Ultrasonic wave-based automated blood pressure monitoring method and system

Abstract

Disclosed in the present invention are an ultrasonic wave-based automated blood pressure monitoring method and system. The automated blood pressure monitoring method comprises the following steps: on the basis of a flexible ultrasonic transducer array provided on the body surface of a user, transmitting an ultrasonic wave, and receiving a blood vessel image of a target region, so as to recognize an artery; on the basis of the position of the artery, determining a working region of the flexible ultrasonic transducer array, the working region comprising a first ultrasonic transducer used for measuring a blood vessel diameter and a second ultrasonic transducer used for measuring a blood flow; measuring the blood vessel diameter of the artery by using the first ultrasonic transducer in the working region; measuring the blood flow of the artery by using the second ultrasonic transducer in the working region; on the basis of the blood vessel diameter and the blood flow of the artery, calculating a current blood pressure of the user by means of a preset algorithm, so as to finish the blood pressure monitoring of this round; and after a preset duration, performing blood pressure monitoring of a next round.

Description

A method and system for automatic blood pressure monitoring based on ultrasound Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic-based automatic blood pressure monitoring method and also to a corresponding automatic blood pressure monitoring system, belonging to the technical field of medical devices. Background Art

[0002] Blood pressure plays a crucial role in clinical diagnosis, prevention, and treatment strategies. It accurately reflects a patient's cardiovascular health, enabling doctors to develop appropriate follow-up diagnostic plans. Blood pressure measurement methods are categorized into invasive and non-invasive methods. Invasive, the gold standard for blood pressure measurement, offers undeniable accuracy but is cumbersome to perform. Currently, non-invasive methods used clinically include arterial tonometry, arterial volume clamping, pulse wave measurement, and, currently under development, ultrasonic pressure measurement. Arterial tonometry utilizes highly sensitive sensors and offers high measurement accuracy, but poses challenges in maintaining a fixed sensor position for extended periods. Arterial volume clamping offers high measurement accuracy but does not meet patient comfort requirements. Pulse wave measurement, which requires no pressure cuff, offers satisfactory comfort, but accuracy needs improvement. Ultrasonic pressure measurement offers both comfort and accuracy.

[0003] However, existing ultrasonic pressure measurement methods have the following problems: the sensors are too large, the number of sensors is small, and the position of the sensors is easily shifted. Therefore, a more comfortable, convenient, and accurate 24-hour continuous blood pressure monitoring method is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The primary technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an automatic blood pressure monitoring method based on ultrasound.

[0005] Another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic-based automatic blood pressure monitoring system.

[0006] In order to achieve the above technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for automatic blood pressure monitoring based on ultrasound, comprising the following steps:

[0008] The flexible ultrasonic transducer array disposed on the user's body surface transmits ultrasonic waves and receives vascular imaging of the target area to identify arterial blood vessels;

[0009] Based on the position of the arterial blood vessel, determining the working area of ​​the flexible ultrasonic transducer array; wherein the working area includes a first ultrasonic transducer for measuring the diameter of the blood vessel and a second ultrasonic transducer for measuring the blood flow rate and blood flow direction;

[0010] measuring the diameter of the arterial blood vessel using a first ultrasonic transducer within the working area;

[0011] measuring the blood flow and blood flow direction in the arterial blood vessel using a second ultrasonic transducer within the working area;

[0012] Based on the diameter of the arterial blood vessel and the blood flow rate, the user's current blood pressure is calculated using a preset algorithm to complete this blood pressure monitoring;

[0013] The next blood pressure monitoring will be performed after a preset interval.

[0014] Preferably, the current blood pressure of the user calculated by a preset algorithm based on the diameter of the arterial blood vessel and the blood flow is replaced by:

[0015] Repeating the blood pressure calibration for the user multiple times to obtain a blood pressure calibration value of the user;

[0016] Performing parameter fitting on the arterial blood vessel diameter and blood flow rate using the user's blood pressure calibration value;

[0017] Based on the blood vessel diameter and blood flow after parameter fitting, the user's current blood pressure is calculated using a preset algorithm.

