JP2012157435A - Sphygmomanometer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve such a problem that a conventional sphygmomanometer cannot measure under no stress that a person to be measured is in physically and mentally stable states before blood pressure measurement.SOLUTION: A sphygmomanometer includes a microwave generator and a microwave receiver, detects at least the pulses or breaths of the person to be measured from doppler shifted reflected wave detected by the microwave receiver, and starts blood pressure measurement based on the result of the detection. Since the condition of the person to be measured can be detected without touching him or her, his or her condition can be determined under no stress. The result of the blood pressure measurement can also be recorded corresponding to the physically and mentally stable states before the blood pressure measurement. Accordingly, whether the blood pressure is measured appropriately can be determined after the blood pressure.

Description

  The present invention relates to a sphygmomanometer worn on an arm or the like, and more particularly to a sphygmomanometer that can record information on the body of a measurement subject before blood pressure measurement.

In the past, blood pressure measurement at home did not require a very precise measurement result, and it was sufficient to manage the measurement result as part of daily physical condition management, and a precise measurement result was not required.
Also, since the act of measuring blood pressure correctly was not emphasized, it was not discussed whether the measured blood pressure value was obtained under the correct measurement.

In recent years, the importance of daily physical condition management has been reviewed, and a recent report suggests that blood pressure values should be measured multiple times under 24-hour free action.
If the blood pressure value is measured a plurality of times in 24 hours, it is possible to know the fluctuation of the blood pressure value that cannot be obtained by the normal home blood pressure measurement that is measured at an arbitrary timing. In other words, it is an idea that if the blood pressure value is known not by a single measurement but by a plurality of measurements, it is easier to find a disease of the measurement subject related to fluctuations in the blood pressure value.

For example, it is usually said that there are people whose blood pressure decreases at night and during sleep, but some do not have it in hypertension. Some people have increased blood pressure at night. Such a person is said to be susceptible to myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, and the like because it continues to be burdened at night and during sleep, where originally blood vessels are not burdened.
In this way, knowing the fluctuation of the blood pressure value during the day can be a trigger for detecting not only hypertension but also other diseases that are said to be related to high blood pressure.

In recent years, words such as masked hypertension, workplace hypertension, and white coat hypertension are known.
Masked hypertension means high blood pressure with a mask indicating that the blood pressure is normal, and actually shows high blood pressure but shows a low blood pressure value when measuring blood pressure.

Workplace hypertension belongs to masked hypertension. For example, the person being measured is physically fatigued at work, or is mentally stressed and has high blood pressure. However, due to fatigue or stress factors at home, hospital or workplace health checkups, etc. Since it is released, it becomes a relaxed state, and the blood pressure value measured at that time shows a low value.
White coat hypertension is that blood pressure measured at home is normal, but blood pressure measured at a hospital is high.

  White blood pressure hypertension is caused by being placed in a hospital environment or by looking at a white coat, so it is said that the subject itself is relatively easy to recognize. However, it has a problem that it is difficult for a doctor or the like to recognize it because the measured value is not reflected in the measured value in spite of hypertension.

  Such a symptom that is difficult to be recognized by the person to be measured can be easily found if the fluctuation of the blood pressure value during the day can be known.

  Thus, since the importance of blood pressure measurement has increased as part of daily physical condition management, the act of measuring blood pressure correctly has also started to be emphasized.

  In order to perform correct blood pressure measurement, two conditions must be satisfied. One is that the person under measurement is in a state of performing correct blood pressure measurement. The other is to properly operate the sphygmomanometer itself.

First, it will be described that the person to be measured is in a state of performing correct blood pressure measurement.
As a general way of thinking, blood pressure contracts when the body is in physical or mental tension, resulting in an apparently high blood pressure value. Thus, it cannot be said that the person to be measured is in a state of correctly measuring the blood pressure value.
For this reason, when measuring blood pressure, it is important to open from a tense state. For example, it is often recommended to take a deep breath and then start measuring, or wait in a relaxed posture for several minutes.

  In other words, it is preferable that the blood pressure measurement be performed in a non-stressed state (relaxed or unstressed) in order to release the tension. It can be said that the condition was satisfied.

By the way, the blood pressure value measured in this way is called a basal blood pressure value. It can be said that this basal blood pressure value is a blood pressure value inherent to the measurement subject.
In order to manage blood pressure as part of daily physical condition management, it is necessary to measure this basal blood pressure, but it is necessary to examine whether the subject is in a non-stress state, in other words, the subject's It is very difficult to grasp physical rest and mental stability. This is because, even if the subject himself intends to be relaxed, it is actually not physical tension or mental tension.

It is known to predict such a state of a person to be measured by measuring a pulse or a respiration.
For example, if the pulse rate is high, the stress is felt, and if the pulse rate is low, the stress is non-stressed. Also, it is assumed that the respiratory cycle is measured and if the frequency is high, the person feels stress. Alternatively, the number of breaths is measured, and stress is felt when the number of breaths increases.

Specifically, there are the following methods for estimating the stress state using the pulse and respiration.
For example, measure the pulse rate or respiratory rate during sleep or just before going to sleep, record this as the basal pulse rate or basal respiratory rate, measure the pulse rate or respiratory rate again immediately before blood pressure measurement, and compare the values It is a method. In this way, if the numerical value is larger than a certain value, it is understood that the stress state is present. However, breathing is inferior in terms of accuracy because the numerical value can be changed by the subject being aware of it. Therefore, the physical and mental state of the measurement subject is often predicted using the pulse.

As described above, the method of estimating the stress state using the pulse and respiration requires time and labor since the pulse and respiration must be measured before blood pressure measurement.
Therefore, some electronic blood pressure monitors can measure the pulse rate simultaneously with the blood pressure measurement. This is convenient because only one measurement action is required.

Next, correct operation of the blood pressure monitor itself will be described.
In order to operate the sphygmomanometer correctly, the cuff and other blood pressure measuring units must be correctly attached to the body part to be measured, but in addition, the positional relationship between the blood pressure part and the heart is set to the proper position. It is also important to make it. The proper position means a position where the measurement site and the heart are at the same height.

If the site for measuring blood pressure is not in the proper position, the state of blood vessels at that site will change and correct blood pressure cannot be measured.
If the site to be measured is lower than the heart, the blood pressure may be measured higher. For example, it is said that the blood pressure increases by 7 mmHg when the measurement site falls 10 cm below the heart.

  That is, the state in which the person to be measured measures blood pressure at an appropriate position means that the sphygmomanometer itself is correctly operated. In this way, it can be said that the second condition for the person to be measured to perform correct blood pressure measurement is satisfied.

