Blood pressure measurement device and method

Abstract

Provided are a blood pressure measurement device and a method that reduce stress of a person to be measured during a standby time before measurement, and by which blood pressure is measured after a sufficient resting time has been taken. A blood pressure measurement device (1) is provided with: a blood pressure measurement means (11) that performs blood pressure measurement of a person to be measured; a measurement setting means (12) that can set the blood pressure measurement by the blood pressure measurement means; and a control unit (40). The measurement setting means is provided with a standby time setting button (62) that sets a pre-measurement standby time from when a measurement button (61) that causes the blood pressure measurement to start is pressed until the blood pressure measurement is started. The control unit starts the blood pressure measurement after the pre-measurement standby time has elapsed since the measurement button was pressed.

Description

Blood pressure measurement device and method

[0001] The present invention relates to a blood pressure measurement device and method for measuring the blood pressure value of a subject.

[0002] Because blood pressure values ​​fluctuate due to various factors such as the measurement environment and the state of the person being measured, it is recommended that blood pressure be measured under the same conditions as possible while the person is at rest. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that determines whether the person is at rest based on the pulse wave signal from a photoelectric volumetric pulse wave sensor and starts blood pressure measurement.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-52811

[0004] However, if it takes too long to detect the resting state, there is a problem that it causes stress to the person being measured. In other words, if the person being measured feels anxious because they do not know when the measurement will start, they may not be able to maintain a resting state and blood pressure may not be measured accurately.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an apparatus and method that reduces stress on the person being measured during the waiting time before measurement and enables blood pressure to be measured after a sufficient period of rest.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a blood pressure measurement device of a first aspect of the present invention comprises a blood pressure measurement means for measuring the blood pressure of a person being measured, a measurement setting means for setting the blood pressure measurement by the blood pressure measurement means, and a control unit, wherein the measurement setting means comprises a waiting time setting button for setting a pre-measurement waiting time from when a measurement button that starts the blood pressure measurement is pressed until the blood pressure measurement starts, and the control unit starts the blood pressure measurement after the pre-measurement waiting time has elapsed since the measurement button was pressed.

[0007] In the blood pressure measurement device of the second aspect, in the first aspect, it is also preferable that the blood pressure measurement means performs the blood pressure measurement multiple times when the measurement button is pressed, and the control unit sets the waiting time from when the measurement button is pressed until the first measurement is started as the pre-measurement waiting time based on an operation from the waiting time setting button of the measurement setting means, and sets the waiting time between the first and subsequent blood pressure measurements as the interval waiting time, and the control unit starts the first blood pressure measurement after the pre-measurement waiting time has elapsed since the measurement button was pressed, and the first and subsequent blood pressure measurements are started each time the interval waiting time has elapsed.

[0008] In the blood pressure measurement device of the third aspect, in the second aspect, it is also preferable that when one of the pre-measurement waiting time or the interval waiting time is set, the control unit sets the other waiting time in accordance with the one waiting time.

[0009] In the blood pressure measurement device of the fourth aspect, in the first aspect, it is also preferable that the control unit counts down a pre-start time until the blood pressure measurement is started during the pre-measurement waiting time, and notifies the subject of the pre-start time.

[0010] In the blood pressure measurement device of the fifth aspect, in the second or third aspect, it is also preferable that the control unit counts down a pre-start time until the blood pressure measurement is started during the interval waiting time, and notifies the subject of the pre-start time.

[0011] In the blood pressure measurement device of the sixth aspect, in any of the first to fifth aspects, it is also preferable that the measurement setting means includes a waiting time adjustment button that makes it possible to extend or shorten the pre-measurement waiting time during the pre-measurement waiting time.

[0012] In the blood pressure measurement device of the seventh aspect, in any of the first to sixth aspects, it is also preferable that the control unit stores the pre-measurement waiting time in a memory unit together with the blood pressure value obtained by the blood pressure measurement, and if the blood pressure value stored in the memory unit is not stable, suggests reviewing the pre-measurement waiting time.

[0013] In the blood pressure measurement device of the eighth aspect, in any of the first to seventh aspects, it is also preferable that the control unit generates at least one of music, video, sound, and vibration during the pre-measurement waiting time to encourage the person being measured to relax.

