JP2002028138A - Pulsimeter and health monitor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pulsimeter capable of measuring the pulse rate highly precisely. SOLUTION: A control circuit measures an interval (t) between pulse signals outputted from a comparator, and stores (n) number of the intervals (t) as pulse data in a RAM inside. The number (n) of the pulse data, that is the number of the intervals (t), stored in the RAM inside, is 7 or an integer larger than 7. After the (n) number of the pulse data have been stored, the median (Tm) of the (n) number of the pulse data is selected-When the median (Tm) is selected, the median (Tm) is converted into a pulse rate BPM.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pulsimeter, and more particularly to a pulsimeter characterized by a method of calculating the pulse rate, and a health monitoring apparatus for monitoring the health of a living body using the pulsimeter.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are various pulse meters. Among them, a pulse meter having a pulse detecting section for detecting a pulse by detecting a movement of a blood vessel according to a pulse is shown in FIG. Irradiates light to a living tissue including the subject, outputs a pulse signal based on a change in the amount of reflected light or transmitted light according to the pulse of the artery of the light, and outputs a pulse signal for a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) based on the pulse signal There is a pulse meter to measure the number.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an LED 1 as a light emitting portion, which is disposed inside a finger belt FB.
Light is applied to a finger F (a living tissue including an artery) of a human body. 2
Reference numeral denotes a photo sensor as a light receiving unit, which is disposed inside the finger belt FB similarly to the LED 1, receives light reflected from the finger F, and outputs a light receiving signal (current signal) corresponding to the amount of received light. In addition, as the photosensor 2, there is a photosensor that receives light emitted from the LED 1 and transmitted through the finger F. 3
Is a detection circuit which converts a light receiving signal output from the photo sensor 2 into a voltage and amplifies it. 4 is a filter circuit, and 5 is an operational amplifier as an amplifier circuit. A comparator 6 compares a preset threshold value B with an output A of the operational amplifier 5 and outputs a pulse signal of a pulse signal. A pulse detection circuit 7 as a pulse signal output circuit includes a detection circuit 3, a filter circuit 4, an operational amplifier 5, and a comparator 6. Reference numeral 8 denotes a lighting circuit for lighting the LED 1. Reference numeral 9 denotes a control circuit, which comprises a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, calculates a pulse rate based on a pulse signal (pulse signal) output from the comparator 6, and controls various operations. A display unit 10 displays the pulse rate and the like obtained by the control circuit 9.

Next, the operation will be described. Light emitted from the LED 1 is reflected by the finger F, and the reflected light is received by the photo sensor 2. The amount of the reflected light changes according to the pulsation of the blood vessel diameter due to the change in the volume of blood flowing through the artery, and the photo sensor 2 outputs a light receiving signal whose current value changes according to the received light amount.

The light receiving signal from the photo sensor 2 is converted into a voltage by a detecting circuit 3, noise is removed by a filter circuit 4, amplified by an operational amplifier 5, and input to a comparator 6. The comparator 6 compares the threshold value B with the output A from the operational amplifier 5, and outputs the comparison result as a pulse signal (pulse signal). FIG. 13 shows the relationship between the output A of the operational amplifier 5 and the threshold value B of the comparator 6.

The control circuit 9 simply measures the interval of the pulse signal (pulse signal) output from the comparator 6, calculates the pulse rate (BPM: pulse rate per minute) based on the measurement result, (For example, 4, 8, or 16)
The time required to detect the pulse signal (pulse signal) is measured, and the pulse rate (BPM) is calculated based on the measured time. In particular, the latter calculation method, that is, a method of measuring a time required to detect a plurality of pulse signals (pulse signals) and calculating a pulse rate (BPM) based on the measured time, is based on, for example, the number of pulses. The predetermined number N is divided by the measurement time and multiplied by 60 to obtain the predetermined number N.
Since the pulse rate (BPM) based on the average value of the pulse signal (pulse signal) interval can be obtained, the pulse rate can be easily calculated with high accuracy when the detection target such as a finger is not moving,
Currently used in many pulse monitors.

Further, as a pulse meter having a pulse detecting section for detecting a pulse by detecting a movement of a body corresponding to the pulse, a pulse meter which measures a pulse rate from a piezoelectric signal by applying a piezoelectric element to the skin is also available. is there.