  This proper position includes the meaning that the relative height position between the heart and the measurement site is in the proper range. The appropriate range includes the meaning that the heart and the measurement site are approximately the same height, and that the positional relationship between the blood pressure measurement site and the heart is in the proper position is strictly inaccurate. It does not mean that the heart and the measurement site must be at the same height.

By the way, in recent years, it has been said that the measurement site is preferably the upper arm.
The reason is that, in the first place, it is easy to wear a cuff or the like on the upper arm, and it is easy to make the measurement site and the heart to be at the same height even in a lying position, that is, in a sleeping position.

As described above, in order to perform correct blood pressure measurement, the measurement subject himself / herself must be in a non-stress state and the blood pressure monitor itself must be measured at an appropriate position. In the electronic blood pressure monitor, a technique for solving each separately is known.
For example, a technique is known in which a person to be measured is put in a relaxed state before blood pressure measurement and blood pressure measurement is started thereafter (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Further, a technique is known in which a blood pressure measurement can be performed at an appropriate position by measuring the position of the measurement site by mounting the sensor on the blood pressure monitor main body or the blood pressure measurement unit using the measurement site as a wrist. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).

JP 2010-158289 A (page 4, FIG. 2) Japanese Patent No. 3297971 (page 2-3, FIG. 2, FIG. 7, FIG. 8)

  The prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a breathing signal detection means 40 (air pressure detection sensor) mounted inside a cuff body 20, and the cuff body 20 is mounted on a measurement site and pressurized. Measure the breathing of the measurer. And the rest state of a to-be-measured person is judged using the measured respiration information.

However, in this technique, since the respiratory signal detection means 40 is mounted on the cuff body 20, respiration can be measured only in a state where the cuff is pressed and pressurized. That is, when knowing the state of the person to be measured before blood pressure measurement, measurement can be performed only in a state where stress is applied.

As already explained, it is preferable to take a relaxed approach when measuring blood pressure, and if it is in tension, the blood vessels contract and correct blood pressure cannot be measured. In the conventional technique shown in Patent Document 1, since the cuff body 20 is constrained, the person being measured is not a little stressed. In this case, it is impossible to correctly know the physical resting state and mental stability state of the measurement subject, and there is a problem that it is not known whether the blood pressure value measured in that state is the basal blood pressure value of the measurement subject. .

  As described above, the respiration is detected by the respiration signal detection means 40 mounted on the cuff body 20, but it is difficult to accurately detect respiration with the cuff body 20 attached to the arm. In order to detect respiration, it is known to use body movements and carbon dioxide excretion accompanying respiration, but it is difficult to accurately know them in the arm.

Furthermore, the prior art shown in Patent Document 1 suggests that the respiratory signal detection means 40 is installed in a chair, a bed, or the like, or is indirectly attached to the body.
However, specific technical contents are not disclosed, and it is unclear how to measure respiration indirectly using what mechanism. In other words, the idea is only introduced and the technology is not complete.

The prior art shown in Patent Document 2 is a method of measuring the height of the heart using an inclination sensor, and indirectly estimates the position of the heart.
However, there is a problem that the measurement accuracy is poor, the reliability of the measurement result is low, and the measurement posture is irregular because it is defined by the angle from the elbow, and it is difficult to adjust to the proper position.

The prior art disclosed in Patent Document 2 also discloses a method for measuring a heart position using a heart sound sensor. In this method, a wrist-mounted sphygmomanometer with a built-in heart sound sensor is placed close to the heart of the body, and the position of the heart is directly searched.
However, since the microphone is used to detect the heart sound, the person to be measured needs to undress and expose the chest. It is very inconvenient that blood pressure cannot be measured while wearing clothes.
Furthermore, the heart sound sensor is susceptible to large external acoustic noise, and there is a problem that detection sensitivity is lowered and detection of a peak value corresponding to the position of the heart becomes unstable.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a sphygmomanometer that solves the above-described conventional problems, can correctly know the physical rest state and mental stability state of a subject before blood pressure measurement, and can perform correct blood pressure measurement. is there. In addition, since an accurate heart position can be detected, blood pressure can be measured with high reliability.

  In order to solve the above problems, the sphygmomanometer of the present invention employs the following configuration.

In a sphygmomanometer that measures blood pressure by restraining the measurement site of the subject,
A microwave generator and a microwave receiver are provided, and the subject is irradiated with microwaves from the microwave generator, and the pulse and respiration of the subject are measured from the Doppler-shifted reflected waves detected by the microwave receiver. It is characterized in that at least one of the above is detected, the timing for starting restraint is determined based on the detection result, and the blood pressure is measured.

With such a configuration, the microwave has the property of transmitting through clothes and is mainly reflected by the heart containing a large amount of blood, so that the pulse, respiration, and body movement can be detected even while wearing clothes.
If it does so, the pulse and respiration of the measurement subject immediately before can be investigated, and blood pressure measurement can be started after that.

  The timing for starting restraint may be determined when at least one of the pulse rate and the respiration rate, which is the number of pulses and respirations within a predetermined time, is within a predetermined range.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to make the pulse and respiration values easy to understand, and it is possible to determine when to measure the blood pressure based on the values.

  You may make it provide the memory means which memorize | stores a pulse rate or a respiration rate corresponding to the value of a blood pressure.

  Such a configuration is convenient because the information can be used later.

  Providing appropriate position detecting means for detecting an appropriate position in which the relative height position of the measurement site and the heart of the person to be measured is within an appropriate range, and determining when to start restraint is based on the pulse rate or respiratory rate and the appropriate position. May be used.

  With such a configuration, correct blood pressure measurement can be performed.

  The appropriate position detection means may detect the pulse using the pulse or breath of the subject.

  Since the pulse and respiration can be detected using the Doppler-shifted reflected wave detected by the microwave receiver, this makes it possible to share the means for examining the body state and the means for examining the appropriate position. Can be reduced in size and measurement can be simplified.

  According to the sphygmomanometer of the present invention, it is possible to correctly know the mentally stable state or the physical resting state of the measurement subject, and blood pressure can be measured after reaching that state, so that the correct blood pressure can be measured.

  Moreover, since the Doppler-shifted reflected wave is detected, the position of the measurement site and the heart can also be known. As a result, blood pressure can be measured at an appropriate position, so that highly reliable blood pressure measurement can be performed.