[0014] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a blood pressure measurement method according to a ninth aspect of the present invention comprises a blood pressure measurement means for measuring the blood pressure of a person to be measured, and a measurement setting means for setting the blood pressure measurement by the blood pressure measurement means, and includes the steps of: (a) setting a pre-measurement waiting time from when a measurement button for starting the blood pressure measurement is pressed until the blood pressure measurement is started; (b) starting a countdown of the pre-measurement waiting time when the measurement button is pressed; and (c) starting the blood pressure measurement after the pre-measurement waiting time has elapsed.

[0015] In the blood pressure measurement method of the tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, it is also preferable that in step (b), the subject is notified of a pre-start time until the start of the blood pressure measurement during the pre-measurement waiting time.

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a blood pressure measurement device and method that reduces stress on a person being measured during the waiting time before measurement and measures blood pressure after the person has had a sufficient period of rest.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a front oblique view of a blood pressure measurement device 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram of the blood pressure measurement device 1. FIG. 3 is an example of a setting screen for a pre-measurement waiting time. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of blood pressure measurement using the blood pressure measurement device 1. FIG. 5 is a configuration block diagram of a blood pressure measurement device 1' according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is an example of a setting screen for multiple measurements, a pre-measurement waiting time, and an interval waiting time. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of blood pressure measurement using the blood pressure measurement device 1'. FIG. 8 is a configuration block diagram of a blood pressure measurement device 10 according to a third modification. FIG. 9 is a configuration block diagram of a blood pressure measurement device 10' according to a fourth modification.

[0018] Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a blood pressure measurement device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The blood pressure measurement device 1 mainly comprises a cuff 11, a main body 12, and an air hose 13 connecting the cuff 11 and the main body 12. During measurement, the cuff 11 is wrapped around the subject's upper arm (the part to be measured). When measurement begins, compressed air is sent to an air bag in the cuff 11, causing the air bag to expand and obstructing the blood flow to the part to be measured. Meanwhile, an exhaust control valve 22 (described later) gradually exhausts air from the air bag, thereby relieving the obstructed state. A pressure sensor 21 (described later) is connected to the cuff 11, and a cuff pressure signal is detected by the pressure sensor 21. The blood pressure and pulse rate are measured from the cuff pressure signal.

[0020] 2 is a configuration block diagram of the blood pressure measurement device 1. A pressure sensor 21, an exhaust control valve 22, and an air pump 23 are connected to an air hose 13 of the blood pressure measurement device 1. The main body 12 includes a low-pass filter 31, a band-pass filter 32, an A / D converter 33, a storage unit 34, a control unit 40, a display unit 50, and an operation unit 60. The display unit 50 and the operation unit 60 are disposed on the top surface of the main body 12 as shown in FIG. 1, and the other elements are disposed inside the housing of the main body 12.

[0021] Pressure sensor 21 detects the compression pressure of cuff 11 and outputs a pressure signal SP. Low-pass filter 31 discriminates a cuff pressure signal SK from the pressure signal SP and outputs the signal to control unit 40 via A / D converter 33. Furthermore, a pulsating component contained in pressure signal SP is extracted by band-pass filter 32 and output as a pulse wave signal SM to control unit 40 via A / D converter 33.

[0022] The control unit 40 includes a blood pressure measurement unit 41 and a pre-measurement waiting time setting unit 42. The pre-measurement waiting time setting unit 42 will be described later. The blood pressure measurement unit 41 measures the systolic and diastolic blood pressure values ​​based on changes in the cuff pressure signal SK, and measures the pulse rate based on the period of the pulse wave signal SM (hereinafter, in this specification, measuring the systolic and diastolic blood pressure values ​​and the pulse rate will be referred to as "blood pressure measurement"). At this time, if a "pre-measurement waiting time" (described later) has been set, the blood pressure measurement unit 41 counts the pre-measurement waiting time and performs blood pressure measurement after the pre-measurement waiting time has elapsed. The blood pressure measurement unit 41 measures time from an operating clock signal of, for example, a CPU included in the components of the control unit 40.

