DE102012021940A1 - Device for measuring e.g. blood pressure by pulse wave runtime to control characteristics of systems, has cameras for video and individual images, where device measures blood pressure using cameras and smartphone by image evaluation - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a wireless unit, a memory unit, a computing unit, cameras for video and individual images, and illuminating units with wavelength measurements in a smartphone, where the device measures personal vital data e.g. blood pressure and pulse, by a pulse wave runtime using the cameras and the smartphone by image evaluation. An external measuring point of the cameras is controlled for determining and transferring the vital data in wireless manner or via a data cable. Motion and acceleration sensors are integrated in the device.

Description

The invention for measuring the blood pressure and pulse, using pulse wave transit time, with commercially available cameras for video and still images, Preferably in a smartphone and connected devices optionally consists of a radio unit, a memory unit, a computing unit, one or more cameras for video and still images and a or even multiple lighting units, with one or more wavelength measurements, such as preferably present in a smartphone.

Own vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate as well as the values of third parties (family members and friends), are gaining more and more attention in large circles of people. To a certain extent, these data also provide information about how people feel and how they perform. They are already today an evaluation indicator for insurance policies and calculation tools for political decisions. However, these data can also be motivational means and basic assessments of athletic performance at the same time.

Blood pressure and pulse measurements are measured differently. The Riva Rocci method, for blood pressure measurement, is currently the most established solution and in the medical application for decades in its current form on the market. It is non-invasive and is measured bloodlessly. More accurate values are obtained by an invasive and bloody measurement.

Non-invasive measurement is most commonly performed on the upper arm with an air cuff. Devices for the end user are usually sold for measurement on the wrist. The prices for both types of devices have dropped sharply in recent years. At the same time, the control of one's own vital signs has increased as a result of this drop in prices.

People are more informed about their respective limits and associated performance than they were years ago. Detailed relationships are no longer a problem for the different generations.

The need for more information about your own vital signs is growing.

Heart rate monitors are being sold as box office hits, meanwhile no longer only in the specialized trade. These devices are currently found at the discounters. A drop in prices is also recorded with these devices. With the integration of additional information around the own body, as well as evaluation programs, the buyer layer is advertised.

The invention relates to the daily blood pressure measurement, without the use of known and commonly used in everyday blood pressure cuffs on the upper arm, or wrist. This everyday and well-known measuring method is called Riva Rocci, abbreviated RR.

State of the art

Continuous measurements of vital signs, such as blood pressure, are only invasive, as well as non-invasive, by measuring the pulse wave transit time (PWL) possible.

The blood pressure measurement also over the pulse wave transit time (PWL) is a well-known and accepted procedure in medicine and medical technology.

In publications, the possibilities for measuring the pulse wave transit time (PWL) were described in detail. See also, PCT / DE96 / 02010 . PCT / EP2009 / 061520 . DE / 102008042115.4 . PCT / DE 2007/000406

To determine the blood pressure from the PWL, calibration is required.

Due to the necessary calibration for measuring the blood pressure by means of the pulse wave transit time and the technical effort required to use the systems, a hesitant use in medicine is currently unmistakable.

The necessary calibration still presents hurdles, also for use in telemedicine.

The patient first has to be introduced piece by piece to this form of action and handling in order to recognize the potential of the measuring method.

At the same time, the legal basis for using and billing the existing systems, through legislation, has to be created.

In sports measurements of the pulse, at rest and under stress, the rule.

Here calibration will not be an obstacle.

The pulse evaluation with the smartphone is common practice. Here, the pulsating video image on the finger is used as pulse evaluation.

An image evaluation in Smartphone Apps, with the help of the pulse wave transit time, does not take place.

The pulse wave transit time as blood pressure evaluation and measurement method is not used. Thus, the measurement of blood pressure, by means of pulse wave transit time is currently not possible.

The measurement of the pulse wave variability, as well as the pulse pressure can also not be determined. A calculation of the performance with the help of a simple heart rate measurement is therefore not possible.

Due to the widespread and widespread use of smartphones, which will continue to penetrate the market in the coming years, a large proportion of people already today and in the future has the basics of measuring blood pressure with a smartphone.

The pulse wave transit time (PWL) is measured from the heart (starting point), to a peripheral blood vessel, as a further measuring point (end point).

Measuring points as a peripheral blood vessel, in addition to the fingers, the forehead, the palm, the ankle, or in the groin.

However, in order to be able to determine currently the pulse wave transit time, in medical applications at least two points are necessary for the determination of the pulse wave transit time.