It is a typical block diagram explaining the principle of the blood pressure meter by this invention. It is a figure explaining the 1st movement state and the 2nd movement state. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of 1st Embodiment of the blood pressure meter by this invention. It is a wave form diagram explaining operation | movement of 1st Embodiment of the blood pressure meter by this invention. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment of the sphygmomanometer according to the present invention. It is a figure explaining the example of a display of 1st Embodiment of the blood pressure meter by this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of 2nd Embodiment of the blood pressure meter by this invention. It is a wave form diagram explaining operation | movement of 2nd Embodiment of the blood pressure meter by this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of 2nd Embodiment of the blood pressure meter by this invention. It is a figure explaining the example of a display of 2nd Embodiment of the blood pressure meter by this invention.

The sphygmomanometer of the present invention uses a microwave Doppler sensor to irradiate the subject's body with microwaves and receive the reflected waves, thereby measuring the subject's pulse and respiration without contact and without stress. Then, using the result, the mentally stable state or the physical rest state of the measurement subject is known.

  Pulses, breaths, and body movements are mixed in the reflected wave of the microwave reflected from the body of the measurement subject. Pulse, respiration, and body movement have unique frequency components. In general, the frequency related to breathing is lower than the frequency related to pulse. Because of this tendency, by setting the frequency threshold range for selecting the peak value from the distribution of frequency components obtained by Fourier transforming the signal obtained from the microwave Doppler sensor so as to detect the pulse and respiration, And breathing.

If the subject's body does not have convulsions or the like, the frequency is generally low and the peak value of the frequency distribution is also low, so that it can be easily distinguished from pulse and respiration.
If the pulse and respiration are recognized as the pulse rate and the respiration rate within a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute), it is possible to know whether it is a stress state or a non-stress state. You can know the condition.

And the proper position of the sphygmomanometer in blood pressure measurement can be detected by using the fact that pulse and respiration can be detected among the pulse, respiration, and body motion that can be detected from the reflected wave.
In other words, when moving the body while irradiating the body with microwaves from the blood pressure measurement unit of the sphygmomanometer and searching for an appropriate position by matching the height with the heart, due to the strength of the signal due to the pulse or respiration contained in the reflected wave, It can be seen whether the blood pressure measurement unit has reached the proper position. Thereby, since the blood pressure can be measured at an appropriate position, a more reliable blood pressure value can be obtained.

  Since there is a common item that the reflected wave of the irradiated microwave is used for the measurement of the condition of the subject himself and the measurement of the appropriate position of the sphygmomanometer itself, the mental stability state of the subject or The detection of the physical rest state and the detection of the appropriate position of the sphygmomanometer in the blood pressure measurement can be performed by one signal processing.

By using the microwave Doppler sensor in this way, in addition to being non-contact and not subject to stress, it has the merit of being able to measure even while wearing clothes, but furthermore, the measured patient's pulse and breathing can be measured. It can also be used to detect the proper position of the sphygmomanometer.
By doing so, it is not necessary to provide means for separately measuring the pulse and respiration of the measurement subject, and the sphygmomanometer itself can be reduced in size and the measurement time can be shortened.

  The sphygmomanometer does not know which part of the body where the sphygmomanometer is worn at the start of blood pressure measurement, such as the wrist (whether the arm is lowered or lifted). When the sphygmomanometer is moved to an appropriate position from that state, the signal obtained from the microwave Doppler sensor is processed, and the first movement detecting means has a large arm portion with the number of saturation amplitudes that the signal exceeds a predetermined value. Detects the moving state of. The second movement detection means is positioned at an appropriate position depending on whether or not the fundamental wave (peak value) of the frequency component distribution subjected to Fourier transform is within a predetermined frequency threshold range (whether pulse or respiration is normally detected). Detect whether there is a sphygmomanometer.

  Since the signal processed by the second movement detection means is a signal obtained from the microwave Doppler sensor, pulse, respiration, and body movement are mixed. Each frequency component can be obtained by subjecting this signal to Fourier transform processing. Using this, the mental stability state or physical resting state of the measurement subject is examined using the pulse or breathing excluding body movement.

  Then, a memory means is provided to record the pulse rate and respiratory rate in correspondence with the time information when blood pressure measurement is performed, so that the state of the subject under measurement when blood pressure measurement is started (that is, immediately before blood pressure measurement) Can be recorded in more detail. If it is also recorded that the sphygmomanometer is in the proper position, it is possible to know that the blood pressure measurement has been properly performed and the state of the subject at that time.

  The second movement detection means detects the pulse rate and respiration rate of the person to be measured. In the first embodiment to be described later, an example in which only the pulse rate is detected, in the second embodiment, the pulse rate is detected. In addition, an example of detecting the respiratory rate will be described.

Thus, since the state of the subject can be recorded in addition to the blood pressure value, for example, even when examining changes in the blood pressure value due to multiple blood pressure measurements under 24-hour free action, Changes in physical rest and mental stability can be known, and blood pressure can be measured correctly.

The sphygmomanometer of the present invention measures the pulse and respiration of the measurement subject and can know the measurement subject's state such as a stress state or a non-stress state from the result. Detection of pulse and respiration, which is one of the mechanisms, is performed using a microwave Doppler sensor. For this reason, the detection result of the pulse or respiration can be used for finding an appropriate position where the height of the blood pressure measurement unit of the sphygmomanometer matches the height of the heart.
Of course, it is possible to omit the proper position detection. However, in the embodiment described below, a case where stress state detection and proper position detection are performed will be described as an example.

Hereinafter, the blood pressure monitor of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Even if the sphygmomanometer itself is a separate sphygmomanometer with a cuff for measuring blood pressure and a sphygmomanometer body equipped with a control circuit, a notification means, etc. The cuff and the sphygmomanometer body may be integrated. In the following description, a configuration in which the cuff and the sphygmomanometer body are integrated will be described as an example.

Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the sphygmomanometer of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. A feature of the first embodiment is that the state of the subject is examined by detecting the pulse rate of the subject.
In the description, a case where the blood pressure monitor is mainly mounted on the left wrist will be described as an example.

[Principle description of the present invention: FIG. 1]
First, how the microwave Doppler sensor can detect the pulse, respiration, and body movement, and how the sphygmomanometer and the heart of the person being measured are in the proper positions Will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the principle of a sphygmomanometer.

  In FIG. 1, a microwave Doppler sensor 21 includes, for example, a microwave transmitter 211 that emits a microwave of about 2.5 GHz, a microwave receiver 212 that receives an irradiated microwave, and a microwave Doppler demodulator 213. It consists of and.