[0023] The memory unit 34 stores the blood pressure measurement results for each measurement, as well as the "pre-measurement waiting time" used in that measurement. Furthermore, if there are multiple subjects, the memory unit 34 identifies and stores the IDs of the subjects. If the main unit 12 is equipped with a temperature sensor (not shown), the memory unit 34 also stores the temperature at the time of measurement.

[0024] The storage unit 34 is realized by various storage media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), or a flash memory. The control unit 40 executes functions and / or methods realized by code or instructions included in a program stored in the storage unit 34, and performs the processing described in this embodiment. The control unit 40 is realized using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro-processing unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a processor core, a multiprocessor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or the like. The control unit 40 may realize each process using a logic circuit or dedicated circuit formed in an integrated circuit, etc. Furthermore, these circuits may be realized by one or more integrated circuits, and multiple processes may be realized by a single integrated circuit.

[0025] The operation unit 60 includes at least a measurement button 61, a wait time setting button 62, and a selection button 63. The measurement button 61 is a button for instructing the start of blood pressure measurement. The wait time setting button 62 is a button for entering a mode for setting a "pre-measurement wait time" and, together with the selection button 63, sets the "pre-measurement wait time" from when the measurement button 61 is pressed until blood pressure measurement begins. The operation unit 60 also preferably includes a subject switching button and a self-check button. For example, reference numeral 64 in FIG. 1 is a button that can switch between these modes. When the subject switching mode is selected with the button 64, the subject ID can be selected and set with the selection button 63. When the self-check mode is selected, a self-check is performed to determine whether the cuff pressure signal SK and pulse wave signal SM are properly detected, and the presence or absence of an error is displayed on the display unit 50.

[0026] The display unit 50 is a liquid crystal or organic EL display that displays measurement results and setting screens. The measurement results include at least the subject's systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, measurement date, and measurement time on a single screen, or, if the display cannot fit on a single screen, the display switches over time. If the main unit 12 is equipped with a temperature sensor (not shown), the measurement results also display the temperature at the time of measurement. Furthermore, by switching between measurement results using the selection button 63, it is possible to view the most recent measurement result, the average of all past measurements, the average of the last three measurements, the average of morning measurements, the average of afternoon measurements, or other results calculated using preset calculations.

[0027] Here, the setting of the "pre-measurement waiting time" will be described. FIG. 3 shows an example of a setting screen for the pre-measurement waiting time. When the waiting time setting button 62 is pressed, the pre-measurement waiting time setting unit 42 is activated and the screen transitions to the setting screen. On the setting screen, the waiting time setting is switched from "off" to "on" after a specified time has elapsed or by the subject operating the selection button 63. When the waiting time setting button 62 is pressed as an execute button, the pre-measurement waiting time can be selected from "30," "60," or "120" seconds. The subject selects the pre-measurement waiting time that best suits them and presses the waiting time setting button 62 as an execute button to confirm. The pre-measurement waiting time setting unit 42 stores the pre-measurement waiting time in the memory unit 34 so that the blood pressure measurement unit 41 will use it in subsequent blood pressure measurements.

[0028] In this embodiment, the dimensions of the main body 12 are approximately 140 mm wide, 105 mm deep, and 60 mm high, and the above setting screen is given as an example, taking into consideration an easy-to-read character size and ease of operation within the limitations on the number of display characters and keys suitable for these dimensions.However, it is possible to present more options for the pre-measurement waiting time, allow selection in more precise seconds, or allow the subject to determine the time by directly entering a numerical value.

[0029] In this embodiment, the cuff 11, air hose 13, pressure sensor 21, exhaust control valve 22, air pump 23, and measurement button 61 are the "blood pressure measuring means" in the claims, the wait time setting button 62, selection button 63, and display unit 50 that displays the setting screen are the "measurement setting means" in the claims, and the control unit 40 controls the blood pressure measuring means based on the settings from the measurement setting means, but the implementation of these blood pressure measuring means, measurement setting means, and control unit is not limited to this embodiment. For example, although the blood pressure measuring means is exemplified in a form in which the cuff 11 and the main body 12 are separate entities, it may also be implemented as an integrated blood pressure monitor in which the main body is attached to the belt of the cuff, or as a watch-type wearable blood pressure monitor worn on the wrist. Although the measurement setting means has been exemplified as having a configuration in which the display unit 50 and the operation unit 60 are separate, it may also be realized as a configuration in which the touch panel type display unit 50 includes the waiting time setting button 62 and the selection button 63, a configuration in which the selection button 63 is optional and the setting is completed by operating the waiting time setting button 62, or a configuration in which the setting is completed by the waiting time setting button 62 and the selection button 63 without using the display unit 50. Note that the measurement button 61 may be included in the measurement setting means, or these operation buttons 61, 62, 63 may be included in a controller connected to the main body 12.

