JP2003235820A - Hemodynamics measuring instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the preventive effect of a serious disease such as arteriosclerosis by providing the measured result of hemodynamics to a subject in an easily and intuitively recognizable fashion thereby urging the subject to improve eating habits or to receive a medical treatment. <P>SOLUTION: In the hemodynamics measuring instrument having a circulation sensor 101, a processing part for calculating the hemodynamics from received wave motions and an output part for outputting the processing result, the processing part has a means for converting the temporally changing waveforms of the received wave motions to sound information or to image information or has a means for displaying the waveforms on an indicator. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring a body fluid that circulates in a living body and a tissue that constitutes a circulatory organ.
The present invention relates to technology for evaluating the effects of chemicals.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, evaluation of biological health, diagnosis of diseases,
Various methods using blood information are used to grasp the influence of drugs on the living body. For example, medically, there is a method in which blood is collected from a living body, and the blood is subjected to a component analyzer to obtain circulatory dynamics from the proportions of various blood components contained in the blood to evaluate the health condition. Here, circulatory dynamics refers to a state in which blood and lymph fluid that move inside the circulatory organ to supply oxygen and nutrients to tissues and cells of the living body and carry carbon dioxide and waste products continuously change with time. For example, flow velocity, blood flow change, fluidity, pulse wave, etc. correspond to this.

However, in this method, it is necessary to puncture the living body with a needle when collecting blood, and therefore, when it is desired to measure the circulatory dynamics and evaluate the health condition when a person is away from a medical institution such as a general household, It is not suitable when you want to constantly evaluate the health condition by constantly wearing it on the living body and measuring the circulatory dynamics.Non-invasively input waves from the surface of the living body and reflect it from the body fluid flowing in the living body, especially blood A device for analyzing a blood condition and measuring a hemodynamic state to evaluate a health condition has been developed.

As a conventional example of medically evaluating health,
The method published by Yuji Kikuchi in a specialized magazine "Food Research Results Information, NO.11 published in 1999" entitled "Measurement of whole blood fluidity using a capillary model," that is, blood was collected from a subject. , A method for measuring blood rheology from the passage time of blood flow under constant pressure using a microchannel array manufactured by a lithographic method is known. By using this method, blood rheology can be measured as a circulatory dynamics, and the health condition can be evaluated by this value.

When providing information on the measured blood rheology to the subject, the time taken for the collected blood to pass through the microchannel array, and the provision of an image taken by a video camera of the state of blood passing through the microchannel array, It is done in two ways.

Further, as a conventional example for non-invasively evaluating health at home or the like, a wave of light or the like is transmitted from the skin surface of a living body and reflected light is received to determine the flow rate of blood flowing through a blood vessel. There are forms to detect. This is to evaluate the health condition by differentiating the detected blood flow volume with respect to time to obtain an acceleration pulse wave which is one index of circulatory dynamics. Internal structure of signal processing unit 600 of conventional circulatory dynamics measuring apparatus, and signal processing unit 6
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a connection state between 00 and the circulation sensor unit 607. As shown, the signal processing unit 600
Is a drive unit 601, a reception unit 602, a signal calculation unit 603,
The output unit 604 is generally configured. Drive unit 60
Reference numeral 1 turns on the light emitting element 605 installed in the circulation sensor 607, and transmits drive energy for causing light to enter the blood vessel. The receiving unit 602 receives a signal generated when the light receiving element 606 installed in the circulation sensor 607 receives light. The signal calculation unit 603 executes various processing relating to measurement of circulatory dynamics by executing a processing program stored in a storage area (not shown) provided inside, and outputs the processing result to the output unit 604. . Then, the signal calculation unit 603 converts the received signal level into a blood flow rate and differentiates the value twice with respect to time to obtain an acceleration pulse wave as circulatory dynamics. Here, it is known that there is a correlation between the acceleration pulse wave waveform and arteriosclerosis, and an index relating to peripheral circulation such as arteriosclerosis can be obtained from this waveform and the like.

The conventional method of providing the circulatory dynamics to the subject is to output the measured acceleration pulse wave waveform as a graph, and to output information such as blood vessel age as a numerical value from the acceleration pulse wave waveform by a predetermined algorithm. There are two methods adopted.