  As the microwave Doppler sensor, a general microwave Doppler sensor can be used. The microwave Doppler sensor has an output signal of an analog signal and a digital signal. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the signal from the microwave Doppler demodulator 213 is an analog signal. There will be described an example in which the microwave Doppler sensor 21 is not equipped with an AD converter for converting an analog signal into a digital signal.

A part of the microwave Me emitted from the microwave transmitter 211 enters the measurement subject 8 and is reflected by the heart 81 to become a reflected wave Mt. Received at 212.
The microwave transmitter 211 outputs a transmission microwave signal Eme that is an electric signal corresponding to the transmitted microwave Me, and the microwave receiver 212 is a reception microwave that is an electric signal corresponding to the received reflected wave Mt. The signal Emt is output.

  The microwave Doppler demodulator 213 outputs an electric signal, which is a phase difference signal between the two signals, from the transmission microwave signal Eme and the reception microwave signal Emt as an electric signal Eo.

That is, since the electrical signal Eo has a Doppler shift corresponding to the movement of the heart,
It is possible to convert the heart motion from this Doppler shift into an electrical signal.

  Of course, the electrical signal Eo does not have a Doppler shift corresponding to only the heart motion. The elements of pulse, breathing and body movement are mixed. However, since these have specific frequency components as described above, the frequency threshold range for selecting the peak value from the distribution of the frequency components is adjusted to the pulse and respiration by the method using the Fourier transform described later. These can be detected (body motion can be separated from pulse and breathing).

[Description of moving state of blood pressure monitor: FIG. 2]
Next, a movement state in which the sphygmomanometer is moved to an appropriate position will be described with reference to FIG.
As already explained, the sphygmomanometer correctly knows the subject's mentally stable state or physical rest state, and whether or not the site where the sphygmomanometer is worn at the start of blood pressure measurement is in the proper position. Therefore, it is necessary to first bring the microwave Doppler sensor close to the measurement subject's heart. For this purpose, the sphygmomanometer is moved.

  2 (a) to 2 (e) are schematic views for explaining the movement state of the arm from when the sphygmomanometer 1 is attached to the wrist of the left arm 8a of the person 8 to be measured and the blood pressure measurement is started. FIG. FIG. 2 (f) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the measurement subject is looked down from the top of the head, and is a diagram illustrating the chest front of the measurement subject.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the blood pressure monitor 1 is attached and blood pressure measurement is started by a switch operation (not shown). For example, the sphygmomanometer 1 is attached to the left wrist, and the switch operation is performed with the right hand.
The left arm is gradually moved as indicated by the arrow shown in FIG. 2B, and the sphygmomanometer 1 is moved to the chest front surface 8b of the measurement subject 8 as indicated by the arrow shown in FIG. The moving state of the arm (blood pressure monitor) shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C is the first moving state.

  By the way, the chest front surface 8b is a concept including the meaning of the front surface of the body as shown in FIG. Since the heart is often left chest or slightly to the right of left chest, the left chest front may be suitable for detecting the heartbeat. However, since the microwave Doppler sensor 21 is used, it is possible to accurately detect the heartbeat even if it is not in front of the left chest. For example, detection can be performed even on the left side of the left chest (on the left side of the stomach, slightly below the side of the armpit), the center of the chest, and depending on the subject, even before the right chest. For this reason, the inventor has defined the area of the chest front 8b shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 2 (d), the sphygmomanometer 1 further moves the arm from the position of the chest front surface 8 b to an appropriate position that is the same height as the heart 81. This movement state is the second movement state. FIG. 2 (e) shows a state where the sphygmomanometer 1 and the heart 81 have the same height and are in an appropriate position.

When the sphygmomanometer 1 is in the first movement state, the sphygmomanometer 1 itself is moving greatly. Moreover, when in the second movement state, the sphygmomanometer 1 is in a small moving state.
As will be described in detail later, when it is in the first movement state, it is detected using the amplitude of the electric signal Eo output from the microwave Doppler sensor 21 shown in FIG. 1 and is in the second movement state. For example, a pulse wave is detected using a frequency component of the signal included in the electric signal Eo (a component in which pulse, respiration, and body motion are mixed), and an appropriate position is found by this pulse wave.

If a pulse wave is detected, the pulse rate per predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) is calculated from the pulse wave (respiration rate is calculated if breathing), and whether or not the measurement subject is in a non-stress state. Find out.
As a result, when the person to be measured is in a non-stress state, the timing for starting restraint (such as sending air to the cuff) to measure blood pressure based on the detection result is determined, and the blood pressure is measured.

  In this way, the feature of the sphygmomanometer of the present invention is that the amplitude and frequency of the electrical signal output from the microwave Doppler sensor are used for detection of two movement states, respectively, and the measurement by pulse and respiration is performed. Measurement of a person's stress state and measurement of whether or not the sphygmomanometer is in an appropriate position at the time of blood pressure measurement are performed simultaneously.

  In the following description, a technique for detecting the movement of the living body from the electric signal Eo using the microwave Doppler sensor 21 is abbreviated as “microwave sensing”.

[Configuration explanation of blood pressure monitor: Fig. 3]
Next, the configuration of the sphygmomanometer will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the sphygmomanometer according to the present invention.

  In FIG. 3, a sphygmomanometer 1 includes an appropriate position detecting unit 2 that detects whether or not a blood pressure measurement site is appropriate for the height of the heart, a blood pressure measuring unit 3 that measures and displays a blood pressure, and a visual measurement result. A display unit 41 for displaying information, a notification unit 4 provided with a notification unit 42 for notification by an acoustic unit such as an alarm sound and a voice, a measurement start switch 5, and a timing circuit 6 for generating time information such as date and time. . The same numbers are assigned to the configurations already described.

[Explanation of proper position detecting means 2]
First, the configuration of the appropriate position detection unit 2 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, the appropriate position detection means 2 is composed of a first movement detection means 25 and a second movement detection means 24.
The first movement detection means 25 digitally transmits an electric signal Eo that is an output of the microwave Doppler sensor 21 based on the first time information T1 and the microwave Doppler sensor 21 that transmits the microwave Me and receives the reflected wave Mt. A converter (hereinafter abbreviated as AD converter) 22 for converting the signal Do, and the end of the first movement state that detects that the digital signal Do is saturated and informs that the first movement state has ended. And a signal saturation detection circuit 23 that outputs the signal Ds.
The second movement detection unit 24 includes an FFT circuit 242, a pulse wave detection circuit 243, a blood pressure measurement determination circuit 245, and a measurement condition memory 244, and outputs a blood pressure measurement signal Ms.