At the heart and another measuring point, as a peripheral blood vessel.

A start time and an end point are needed.

In the patent DE / 10 2008 042 115.4 It will be described how the pulse wave velocity is measured from the pulse wave to the reflecting wave. This method is only possible with specially designed systems and has not yet found its way into the market. The used measuring method with LED is also described in other patent documents. An image analysis, as with a simple photo from a video, you will not find.

Furthermore, one can not assume that the reflective wave velocity has exactly the wave velocity of the pulse wave.

Thus, the invention of the listed invention in accuracy of the measuring point, as well as the simplicity of the solution by means of commercially available camera, preferably in the smartphone, significantly from.

From the traveled distance of the pulse wave and the time required for it, the pulse transit time is determined.

The PWL changes as the pressure conditions in the arterial circulation increase or decrease.

The heart rate (HR) and the blood pressure and thus also the PWL are to be completely separated as common value pairs.

By a constant calculation from the resting blood pressure and pulse, as well as the measured blood pressure and pulse under load, the blood pressure can be determined.

Due to the time-consuming and sometimes complicated attachment of the measuring electronics, the use of blood pressure and pulse measurement by means of pulse wave transit time in everyday and work processes, in sports and leisure is only conditionally suitable. The attachment of the adhesive electrodes to decrease the start time of the pulse wave at the upper body, are costly and for a permanent use you need a special substrate preparation (degrease and depilate). In another system, a special chest strap and measuring device is used on the peripheral blood vessel of the finger or forehead. Due to the technical and economic effort, these possibilities of measurements are only used in special areas, for example in medicine.

The pulse wave variability with simple viewing and evaluation of the anaerobic threshold by means of existing measuring devices, is currently possible only with great effort.

The use for measuring the pulse wave transit time with a commercially available camera (a measuring point) is not known. A simple determination of the values such as blood pressure, pulse and pulse wave variability is thus currently not possible in this form.

The control of devices, machines, plants and vehicles, with the help of features such as the personal vital signs, blood pressure pulse and pulse variability by means of pulse wave transit time measurement, are not known.

For control by means of the human pulse, or the heart rate of devices, machines, plants and vehicles, the already known and conventional method (chest belt or palm measurement) is used.

However, this does not measure the pulse wave transit time and thus can only generate the pulse value.

This measuring method is already used in leisure time and in sports, for the control of cardio machines, such as ergometers or treadmills.

In the outdoor area is currently this control of the circuit of e-Bike's in development.

For example, to get a statement about the energy balance of the organism, the conventional pulse measurement is not enough.

A storage of personal vital data, such as the continuous pulse, makes from a control point of view for devices, machines, systems and vehicles, so only limited sense (example: ergometer in sports). The energy balance can not be included in the calculation due to the missing visible anaerobic threshold (pulse wave variability not known). Backup solutions for defined limit values or limit value exceedances of blood pressure are not possible with simple pulse measurement.

Presentation of the invention

The inventive novelty also according to claim 1 is in the blood pressure and pulse measurement by means of pulse wave transit time, with the aid of a commercially available camera, preferably smartphone with only one measuring point. (content is claimed also a second lens, a 3D camera, in the smartphone). Due to the simplicity of handling and the simultaneous use of existing hardware (smartphone), a practical and economic measurement of the vital data makes sense.

Also according to claim 2 are for blood pressure and pulse measurement by means of pulse wave transit time, with only one measuring point, preferably and optionally existing components such as a radio unit, a memory unit, a computing unit, a camera for video and still images and a lighting unit, even with different wavelengths , needed.

For this use, the smartphone is prepared and tuned with its existing components.

For example, the smartphone can measure the blood pressure with only one measuring point, without the aid of additional components to be connected and additional components.

Whether on the finger with the smartphone, or measured at another measuring point with an external system is irrelevant. Also according to claim 7 is skin contact.

For the velocity calculation, the distance between the incoming pulse wave and the outgoing pulse wave is used.

The distance between the beginning of the shaft and the end of the shaft is relatively constant. The changes in the shaft dynamics are stored and utilized for image evaluation.

Due to the distance between the two measurable points to each other, a distance, or the distance between two points, by image analysis and according to claim 3, determined.

The image analysis according to claim 3 begins with division into tiles. The result is an image with a pixelated surface with many small images, as well as a grid with assignable time and route information.

At a pulse rate, such as, for example, heart rate (HR) 60, or pulse 60, commercially available smartphone devices, from the years 2011-2012, equal 1000 ms per 1 second, for example 10 images per 1 second. to disposal.