Further, in an ultrasonic echo device used for diagnosing a fetus or the like, information inside the living body is displayed as an image from a signal reflected inside the living body.

[0009]

However, in the blood rheology measuring method using a microchannel array,
A microchannel array and a camera for taking an image of the state of blood passing through the microchannel array were required, and the device had to be large-scaled. In addition, it is necessary to puncture an elbow or the like with an injection needle to collect blood, and thus it is necessary to go to a hospital, which makes it difficult to use easily. In addition, the numerical data made it difficult for subjects to understand their blood rheological status.

Further, as shown in the conventional example, a wave (light) is input from the surface of the living body, reflected by the body fluid flowing in the living body, the blood state is analyzed from the movement and position, and the circulatory dynamics are obtained to evaluate the health state. In the device, whether or not the subject's own circulatory dynamics are good for the waveform such as the acceleration pulse wave,
It was difficult to understand intuitively, and as a result, even when the state of circulatory dynamics was poor, he became indifferent to improving eating habits and became more likely to suffer from serious diseases such as arteriosclerosis.

Further, even with numerical information such as blood vessel age, it is difficult for the subject to intuitively grasp the degree of circulatory dynamics, and the effect of improving eating habits and motivation for treatment is low, and as a result, Even when the circulation is poor, he becomes indifferent to improving eating habits,
The chances of having a serious disease such as arteriosclerosis have increased.

Further, in the ultrasonic echo diagnostic apparatus, it is necessary to measure even the spatial information inside the living body, so that it becomes a large-scale apparatus or it tries to faithfully display the internal state, so that noise is generated. If there is such a thing, it becomes rather difficult to understand information such as circulatory dynamics.

Therefore, in the hemodynamic measuring apparatus of the present invention, the subject's measured hemodynamic results are provided in a form that is intuitively recognizable, which promotes eating habits and medical treatments, arteriosclerosis, etc. The challenge is to enhance the preventive effect on serious diseases.

[0014]

Therefore, in the circulatory dynamics measuring apparatus of the present invention, a circulation sensor for transmitting and receiving waves from the surface of the living body to the inside of the living body, a processing unit for calculating the circulation dynamics from the received waves, and processing In the circulatory dynamics measuring apparatus having the output unit for outputting the result, the processing unit is configured to have a unit for converting the time-varying waveform of the received wave into sound information.

Further, in the circulatory dynamics measuring device having a circulation sensor for transmitting and receiving waves from the surface of the living body to the inside of the living body, a processing unit for calculating the circulation dynamics from the received waves, and an output unit for outputting the processing result, the processing unit Is configured to have means for converting the time-varying waveform of the received wave into image information.

Further, in the circulation dynamics measuring apparatus having a circulation sensor for transmitting and receiving waves from the surface of the living body to the inside of the living body, a processing unit for calculating the circulation dynamics from the received waves, and an output unit for outputting the processing result, the processing unit Has a means to convert the time-varying waveform of the received wave into sound information and a means to convert it into image information, and converts it into sound information and image information in synchronization with the time-varying waveform of the received wave, A circulation sensor for transmitting and receiving waves and a circulation dynamics measuring apparatus having a processing unit for calculating the circulation dynamics from the received waves have an indicator unit for displaying the calculated circulation dynamics.

Further, the processing unit has means for converting the time-varying waveform of the received wave into sound information, and outputs the sound information and the indicator unit in synchronization with the time-varying waveform of the received wave, or the processing unit: When converting to sound information or image information, it is possible to convert sound or image information by emphasizing a specific frequency band in the time-varying waveform of the received wave.

Further, when converting to sound information or image information, the frequency in the time-varying waveform of the received wave is raised or lowered to convert the sound or image information, or the processing unit is specified in the time-varying waveform of circulatory dynamics. A configuration is provided that includes a band intensity adjusting unit that increases or decreases the output intensity of sound or image according to the frequency band.

Further, the time-varying waveform of the received wave is a time-varying waveform of the Doppler shift frequency, and the processing unit uses the Doppler shift frequency of the received wave to calculate the circulatory dynamics in the living body and the sound information. A sound information storage unit for storing is provided, and the processing unit is configured to select sound information corresponding to the processing result from the sound information storage unit according to the processing result of the circulation dynamics.