[0008] As a pulse meter, there is also an electrocardiograph for detecting an action current or an action potential difference which changes according to the pulse by attaching an electrode to the body without detecting the movement of the body according to the pulse. .

[0009]

However, in the case of optically detecting a pulse, there is no problem if the subject is in a resting state.
Pulse signal (pulse signal) greatly affected by this body movement
Contains noise that is not related to the pulse.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show the relationship between the output A of the operational amplifier 5 and the threshold value B of the comparator 6 when the body motion is present, and the interval (t) of the pulse signal (pulse signal) output from the comparator 6. 3) shows an example. Figure 1
Fine pulse P14A due to body movement as in 4 (A)
When a, P14Ab, and P14Ac are generated, the interval between pulse signals (pulse signals) output from the comparator 6 is narrower than when there is no fine pulse (see t2 in FIG. 14A). When the pulse rate is obtained by the above-described calculation method using No. 9, the obtained value becomes higher than the actual value. Further, as shown in FIG. 14B, pulses P14Ba and P14Bb having a wide pulse width due to body movement.
Occurs, the interval between the pulse signals (pulse signals) output from the comparator 6 becomes wider than when there is no pulse having a wide pulse width (see t3 and t5 in FIG. 14B). When the pulse rate is obtained by the above-described calculation method using No. 9, the obtained value becomes lower than the actual value. That is, as a pulse signal pattern in which the pulse rate calculated based on the calculation result of the control circuit 9 becomes abnormal,
There are a pattern in which the interval between pulse signals (pulse signals) becomes shorter and a pattern in which the interval becomes longer due to noise generated by body motion. Note that an abnormal pattern in which the interval between pulse signals (pulse signals) becomes shorter or longer often occurs during body movement, but may also occur due to various noises.

As described above, when the pulse rate (BPM) is obtained by the above-described calculation method in a situation where a body motion or the like exists, the accuracy of the obtained pulse rate decreases.

In particular, when the pulse rate is regularly detected in a normal daily life to detect the pulse rate, there is a high possibility that noise due to body movement or the like exists at the time of detecting the pulse. It was difficult to measure (calculate) the pulse rate with accuracy.

In a pulse meter that detects a pulse by detecting a body movement according to a pulse using a piezoelectric element, when a word is emitted or a certain loud sound is present at the time of detection, noise corresponding to the sound is generated. This has caused a problem that an abnormal pattern in which the interval between pulse signals (pulse signals) becomes shorter or longer occurs, and the detection accuracy is reduced.

An electrocardiograph that detects an action current or an action potential difference that changes according to a pulse without detecting a body motion according to a pulse does not easily generate noise due to body motion or sound. An accurate pulse rate can be obtained, but in this case, electrodes need to be attached to different places sandwiching the heart, that is, it is necessary to attach detection electrodes to two separate places, which makes it difficult to reduce the size and detect Was troublesome. Also,
If you constantly wear an electrocardiograph to detect the pulse rate on a regular basis, the detection electrodes are attached to two places on the body, giving the user a strong sense of restraint and discomfort. Had.

[0015]

According to the present invention, there is provided a pulse detecting section for detecting a pulse, a pulse signal output circuit for outputting a pulse signal corresponding to the detected pulse, and an interval between the pulse signals being n.
And an arithmetic circuit for calculating a pulse rate based on the interval measurement values at the center when the n interval measurement values measured and arranged at the time are arranged in the order of magnitude of the values. Is an integer of 7 or more. Therefore, the pulse rate can be calculated based on the interval measurement values that are less likely to be affected by noise among the n interval measurement values, and a decrease in the measurement (calculation) accuracy of the pulse rate can be prevented.

The arithmetic circuit calculates a ratio between a maximum value and a minimum value of the remaining interval measurement values obtained by removing a desired number from the maximum value side and the minimum value side of the n interval measurement values. If the configuration is such that it is determined whether or not the n interval measurement values are invalidated according to the value of the ratio, the pulse rate based on the value of the abnormal occurrence interval of the pulse signal due to noise or the like is calculated. Calculation can be avoided. Therefore, the pulse rate measurement (calculation) with low accuracy can be avoided.

Further, it is desirable that the number of the remaining interval values is not less than 1/3 of the n.