  More specifically, the second movement detection unit 24 accumulates the digital signal Do for a predetermined time based on the second time information T2, and performs frequency by FFT (Fast Fourier Transform: hereinafter abbreviated as FFT) processing. An FFT circuit 242 that outputs a fundamental wave Bf that is spectrum information, a pulse wave detection circuit 243 that inputs the fundamental wave Bf and outputs pulse wave data Po, and inputs the pulse wave data Po and outputs a blood pressure measurement signal Ms. And a blood pressure measurement determination circuit 245.

  As will be described in detail later, a pulse wave can be obtained by statistically processing the pulse wave data Po output from the pulse wave detection circuit 243. The blood pressure measurement determination circuit 245 can calculate the pulse rate from the pulse wave data Po. For example, although not shown, time information is obtained from the time measuring circuit 6 and is calculated as a pulse rate per minute. Then, if the pulse rate is known, it is possible to know the mental stability state or the physical rest state of the measurement subject.

By the way, it is generally said that an adult's pulse rate at rest is 60-80. For example, it is said that it is about 60-70 for men and about 65-80 for women.
In addition, the limit value (also called the maximum pulse rate) when the pulse rate becomes faster is said to be about the value obtained by subtracting age from 220. For example, in the case of a 45-year-old person, 1 175 beats per minute.

  Therefore, the blood pressure measurement determination circuit 245 stores these numerical values in the internal memory 245a in advance using an input unit (not shown), and compares the pulse rate calculated from the pulse wave data Po with respect to whether or not the patient is in a resting state. . And when it determines with a resting state, the blood-pressure measurement signal Ms is output.

The blood pressure measurement signal Ms may include information for comparing levels by comparing the pulse rate with a predetermined range. Even if the general pulse rate (60 to 70 for men and 65 to 80 for women) stored in the internal memory 245a is compared with the pulse rate calculated from the pulse wave data Po, the resting state is divided into levels. It's good.
For example, with respect to the numerical values of 60 to 70 for males and 65 to 80 for females, it is level 3 if it is within that range, level 2 if it is larger or smaller than that, level 1 otherwise It is good.

  As will be described in detail later, the blood pressure measurement determination circuit 245 outputs the blood pressure measurement signal Ms, and the blood pressure measurement control circuit 37 outputs the blood pressure information Kj such as the pulse rate to the notification means 4, but at this time, the measured pulse rate is displayed. You may make it display as it is. Then, the subject can know his / her pulse rate. At this time, if the pulse rate is high, the subject can relax by taking deep breaths.

  The second movement detection means 24 includes a measurement condition memory 244 that stores the pulse wave data Po and the blood pressure measurement signal Ms as necessary, and outputs the blood pressure measurement information storage signal Mss.

The fact that the blood pressure measurement signal Ms has been output means that preparation for blood pressure measurement has been completed, and the time to start restraint on the measurement subject (pressurization of a cuff described later) for blood pressure measurement. Is decided.
In the configuration exemplified in this embodiment, since the measurement of the mental stability state or the physical rest state of the measurement subject and the measurement of the appropriate position for blood pressure measurement are performed at the same time, the blood pressure is detected from the second movement detection means 24. A signal indicating that the measurement is ready is to be output.

  Although not shown, the time measuring circuit 6 is, for example, a source oscillation clock unit that outputs a clock signal having a predetermined frequency using a crystal resonator or the like, and a frequency divider that divides the clock signal to generate a predetermined divided signal. It can be composed of a peripheral circuit section, a time generation section that generates time information from the frequency-divided signal, and the like. Since these configurations are widely known in known timepiece circuits, detailed description thereof is omitted.

The time measuring circuit 6 outputs first time information T1, second time information T2, and third time information T3.
The first time information T1 has time information for determining the sampling time of the AD converter 22, and is, for example, a signal having a pulse period of 10 msec.
The second time information T2 has time information for obtaining a predetermined time for storing the digital signal Do in the FFT circuit, and is, for example, a pulse signal with a pulse period of 10 to 30 sec.
The third time information T3 is time information having date and time information when blood pressure measurement is performed.

[Description of Configuration of Blood Pressure Measuring Unit 3]
Next, the configuration of the blood pressure measurement unit 3 will be described.
The blood pressure measuring means 3 includes a cuff 31, a pressure sensor 32, a pressurizing pump 33, a pressurizing control circuit 34, an exhaust valve 35, an exhaust control circuit 36, and a blood pressure measuring control circuit 37. Yes.

  The cuff 31 is a band-shaped member for pressurizing the radial artery of the wrist to block blood flow. The pressure sensor 32 converts the pressure of the cuff 31 into an electric signal and outputs it as a pressure signal So. The pressurizing pump 33 is a pump for pressurizing the cuff 31. The pressurization control circuit 34 outputs a pressurization drive signal Kd based on the pressurization control signal Kc from the blood pressure measurement control circuit 37 to drive the pressurization pump 33.

  The exhaust valve 35 is a valve for exhausting the pressure of the cuff 31 at a predetermined rate. The exhaust control circuit 36 controls the exhaust valve 35 by outputting an exhaust drive signal Hd based on the exhaust control signal Hc from the blood pressure measurement control circuit 37.

The blood pressure measurement control circuit 37, from the pressure signal So, the blood pressure measurement signal Ms, and the blood pressure measurement information storage signal Mss as necessary, the appropriate position information and blood pressure including the highest blood pressure, the lowest blood pressure, the pulse rate, and the blood pressure measurement signal Ms. The blood pressure information Kj including time information at the time of measurement and the appropriate notification signal Tp are output, and the operation of the sphygmomanometer 1 is generally controlled and managed.
The blood pressure information memory 371 of the blood pressure measurement control circuit 37 is a memory means for storing the blood pressure information Kj.
The blood pressure measurement control circuit 37 is not particularly limited. However, it is convenient to configure the blood pressure measurement control circuit 37 with a one-chip microcomputer because it is small in size and low in power consumption.

[Description of Configuration of Notification Unit 4: FIGS. 3 and 6]
Next, the structure of the alerting | reporting means 4 is demonstrated using FIG. 3 and FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a notification example of the notification means 4. The notifying means 4 displays whether or not the blood pressure measurement site of the sphygmomanometer 1 is in an appropriate position at the same height as the heart and the measured blood pressure value. The display unit 41 displays the blood pressure information Kj such as the maximum and minimum blood pressure and the pulse rate output from the blood pressure measurement control circuit 37, and the notification unit 42 that notifies the measurement subject by voice, sound, light, or vibration. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the display unit 41 includes a maximum blood pressure value display unit 411, a minimum blood pressure value display unit 412, a pulse rate display unit 413, a measurement condition display unit 415 including a pulse condition display unit 415a, and a blood pressure. A time display unit 416 for displaying time information such as the measured date and time, and includes a maximum blood pressure, a minimum blood pressure, a pulse rate, and a blood pressure measurement signal Ms output from the blood pressure measurement control circuit 37 of the blood pressure measurement means 3. Blood pressure information Kj is displayed.