[0018] Preferably, the flexible ultrasonic transducer array includes multiple rows of first ultrasonic transducers arranged along a first direction and multiple rows of second ultrasonic transducers arranged along a second direction, the multiple rows of first ultrasonic transducers and the multiple rows of second ultrasonic transducers are arranged parallel to each other, and two rows of the second ultrasonic transducers are symmetrically arranged on both sides of each row of the first ultrasonic transducers;

[0019] Wherein, when the flexible ultrasonic transducer array is parallel to the skin surface of the user, the first direction is perpendicular to the skin surface of the user, and the second direction is inclined to the skin surface of the user.

[0020] Preferably, before calculating the current blood pressure of the user by a preset algorithm, the method further includes:

[0021] Based on the position of the artery, obtaining a relative direction between the first ultrasonic transducer and the artery within the working area; and based on the position of the artery, obtaining a relative angle between the second ultrasonic transducer and the artery within the working area;

[0022] Correcting the blood vessel diameter based on the relative direction to obtain a corrected blood vessel diameter;

[0023] Correcting the blood flow based on the relative angle to obtain a corrected blood flow;

[0024] The user's current blood pressure is calculated using a preset algorithm based on the corrected blood vessel diameter and the corrected blood flow.

[0025] Preferably, the method of transmitting ultrasonic waves based on a flexible ultrasonic transducer array disposed on the user's body surface and receiving vascular imaging of a target area to identify arterial blood vessels specifically includes:

[0026] Transmitting ultrasonic waves toward a target area of ​​the user along a first direction through the plurality of rows of the first ultrasonic transducers, so as to calculate a blood vessel diameter along the first direction through two interval echo signals;

[0027] Obtain a waveform graph showing changes in blood vessel diameter over time;

[0028] According to the variation pattern of the diameters of arteries and veins in a normal heartbeat cycle and the blood flow direction measured by the second ultrasonic transducer, the waveform graph belonging to the arterial blood vessels is selected to identify the arterial blood vessels.

[0029] Preferably, measuring the vessel diameter of the arterial vessel using the first ultrasonic transducer in the working area specifically includes:

[0030] Utilizing a plurality of first ultrasonic transducers in the working area to transmit ultrasonic waves respectively along a first direction;

[0031] Calculating the blood vessel diameters measured by the first ultrasonic transducer at different positions using two interval echo signals;

[0032] The blood vessel diameter of the arterial blood vessel is comprehensively calculated using the blood vessel diameters measured by the plurality of the first ultrasonic transducers.

[0033] Preferably, measuring the blood flow of the arterial blood vessel using the second ultrasonic transducer in the working area specifically includes:

[0034] emitting ultrasonic waves in a second direction using a plurality of second ultrasonic transducers within the working area, so that the incident ultrasonic waves are reflected by flowing blood cells and the frequency of the reflected echo signal changes, thereby forming a Doppler blood flow frequency shift signal;

[0035] Acquiring a linear relationship between the Doppler blood flow frequency shift signal and the velocity component of blood cells in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction;

[0036] The linear relationship is used to perform spectrum analysis on the Doppler blood flow frequency shift signal to obtain the blood flow rate and blood flow direction of the arterial vessel.

[0037] Preferably, the working area of ​​the flexible ultrasonic transducer array is located directly above the arterial blood vessel, and the working area changes with the relative position of the flexible ultrasonic transducer array and the arterial blood vessel.

[0038] Preferably, the automatic blood pressure monitoring method further comprises:

[0039] The user's current blood pressure is displayed to the user through a display, and a blood pressure change curve is displayed to the user based on the blood pressure monitoring data within a preset time period.