[0030] Next, a blood pressure measurement method using the blood pressure measurement device 1 will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart of blood pressure measurement using the blood pressure measurement device 1. When the power of the blood pressure measurement device 1 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S1, where the blood pressure measurement unit 41 of the control unit 40 checks whether a pre-measurement waiting time has been set. If no setting has been made (NO), the process proceeds to step S3. If a setting has been made (YES), the process proceeds to step S2, where the blood pressure measurement unit 41 sets a timer for the set pre-measurement waiting time.

[0031] Next, the process proceeds to step S3, where the blood pressure measurement unit 41 waits for the measurement button 61 to be pressed. If the measurement button 61 is not pressed (NO), the measurement subject's condition is not considered to be adequate, and blood pressure measurement is not initiated. If the measurement button 61 is pressed (YES), the process proceeds to steps S4 and S5, where the blood pressure measurement unit 41 starts counting down the pre-measurement waiting time and displays the pre-measurement time on the display unit 50. One preferred example of notification of the pre-measurement time is to display the number of seconds in the countdown. Alternatively, the pre-measurement time can be visually displayed, such as by increasing or decreasing the bar or changing the color of the screen. Until the pre-measurement waiting time has elapsed (NO in S5), the blood pressure measurement unit 41 displays the pre-measurement time (countdown). Once the pre-measurement waiting time has elapsed (YES in S5), the process proceeds to step S6, where blood pressure measurement is initiated. Then, the process proceeds to step S7, where the blood pressure measurement unit 41 stores the measurement result of the blood pressure measurement together with the waiting time before measurement, and the process proceeds to step S8, where the measurement result is displayed on the display unit 50, and the blood pressure measurement ends.

[0032] (Operation and Effect) As described above, according to the blood pressure measurement device 1 of this embodiment, the subject can freely set the time from pressing the measurement button 61 until the start of blood pressure measurement, and can measure at the timing set by the subject, thereby enabling blood pressure measurement without the stress of not knowing when the measurement will start. Furthermore, because the time until the start of measurement is displayed on the display unit 50, the subject can know when the measurement will start and remain calm, preventing stress during the waiting time before measurement. This allows blood pressure measurement to be performed with high accuracy.

[0033] Second Embodiment In recent blood pressure measurements, it is recommended to perform multiple consecutive measurements and calculate the average value. Since multiple measurements require a longer measurement time due to the increased number of measurements, consideration for the subject and stress reduction are desirable. Furthermore, since multiple measurements are performed with intervals between each measurement after the first, the second and third blood pressure measurements, which are performed with an interval, may differ from the first blood pressure measurement, which is performed without an interval. Therefore, improvements are needed to ensure that measurements are performed under the same conditions as possible. The blood pressure measurement device 1' according to the second embodiment has been developed in consideration of these circumstances.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a blood pressure measurement device 1′. Components similar to those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again. The blood pressure measurement device 1′ is capable of multiple measurements, and the control unit 40 of the first embodiment further includes an interval waiting time setting unit 43. As an example, the blood pressure measurement device 1′ performs three blood pressure measurements (multiple measurements), but the number of measurements is not limited to this. The blood pressure measurement device 1′ sets the waiting time from when the measurement switch 61 is pressed until the first blood pressure measurement starts as a "pre-measurement waiting time," and sets the waiting time after the first blood pressure measurement, i.e., the waiting time from the first blood pressure measurement to the second blood pressure measurement and the waiting time from the second blood pressure measurement to the third blood pressure measurement, as an "interval waiting time."