The pulse condition display unit 415a notifies with a mark or light using an LED or the like according to the level of the blood pressure measurement signal Ms.
For example, if the blood pressure measurement signal Ms has three levels, “○” is displayed when the level is 3 and “△” is displayed when the level is slightly shifted from the proper position. If it is level 1 when the position is significantly deviated from the position, display with a plurality of marks such as “×” may be performed.

  Moreover, you may make it display a level with the color of LED light. For example, level 3 may be “blue”, level 2 may be “yellow”, level 1 may be “red”, and the like. Of course, a combination of marks and light may be displayed.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, a proper position is notified using a mark, and FIG. 6A shows a case where the blood pressure measurement signal Ms is level 3 and a “◯” mark is displayed. b) is an example in which the blood pressure measurement signal Ms is level 1 and an “x” mark is displayed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, it is not expressed separately whether the pulse rate is appropriate for blood pressure measurement or the measurement site is in the appropriate position, but of course, one mark is shown. Both marks may be displayed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, an example is shown in which each element of the systolic blood pressure value display unit 411, the systolic blood pressure value display unit 412, the pulse rate display unit 413, the measurement condition display unit 415, and the time display unit 416 is an independent display body. However, the display unit 41 may display each element by dividing the area using one liquid crystal display device or the like.

The notification unit 42 can be configured by a dynamic speaker, a piezoelectric acoustic element, or the like. An alarm sound or a voice such as “the position of the sphygmomanometer is an appropriate position” or “the position of the sphygmomanometer is not an appropriate position” can be notified.
Thus, since it can guide so that it may guide to an appropriate position with light, a mark, or a voice, a person to be measured can take a blood pressure meter to an appropriate position correctly.

  When measuring blood pressure, it is desirable to have a relaxed posture, so when the blood pressure monitor is positioned in front of the chest, if the situation can be reported by voice or alarm sound, the neck can be used for visual recognition. It is convenient that you can maintain a relaxed posture without having to turn your head down.

  Since the sphygmomanometer of the present invention can measure the pulse rate, it can record the state of the subject at the time of blood pressure measurement together with the measured blood pressure value. The information can be known at any time by the notification means. By doing so, it becomes possible to manage the blood pressure value and the condition of the person being measured, which is also an opportunity to know the health condition of the person being measured, masked hypertension and the like.

[Description of Operation of First Embodiment: FIGS. 3 and 4]
Next, the operation of the first embodiment of the sphygmomanometer will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
First, the operation of the appropriate position detecting means 2 will be described.
In FIG. 3, when the person to be measured 8 wears the sphygmomanometer 1 on the wrist (not shown) and presses the measurement start switch 5, the microwave Me of about 2.5 GHz transmitted from the microwave Doppler sensor 21 is measured. Reflected by the person 8 and received by the microwave receiver 212 as a reflected wave Mt.

  The microwave Doppler sensor 21 outputs an electric signal Eo based on the transmission microwave signal Eme based on the microwave Me and the reception microwave signal Emt based on the reflected wave Mt to the AD converter 22 of the first movement detection unit 25. . The detailed operation of the microwave Doppler sensor 21 has been described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The AD converter 22 AD-converts the electrical signal Eo and outputs it to the signal saturation detection circuit 23 and the second movement detection means 24 as a time-series digital signal Do.

  When the signal saturation detection circuit 23 receives the digital signal Do and the data change amount of the digital signal Do exceeds a predetermined amplitude range, the signal saturation detection circuit 23 outputs the first movement state end signal Ds to the second signal. It outputs to the movement detection means 24.

The second movement detection unit 24 receives the digital signal Do and outputs the blood pressure measurement signal Ms to the blood pressure measurement unit 3.
The FFT circuit 242 of the second movement detection means 24 accumulates the digital signal Do for a predetermined time based on the second time information T2, and performs an FFT process. This FFT processing performs fast Fourier transform processing on an input signal. That is, the stored digital signal Do is subjected to Fourier transform and decomposed into individual signal components, and then processing for representing each component on the frequency spectrum is performed and output to the pulse wave detection circuit 243 as a fundamental wave Bf.

  The pulse wave detection circuit 243 receives the fundamental wave Bf, extracts a component of the frequency band related to the pulse in the fundamental wave Bf, and outputs it as pulse wave data Po to the measurement condition memory 244 and the blood pressure measurement determination circuit 245. .

The operations of the signal saturation detection circuit 23 and the second movement detection unit 24 of the first movement detection unit 25 will be described in further detail with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 4 is a waveform diagram schematically illustrating the operation of the first movement detection unit 25 and the second movement detection unit 24 of the appropriate position detection unit 2. FIG. 4A shows time (T) on the horizontal axis and the amplitude of the digital signal Do on the vertical axis, and represents the temporal change of the digital signal Do, that is, the signal output from the microwave Doppler sensor 21. It is a thing.

  A section A in FIG. 4A represents a time region when the sphygmomanometer 1 is placed on the wrist and the measurement start switch 5 is pressed, and then the sphygmomanometer 1 approaches the chest of the person 8 to be measured. This shows the first movement state shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C.

Dx shown in FIG. 4A is a first saturation threshold, and Dm is a second saturation threshold. A predetermined amplitude range Dr is between the first saturation threshold Dx and the second saturation threshold Dm. Ds is a first movement state end signal.
As the first saturation threshold Dx and the second saturation threshold Dm, predetermined values can be used. Since it is determined by the two threshold values, the predetermined amplitude range Dr can be set. In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the second saturation threshold Dm is zero, which is a so-called zero saturation threshold, and a first saturation threshold Dx (so-called plus saturation threshold) having a predetermined amplitude value as a threshold. Is a predetermined amplitude range Dr.

  In the section A (first movement state), since the movement of the arm is added to the reflection of the microwave on the living body surface of the measurement subject 8, the Doppler shift increases, and the digital signal Do increases rapidly. The signal saturation detection circuit 23 of the first movement detection unit 25 measures the number of times that the digital signal Do exceeds a predetermined amplitude range Dr. The number of times may be set in advance by, for example, selecting the number by an experiment or the like. When the digital signal Do exceeds the predetermined amplitude range Dr ten times, it is detected that the first moving state is in progress.