These 10 images are taken at the measuring point, for example on the finger, by means of a built-in smartphone camera.

To be able to use the evaluable bases, all preserving images are tiled within one second from the smartphone.

From the 10 frames per second, with a pulse of 60 beats per minute, results in a tiling of 100 × 100 tiles, depending on the original image and depending on the performance of the smartphone, 10,000 tiled images per original image.

The original image shows a section of approx. 100 ms.

Due to the tiling of 100 × 100, the image, which shows a section of 100 ms, is divided into 100 length parts.

At a pulse of 60, the tiled image, expressed in time, would be 1 ms long.

This image section of 100 ms, divided into 100 × 100 tiles, is now used to the other images, for a difference determination, compared to the following images from the camera.

By dividing into tiles, it is possible to precisely assign the value specifications of color, brightness and volume, specific tiles and tile groups.

A temporal allocation of the individual tile itself, to the whole picture (100 ms) and the coming difference determination to further pictures is now possible.

A calculable assignment of the color changes to the newly created tiled images is set by the system.

The tiled images are thus adapted to the needs and requirements of existing user device performance.

Also according to claim 3, the color changes are compared on all tiled images with each other and searched connections from the past images, as well as tiled groups of images, according to predetermined algorithms and tolerances.

Also according to claim 9, the images, as well as the tiled images are stored for the specified evaluation period.

More than a maximum of 30 seconds are not necessary for an image analysis. In order not to burden the memory unnecessarily, the request for the respective storage is made only after activation request and use.

The continuous display is issued with a time delay of 5 seconds.

For a blood pressure pulse as a single output value, 30 seconds of the measurement flow in to output the result in a smoothed way.

After the specifications from the image analysis and the stored data have been found, they are compared with the previous image groups and entered the distance and the color change of the sought measuring points of the wave in the time axis. Now, the calculation of the distance traveled on the basis of the respective image section, the camera delivers according to the manufacturer.

The camera of the smartphone clears, or photographed different sized image sections also as video.

For example, on average, cameras deliver a 3 mm visible and evaluable image taken from a video of the fingertip. However, these different image sections are clearly defined sizes of the manufacturer of the respectively installed or used camera.

From the speed, the starting time of the shaft is calculated. Starting from the heart to the peripheral blood vessel and thus to the measurement point. In the case of the smartphone, the finger is the preferred metering point. As a result of the image analysis, the pulse wave transit time is determined.

In order to determine the distance traveled by two points in a measured time, the provided images of the smartphone were tiled and then defined as images with value information from also according to claim 3 on color, brightness and the volume.

The different values given in the images, generated by the pulsating waves of the oxygen-rich blood, can now be determined from the image.

Due to the color change arise to the other images differences that can be displayed in the further calculation according to claim 3 as differences, for example in percent, in length, in width, in height, or in color definitions.

By measuring the distance, or the distance between the measuring points, a coarse calculation is made even within different images, without here to consider the tiling.

A look at the tiled pictures shows the exact location of the wave.

Due to the tiling now a time distance is made.

By specifying the size of the images obtained, thus also the distance can be measured, from which the speed of the wave is determined.

Due to the number of images per second provided in the smartphone, for example, the measurements of commercially available devices from 2011 and 2012 are only to be regarded as tenders and at rest.

New generations of smartphone devices, or products derived therefrom, also allow, according to claim 6 by a higher number of provided and evaluable images, far more accurate values for the determination and calculation of blood pressure.

The blood pressure is now calculated from the pulse wave transit time by means of the constant calculation and the previously entered value pairs.

A 3D camera also according to claim 4 with 2 camera lenses, preferably in the smartphone, can independently of each other images with clearly defined Record at the same time. The evaluation of the 3D camera follows the same principle as with only one camera. However, the accuracy is many times higher, as more images are available for evaluation. Also, the defined distance from each other for an image analysis of advantage.

Smartphones with 2 separate cameras, allow more accurate data of the wave from the image, or the tiled images and groups of images.

With already existing 30 images (currently few systems) per second in the evaluation and the thus possible tiling of the images per second, reliable data are delivered.

Depending on the heart rate or pulse as well as the systems used and the available number of images per second, the determination of the pulse wave transit time is currently subject to qualitative fluctuations.

In principle, the lower the HR or the pulse, the more accurate the values are provided to the user in the blood pressure and pulse measurement by means of PWL in the devices from the years 2011 to 2012.

Future device developments, for example in the field of smartphones, will make these inaccuracies disappear.