When the arithmetic circuit determines that the n interval measurement values are to be invalidated, the interval of the pulse signal is newly measured n times, and the new n interval measurement values are measured. If the pulse rate is calculated based on the above-mentioned interval measurement value which is located at the center in the order of the size when the pulse rate is arranged, the pulse rate is measured (calculated) with high accuracy at the time of the pulse measurement.
Will be possible.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further includes a first mounting section for mounting the pulse detecting section on a finger or a wrist, and a second mounting section for mounting the arithmetic circuit and the pulse signal output circuit on the wrist. It is possible to reduce the need to strongly consider the state in which the pulsimeter is being worn, and it is also possible to alleviate the sense of restraint caused by wearing the pulsimeter. Therefore, a pulse meter that is easy for the user can be provided.

A light emitting unit for irradiating the pulse detecting unit with light, and a light receiving unit for receiving reflected light or transmitted light of light emitted from the light emitting unit by living tissue including arteries and outputting a light receiving signal. If the pulse signal output circuit includes a pulse detection circuit that converts the light reception signal into a pulse signal and outputs the pulse signal, it is possible to suppress a decrease in pulse rate measurement accuracy due to body movement.

[0021] The health monitoring device of the present invention includes the above-described pulse meter that operates when desired, and a monitoring circuit that monitors the health status of an organism whose pulse is measured by the pulse meter based on the pulse rate obtained from the pulse meter. , Pulse measurement with low accuracy can be avoided, and health monitoring with high accuracy can be performed.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a control circuit as an arithmetic circuit, which comprises a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The interval of a pulse signal (pulse signal) output from the comparator 6 is measured seven times or more. Based on the calculated pulse rate, various operations are controlled. The pulse detector 12 is L
An ED 1 and a photo sensor 2 are provided. The finger belt FB is the first
Constituting the mounting part. The first mounting portion is not limited to the finger belt, but may be, for example, a wrist belt, and the LED 1 and the photo sensor 2 may be disposed inside the wrist belt. In the figure, the same components as those in FIG. 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The present embodiment focuses on the fact that the pulse rate (pulse signal) interval which becomes shorter due to various noises and the pattern which becomes longer as a pattern in which the pulse rate calculated as described above becomes abnormal are shown in FIG. 14), among the measured pulse signal (pulse signal) interval values, those having a low possibility of being affected by noise, that is, seven or more measured interval values are arranged in the order of the magnitude of the values. At this time, the pulse rate is calculated based on the value of the interval at the center in the arrangement order, and the calculated pulse rate is output as a measured value. Furthermore, the accuracy of the calculated pulse rate is improved by setting the number of intervals of the pulse signal (pulse signal) to be measured to 7 or more.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to FIG.

The control circuit 11 measures the interval (t) of the pulse signal (pulse signal) output from the comparator 6 n times and stores the measured interval (t) as pulse data in the internal RAM as n pieces. . Note that the pulse data stored in the internal RAM, that is, the number n of the intervals (t) is 7 or more. However, the number n of pulse data (interval (t)) is preferably 11 or more (steps 2a and 2b).

When the storage of the n pulse data is completed, the median (Tm) of the stored n pulse data is selected. Specifically, when the stored n values of the interval (t) are arranged in the order of the size of the values, the value of the interval (t) located at the center in the arrangement order is selected (step 2c). In the selection of the median (Tm), if n is an odd number, the value of the interval (t) is simply arranged in the order of the size, and the value which is located at the center in the order is selected. When the values of the interval (t) are arranged in the order of the size, two values which are located at the center in the arrangement order are selected, and an average value or a total value of the selected two values is set as a median value (Tm).

After selecting the median (Tm), the median (Tm) is converted into a pulse rate (BPM) (step 2).
d). As an example of this conversion, if one interval (t) is set to the median (Tm) in step 2c, the median (Tm)
The pulse rate (BPM) is obtained by multiplying the reciprocal of m) by 60, and when the sum of the values of the two intervals (t) is set to the median (Tm) in step 2c, the reciprocal of the median (Tm) is obtained. 120
To determine the pulse rate (BPM).

FIG. 3 shows the correlation between the pulse rate calculated when the value of "n" in the pulse rate calculation is changed and the pulse rate measured by an electrocardiograph during desk work, walking, eating, and the like. It is shown. Since the pulse rate measured by the electrocardiograph is extremely accurate, it means that the pulse rate is more accurately obtained as the correlation coefficient approaches “1” in FIG.