[0040] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic-based automatic blood pressure monitoring system, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the processor reads a computer program in the memory and is configured to perform the following operations:

[0041] The flexible ultrasonic transducer array disposed on the user's body surface transmits ultrasonic waves and receives vascular imaging of the target area to identify arterial blood vessels;

[0042] Based on the position of the arterial blood vessel, determining the working area of ​​the flexible ultrasonic transducer array; wherein the working area includes a first ultrasonic transducer for measuring the diameter of the blood vessel and a second ultrasonic transducer for measuring the blood flow rate and blood flow direction;

[0043] measuring the diameter of the arterial blood vessel using a first ultrasonic transducer within the working area;

[0044] measuring the blood flow and blood flow direction in the arterial blood vessel using a second ultrasonic transducer within the working area;

[0045] Based on the diameter of the arterial blood vessel and the blood flow rate, the user's current blood pressure is calculated using a preset algorithm to complete this blood pressure monitoring;

[0046] The next blood pressure monitoring will be performed after a preset interval.

[0047] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following technical effects:

[0048] 1. By using an ultrasonic transducer array mounted on a flexible material and placed against the skin, the device automatically identifies blood vessels and can perform single measurements or continuous measurements at varying intervals, achieving clinically meaningful 24-hour blood pressure monitoring. The flexible material ensures comfort, and the use of ultrasound to monitor blood pressure ensures high accuracy.

[0049] 2. The flexible ultrasonic transducer array includes multiple rows of first ultrasonic transducers arranged along a first direction (perpendicular to the skin surface) and multiple rows of second ultrasonic transducers arranged along a second direction (inclined to the skin surface), wherein the first ultrasonic transducers are used to identify the type of blood vessels and measure the blood vessel diameter, and the second ultrasonic transducers are used to measure blood flow. Therefore, based on the blood vessel diameter and blood flow of the arterial vessels, the user's current blood pressure can be calculated through a preset algorithm to achieve blood pressure monitoring.

[0050] 3. Because vascular data vary between users, parameter calibration is performed before measuring each person. By adding blood pressure calibration, blood pressure calculations can be adjusted differently for different users, thereby further improving the accuracy of blood pressure monitoring.

[0051] 4. The blood vessel diameter can be corrected based on the relative direction of the first ultrasonic transducer and the artery within the working area, and the blood flow can be corrected based on the relative angle between the second ultrasonic transducer and the artery within the working area, so as to obtain more accurate data through correction, thereby further improving the accuracy of blood pressure monitoring. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a top view of a flexible ultrasonic transducer array provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] FIG2 is a side view schematic diagram of the structure of the flexible ultrasonic transducer array provided by an embodiment of the present invention in use;

[0054] FIG3 is an overall flow chart of an ultrasonic-based automatic blood pressure monitoring method provided in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] FIG4 is a detailed flow chart of an ultrasonic-based automatic blood pressure monitoring method provided in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of calibrating and monitoring a user's blood pressure in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] FIG6 is a structural diagram of an ultrasonic-based automatic blood pressure monitoring system provided in a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The technical content of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0059] The present invention utilizes an ultrasonic transducer array mounted on a flexible material, placed against human skin, to automatically identify blood vessels and measure blood pressure in real time 24 hours a day. It is understood that the flexible material-mounted ultrasonic transducer array ensures comfort, while the use of ultrasound to monitor blood pressure ensures high accuracy.

[0060] As shown in Figure 1, in an embodiment of the present invention, the flexible ultrasonic transducer array includes multiple rows of first ultrasonic transducers 10 arranged along a first direction (i.e., the light-colored area in Figure 1) and multiple rows of second ultrasonic transducers 20 arranged along a second direction (i.e., the dark-colored area in Figure 1). The multiple rows of first ultrasonic transducers 10 and the multiple rows of second ultrasonic transducers 20 are arranged parallel to each other, and two rows of second ultrasonic transducers are symmetrically arranged on both sides of each row of first ultrasonic transducers (i.e., the upper and lower sides in Figure 1). As shown in Figure 2, when the flexible ultrasonic transducer array is parallel to the user's skin surface, the first direction is perpendicular to the user's skin surface (the direction shown by the dotted line in Figure 2), and the second direction forms an angle α with the user's skin surface (the direction shown by the dotted line in Figure 2). Preferably, the angle α is 20 to 60°.