Further, the circulation sensor measures the Doppler shift frequency due to the blood flow, and the time-varying waveform of the received wave is
The Doppler shift frequency is configured to be a temporal change of the maximum frequency for each pulse. Details will be described in the following embodiments of the invention.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The measurement principle of the circulatory dynamics measuring apparatus of the present invention is to obtain the circulatory dynamics from the form of circulatory components appearing at the time of pulsation of a pulse, for example, the time change of blood flow velocity. The circulatory dynamics measuring apparatus of the present invention includes a circulatory sensor that transmits and receives waves from the surface of the living body to the inside of the living body, a processing unit that calculates the circulatory dynamics from the received waves, and an output unit that outputs the processing result. It is a measuring device.

First, a constant frequency wave signal radiated from the skin surface into the body is reflected by the substance in the body and returned. Although the reflected wave signal is received and the body fluid information contained therein is detected, the reflected substance is not limited to the blood flow in the blood vessel. If the blood flow in a blood vessel moves with a velocity component, the reflected wave shifts the frequency of the wave due to the Doppler effect, but in the case of a stationary substance such as bone or blood vessel that does not have a velocity component, it is constant. It returns with the frequency reflected. Also, as substances with velocity components, not only the blood in the blood vessel of interest, but also various substances such as blood and lymph in the capillaries facing various directions, and the reflected waves from them are received. It is superimposed on the wave. Since the same component as the frequency of the transmitting side is the reflection from the stationary substance, this can be easily removed. Further, when reflected back to the substance in the body, the frequency of the reflected wave is not only Doppler-shifted, but also the reflection intensity is changed depending on the degree of absorption of the wave of the reflector. It is also possible to detect the change in the reflection intensity as a change in the volume of the body fluid flowing in the living body and acquire the circulatory dynamics. Further, it is also possible to differentiate the volume change component and obtain the circulation dynamics as, for example, an acceleration pulse wave component. Further, by detecting the delay in the time when the light is reflected and returned to the substance in the body, it is possible to detect the change in the internal structure of the living body, for example, the diameter or thickness of the blood vessel. These shape-changing components can also be considered as part of the circulation dynamics. The final purpose of this measuring device is to evaluate the health condition of the living body from these circulatory dynamics.

In the present invention, the physical quantity to be detected is the flow velocity of the body fluid of interest, and the average flow velocity of the flow in the circulator is generally extracted because the signal with the highest level corresponds to the frequency component. To do. Note that ultrasonic waves are generally used for the waves used to detect the flow velocity, but other waves such as a laser can also be used. In addition, light such as a laser or a diode is generally used for the wave used when detecting the volume change.

Then, in order to make it easier for the subject to intuitively recognize the circulatory dynamics, the obtained processing result is converted into a sound or an image. Therefore, the processing unit is basically configured to have means for converting the time-varying waveform of the received wave into sound information or image information. Specifically, as the sound information, the data of the blood flow velocity waveform based on the obtained Doppler shift amount is directly input as the input voltage waveform of the speaker and output as sound. The higher the blood flow velocity, the higher the frequency of the sound output from the speaker, so it is possible to intuitively understand whether the blood flow velocity is high.

Furthermore, it is also possible to output the processed result as an image on a display unit. In this case, a schematic diagram of blood vessels and a picture of red blood cells are prepared on the screen, and by moving the picture of red blood cells in accordance with the obtained blood flow velocity waveform, the blood circulation of the subject can be intuitively examined. It is possible to recognize the degree of dynamics.

Further, by replacing the acceleration pulse wave or the change waveform of the blood vessel diameter with the time-frequency waveform and outputting it as a sound, it is possible to provide the information as information that can be intuitively recognized by the subject. .

Furthermore, it is also possible to increase / decrease the frequency or increase / decrease the intensity of a specific frequency component to emphasize and output the circulatory dynamics.

A circulation dynamics measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, the blood rheology is measured by paying attention to the correlation between the blood flow velocity and the blood rheology (difficulty of blood flow in a minute channel). It is also applicable when measuring other circulatory dynamics such as blood vessel diameter. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a circulation dynamics measuring apparatus used in an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the circulatory dynamics measuring device is divided into three parts, that is, a ring part 1, a signal processing part 2 and a speaker 21.