As can be seen from the figure, when n is less than 7, the correlation coefficient does not become larger than "0.90" and the accuracy of calculating the pulse rate, that is, the accuracy of measuring the pulse rate is low. . Therefore, the number n of pulse data to be measured is 7
If it is less than the above, noise generated due to body motion or the like greatly affects, and high-precision pulse measurement cannot be expected.
On the other hand, when n is an integer of 7 or more, the correlation coefficient becomes “0.94” or more, so that the pulse rate can be measured (calculated) with high accuracy. In particular, when n is an integer of 11 or more,
Since the correlation coefficient is “0.95” or more, the pulse rate can be measured (calculated) with higher accuracy. In the case where n is an integer of 11 or more, the correlation coefficient is relatively stable at a value of “0.95” or more. Therefore, both the reduction of the pulse measurement time and the measurement (calculation) of the pulse rate with high accuracy are compatible. If so, 11 ≦ n ≦ 1
It is desirable to set it to 5.

FIG. 4 shows deskwork and flexion / extension exercises (bending / extension exercises are used as an operation to actually increase the pulse rate of a person to be measured in order to acquire data from a low pulse rate to a high pulse rate). In a state where the body movement is considered to be occurring at the level of daily life, the heart rate measured with a heart rate monitor with extremely high accuracy and the pulse rate measured (calculated) using this example (n = 11) (Pulse rate in this case). In the pulse meter of this example, L
The pulse was measured inside the wrist using a blue LED as ED1 and using a wrist belt as the first wearing part. In this case, the correlation coefficient between the heart rate measured by the heart rate monitor and the pulse rate measured by using this example is “0.95”, and the pulse meter of this example is sufficiently used for body movements at a level of daily living. We see what is possible. That is, according to the pulse meter of the present example, the pulse rate can be measured with high accuracy even if there is a body motion at a level of daily life. Note that similar results were obtained when a red LED was used as the LED 1 and the pulse was measured at the base of the finger.

FIG. 5 shows a case where the hand wearing the pulse detecting unit 12 is not moved on the desk (however, the actual pulse rate of the subject is gradually increased due to the bending and stretching motion of the feet, etc.). ) Shows the correlation between the heart rate measured by an extremely high-precision heart rate monitor and the pulse rate measured (calculated) using this example, and the correlation coefficient is very good, "0.996". A correlation was obtained. That is, the measurement (calculation) of the pulse rate with high accuracy was performed.

As described above, the value of the interval of the plurality of measured pulse signals (pulse signals) which is less likely to be affected by noise, that is, the measured value of the plurality of intervals is set to the value of the value. When the pulse rate is obtained based on the value of the center located in the center in the order of arrangement in the order of the pulse, since the number of measurement of the interval of the pulse signal (pulse signal) is set to 7 or more, the pulse rate measurement with high accuracy (Calculation) can be performed, and a decrease in the accuracy of pulse rate measurement (calculation) can be suppressed. Further, if the pulse is detected using the LED 1 and the photo sensor 2 as in this example, noise caused by surrounding sounds is eliminated, and the degree of freedom of a measurement environment in which a highly accurate pulse measurement can be performed is improved.

In the above, as the pulse rate calculation performed by the control circuit 11, when the values of the intervals of the measured seven or more pulse signals (pulse signals) are arranged in the order of the magnitude of the values, the value of the interval at the center in the arrangement order Although the example in which the pulse rate is obtained based on the above is shown, the method shown in FIG. 6 may be adopted as the pulse rate calculation performed by the control circuit 11.

Hereinafter, the operation shown in FIG. 6 will be described. 2, the same reference numerals are given to the same operation steps as in FIG.

The control circuit 11 measures the interval (t) of the pulse signal (pulse signal) output from the comparator 6 n times, and stores the measured interval (t) as pulse data in the internal RAM as n pieces. The number of pulse data stored in the internal RAM, that is, the number n of intervals (t) is set to 7 or more. However, the number n of pulse data (interval (t)) is preferably 11 or more (steps 2a and 2b).