[0061] It can be understood that the first ultrasonic transducer 10 is used to identify the blood vessel type and measure the blood vessel diameter, and the second ultrasonic transducer 20 is used to measure the blood flow and blood flow direction, so that the user's current blood pressure can be calculated based on the blood vessel diameter and blood flow of the arterial vessel through a preset algorithm to achieve blood pressure monitoring.

[0062] First embodiment

[0063] As shown in FIG3 and FIG4 , the first embodiment of the present invention provides an ultrasonic-based automatic blood pressure monitoring method, which specifically includes steps S1 to S6:

[0064] S1: Identify arterial vessels.

[0065] In this embodiment, a flexible ultrasonic transducer array disposed on the user's body surface transmits ultrasonic waves and receives blood vessel imaging of a target area, thereby identifying arterial blood vessels.

[0066] Specifically, it includes steps S11 to S13:

[0067] S11: transmitting ultrasonic waves toward a target area of ​​a user along a first direction through a plurality of rows of first ultrasonic transducers 10 to calculate a blood vessel diameter along the first direction through two interval echo signals.

[0068] Specifically, multiple rows of first ultrasonic transducers 10 transmit and receive ultrasonic waves in a first direction to image the target area. When the ultrasonic signal reaches the target blood vessel, it is reflected and refracted by the front and back walls of the vessel. The vessel diameter can be determined by analyzing the time difference between the ultrasonic wave reaching the front and back walls.

[0069] S12: Obtain a waveform graph showing changes in blood vessel diameter over time.

[0070] It is understandable that the diameter of a blood vessel will change over time during a heartbeat. By monitoring the change in the diameter of a target blood vessel, a waveform graph showing the change in the diameter of the blood vessel over time can be obtained.

[0071] S13: According to the variation pattern of the diameters of the arteries and veins during a normal heartbeat cycle, a waveform diagram belonging to the arterial blood vessels is selected to identify the arterial blood vessels.

[0072] It is understandable that, since there are differences in the changes in the diameters of arteries and veins during a normal heartbeat, arteries and veins can be successfully distinguished by analyzing the changes in the diameters of the blood vessels (ie, observing the waveform).

[0073] S2: Determine the working area of ​​the flexible ultrasonic transducer array based on the location of the arterial blood vessels.

[0074] The working area includes a first ultrasonic transducer for measuring blood flow and a second ultrasonic transducer for measuring blood vessel diameter.

[0075] After the location of the artery is determined based on step S1, the area above the artery becomes the working area of ​​the flexible ultrasonic transducer array. Furthermore, it is understood that the ultrasonic transducers of the flexible ultrasonic transducer array outside the working area are also in a detection state, but the ultrasonic transducers located within the working area have higher data acquisition accuracy, thereby improving the accuracy of subsequent blood pressure calculations.

[0076] In addition, when the relative position of the flexible ultrasonic transducer array and the arterial blood vessel changes, the working area will change accordingly to collect data through ultrasonic transducers at other positions.

[0077] S3: Measure the blood vessel diameter of the arterial blood vessel using the first ultrasonic transducer 10 in the working area.

[0078] Specifically, it includes steps S31 to S33:

[0079] S31: Utilize the plurality of first ultrasonic transducers 10 in the working area to transmit ultrasonic waves along the first direction respectively.

[0080] S32: Calculate the blood vessel diameters measured by the first ultrasonic transducer at different positions using two interval echo signals.