FIG. 2 shows a cross section taken along the line AA 'in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the circulation sensor 101 exists inside the ring portion 1. In this embodiment, ultrasonic waves are used. FIG. 3 shows a transparent view of the inside of the ring as viewed from the direction B shown in FIG. The ultrasonic sensor 3 and the ultrasonic detector 4 are attached to the circulation sensor 101 on the pad of the finger 6.

Since the artery 5 in the finger 6 passes through both sides of the abdomen of the finger 6 and extends to the fingertip, in order to measure the blood flow in this artery, the ultrasonic wave incident portion 3 and the ultrasonic wave are detected. The portion 4 is attached to the vicinity of the artery so that the ultrasonic waves can be accurately incident, for example, at a portion displaced to the left from the center of the abdomen of the finger 6 as shown in FIG. As a result, the reflection from the artery can be reliably captured, and the blood flow measurement accuracy can be improved. Here, in the first embodiment, the mounting is shifted to the left,
The effect is the same even if it is mounted near the artery on the right side, shifted to the right.

As will be described later, since blood flow velocity and blood rheology (difficulty of blood flow in blood vessels) have a correlation, blood rheology can be evaluated by measuring blood flow.

It should be noted that ultrasonic waves are harmless if they are set to have a low intensity even if they enter the inside of a living body, and are less susceptible to the color of skin and the influence of ambient light as compared with light, so that a circulatory dynamics measuring device is used. Suitable for

It is also possible to use a sensor utilizing light or the like by devising a structure such as a holding method for blocking ambient light.

The circulatory dynamics measuring apparatus of the first embodiment can be carried at all times by mounting the finger ring part 1 on the finger 6 and carrying the signal processing part 2 on the arm. Further, the signal processing unit 2 may be attached to the finger 6 as well as the finger ring unit 1. Signal processing unit 2
The ultrasonic wave incident unit 3 and the ultrasonic wave detecting unit 4 installed in the ring portion 1 are connected by a conductor, and a driving voltage signal is transmitted from the signal processing unit 2 to the ultrasonic wave incident unit 3 via the conductor. The voltage signal that has been input and that has been measured by the ultrasonic detection unit 4 is input to the signal processing unit 2.

The internal configuration of the signal processing unit 2 of the circulation dynamics measuring apparatus of the first embodiment, the signal processing unit 2 and the circulation sensor unit 10
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the connection state of the first and second connection points. As illustrated, the signal processing unit 2 includes a driving unit 501 and a receiving unit 50.
2, a signal calculation unit 503, and a sound information conversion unit 22.

The drive unit 501 of the first embodiment vibrates the PZT 102 installed in the circulation sensor 101 and transmits a drive voltage for causing ultrasonic waves to enter the blood vessel 5. The receiving unit 502 is a PZT 10 installed on the circulation sensor 101.
3 receives the voltage generated when it receives an ultrasonic wave.

The signal calculation unit 503 executes various processing relating to measurement of circulatory dynamics by executing a processing program stored in a storage area (not shown) provided inside, and converts the processing result into sound information conversion. It is output to the unit 22.
Further, the signal calculation unit 503 calculates the Doppler effect of blood flow by comparing the frequency of the ultrasonic wave emitted from the PZT 102 and the frequency of the received ultrasonic wave. And
By performing frequency analysis on this Doppler shift intensity waveform (deriving method will be described later), the blood flow velocity flowing through the blood vessel 5 is calculated, and the time change of the Doppler shift frequency is obtained.

It is possible to output the sound from the speaker unit 21 using the waveform of the time change of the Doppler shift frequency as it is as the sound output data, and the Doppler shift intensity waveform before the blood flow velocity is calculated as the sound as it is. It can also be output.

FIG. 5 shows the Doppler shift intensity waveform. Here, the method of calculating the Doppler shift intensity waveform will be described below.