The section A ′ in FIG. 4A is the end portion of the section A in FIG. 4A and is a time region when the first movement state is finished.
As described with reference to FIGS. 2 (a) to 2 (c) and 2 (f), the first movement state in which the arm is moved largely to the chest front surface 8b of the person 8 to be measured is as follows. The procedure is terminated when the sphygmomanometer 1 comes to a position near the heart on the front surface 8b of the chest shown in FIG. That is, when the digital signal Do falls within the predetermined amplitude range Dr in the section A ′, it is determined that the arm has not moved significantly, that is, the first movement state has ended. The digital signal Do at this time is the first movement state end signal Ds.

  The second movement detection unit 24 receives the digital signal Do output from the first movement detection unit 25 and performs signal processing. The processing is not started until the first movement state end signal Ds is input. To do. This is because the signal processing is not started before the first movement state is completed.

A section B in FIG. 4A shows a time region in a state where the wrist is placed near the heart. This shows the second movement state shown in FIGS. 2D to 2E.
In the section B, although the large movement movement of the arm disappears, the arm is moved small in order to detect the pulse and to search for an appropriate position, so the digital signal Do not exceeding the predetermined amplitude range Dr is detected. The waveform of this section B includes a waveform due to the heartbeat.

  FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of a part of the digital signal Do in the section B shown in FIG. This time domain is defined as section D. This digital signal Do includes the detected pulsation component of the heart of the person to be measured 8 and is set to P1, P2, and P3, for example.

FIG. 4C is a diagram schematically showing a waveform obtained by subjecting the digital signal Do to the fast Fourier transform processing by the FFT circuit 242. FIG. 6 is a frequency spectrum distribution diagram in which the X-axis is frequency and the Y-axis is signal intensity of each frequency component.
In the section B of FIG. 4A, the digital signal Do is accumulated for a predetermined time based on the second time information T2, and fast Fourier transform is performed to obtain a fundamental wave Bf having a frequency component as shown in FIG. .

The second movement detector 24 calculates the pulse wave data Po from the fundamental wave Bf from a predetermined frequency range.
Lf shown in FIG. 4C is a first frequency threshold, and Hf is a second frequency threshold. A predetermined frequency range Df1 is between the first frequency threshold value Lf and the second frequency threshold value Hf. This frequency range must be a range that captures pulse waves. According to the results of experiments conducted by the inventor, for example, the pulse wave can be captured by setting the first frequency threshold Lf to around 0.5 Hz and the second frequency threshold Hf to around 3.0 Hz.

  The pulse wave detection circuit 243 outputs the frequency spectrum distribution included in the predetermined frequency range Df1 in the fundamental wave Bf as the pulse wave data Po. If the pulse wave data Po is normally detected, the pulse wave data Po is output. In addition to being able to calculate the pulse rate, the second movement state is completed, and the sphygmomanometer 1 and the heart 81 are in the proper positions at the same height as shown in FIG. 2 (e). That is.

  The blood pressure measurement determination circuit 245 analyzes the input pulse wave data Po. Since the pulse wave data Po is a spectrum distribution of frequency components, statistical processing such as frequency components, power intensity, average, variance, standard deviation, etc. can be performed. If the processing result is appropriate for blood pressure measurement, the blood pressure measurement signal Ms is output to the blood pressure measurement means 3.

  As shown in FIG. 4C, since the frequency spectrum distribution in the predetermined frequency range Df1 is the pulse wave data Po, if the first frequency threshold value Lf and the second frequency threshold value Hf are suitable threshold values, A waveform suitable as a pulse wave is always included. For example, the peak of each waveform included in the pulse wave data Po may be calculated by statistical processing, and the pulse wave may be determined based on the appearance tendency of the peak. For example, a pulse wave that has a waveform whose intensity increases twice in succession can be determined.

  By analyzing this pulse wave data Po, the pulse wave can be identified, and for example, the pulse rate which is the number of pulses per minute can also be calculated.

Then, based on the result of such statistical processing, it is determined whether the pulse rate is appropriate or the proper position, and the blood pressure measurement signal Ms is output.
As the blood pressure measurement signal Ms, three-stage numerical values such as 1, 2, and 3 representing the appropriateness can be used. For example, in the case of a pulse rate, the appropriateness can be determined within a numerical range. In the case of an appropriate position, the appropriateness can be determined by the strength of the peak. It can be said that the place where the peak is the strongest is the appropriate position, and the place where the peak is weak is slightly shifted from the appropriate position.

  Of course, it is possible to provide one or a plurality of threshold values for the signal strength of each frequency component on the vertical axis in FIG. In this case, the threshold may be set in advance, or may be used by statistically processing the pulse wave data Po and calculating the threshold from the appearance tendency.

  As already described, the operation of the second movement detection unit 24 is controlled by the first movement state end signal Ds which is the output of the signal saturation detection circuit 23 of the first movement detection unit 25, and the first movement is detected. If the state end signal Ds is not input, the second movement detecting unit 24 does not operate. By doing so, it is ensured that the second movement state is detected after the first movement state is detected.

  The measurement condition memory 244 stores the pulse wave data Po and the blood pressure measurement signal Ms in association with each other, and outputs the blood pressure measurement information storage signal Mss to the blood pressure measurement means 3 when past data transition or the like is necessary.

[Explanation of the operation of the blood pressure measurement means 3: FIGS. 3 to 6]
Next, the operation of the blood pressure measurement unit 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 3, the blood pressure measurement determination circuit 245 of the appropriate position detection means 2 uses the blood pressure measurement means 38 as the blood pressure measurement signal Ms with the suitability of the position of the sphygmomanometer 1 attached to the wrist of the person under measurement 8 as to the heart height. Is output to the blood pressure measurement control circuit 37.

  The blood pressure measurement control circuit 37 outputs a blood pressure measurement signal Ms to the display unit 41 of the notification unit 4. In the pulse condition display unit 415a of the measurement condition display unit 415 of the display unit 41, marks such as “◯”, “Δ”, and “X” are displayed according to, for example, three levels of the blood pressure measurement signal Ms.

  The blood pressure measurement control circuit 37 also outputs a blood pressure measurement signal Ms to the notification unit 42 of the notification unit 4. The notification unit 42 determines that “the body is in a state where blood pressure can be measured” or “the body is not in a state suitable for blood pressure measurement”, “the position of the sphygmomanometer is appropriate” or “the position of the sphygmomanometer is based on the blood pressure measurement signal Ms. It is not an appropriate position. "

  Of course, the buzzer sound may be used for notification in different tones according to the three levels of the blood pressure measurement signal Ms, or the three levels of the blood pressure measurement signal Ms may be notified using different vibrations using a vibration motor. .