[0035] The following describes the settings of multiple measurements and interval waiting time. FIG. 6 shows an example of a setting screen for multiple measurements, pre-measurement waiting time, and interval waiting time. Pressing the waiting time setting button 62 activates the pre-measurement waiting time setting unit 42 and interval waiting time setting unit 43, and the display moves to the setting screen. These settings can be configured hierarchically on the setting screen, and the subject first selects multiple measurements by switching the multiple measurement icon 65 from "off" to "on." Next, the display moves to the "interval waiting time" setting screen, where the interval waiting time setting unit 43 allows the subject to select the interval waiting time from "30," "60," and "120" seconds. After the interval waiting time is determined, the display moves to the "pre-measurement waiting time" setting screen, where the pre-measurement waiting time setting unit 42 allows the subject to select the pre-measurement waiting time using the same procedure as in FIG. 3. The order in which the interval waiting time and pre-measurement waiting time are set may be reversed. The pre-measurement waiting time setting unit 42 and the interval waiting time setting unit 43 store the pre-measurement waiting time and the interval waiting time in the storage unit 34 so that the blood pressure measurement unit 41 uses them in subsequent blood pressure measurements.

[0036] Next, a blood pressure measurement method using the blood pressure measurement device 1' will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of blood pressure measurement using the blood pressure measurement device 1'. When the power of the blood pressure measurement device 1' is turned on, the process proceeds to step S11, where the blood pressure measurement unit 41 of the control unit 40 checks whether multiple measurements are set. If no setting is made (NO), the flow proceeds to step S1 in FIG. 4. If a setting is made (YES), the process proceeds to steps S12 to S14, where the blood pressure measurement unit 41 checks the setting of the pre-measurement waiting time and the interval waiting time, and sets the timer for each waiting time.

[0037] Next, the process proceeds to step S15, where the blood pressure measurement unit 41 waits for the measurement button 61 to be pressed. If the button 61 is not pressed (NO), the measurement unit 41 assumes that the subject's condition is not yet ready and does not start blood pressure measurement. If the measurement button 61 is pressed (YES), the process proceeds to steps S16 to S17, where the blood pressure measurement unit 41 starts counting down the "pre-measurement waiting time" and displays the time before the first blood pressure measurement begins on the display unit 50. When the pre-measurement waiting time has elapsed (YES in S17), the process proceeds to step S18, where the first blood pressure measurement is performed, and then to step S19, where the blood pressure measurement result and the pre-measurement waiting time are stored, and then to step S20.

[0038] Immediately after proceeding to step S20, the process proceeds to the second blood pressure measurement. In steps S20 to S21, the blood pressure measurement unit 41 starts counting down the "interval waiting time" and displays the pre-start time until the second blood pressure measurement is started on the display unit 50 until the interval waiting time has elapsed (NO in S21). When the interval waiting time has elapsed (YES in S21), the process proceeds to step S22, where the second blood pressure measurement is performed, and then to step S23, where the blood pressure measurement result is stored together with the interval waiting time, and then to step S24.

[0039] Immediately after proceeding to step S24, the process proceeds to the third blood pressure measurement. In steps S24 to S25, the blood pressure measurement unit 41 starts counting down the "interval waiting time," and displays the pre-start time until the third blood pressure measurement on the display unit 50 until the interval waiting time has elapsed (NO in S25). When the interval waiting time has elapsed (YES in S25), the process proceeds to step S26, where the third blood pressure measurement is performed, and then to step S27, where the blood pressure measurement results are stored together with the interval waiting time, and then to step S28. In step S28, the blood pressure measurement unit 41 calculates the average of the measurement results of the first to third blood pressure measurements, displays the average measurement result on the display unit 50, and ends the blood pressure measurement.

[0040] (Effects) As described above, according to the blood pressure measurement device 1' of this embodiment, the subject can freely set the waiting time for each of the multiple measurements and can perform the measurements at the timing they set, which helps to reduce stress caused by waiting times even when the number of measurements increases. Furthermore, since the time until the start of measurement is displayed on the display unit 50 for every measurement, even if the measurement time is long, the subject can remain calm knowing when the measurement will be performed, preventing stress during waiting times. This allows blood pressure measurements to be performed with high accuracy.