[0081] The calculation method of the blood vessel diameter is the same as that of the above step S11, which will not be repeated here. However, it should be understood that there are the following differences between step S32 and step S11:

[0082] The blood vessel diameter measured in step S11 does not need to be too precise. All first ultrasonic transducers 10 perform all-around coverage ultrasonic detection to distinguish arterial blood vessels from numerous blood vessels (only the change trend of the blood vessel diameter needs to be obtained).

[0083] However, the blood vessel diameter measured in step S32 is based on the determination of the arterial blood vessel, and the accurate diameter of the arterial blood vessel needs to be accurately measured for use in subsequent blood pressure calculation.

[0084] S33: Calculate the blood vessel diameter of the arterial blood vessel using the blood vessel diameters measured by the multiple first ultrasonic transducers.

[0085] It is understandable that the blood vessel diameters measured by the first ultrasonic transducer 10 at different locations may vary, and the first ultrasonic transducer 10 itself may also have certain measurement errors. Therefore, by integrating the blood vessel diameters measured by multiple first ultrasonic transducers 10 to comprehensively calculate the arterial vessel diameter, the measurement error of the blood vessel diameter can be reduced, thereby improving the accuracy of blood pressure calculation.

[0086] The comprehensive calculation method can be determined according to needs, for example, taking the average of multiple blood vessel diameters, or assigning different weights to different blood vessel diameters based on the blood vessel locations, and then calculating the final blood vessel diameter based on the weight of each blood vessel diameter.

[0087] S4: Measure the blood flow rate and blood flow direction of the arterial blood vessels using the second ultrasonic transducer 20 in the working area.

[0088] Specifically, it includes steps S41 to S43:

[0089] S41: Utilize the second ultrasonic transducer 20 in the working area to transmit ultrasonic waves in the second direction, so that the incident ultrasonic waves are reflected by the flowing blood cells, and the frequency of the reflected echo signal changes, thereby forming a Doppler blood flow frequency shift signal.

[0090] S42: Acquire a linear relationship between the Doppler blood flow frequency shift signal and the velocity component of the blood cells in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction.

[0091] S43: Using the linear relationship, perform spectrum analysis on the Doppler blood flow frequency shift signal to obtain the blood flow rate and blood flow direction of the arterial blood vessel.

[0092] It can be understood that in this embodiment, the second ultrasonic transducer 20 is arranged at an angle of 20° to 60° to the skin surface in order to facilitate the use of Doppler frequency shift to measure the blood flow rate. In other embodiments, the size of the angle can be adaptively adjusted according to actual needs.

[0093] S5: Based on the arterial blood vessel diameter and blood flow, the user's current blood pressure is calculated using a preset algorithm to complete this blood pressure monitoring.

[0094] The preset algorithm is a built-in machine learning model that continuously calculates blood pressure values ​​based on continuous data such as blood vessel diameter and blood flow. The model calculates changes in vessel diameter during vessel identification to reflect the degree of vascular hardening and other blood pressure-related characteristics. The model was trained using data collected from users with different physical conditions under different conditions through preliminary experiments, enabling it to accurately calculate blood pressure values ​​from the collected data.

[0095] S6: Perform the next blood pressure monitoring after the preset interval.

[0096] In the above embodiment, preferably, after a blood pressure monitoring session is completed, the user's current blood pressure can be displayed to the user via a display, and a blood pressure change curve based on the blood pressure monitoring data within a preset time period can be displayed to the user. This allows the user to conveniently view their current blood pressure and the blood pressure status over the recent period.

[0097] In summary, the first embodiment of the present invention provides an ultrasonic-based automatic blood pressure monitoring method that uses an ultrasonic transducer array mounted on a flexible material and attached to human skin, thereby automatically identifying arterial blood vessels and measuring blood pressure in real time 24 hours a day. It is not only comfortable to wear but also has higher measurement accuracy.

[0098] Second embodiment

[0099] Based on the first embodiment described above, the second embodiment of the present invention further provides an ultrasonic-based automatic blood pressure monitoring method. Compared to the first embodiment, this embodiment requires multiple blood pressure calibrations before calculating blood pressure. Specifically, in this embodiment, step S5 of the first embodiment is replaced with step S5'.