An ultrasonic sensor in which an ultrasonic wave incident portion and an ultrasonic wave detecting portion are paired is arranged for an artery located close to the body surface, and the PZT 102 of the ultrasonic wave incident portion 3 is set to 9.6 MH.
It excites at a constant frequency of about z and radiates ultrasonic waves toward the artery. In the ultrasonic wave detection unit 4, the ultrasonic wave signal reflected and returned in the body is received by the PZT 103. This received signal contains the ultrasonic waves reflected by various parts of the body as described above.If the reflection object is stationary, the frequency of the reflected wave does not change from the frequency of the incident wave, and it moves. If it is an object, it undergoes a frequency shift (Doppler shift) according to the amount of movement and is reflected. The waveform of FIG. 5 is obtained by extracting the intensity of the Doppler shift from the received signal and acquiring the time course thereof, which is called the Doppler shift intensity waveform.

The signal from the signal calculation unit 503 is as shown in FIG. 5, and if the frequency of this waveform is a signal in the audible range, this waveform is directly converted by the sound information conversion unit 22 into a sound voltage signal. , Drive the speaker 21.

There is a correlation between the blood rheology and the maximum frequency of blood flow change when the pulse beats. For example, if the frequency of blood flow change is high, it can be said that the viscosity of blood is low. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the higher the sound output, the higher the frequency of blood flow change and the higher the blood viscosity. It can be said that it is in a low state.

The sound output rather than the numerical output makes it possible to appeal auditorily, which makes it easier for the subject to recognize and helps prevent diseases of the circulatory system.

It is also possible for the subject to display numerical information of circulatory dynamics such as pulse and blood rheology on a display unit (not shown). (Second Embodiment) FIG. 6 shows a waveform obtained by performing frequency analysis on the Doppler shift intensity waveform of FIG. 5 described in the first embodiment and converting it into a time-frequency component.

Specifically, FFT processing is performed on the Doppler shift intensity waveform in order to obtain the frequency component. The power spectrum value of the frequency calculated by the FFT is compared with a certain threshold value. Extract frequencies with power spectrum values greater than the threshold. The highest frequency among the extracted frequencies is selected as the frequency component forming the frequency waveform. This highest frequency is the reflected wave from the body having the fastest moving speed among the reflective substances in the body, which may be movement of muscles, etc., but generally corresponds to the blood flow velocity flowing in the artery of interest. It can be understood as a thing. The frequency waveform is created by repeating the steps from to for the Doppler shift intensity signal at each time point. Here, the time resolution of the frequency waveform is the product of the sampling rate of the Doppler shift intensity waveform and the number of FFTs.

This waveform is directly applied to the speaker unit 2 of FIG.
It is input as a driving voltage of 1 and a sound is output. It is known that there is a correlation between the blood rheology and the maximum frequency of blood flow changes, so when outputting such a waveform as a sound,
Excessive frequency components are cut, and as a result, the highest frequency component of Doppler shift is emphasized, so that the subject can more easily recognize his or her own circulation information.

Also, only the highest frequency may be output as sound information. For example, in FIG. 5, the frequency of the sound output for each pulse may be changed to 3000 Hz for 0.5 to 1.0 s and 2800 Hz for 1.0 to 1.5 s. In this case, the highest frequency correlates with blood rheology, so that the subject can more intuitively recognize his / her blood rheology. (Embodiment 3) An embodiment in which measured circulatory dynamics are output as an indicator will be described with reference to FIGS. As mentioned above, the highest frequency of blood flow change correlates with blood rheology, but displaying the value of this highest frequency, displaying the value of blood rheology, or displaying the blood flow waveform is intuitive to the subject. It is difficult to recognize the condition of my blood rheology.

FIG. 7 shows a form having a wristwatch type display unit as a display unit, and the circulation sensor and the like used are those used in the first embodiment. Reference numeral 84 is a liquid crystal display unit for displaying a blood flow waveform and the like, and 87 is an indicator such as an LED.

Since there is a correlation between the maximum frequency of blood flow change and blood rheology, the higher the frequency of the frequency components of FIG. 6, the more the lamp of the LED of FIG. 8 is turned on to the right side. It is possible to inform the state intuitively.

FIG. 8A shows the case where the maximum frequency is low.
FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the maximum frequency is higher than that in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, the frequency component of blood flow change is slightly different for each pulse, and the maximum frequency is also different for each pulse. At this time, if you focus only on one pulse or find the highest frequency component in several pulses and calculate the average value, the result will be difficult to understand,
The information may not be accurate.