[0041] Furthermore, in conventional multiple blood pressure measurements, there is an interval (waiting time) between the second and third blood pressure measurements, but there is no means for managing the waiting time before the first blood pressure measurement, which can result in the first blood pressure value differing from the other measurements. However, with the blood pressure measuring device 1' of this embodiment, a waiting time is provided before the first blood pressure measurement, and the waiting time for each measurement can be managed, so all measurements can be performed under similar conditions. This allows for accurate blood pressure measurements.

[0042] Next, a preferred modification of the above-described embodiment will be described. The same components as those in the embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0043] (Variation 1) Variation 1 is a preferred variation of the second embodiment. Preferably, the pre-measurement waiting time setting unit 42 and the interval waiting time setting unit 43 of the control unit 40 are linked together, so that when one waiting time is set, the other waiting time is automatically set according to the set waiting time. That is, when the interval waiting time is set to "60" seconds, the pre-measurement waiting time may also be set to the same waiting time of "60" seconds. This automatically ensures that all measurements are performed under the same waiting time (same conditions) and simplifies the setting operation. Alternatively, when the pre-measurement waiting time is set to "120" seconds, the interval waiting time may be set to "60" seconds. This allows the subject to rest for a sufficient period of time before the first blood pressure measurement, thereby shortening the overall measurement time.

[0044] (Variation 2) Variation 2 is a suitable variation for both the first and second embodiments. The main unit 12 preferably includes a wait time adjustment button that allows the user to extend or shorten the pre-measurement wait time. The wait time adjustment button is included in the "measurement setting means" in the claims. The wait time adjustment button may be a new operation button added to the operation unit 60, or the measurement button 61 may also function as the wait time adjustment button. In other words, the wait time may be adjusted by pressing the measurement button 61 again during the pre-measurement wait time. The extension or shortening of the wait time may be selected using the selection button 63, or may be selected by the number of times the measurement button 61 is pressed. The wait time may be extended or shortened by, for example, five seconds each time the measurement button 61 is pressed. When the wait time adjustment button is pressed, the pre-measurement wait time setting unit 42 functions, and the blood pressure measurement unit 41 issues an instruction to extend or shorten the pre-measurement wait time. If the wait time is changed, the countdown seconds for the pre-measurement time is updated.

[0045] This allows the subject to start the measurement at their own timing if they determine that they are already at rest, without waiting for the pre-measurement waiting time to elapse, or to delay the measurement if they determine that they are not yet at rest, thereby eliminating stress that may arise from a mismatch between the waiting time and their own condition.The waiting time adjustment button can be applied not only to the pre-measurement waiting time but also to the interval waiting time.

[0046] (Variation 3) FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a blood pressure measurement device 10 according to Variation 3. The control unit 40 of the blood pressure measurement device 10 according to Variation 3 further includes a waiting time review unit 44. When the blood pressure measurement device 10 is turned on or after a blood pressure measurement is completed and the measurement result is displayed on the display unit 50, the waiting time review unit 44 reads the most recent measurement result from the memory unit 34 and checks whether the systolic blood pressure value and the diastolic blood pressure value are stable. The stability check can be performed, for example, by checking whether the standard deviation falls within a threshold range. If either the systolic blood pressure value or the diastolic blood pressure value is not within the range, the waiting time review unit 44 determines that there may be a problem with the setting of the pre-measurement waiting time and suggests reviewing the pre-measurement waiting time via the display unit 50. For example, if the pre-measurement waiting time is set to a short time of 30 seconds, the waiting time review unit 44 suggests a longer time of 60 seconds or 120 seconds. If the setting is long, such as "120" seconds, the unit will suggest a shorter time, such as "60" or "30" seconds. This allows the subject to choose a waiting time that is more convenient for them, leading to more accurate blood pressure measurements. It is not necessary to check for variations in all measurement results stored in the memory unit 34; for example, it is also possible to check the most recent 10 results, or to extract results with similar environmental conditions or measurement dates and times. The waiting time review unit 44 can be applied not only to the pre-measurement waiting time, but also to the interval waiting time.