The vital measurements with the smartphone represent a new and the zeitgeist useful, appropriate and simple way, the data obtained for personal and useful systems, equipment and vehicles, and much more. to control or supply the required data for control processes.

The integration of the system according to claim 4 and 5, or external components in smart clothing, such as hats or gloves, is possible without problems with conventional and commercially available systems.

The obtained data also according to claim 10 from the blood pressure and pulse measurement by means of pulse wave transit time, preferably from a smartphone, flow as instant data in the personal evaluation, but also show as a statistical evaluation for the doctor tendencies, as well as warn against repetitive critical everyday situations. Applications include: blood pressure measurement in monitoring and monitoring of persons, blood pressure measurement, on the skin, blood pressure measurement and monitoring in the sleep laboratory, blood pressure measurement in performance diagnostics, blood pressure measurement as 24-72 h continuous measurement, control of blood delivery rates ( Blood donation) or uptake or blood purification such as dialysis, thrombocytes, plasma.

In the field of sports, the control with the help of pulse measurement (no pulse wave transit time measurement, no image analysis) by means of commercially available systems, has been established on the market for years.

Pulse-controlled training, including connected exercise machines (stationary or outdoor), such as bicycles / ergometers or treadmills, are tied to the equipment and facilities. The pulse measurement is either integrated, or is supported with an external measurement point, such as a chest strap. A load-dependent circuit, by means of pulse evaluation for controlling e-bikes, is also known.

The inclusion of measuring the blood pressure and pulse, by means of a simple measurement of the pulse wave transit time, represents a novelty in the field of sports and leisure industry also according to claim 1.

Also according to claim 8 is carried out in training by the direct determination of pulse wave variability, sustainable training control even during training.

The evaluation of the personal energy balance, as well as their calculation on an upcoming and possible performance request, is calculable.

For a limit value assurance in the sport with patients with defined indications, the blood pressure and the pulse measurement, with the help of the Pulswellenlaufzeitmessung, in particular also in the outdoor area, a progress. The measurement takes place, for example, with a smartphone.

Also according to claim 9, the measurement directly, through the continuously determined and stored data, the training process and the training level, as well as accompanying changes in vital signs, after the evaluation.

If there are any obvious difficulties and special system presetting, the smartphone will automatically request help.

Stationary systems, as already described, are capable of this only with additional components.

The use of personal smartphones, or future image evaluation systems for the determination of blood pressure and pulse by means of pulse wave transit time, in leisure time and sports, Replaces training control options also external Kraftfitnessgeräte.

High-priced and self-contained training systems / strength fitness are replaced by the more simple and expedient solutions.

The storage of the training and the training control data makes the carried smartphone.

Also, the data recording in the water, due to size and low energy consumption, possible. The required components to place waterproof on the skin and to perform the blood pressure and pulse by means of pulse wave transit time in the water (video from camera) is useful not only from the point of view of therapeutic and sports therapeutic work.

In the leisure industry, such as when playing online, or even at game consoles, continuous vital data also lead to real games according to claim 10. An evaluation of the user's level of performance becomes visible through the evaluation of the vital data from the image analysis, through the pulse wave variability.

Pulse wave variability decreases with age. At the same time, the pulse wave variability decreases or stagnates even under heavy stress of the organism.

This point is the same as the transition to the anaerobic threshold.

The anaerobic threshold is a well-defined term in medicine and sport.

The performance in the anaerobic area is subject to a complex control process in the holistic view of humans.

However, it is also a sign of exhaustion and can be detected in stored lactate.

The blood pressure and pulse measurement with the aid of the pulse wave transit time makes an evaluation of the continuous vital data, including the simultaneous evaluation of the movement makes sense. At the same time, the degree of exhaustion becomes definable and the following load capacity can be calculated.

Thus, the invention of the blood pressure and pulse measurement using the pulse wave transit time, preferably determined by a smartphone, a development leap is also according to claim 6, which uses the physical performance and at the same time for further developments of existing products, qualified. For example, here is the circuit of "normal" bicycles called the already driven by a motor today.

The integration of cameras according to claim 5 for the measurement of vital data, such as the blood pressure by pulse wave velocity, in externally connected systems, equipment, systems and vehicles, whether by wireless solution or cable, is part of the invention.