By providing an LED indicator as in the present embodiment and further continuously measuring blood rheology, for example, by confirming how many seconds in a minute it is in a free-flowing state, the subject can intuitively feel. It becomes possible to make one's circulation dynamics aware.

Further, the blood rheology state corresponding to the maximum frequency for each pulse is held (the lighting position of the LED is held)
However, it is also possible to display the lowest blood rheology within the measurement time.

Since the relationship between the highest frequency and blood rheology differs depending on sex, blood pressure, etc., it is desirable to make a correction for each sex and blood pressure.

Further, by synchronizing with the sound output described in the first embodiment, the subject can more intuitively recognize his / her circulatory dynamics. (Embodiment 4) An embodiment in which circulatory dynamics are output as an image will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the display unit 84 according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 9, 90 is a round point, and the round point 90 is changed by changing the number, display intensity, and size of the round point 90, or by moving the round point in the direction of the arrow in FIG. By displaying as, it becomes possible to display the circulatory dynamics of the subject.

For example, the Doppler shift intensity in FIG. 5 represents the intensity of the signal received by the circulation sensor,
In the first embodiment and the like, it is proportional to the amount of red blood cells. Therefore, if the number of round points 90 or the brightness is the Doppler shift intensity in FIG. 5, it becomes possible to visually recognize the circulatory dynamics.

Further, by moving the round point 90 in the direction of the arrow in accordance with the frequency component of the blood flow change in FIG. 6, the degree of circulatory dynamics of the subject (in this case, blood rheology) can be displayed as an image. it can.

Further, the apparatus can be simplified by using an ultrasonic echo or the like, and an intuitively understandable image can be provided. (Embodiment 5) An embodiment in which the results of measured circulatory dynamics are emphasized and output will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 11, 12, and 13.

FIG. 11 shows the result (power spectrum) of the FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) processing on the Doppler shift intensity waveform of FIG.

As described above, it has been known that the higher the maximum frequency of the Doppler shift intensity waveform, the lower the blood rheology (the more the blood is smooth). Therefore, the subject wants to know the information of the high frequency component.

Therefore, by converting the FFT processing result as shown in FIG. 11 so as to emphasize the frequency component, it becomes possible to further emphasize the measured circulatory dynamics and notify the subject. FIG. 12 shows the result of emphasizing the high frequency component, and the inverse Fourier transform is performed on this spectrum.
By converting it into a time-output waveform, it becomes possible to output a sound with emphasized circulatory dynamics. When the inverse Fourier transform is performed, the phase information is buried because the data of FIG. 12 is the power spectrum, but in the present embodiment, the phase information is ignored and the calculation is performed.

FIG. 10 is a graph of the frequency before conversion and the frequency after conversion.

In the present embodiment, the frequency of the ultrasonic wave used is 9.6 MHz, and the Doppler shift frequency at rest will be 1000 Hz to 4000 Hz when estimated using the blood flow velocity in arteries and the like. By performing the conversion as shown in FIG. 10, the frequency below 1000 Hz is lower,
A frequency of 1000 Hz or higher becomes higher frequency. Therefore, it becomes possible to emphasize the necessary frequency component and output it.

The conversion formula of FIG. 10 is that the frequency before conversion is f
0, where f is the frequency after conversion, f = (f0 / 1000) ^1.5 × 1000 [Hz] The conversion formula 1 was used.

In this embodiment, only the frequency (horizontal axis direction in FIG. 11) is emphasized, but it is also possible to emphasize intensity (vertical axis direction in FIG. 11). Specifically, the equalizing conversion is performed. For example, with respect to the vertical axis of FIG. 11, it is possible to make the sound of the high frequency component louder by performing the conversion such that the signal strength becomes higher as the frequency becomes higher, and it becomes possible to further emphasize the circulation dynamics.

FIG. 13 shows the result of the conversion of the power spectrum of FIG. 11 in which the power increases as the frequency increases for a specific (1000 Hz to 4000 Hz) frequency.

Further, although the example in which the sound output is emphasized has been shown in the present embodiment, the moving speed of the round point in the fourth embodiment is emphasized (the moving speed is made higher for those having a high frequency). Thus, it is possible to emphasize the circulatory dynamics even when displaying it in an image,
It is possible to emphasize both. Note that, for example, when it is desired to emphasize the case where the viscosity of blood is high, it is possible to perform conversion so as to emphasize the low frequency component.