[0100] S5': Calculate the user's current blood pressure and complete this blood pressure monitoring.

[0101] Specifically, as shown in FIG5 , it includes S51 ′ to S53 ′:

[0102] S51': Repeating the blood pressure calibration of the user multiple times to obtain the user's blood pressure calibration value; wherein the blood pressure calibration value is based on the systolic pressure and diastolic pressure measured by traditional cuff blood pressure measurement and other existing standard methods;

[0103] S52': performing parameter fitting on the diameter of the arterial blood vessels and the blood flow rate using the user's blood pressure calibration value;

[0104] S53': Based on the parameter-fitted blood vessel diameter and blood flow, the user's current blood pressure is calculated using a preset algorithm.

[0105] It is understandable that since the vascular data between different users are different, parameter calibration is required before measuring each person being measured. After starting the calibration process, the system continuously collects and measures the target blood vessel diameter and blood flow, while measuring systolic and diastolic blood pressure using other existing standard methods and cycles several times. Finally, the measurement data and the measured systolic and diastolic blood pressure are matched with each other to calculate the parameters for subsequent 24-hour blood pressure monitoring calculations. Therefore, by adding blood pressure calibration, the blood pressure calculation can be adjusted differently according to different users to further improve the accuracy of blood pressure monitoring.

[0106] Except for the above steps, the remaining steps of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0107] Third embodiment

[0108] On the basis of the above-mentioned first embodiment, the third embodiment of the present invention further provides an ultrasonic-based automatic blood pressure monitoring method. Compared with the first embodiment, the difference of this embodiment is that step S5 also includes a data correction process.

[0109] Specifically, in this embodiment, step S5 includes steps S51 to S54:

[0110] S51: Based on the position of the artery, obtain the relative direction between the first ultrasonic transducer and the artery in the working area; and based on the position of the artery, obtain the relative angle between the second ultrasonic transducer and the artery in the working area.

[0111] It can be understood that the relative direction means: theoretically, the ultrasonic emission direction of the first ultrasonic transducer should be perpendicular to the length direction of the artery, but in reality, due to problems with wearing or installation accuracy, there will be a certain direction deviation between the two, and the magnitude of this direction deviation is the relative direction.

[0112] The relative angle means that theoretically, the ultrasonic emission direction of the second ultrasonic transducer should be at a certain angle to the artery (i.e., 20 to 60 degrees set in this embodiment). However, in reality, due to problems with wearing or installation accuracy, there will be a certain angle deviation between the two. The size of this angle deviation is the relative angle.

[0113] S52: Correcting the blood vessel diameter based on the relative direction to obtain a corrected blood vessel diameter.

[0114] S53: Correcting the blood flow based on the relative angle to obtain a corrected blood flow.

[0115] S54: Calculate the user's current blood pressure using a preset algorithm based on the corrected blood vessel diameter and the corrected blood flow.

[0116] It is understandable that the data obtained after correction will be more accurate, thereby further improving the accuracy of blood pressure monitoring.

[0117] Except for the above steps, the remaining steps of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0118] Fourth embodiment

[0119] As shown in FIG6 , based on the above-described ultrasonic-based automatic blood pressure monitoring method, a fourth embodiment of the present invention further provides an ultrasonic-based automatic blood pressure monitoring system. The automatic blood pressure monitoring system includes one or more processors 21 and a memory 22. The memory 22 is coupled to the processors 21 and is configured to store one or more programs. When the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors 21, the one or more processors 21 implement the ultrasonic-based automatic blood pressure monitoring method described in the above-described embodiment.