When the storage of the n pulse data is completed, when the stored n pulse data are arranged in the order of their values, the n / 3 pulse data on the maximum value side and the minimum value side are displayed. And the n / 3 pulse data in the central part is selected by removing the n / 3 pulse data from the stored n pulse data, and the maximum value in the selected pulse data And the minimum value is selected (step 6a). In other words, the maximum value and the minimum value in the remaining pulse data excluding the desired number of pulse data on the maximum value side and the minimum value side likely to be affected by noise from the stored n pulse data are calculated. elect.

Subsequently, a ratio (maximum value / minimum value) of the selected maximum value and minimum value is determined, and the value of this ratio is within a predetermined value b (b = 1.2 in this example, but higher accuracy). If b is 1.1, b is determined to be 1.1.), It is determined that the measured pulse data has little variation and is unlikely to contain noise (step 6b), and the above-described steps 2c, 2c
Proceed to d, and measure (calculate) the pulse rate.

In step 6b, if the selected ratio of the maximum value to the minimum value (maximum value / minimum value) is larger than the predetermined value b, the measured pulse data may contain a lot of variation and may contain noise. Judge that it is high (step 6b)
Returning to step 2a, pulse data is measured again.

As described above, when there is a doubt about the credibility of the measured pulse data, the pulse data is invalidated, thereby making it possible to avoid low-precision pulse measurement (calculation), and to doubt the credibility of the measured pulse data. If there is, the pulse data is measured again, so that the pulse rate can be measured (calculated) with high accuracy at the time of pulse measurement (calculation).

When the n pulse data stored in the internal RAM are arranged in the order of their values, the n / 3 pulse data on the maximum value side and the n / 3 pulse data on the minimum value side By removing certain n / 3 pulse data from the measured n pulse data, n / 3 pulse data in the central portion are selected, and the maximum value and the minimum value in the selected pulse data are selected. However, the pulse data to be selected is not limited to the above and can be changed as appropriate. For example, when n pieces of pulse data stored in the internal RAM are arranged in the order of their values, n / 4 pieces of pulse data on the maximum value side and n / 4 pieces of pulse data on the minimum value side are obtained. The pulse data may be removed from the measured n pulse data to select n / 2 pulse data at the center. In this case, n
More pulse data is selected as compared with the case where three pulse data are selected, and it is determined whether the ratio of the maximum value to the minimum value (maximum value / minimum value) is within a predetermined value b. Therefore, the accuracy of noise presence / absence determination can be improved as compared with the case of selecting n / 3 pulse data.

By increasing the ratio of the pulse data to be selected to the measured number of pulse data, the accuracy of noise determination can be improved. However, the ratio of the selected pulse data to the measured number of pulse data can be improved. If is set too large, pulse data will be re-measured even with a small amount of noise, and there will be a problem that it takes time to measure (calculate) the pulse rate. Therefore, it is desirable to set the selection area as described above. That is,
When n pieces of pulse data are arranged in the order of their values, n / 3 pieces of pulse data on the maximum value side and n / 3 pieces of pulse data on the minimum value side are measured. By removing from the pulse data, n / 3 pulse data at the center is selected, or when n pulse data are arranged in the order of their values, n / 4 pulse data at the maximum value side And n / 4 pulse data on the minimum value side thereof are excluded from the measured n pulse data to obtain n / 2 of the central portion.
It is desirable to select individual pulse data.

The accuracy can be improved by bringing the predetermined value b closer to 1, but if this value is too close to 1, the pulse data will be re-measured only with a small amount of noise. Since it takes time to measure (calculate) the number, it is desirable to set the value as described above (b = 1.2, preferably b = 1.1).

Step 6b includes step 6
The ratio (minimum value / maximum value) of the maximum value and the minimum value in the pulse data selected in a is obtained, and this value is set to a predetermined value b (b = 0.8,
If it is smaller than 0.9), it may be determined that the selected pulse data contains much noise, and the pulse data may be measured again. In this case, if the predetermined value b is set too close to 1, the pulse data will be re-measured even if there is a little noise, and it takes time to measure (calculate) the pulse rate. It is desirable to use a value.

FIG. 7 shows an example in which the pulse meter is used for an emergency condition monitoring device as a health monitoring device. In the figure, reference numeral 13 denotes a wristwatch-type automatic emergency notification device including the above-described pulse meter. When attached to a wrist W, a pulse detection unit 12 disposed inside a belt unit 13a as a first attachment unit is provided. Closely adhere to the wrist and measure the pulse from the wrist at one minute intervals. Note that the finger belt FB shown in FIG. 1 may be further provided, and the pulse detection unit 12 may be disposed inside the finger belt FB to measure the pulse.

