Blood Pressure Sensor Array Arrangement Inference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tonometry-based blood pressure measurement methods struggle to accurately determine the reliability of measured blood pressure information, particularly when the sensor arrangement is unsuitable, leading to incorrect data analysis due to tilting or shifting of the sensor group relative to the artery.
Innovation Solution
A blood pressure measurement apparatus that includes multiple pressure sensors, an arrangement state inference mechanism to analyze the distribution profiles of feature quantities from sensor outputs, and a reliability calculation module to assess the accuracy of the measured blood pressure information based on inferred arrangement states, preventing unsuitable measurements from being treated as reliable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple pressure sensors are used to measure blood pressure information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple individual pressure sensors arranged in a specific pattern, allowing each sensor to independently detect pressure information. This segmentation enables the system to distinguish between sensors positioned over arteries versus solid objects by analyzing the spatial distribution of pressure signals, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable complexity through modular sensor placement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sensor array are assigned different functional roles based on their spatial relationship to the artery. Sensors positioned over the artery are optimized for detecting pulse wave characteristics, while sensors over solid objects serve as reference points. This local differentiation allows the system to leverage the specific characteristics of each sensor region to improve overall measurement accuracy.
2Productivity
If the sensor array is pressed against the body surface, then measurement capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates when the artery is pressed in unintended directions
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the pressure information from all sensors in the array and uses this feedback to infer the actual arrangement state of the sensor relative to the artery. By analyzing the spatial distribution pattern of pressure signals, the system can detect when the artery is pressed in unintended directions and automatically adjust or reject measurements, thereby maintaining reliability despite variations in pressing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Before final measurement, the system performs preliminary analysis of the pressure distribution pattern to infer the arrangement state. This preliminary action allows the system to identify unsuitable measurement conditions in advance and prevent inaccurate data from being processed, ensuring that only reliable measurements are used for blood pressure calculation.
3Device complexity
If conventional selection methods are used to identify suitable sensors, then processing simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inclusion of unsuitable sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds a spatial dimension to sensor selection by analyzing the three-dimensional arrangement of pressure sensors relative to the artery based on pressure distribution patterns. Instead of simply selecting sensors based on single-parameter criteria, the system evaluates the spatial configuration of multiple sensors, enabling more precise identification of sensors positioned over the artery versus solid objects, thereby improving measurement precision without excessive processing complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus effectively calculates the reliability of blood pressure information, ensuring that measurements taken with unsuitable sensor arrangements are distinguished from those with suitable arrangements, thereby improving data accuracy and user feedback for correction.
Implementation Method 1
a tonometry type of blood pressure measurement method is known in which an artery near the body surface, such as a radial artery, is pressed to the extent that a flattened portion is formed in the artery, the artery internal pressure and the external pressure are balanced, and the blood pressure is measured non-invasively by a pressure sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A blood pressure measurement apparatus includes a measuring device that includes a plurality of pressure sensors and is for measuring blood pressure information for each heartbeat in a measurement target, and an arrangement state inferring unit for extracting a feature quantity from an output waveform of each of the pressure sensors for each heartbeat, and inferring an arrangement state of the measuring means relative to an artery that is the measurement target based on a distribution profile of values of the feature quantity for the plurality of pressure sensors. The apparatus also includes a reliability calculating unit for calculating a reliability of the blood pressure information measured by the measuring means, based on the inferred arrangement state.