[0120] The processor 21 is used to control the overall operation of the automatic blood pressure monitoring system to complete all or part of the steps of the above-mentioned ultrasound-based automatic blood pressure monitoring method. The processor 21 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processing (DSP) chip, etc. The memory 22 is used to store various types of data to support the operation of the automatic blood pressure monitoring system. These data may include, for example, instructions for any application or method operating on the automatic blood pressure monitoring system, as well as application-related data. The memory 22 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, etc.

[0121] In an exemplary embodiment, the automatic blood pressure monitoring system can be implemented by a computer chip or entity, or by a product with certain functions, for executing the above-mentioned ultrasound-based automatic blood pressure monitoring method and achieving the same technical effect as the above-mentioned method. A typical embodiment is a computer. Specifically, the computer can be, for example, a personal computer, a laptop computer, an in-vehicle human-computer interaction device, a cellular phone, a camera phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant, a media player, a navigation device, an email device, a game console, a tablet computer, a wearable device, or a combination of any of these devices.

[0122] In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention further provides a computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the ultrasonic-based automatic blood pressure monitoring method described in any of the aforementioned embodiments. For example, the computer-readable storage medium may be the aforementioned memory comprising the program instructions, which may be executed by a processor of an automatic blood pressure monitoring system to perform the ultrasonic-based automatic blood pressure monitoring method described above, thereby achieving the same technical effects as those described above.

[0123] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only examples, and the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined and are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0124] It should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "horizontal", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0125] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature identified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0126] The ultrasonic automatic blood pressure monitoring method and system provided by the present invention are described in detail above. Any obvious modification made to the present invention without departing from its essence will constitute an infringement of the present invention's patent rights and will result in the corresponding legal liability.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic-based automatic blood pressure monitoring method, characterized in that The steps include: The flexible ultrasonic transducer array disposed on the user's body surface transmits ultrasonic waves and receives vascular imaging of the target area to identify arterial blood vessels; Based on the position of the arterial blood vessel, determining the working area of ​​the flexible ultrasonic transducer array; wherein the working area includes a first ultrasonic transducer for measuring the diameter of the blood vessel and a second ultrasonic transducer for measuring the blood flow rate and the blood flow direction; Measuring the blood vessel diameter of the arterial blood vessel using a first ultrasonic transducer in the working area; Measuring the blood flow and blood flow direction in the arterial blood vessel using a second ultrasonic transducer in the working area; Based on the blood vessel diameter and blood flow of the arterial blood vessel, the current blood pressure of the user is calculated by a preset algorithm to complete the current blood pressure monitoring; The next blood pressure monitoring will be carried out after a preset interval.

2. The method for automatic blood pressure monitoring according to claim 1, characterized in that The current blood pressure of the user calculated by a preset algorithm based on the diameter of the arterial blood vessel and the blood flow is replaced by: Repeating the blood pressure calibration for the user multiple times to obtain a blood pressure calibration value of the user; Using the user's blood pressure calibration value, performing parameter fitting on the vessel diameter and blood flow of the arterial blood vessel; Based on the blood vessel diameter and blood flow after parameter fitting, the current blood pressure of the user is calculated by a preset algorithm.

3. The automatic blood pressure monitoring method according to claim 1, wherein: The flexible ultrasonic transducer array comprises a plurality of rows of first ultrasonic transducers arranged along a first direction and a plurality of rows of second ultrasonic transducers arranged along a second direction, the plurality of rows of the first ultrasonic transducers and the plurality of rows of the second ultrasonic transducers are arranged parallel to each other, and two rows of the second ultrasonic transducers are symmetrically arranged on both sides of each row of the first ultrasonic transducers; Wherein, when the flexible ultrasonic transducer array is parallel to the skin surface of the user, the first direction is perpendicular to the skin surface of the user, and the second direction is inclined to the skin surface of the user.

