated from a vertical reference axis perpendicular to the ground through an angle sensor (140) built into the blood pressure measuring device (100).

[0049] Step (S120) determines that the measured angle (θ) is in a normal state if it is within the allowable angle range, and determines that the measured angle (θ) is in an abnormal state if it is not within the allowable angle range.

[0050] Step (S130) informs the subject of the abnormal state when the state is abnormal. At this time, the abnormal state of the wrist rotation can be output through vibration notification, voice notification, display screen output, or cuff air pressure.

[0051] Step (S140) includes a step of measuring the blood pressure of the subject through a blood pressure measurement sensor (120) when the condition is normal. At this time, the blood pressure measurement device (100) can output notification information informing the subject that the condition is normal.

[0052] An embodiment of the present invention may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by a computer. Computer-readable media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer, and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. Computer-readable media may also include computer storage media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.

[0053] Although the methods and systems of the present invention have been described with respect to specific embodiments, some or all of their components or operations may be implemented using a computer system having a general-purpose hardware architecture.

[0054] The above description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention can be readily modified into other specific forms without altering the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single entity may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined manner.

[0055] The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below rather than the detailed description above, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

[0056] [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 100: Blood pressure measuring device

[0058] 110: Strap

[0059] 111: First strap 112: Second strap

[0060] 113: Hook 124: Hook

[0061] 120: Blood pressure measurement sensor

[0062] 130: Blood pressure measurement module

[0063] 140: Angle sensor

[0064] 150: Information Department

[0065] 151: Vibration section 152: Speaker section

[0066] 153: Display section

Claims

1. In a wrist-worn blood pressure measuring device, A strap that wraps around the subject's wrist; A blood pressure measurement sensor positioned adjacent to the artery of the subject; A blood pressure measurement module that receives data measured from the above blood pressure measurement sensor; and Including an angle sensor that detects the rotational state of the wrist of the subject, The above angle sensor measures the angle at which the inner surface of the wrist is rotated from a vertical reference axis perpendicular to the ground, A wrist-worn blood pressure measurement device, wherein the blood pressure measurement module determines that the angle received from the angle sensor is within an allowable angle range and is in a normal state, and determines that the angle is not within the allowable angle range and is in an abnormal state, and determines at least one of whether to continue measurement, whether to provide guidance, or the validity of the measured value.

2. In paragraph 1, A wrist-worn blood pressure measuring device, wherein the above allowable angle range is 0 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less.

3. In paragraph 1, A wrist-worn blood pressure measurement device that outputs notification information to inform the subject that the wrist angle of the subject is normal when the wrist angle of the subject is determined to be normal through the above blood pressure measurement module.

4. In paragraph 1, A wrist-worn blood pressure measurement device, which guides the subject to have the inner side of the wrist parallel to the vertical reference axis or to have the inner side of the wrist perpendicular to the vertical reference axis and facing the sky when the wrist angle of the subject is determined to be abnormal through the above blood pressure measurement module.

5. In paragraph 3 or 4, The above wrist-worn blood pressure measuring device A wrist-worn blood pressure measuring device that outputs notification information indicating that the rotational state of the wrist is normal or notification information indicating that the rotational state of the wrist is abnormal through vibration notification, voice notification, display screen output, or cuff air pressure.

6. In paragraph 1, A wrist-worn blood pressure measurement device including a communication unit for transmitting and receiving data with an external device.

7. In a method for controlling a blood pressure measuring device, (a) a step of measuring the angle at which the inner surface of the subject's wrist is rotated from a vertical reference axis perpendicular to the ground through an angle sensor built into the blood pressure measuring device; (b) a step of determining that the measured angle is normal if it is within the allowable angle range, and determining that the measured angle is abnormal if it is not within the allowable angle range; (c) in case of an abnormal condition, a step of informing the subject of the abnormal condition; and (d) A method for controlling a blood pressure measuring device, comprising a step of measuring blood pressure of a subject through a blood pressure measuring sensor when the blood pressure is in a normal state.

8. In paragraph 7, A control method for a blood pressure measuring device, wherein the above allowable angle range is 0 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less.

9. In paragraph 7, (d) A method for controlling a blood pressure measuring device, wherein the step further includes a step of outputting notification information indicating that the step is in a normal state.

10. In paragraph 7, At step (c), A control method of a blood pressure measurement device, wherein notification information indicating that the rotational state of the wrist is normal or notification information indicating that the rotational state of the wrist is abnormal is output through vibration notification, voice notification, display screen output, or cuff air pressure.

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