[0047] (Variation 4) FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a blood pressure measurement device 10′ according to Variation 4. The control unit 40 of the blood pressure measurement device 10′ according to Variation 4 further includes an audio playback unit 45, a video playback unit 46, and a vibration generation unit 47. A speaker 71 and a vibrator 72 are also connected to the control unit 40. The audio playback unit 45 plays music promoting relaxation or periodic beeps promoting relaxation through the speaker 71 during the pre-measurement waiting time. The video playback unit 46 displays videos promoting relaxation on the display unit 50 during the pre-measurement waiting time. The vibration generation unit 47 generates periodic vibrations promoting relaxation from the vibrator 72. Note that the speaker 71 and the vibrator 72 may be external devices. This allows the subject to be guided into a relaxed state by the music, video, or periodic sounds and vibrations during the pre-measurement waiting time, leading to measurement in a resting state. Note that these can be applied not only to the pre-measurement waiting time but also to the interval waiting time. If the speaker 71 is provided, the number of seconds counted down for the pre-measurement waiting time and the pre-start time during the interval waiting time may be notified by voice.

[0048] Although the preferred embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, these can be modified and combined based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, and such modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0049] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...blood pressure measuring device, 11...cuff (blood pressure measuring means), 12...main body (measurement setting means), 13...air hose, 34...storage unit, 40...control unit, 41...blood pressure measuring unit, 42...pre-measurement waiting time setting unit, 43...interval waiting time setting unit, 44...waiting time review unit, 45...audio playback unit, 46...video playback unit, 47...vibration generating unit, 50...display unit, 60...operation unit, 61...measurement button, 62...waiting time setting button, 63...selection button

Claims

1. A blood pressure measurement device comprising: a blood pressure measurement means for measuring the blood pressure of a person being measured; a measurement setting means for setting the blood pressure measurement by the blood pressure measurement means; and a control unit, wherein the measurement setting means has a waiting time setting button for setting a pre-measurement waiting time from when a measurement button that starts the blood pressure measurement is pressed until the blood pressure measurement starts, and the control unit starts the blood pressure measurement after the pre-measurement waiting time has elapsed since the measurement button was pressed.

2. The blood pressure measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that the blood pressure measuring means performs the blood pressure measurement multiple times when the measurement button is pressed, the control unit sets the waiting time from when the measurement button is pressed until the first measurement is started as the pre-measurement waiting time based on operation from the waiting time setting button of the measurement setting means, and sets the waiting time between the first and subsequent blood pressure measurements as the interval waiting time, and the control unit starts the first blood pressure measurement after the pre-measurement waiting time has elapsed since the measurement button was pressed, and the first and subsequent blood pressure measurements are started each time the interval waiting time has elapsed.

3. A blood pressure measurement device as described in claim 2, characterized in that when one of the pre-measurement waiting time or the interval waiting time is set, the control unit sets the other waiting time according to the one waiting time.

4. The blood pressure measuring device of claim 1, characterized in that the control unit counts down the pre-start time until the blood pressure measurement begins during the pre-measurement waiting time and notifies the subject of the pre-start time.

5. The blood pressure measurement device of claim 2, characterized in that the control unit counts down the pre-start time until the blood pressure measurement starts during the interval waiting time and notifies the subject of the pre-start time.

6. The blood pressure measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the measurement setting means comprises a waiting time adjustment button that allows the pre-measurement waiting time to be extended or shortened during the pre-measurement waiting time.

7. The blood pressure measuring device of claim 1, characterized in that the control unit stores the pre-measurement waiting time in a memory unit along with the blood pressure value obtained by the blood pressure measurement, and if the blood pressure value stored in the memory unit is not stable, suggests reviewing the pre-measurement waiting time.

8. The blood pressure measurement device of claim 1, wherein the control unit generates at least one of music, video, sound, or vibration during the pre-measurement waiting time to encourage the subject to relax.

9. A blood pressure measurement method comprising: a blood pressure measurement means for measuring the blood pressure of a person being measured; and a measurement setting means for setting the blood pressure measurement by the blood pressure measurement means; and comprising: (a) a step of setting a pre-measurement waiting time from when a measurement button for starting the blood pressure measurement is pressed until the blood pressure measurement starts; (b) a step of starting a countdown of the pre-measurement waiting time when the measurement button is pressed; and (c) a step of starting the blood pressure measurement after the pre-measurement waiting time has elapsed.

10. A blood pressure measurement method as described in claim 9, characterized in that in step (b), the subject is notified of the pre-start time until the start of the blood pressure measurement during the pre-measurement waiting time.

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