4. The method for automatic blood pressure monitoring according to claim 3, characterized in that Before calculating the current blood pressure of the user by a preset algorithm, the method further includes: Based on the position of the arterial blood vessel, obtaining a relative direction between the first ultrasonic transducer and the arterial blood vessel in the working area; and based on the position of the arterial blood vessel, obtaining a relative angle between the second ultrasonic transducer and the arterial blood vessel in the working area; Based on the relative direction, correcting the blood vessel diameter to obtain a corrected blood vessel diameter; Based on the relative angle, correcting the blood flow to obtain a corrected blood flow; The current blood pressure of the user is calculated using a preset algorithm according to the corrected blood vessel diameter and the corrected blood flow.

5. The method for automatic blood pressure monitoring according to claim 3, characterized in that The method of transmitting ultrasonic waves based on a flexible ultrasonic transducer array disposed on the user's body surface and receiving vascular imaging of a target area to identify arterial blood vessels specifically includes: Transmitting ultrasonic waves toward a target area of ​​the user along a first direction through a plurality of rows of the first ultrasonic transducers, so as to calculate a blood vessel diameter along the first direction through echo signals at two intervals; Obtain a waveform graph showing changes in blood vessel diameter over time; According to the variation pattern of the diameters of the arteries and veins in a normal heart beat cycle and the blood flow direction measured by the second ultrasonic transducer, the waveform graph belonging to the arterial blood vessels is selected to identify the arterial blood vessels.

6. The method for automatic blood pressure monitoring according to claim 3, characterized in that Measuring the blood vessel diameter of the arterial blood vessel by using the first ultrasonic transducer in the working area specifically includes: Utilizing a plurality of first ultrasonic transducers in the working area to transmit ultrasonic waves respectively along a first direction; The blood vessel diameters measured by the first ultrasonic transducer at different positions are calculated respectively through the echo signals at two intervals; The vessel diameter of the arterial vessel is comprehensively calculated using the vessel diameters measured by the plurality of the first ultrasonic transducers.

7. The method for automatic blood pressure monitoring according to claim 3, characterized in that The measuring of the blood flow of the arterial blood vessel by using the second ultrasonic transducer in the working area specifically includes: emitting ultrasonic waves in a second direction using a plurality of second ultrasonic transducers in the working area, so that the incident ultrasonic waves are reflected by the flowing blood cells and the frequency of the reflected echo signal changes, thereby forming a Doppler blood flow frequency shift signal; Acquiring a linear relationship between the Doppler blood flow frequency shift signal and the velocity component of blood cells in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction; The linear relationship is used to perform spectrum analysis on the Doppler blood flow frequency shift signal to obtain the blood flow rate and blood flow direction of the arterial blood vessel.

8. The method for automatic blood pressure monitoring according to claim 1, wherein: The working area of ​​the flexible ultrasonic transducer array is located directly above the arterial blood vessel, and the working area changes with the relative position of the flexible ultrasonic transducer array and the arterial blood vessel.

9. The method for automatic blood pressure monitoring according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: The user's current blood pressure is displayed to the user through a display, and a blood pressure change curve is displayed to the user based on the blood pressure monitoring data within a preset time period.

10. An ultrasonic-based automatic blood pressure monitoring system, characterized in that The device comprises a processor and a memory, wherein the processor reads a computer program in the memory to perform the following operations: The flexible ultrasonic transducer array disposed on the user's body surface transmits ultrasonic waves and receives vascular imaging of the target area to identify arterial blood vessels; Based on the position of the arterial blood vessel, determining the working area of ​​the flexible ultrasonic transducer array; wherein the working area includes a first ultrasonic transducer for measuring the diameter of the blood vessel and a second ultrasonic transducer for measuring the blood flow rate and the blood flow direction; Measuring the blood vessel diameter of the arterial blood vessel using a first ultrasonic transducer in the working area; Measuring the blood flow and blood flow direction in the arterial blood vessel using a second ultrasonic transducer in the working area; Based on the blood vessel diameter and blood flow of the arterial blood vessel, the current blood pressure of the user is calculated by a preset algorithm to complete the current blood pressure monitoring; The next blood pressure monitoring will be carried out after a preset interval.

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