By controlling systems according to claim 10, by means of personal vital data, such as blood pressure and heart rate, it is possible to equip leisure equipment, such as e-bikes, not only with an intelligent energy management. The connection of the motor, or actuator, via the blood pressure and the pulse / load. By inputting, for example, 60 watts own continuous power, depending on the need, such as headwinds or increased slope of the terrain, the engine power to the lack of own performance of the user (by switching the engine) offset the lack of energy. The user of the bicycle thus lowers his power peaks. His exhaustion is limited by the continuous delivery and his own range of action is greater with the e-bike. A similar result is achieved by timely switching when using a bicycle. Realistic movement games, or online training with several people, in different places, are used with their own vital data for competitive games and sports activities.

For the control of performance features on equipment, machines, plants and vehicles by means of personal vital data, such as blood pressure and pulse (measured by the pulse wave transit time), the following applications fuse technology, energetically and economically also according to claim 10 makes sense.

• – Steuerung von Notsignalen für Personen und motorbetriebene Fahrzeuge (Land, Wasser, Luft)
• – Steuerung von Leistungsmerkmalen an motorbetrieben Fahrzeugen (Land, Wasser, Luft)
• – Steuerung von der Luftkonditionierung in gekapselten Geräten-Bauten- und Objekten, in denen sich Personen aufhalten, wie im Schiffbau (U-Boote), Spezialbauten, wie Druckbehälter, sowie auch in der Flugzeug- und Raumfahrttechnik,
• – Steuerung von Haushaltsgeräten und Energiemanagement auch im Homebereich, z. B. kann eine Kaffeemaschine nach dem Aufwachen oder Aufstehen des Nutzer, sich anschalten.
• – Steuerung der Heizung, Lüftungen oder der elektronischen Anlagen im Haus richten sich nach den Vitaldaten und den vorab eingestellten Abläufen.

Also, according to claim 10, the "anticipatory control", by a time-limited ability to calculate the vital behavior (for example, a faster breathing) of people and groups of people in the respective control management (see examples below) can be inserted.

• - control of emergency signals for people and motor vehicles (land, water, air)
• - Control of performance characteristics of motor vehicles (land, water, air)
• - Control of air conditioning in encapsulated equipment-buildings and objects in which people are present, such as in shipbuilding (submarines), special structures, such as pressure vessels, as well as in aerospace engineering,
• - Control of household appliances and energy management in the home area, such. For example, a coffee maker may turn on after waking or getting up.
• - Control of the heating, ventilation or electronic systems in the house are based on the vital data and the pre-set processes.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 96/02010 [0011]
• EP 2009/061520 [0011]
• DE 102008042115 [0011, 0029]
• DE 2007/000406 [0011]

Claims (10)

The invention is characterized in that you measure with the help of commercially available cameras for video and still images, preferably a smartphone, the blood pressure and pulse, using pulse wave transit time. The invention for measuring the blood pressure and pulse, by means of pulse wave transit time is characterized in that it optionally from a radio unit, a memory unit, a computing unit, one or more cameras for video and still images and one or more illumination units, with one or more wavelength measurements , such as preferably in a smartphone. The invention is characterized in that, with the aid of an image evaluation, the blood pressure and pulse, by means of pulse wave transit time, is measured. The invention is characterized in that it measures blood pressure and pulse, by means of pulse wave transit time, with the aid of commercially available cameras, with video and single image, including 3D images developed therefor. The invention is characterized in that, with the aid, preferably, of a smartphone, the control of an external measuring point, for example a camera for determining and transmitting vital data, measures the blood pressure and pulse by means of pulse wave transit time. This is done by radio or via a data cable, for more secure transmission of data. The invention is characterized in that, with the aid of a smartphone or its further developments as well as follow-up devices / systems, the blood pressure and pulse are measured by means of the pulse wave transit time. The invention is characterized in that, with the aid of a smartphone, the blood pressure and pulse, by means of pulse wave transit time, are measured on the skin. The invention is characterized in that you with the help of blood pressure and pulse measurement by pulse wave transit time, preferably with a smartphone, but also external systems, the determination of performance and energy sales in the human organism, even with the help and integration of motion and acceleration sensors in the Context, with continuous vital parameters, such as pulse, blood pressure, temperature and anaerobic threshold, to control systems, devices, machinery, equipment and vehicles. The invention is characterized in that the data of the blood pressure and pulse measurement, are stored by means of pulse wave transit time, as well as individual data and complex data sets, such as energy consumption of the human organism, are forwarded by radio or cable for evaluation to the control unit. The invention is characterized in that blood pressure and pulse measurement by means of pulse wave transit time, as personal vital data for controlling performance characteristics of systems, devices, machinery, equipment and vehicles, for example in medical and medical technology, or differentiated in online games, game consoles, e-bikes and pressure chambers, provides decision-making and action-relevant data.