Further, in the case of evaluation of blood rheology, since the frequency required for evaluation is 1000 Hz to 4000 Hz, the above-mentioned emphasis conversion should be performed on the waveform once filtered using a filter in the above range. Is also possible.

Although the ultrasonic wave frequency of the circulation sensor 101 used in this embodiment is 9.6 MHz,
The frequency is not limited to this, and other frequencies are possible, and in that case, the range of frequencies required for the above evaluation changes. (Embodiment 6) An embodiment in the case of emphasizing and outputting the results of the measured circulatory dynamics will be described with reference to FIGS.

Since the waveform of FIG. 6 is a waveform of frequency change, it is also possible to emphasize and output the circulatory dynamics by emphasizing the frequency component of this waveform.

Specifically, the frequency components shown in FIG. 6 are multiplied by the coefficients shown in FIG. FIG. 15 shows the result.
The dotted line is the waveform before conversion, and the solid line is the waveform after conversion. In general, the human audible range is about 2 Hz to 20 KHz, and therefore, if it is within the range, it can be recognized even if it is output as a sound.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the sound output is emphasized has been shown. However, by emphasizing the moving speed of the round point in the fourth embodiment, the circulatory dynamics are emphasized even when displayed as an image. It is possible to output.

In the present embodiment, the calculation for multiplying the coefficient is applied to all the frequency components, but as described above, the frequency of interest is 1000 Hz to 4000 Hz.
Therefore, it is also possible to carry out an operation for applying a particularly large coefficient to the frequency components in this range.

Further, as in the sixth embodiment, it is possible to perform emphasis processing on low frequency components. (Embodiment 7) Using FIG. 16, the measured circulatory dynamics is divided into several levels, sound data for each level is prepared, and the sound corresponding to each level is output to the subject. An embodiment will be described.

In FIG. 16, for example, the frequency components are level 1 to 0 to 500 Hz and level 2: 500 to 1000.
Hz, level 3: 1000 Hz to 1500 Hz, ...
The sound data at each level is secured in a sound data storage unit (not shown).

As the sound data, when the level is low, a sound artificially created at a low frequency by a synthesizer or data obtained by measuring the babbling of a slow river is used. Conversely, when the level is high, Prepares sound data created at a high frequency using a synthesizer or the like.

Based on the measurement result, the prepared sound data is output as a sound to the subject for recognition.

[0078]

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION According to the circulatory dynamics measuring apparatus of the present invention, since the output can be performed with easy-to-understand sounds and images, the circulatory dynamics can be easily grasped. For example, when blood is muddy, a specific food item As it is ingested, it has the effect of reducing the possibility of suffering from a serious disease such as arteriosclerosis.

Furthermore, by emphasizing a specific frequency component, it is possible to make the output more recognizable to the subject's circulatory dynamics and improve the preventive effect against a serious disease.

Further, by simultaneously outputting the sound and the image in synchronization with the received wave, the above effect is further improved,
The preventive effect for serious diseases can be improved.

Further, the therapeutic effect and the health-improving effect of food can be transmitted to the subject in an easy-to-understand manner, which has the effect of increasing the motivation of the subject for treatment.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external configuration diagram of a circulation dynamics measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a circulation dynamics measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a transparent view of the inside of the ring when viewed from the direction B in the hemodynamic measuring apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a signal processing unit and a connection state with a circulation sensor in the circulation dynamics measuring apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a graph of time change with Doppler shift intensity measured by the circulation dynamics measuring apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a graph of time change with Doppler shift frequency measured by the hemodynamic measuring apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a circulation dynamics measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an indicator unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frequency conversion curve according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a power spectrum result of a Doppler shift intensity waveform according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a result of emphasizing a power spectrum of a Doppler shift intensity waveform according to an embodiment of the present invention with respect to a high frequency component.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a result of emphasizing a power spectrum of a Doppler shift intensity waveform according to the embodiment of the present invention with respect to a specific frequency.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a conversion curve according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a Doppler shift frequency change waveform according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a Doppler shift frequency change waveform according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram relating to a conventional hemodynamic measuring apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ring part 101 Circulation sensor 102 PZT 103 PZT 2 Signal processing unit 3 Ultrasonic wave incident part 4 Ultrasonic detector 5 arteries 6 fingers 12 Wristwatch type hemodynamic measuring device 21 speakers 22 Sound information converter 500 signal processor 501 drive unit 502 Receiver 503 Signal calculation unit 600 Signal processing unit 601 drive unit 602 receiver 603 Signal calculation unit 604 Output section 605 Light emitting element 606 Light receiving element 607 Circulation sensor 84 display 87 indicator 90 points