A display unit 10 having a backlight, a backlight switch 14, setting switches 15a and 15b, and a manual notification switch 16 are provided in a main body 13b as a second mounting unit. 7, a lighting circuit 8, a control circuit 11, and a transmission unit 17, which will be described later. The display unit 10 includes a time display unit 10a and an emergency state display unit 1.
0b. The pulse rate measured using the time display unit 10a can be displayed.

Reference numeral 18 denotes a receiving unit, which comprises an antenna 18a, an alarm output unit 18b, an alarm off switch 18c, a display unit 18d, a setting switch 18e, and the like. When an emergency signal or the like transmitted from the wristwatch-type automatic emergency notification device 13 is received, emergency information can be communicated to a rescue center or the like through the general telephone line 19.

As described above, the LED 1 and the photo sensor 2 can be mounted on the wrist or the finger by the first mounting section, and the pulse detecting circuit 7, the lighting circuit 8, the control circuit 11, and the transmitting section 17 are controlled by the second mounting section. As described above, a pulse meter that is hardly affected by body movements and the like is adopted as a configuration that can be worn on the wrist, so that a highly accurate pulse rate measurement (calculation) can be performed. It is possible to reduce the need to strongly recognize that the user is wearing the vehicle, and it is also possible to reduce the sense of restraint due to the wearing. Therefore, a pulse meter that is easy for the user can be provided.

FIG. 8 shows a circuit configuration of the wristwatch-type automatic emergency notification device 13, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the figure, a transmitting unit 17 transmits an emergency signal or the like from an antenna 17a when the control circuit 11 determines that the state is an emergency state. In this example, the control circuit 11 also functions as a monitoring circuit.

Next, the manual notification switch 1 for explaining the operation will be described.
6 is operated or the pulse rate measured every minute is a predetermined number of times (for example, 2
Times), the control circuit 11 determines that the state is an emergency state, causes the emergency state display unit 10b to display the emergency state, and transmits the data signal indicating the calculated pulse rate and the emergency signal to the transmission unit 17. To send from. The pulse rate serving as a criterion for transmitting the emergency signal is 40 to 150.
It is not limited to BPM, but can be changed as appropriate.

The receiving unit 18 as a monitoring circuit always monitors whether an emergency signal and a data signal indicating a pulse rate have been transmitted,
When these signals are received by the antenna 18a, an alarm sound is output from the alarm output section 18b, an emergency state is displayed on the display section 18d, and the emergency state and the received pulse rate are notified to, for example, a rescue center via a general telephone line 19. I do. That is, the receiving unit 18 also functions as a monitoring circuit.

In this embodiment, the emergency condition monitoring device including the receiving unit 18 is shown as the health monitoring device.
Even in the configuration excluding 8, the wristwatch-type automatic emergency notification device 13 monitors the health condition of the user based on the measured pulse rate, and thus functions sufficiently as a health monitoring device.

As described above, if the pulse meter of the present invention is used in the automatic emergency notification device, it is possible to avoid the pulse measurement (calculation) with low accuracy, so that the health monitoring with high accuracy, more specifically, the emergency notification and emergency with high accuracy can be avoided. Reporting is possible. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a fatal problem in an automatic emergency notification device in which an emergency notification is not made even in an emergency state.

Although the pulse rate is measured at one-minute intervals in the above description, the measurement interval can be changed as appropriate.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a trend monitor as a health monitor for monitoring a health condition using the pulse meter of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 20 denotes a wristwatch-shaped pulsimeter, in which a pulse detector 12 disposed inside a belt portion 20a as a first mounting portion when worn on a wrist W is closely attached to the wrist. The pulse is measured from the wrist at one minute intervals. In addition,
The finger belt FB shown in FIG.
2 may be arranged inside the finger belt FB to measure the pulse.

The main body 20b as the second mounting part has
A display unit 10, a setting switch 21, a mode / select switch 22, a transmission switch 23, and a connector 24 capable of transmitting measured pulse rate data and the like are provided. A pulse detection circuit 7, a lighting circuit 8, a control circuit 11, an acceleration sensor 25, an activity detection circuit 26, and a storage circuit 2, which will be described later.
7 etc. are built in.