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Masataka Shinogi             1-8 Nakase, Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture             Ico Instruments Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takashi Nakamura             1-8 Nakase, Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture             Ico Instruments Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Sanchio Yamamoto             1-8 Nakase, Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture             Ico Instruments Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 4C017 AA11 AB03 AC23 BC16 CC01

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A circulatory dynamics measuring device comprising: a circulation sensor for transmitting and receiving waves from the surface of a living body to and from the inside of the living body; a processing unit for calculating circulatory dynamics from the received waves; and an output unit for outputting a processing result. The processing unit has a means for converting a time-varying waveform of a received wave into sound information. 2. A circulatory dynamics measuring apparatus comprising: a circulation sensor for transmitting and receiving waves from the surface of a living body to and from the inside of the living body; a processing unit for calculating circulation dynamics from the received waves; and an output unit for outputting a processing result. The circulatory dynamics measuring apparatus, wherein the processing unit has means for converting a time-varying waveform of the received wave into image information. 3. A circulation dynamics measuring apparatus having a circulation sensor for transmitting and receiving waves from the surface of a living body to and from the inside of the living body, a processing unit for calculating circulation dynamics from the received waves, and an output unit for outputting a processing result, The processing unit has means for converting the time-varying waveform of the received wave into sound information and means for converting into image information, and converts the sound information and the image information in synchronization with the time-varying waveform of the received wave. Characteristic hemodynamic measuring device. 4. A circulation dynamics measuring apparatus having a circulation sensor for transmitting and receiving waves from the surface of a living body to the inside of the living body, and a processing unit for calculating circulation dynamics from the received waves, an indicator for displaying the calculated circulation dynamics. A circulatory dynamics measuring device having a section. 5. The processing unit has means for converting a time-varying waveform of a received wave into sound information, converts the time-varying waveform of the received wave into the sound information in synchronization with the time-varying waveform of the received wave, and simultaneously outputs the sound information to the indicator unit. The circulation dynamics measuring apparatus according to claim 4, wherein 6. The processing section, when converting to the sound information or the image information, emphasizes a specific frequency band in the time-varying waveform of the received wave to convert the sound or the image information. Claims 1, 2, characterized in that
The hemodynamic measurement device according to any one of items 3 and 5. 7. The conversion of the sound or the image information is performed by converting the frequency of the time-varying waveform of the received wave into high or low when converting the sound information or the image information. The described hemodynamic measuring apparatus. 8. The processing unit changes the loudness of the sound or the display intensity of the image when emphasizing a specific frequency band in the time-varying waveform of the circulatory dynamics. Circulatory dynamics measuring device. 9. The processing unit includes a band intensity adjusting unit that increases or decreases the output intensity of the sound or the image in response to a specific frequency band in the time-varying waveform of the circulation dynamics. Circulatory dynamics measuring device described in. 10. The time-varying waveform of the received wave is a time-varying waveform of the Doppler shift frequency, and the processing unit calculates the circulatory dynamics inside the living body by using the Doppler shift frequency of the received wave. The circulation dynamics measuring device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 5 to 9. 11. A sound information storage unit for storing sound information, wherein the processing unit selects the sound information corresponding to the processing result from the sound information storage unit according to the processing result of the circulation dynamics. The circulation dynamics measuring device according to any one of claims 1, 3, 5 to 10. 12. When measuring the Doppler shift frequency due to blood flow using the circulation sensor, the time-varying waveform of the received wave is a temporal change of the maximum frequency of each pulse of the Doppler shift frequency. The hemodynamic measuring apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 5 to 11, which is characterized.