The display unit 10 has a numerical value display unit 10c, AM / P
An M display unit 10d, a pulse instruction unit 10e, a data transmission display unit 10f, an activity display unit 10g, and a remaining battery level display unit 10h are provided. The numerical value display section 10c switches and displays the time and the pulse rate according to the operation of the mode / select switch 22. The AM / PM display unit 10d indicates whether the displayed time is morning or afternoon when the numerical value display unit 10c displays the time.
The pulse instructing unit 10e indicates that the display of the numerical value display unit 10c is a pulse rate and indicates the unit of the pulse rate. The data transmission display unit 10f blinks while transmitting the pulse rate data and the activity data measured from the connector 24 in association with the measurement time. The activity display unit 10g displays a wristwatch-shaped pulsimeter 20 based on the detection result of the acceleration sensor 25.
The activity of the user wearing is displayed. In this example,
The number of segments constituting the activity display section 10g is set to increase as the activity increases. The battery remaining amount display unit 10h displays the remaining amount of a battery (not shown) serving as a power supply.

A connector terminal 28 for data calling can be connected to the connector 24. The pulse rate data and the activity data associated with the measurement time called from the connector terminal 28 are level-converted by the level converter 29. ,
The data is transmitted from the modem 30 through the general telephone line 19 to a modem 31 disposed in a hospital, for example, and is output from the modem 31 to a computer 32 as a trend analysis device. The computer 32 generates a wristwatch-shaped pulsimeter 20 based on the pulse rate, the activity, and the like associated with the input measurement time.
Monitor the health of the user wearing the.

FIG. 10 shows a circuit configuration of a wristwatch-shaped pulsimeter 20, and the same components as those in FIGS. 1 and 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the figure, an acceleration sensor 25 measures the acceleration at one-minute intervals, and
6 removes noise from the output of the acceleration sensor 25 and amplifies the signal from which noise has been removed. The storage circuit 27 stores the pulse rate and the activity measured at one-minute intervals in association with the measurement time.

Next, the operation will be described.

The pulse rate and the activity are measured at one-minute intervals by the pulse detector 12 and the acceleration sensor 25, and the control circuit 11 associates the measured pulse rate data and the activity data with the measurement time and stores them in the storage circuit 27. Are sequentially stored.

The pulse rate data and the activity data stored in the storage circuit 27 are read by operating the transmission switch 23 and output from the connector 24. At this time, the data transmission display unit 10
f blinks. The blinking display allows the user to confirm whether data is being transmitted. As an actual usage example, for example, by connecting the connector terminal 28 to the connector 24 every one week or two weeks and operating the transmission switch 23, the pulse rate and the activity information for one week or two weeks can be obtained. The data is sent to the computer 32 in a lump. Since the computer 32 can obtain the pulse rate and activity trend information for one week or two weeks, this information can be checked by an expert such as a doctor.

FIG. 11 shows the pulse rate monitor 20 and the computer 3
2 is an example of the trend monitor information obtained from the relationship between the pulse rate data sent to the receiver 2 and the measurement time. From this figure, the pulse rate fluctuation pattern can be read, and the standard pattern of the pulse rate fluctuation in one day can be read. And monitor for abnormal abnormal pulse rates.

As described above, even when the pulse rate monitor can be worn on the wrist, the pulse rate monitor that is hardly affected by body movements and the like is employed as described above, so that a highly accurate pulse rate measurement can be performed. In addition, it is possible to reduce the need to strongly recognize that the user is wearing the pulsimeter, and it is also possible to reduce the sense of restraint caused by wearing the pulsimeter. Therefore, a pulse meter that is easy for the user can be provided. In addition, if the pulse monitor of the present invention is used for the trend monitor device, a low-precision pulse measurement can be avoided, so that a highly accurate health monitoring can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce problems unique to the trend monitor device, such as failure to detect deterioration in physical condition.

Although the pulse rate and the activity are measured at one-minute intervals in the above description, the measurement intervals can be changed as appropriate.

In each of the above examples, a pulse detector using light is used as the pulse detector. However, the pulse detector is not limited to this. For example, as described above, the body of the body corresponding to the pulse using the piezoelectric element is used. The pulse may be detected by detecting the movement. In this case, noise caused by sound can be deleted, and the accuracy of pulse rate measurement can be improved. When a pulse detection unit using light is used as the pulse detection unit, there is no influence of noise caused by sound which is a problem when a piezoelectric element is used, so that the degree of freedom of use environment is increased. In addition, even if an electrocardiogram detecting unit that detects an action current or an action potential difference that changes according to a pulse by attaching an electrode to the body as a pulse detecting unit is used, a pulse meter that is resistant to noise can be provided.

[0068]

According to the present invention, the interval between pulse signals is measured seven times or more, and when the seven or more interval measured values are arranged in the order of the magnitude of the values, the interval measured values that come to the center in the arrangement order are measured. That is, since the pulse rate is calculated based on the interval measurement value that is less likely to be affected by noise, a highly accurate pulse meter can be realized.

Further, since the measurement accuracy of the pulse rate during body movement is improved and can be used for measurement in daily life, it can be used as a pulse monitor of a health monitoring device which is always worn.

Since the apparatus is resistant to noise caused by body movements and the like, it is possible to measure a pulse even with a finger or a wrist, and for example, it is possible to put the whole into a wristwatch type. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the need for the user of the pulse meter to strongly recognize that the user is wearing the pulse meter, and it is possible to reduce the sense of restraint or discomfort by wearing the pulse meter.

When the detected pulse is unstable, that is, when there is a possibility that the detected pulse contains a lot of noise, re-measurement is performed. Therefore, calculation of an abnormal pulse rate can be prevented, and accurate pulse measurement can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining measurement accuracy of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the measurement accuracy of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the measurement accuracy of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a pulse trend measured using FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a conventional pulse meter.

FIG. 13 is a waveform chart for explaining the operation of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a waveform chart for explaining the operation of FIG. 12;

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 light emitting unit 2 light receiving unit 7 pulse signal output circuit, pulse detection circuit 11 arithmetic circuit, monitoring circuit 12 pulse detection unit 13a first mounting unit 13b second mounting unit 18 monitoring circuit 20a first mounting unit 20b second Mounting part 32 Monitoring circuit FB First mounting part

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Kazuhiro Fukuda 1-1-1 Akanehama, Narashino-shi, Chiba F-term (reference) in Seiko Precision Co., Ltd. 4C017 AA10 AB03 AC28 BC21 CC01 FF15

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A pulse detecting unit for detecting a pulse, a pulse signal output circuit for outputting a pulse signal corresponding to the detected pulse, and a pulse signal output circuit for measuring the pulse signal interval n times and for the n measured intervals An arithmetic circuit that calculates a pulse rate based on the interval measurement values that are located at the center when the measured values are arranged in the order of the values, wherein n is an integer of 7 or more. Pulse meter. 2. The arithmetic circuit according to claim 1, wherein the arithmetic circuit comprises a maximum of the remaining interval measurement values obtained by removing a desired number from the maximum value side and the minimum value side of the n interval measurement values. A pulse meter for determining a ratio of a value to a minimum value and determining whether to invalidate the n interval measurement values according to the value of the ratio. 3. The pulsimeter according to claim 2, wherein the number of the remaining interval measurement values is equal to or more than 1/3 of the n. 4. The arithmetic circuit according to claim 2, wherein when the arithmetic circuit determines that the n interval measurement values are to be invalidated, the arithmetic circuit newly measures the pulse signal interval n times and performs the new measurement. A pulse rate measuring unit that calculates a pulse rate based on the interval measurement values that are located at the center in the order in which the n interval measurement values are arranged in the order of the values. 5. The first mounting section according to claim 1, wherein the pulse detecting section is mounted on a finger or a wrist, and the second mounting section is configured to mount the arithmetic circuit and the pulse signal output circuit on the wrist. A pulsimeter, further comprising a mounting part. 6. The pulse detection unit according to claim 1, wherein the pulse detection unit is configured to irradiate a light emitting unit that irradiates light and a reflected light or a transmitted light of light emitted from the light emitting unit by a living tissue including an artery. A pulse signal output circuit that receives a pulse signal and converts the received light signal into a pulse signal and outputs the pulse signal. 7. The pulse meter according to claim 1, which operates at a desired time, and monitors a health state of an organism whose pulse is measured by the pulse meter based on a pulse rate obtained from the pulse meter. A health monitoring device comprising: a monitoring circuit.