  The blood pressure measurement control circuit 37 controls the blood pressure measurement control operation based on the blood pressure measurement signal Ms as described below.

  Assuming that the level 3 is when the sphygmomanometer 1 is in the proper position, the blood pressure measurement control circuit 37 outputs the pressure control signal Kc to the pressure control circuit 34 when the blood pressure measurement signal Ms of level 3 is input, The pressurizing pump 33 pressurizes the cuff 31 in response to the pressurizing drive signal Kd output from the pressurizing control circuit 34.

  The pressure of the cuff 31 is output to the blood pressure measurement control circuit 37 by the pressure sensor 32 every time. When the cuff 31 is pressurized to a predetermined pressure, the blood pressure measurement control circuit 37 controls the pressurization control circuit 34 to pressurize. The operation of the pump 33 is stopped.

  The blood pressure measurement control circuit 37 outputs an exhaust control signal Hc to the exhaust control circuit 36, and the exhaust control circuit 36 outputs an exhaust drive signal Hd for controlling the exhaust valve 35 based on the exhaust control signal Hc to the exhaust valve 35.

The exhaust valve 35 exhausts the cuff 31 based on the exhaust drive signal Hd so that the pressure of the cuff 31 decreases at a constant rate with respect to time.
When the pressure of the cuff 31 is gradually lowered, a pressure vibration waveform (not shown) based on the so-called oscillometric theory is generated in the cuff 31 according to the blood pressure of the wrist of the person 8 to be measured. .

  The blood pressure measurement control circuit 37 stores the highest blood pressure value, the lowest blood pressure value, the pulse rate, etc. in the blood pressure information memory 371 as the blood pressure information Kj from the pressure vibration waveform of the pressure signal So of the pressure sensor 32, and displays the notification means 4. Output to the unit 41.

In the blood pressure information memory 371, it is convenient to know the state of the body when measured later by storing the pulse rate and the blood pressure value in association with each other.
If the third time information T3 is inputted from the time measuring circuit 6 and the time information of the date and time information when the blood pressure measurement is performed and stored together, the pulse rate before the blood pressure measurement and the measured blood pressure value later. It is convenient because you know when.

The monitoring of the appropriate position during blood pressure measurement will be described.
The height of the sphygmomanometer 1 and the heart may change during blood pressure measurement. Even if blood pressure measurement is started at an appropriate position, if the arm falls off during the measurement, for example, the measured blood pressure value is not reliable. When the subject unintentionally raises his arm from the proper position in this way, he / she intends to measure the correct blood pressure, but he / she actually measures the wrong blood pressure. End up.

In order to avoid such a situation, the sphygmomanometer 1 can continue the microwave sensing even after the position becomes an appropriate position and starts blood pressure measurement, and can monitor whether or not the position is appropriate.
Even when the second movement state ends and blood pressure measurement is started, the peak of the pulse wave data Po is monitored and the blood pressure measurement signal Ms is output.
When the blood pressure measurement signal Ms changes, the notification means 4 is used for notification. For example, it is notified that “deviation from the proper position”. Further, when the level of the blood pressure measurement signal Ms changes greatly, the blood measurement is interrupted. For example, when the level is changed from level 3 at the proper position to level 1 when it is greatly deviated from the proper position, it is assumed that the arm has deviated from the heart position. The blood pressure measurement is interrupted.

  By the way, it is not the blood pressure measurement at the proper position for the convenience of the person to be measured, but there are cases where the user wants to know the blood pressure value anyway. At that time, the blood pressure measurement can be forcibly started by operating the measurement start switch 5 or the like.

[Description of Operation Flow: FIGS. 3, 5, and 6]
Next, the operation flow of blood pressure measurement by the sphygmomanometer 1 will be described in detail mainly using FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation until the blood pressure measurement is completed after the sphygmomanometer 1 is worn on the wrist. Hereinafter, operation steps are abbreviated as S1, S2,..., Sn.

First, the person under measurement 8 puts the sphygmomanometer 1 on the wrist and presses the measurement start switch 5. (S1)
Then, the microwave sensing operation is started by the appropriate position detection means 2 shown in FIG. (S2)

The person under measurement 8 moves the wrist with the sphygmomanometer 1 to the front of the chest (first movement state).
Meanwhile, the signal saturation detection circuit 23 measures the number of times that the amplitude of the digital signal Do exceeds a predetermined amplitude range Dr. When the large movement of the arm ends, the digital signal Do falls within the predetermined amplitude range Dr. When the first movement state ends, the signal saturation detection circuit 23 outputs the first movement state end signal Ds.

The notifying unit 42 of the notifying means 4 gives a notification such as “the blood pressure monitor is in an appropriate position” by sound, light, or voice.
If the person under test 8 is not enough to bring the wrist close to the chest or if the approach is not appropriate, “The sphygmomanometer is not positioned properly” or “Please bring the sphygmomanometer closer to the chest” Voice notification is made. (S3)

  The FFT circuit 242 of the second movement detector 24 shown in FIG. 3 accumulates the digital signal Do for a predetermined time based on the second time information T2. (S4)

The FFT circuit 242 performs an FFT process on the digital signal Do and calculates a fundamental wave Bf. (S5)

The pulse wave data Po is output from the fundamental wave Bf by the pulse wave detection circuit 243 of the second movement detecting means 24 shown in FIG.
If the frequency spectrum distribution of the pulse wave is preliminarily in the vicinity of 0.5 Hz to 3.0 Hz by an experiment or the like, the sphygmomanometer 1 and the heart are detected in front of the chest with detection of the pulse wave data Po that falls within that frequency range. You can know that they are the same height. This is the second movement state detection. (S6)

  When the sphygmomanometer 1 and the heart are not at the same height on the front side of the chest, since the pulse wave data Po is not detected, a warning sound or a warning display is performed. For example, the notification means 4 is used to notify “please raise the sphygmomanometer” or “lower the sphygmomanometer”.

Further, the pulse wave data Po may not be detected even if the sphygmomanometer 1 and the heart are too far apart in front of the chest. At that time, a notification such as “Please bring your blood pressure monitor closer to your chest” is given.

  The blood pressure measurement determination circuit 245 of the second movement detector 24 shown in FIG. 3 outputs the blood pressure measurement signal Ms at, for example, three levels. The level is notified with a buzzer sound or a mark that differs depending on the appropriateness of the pulse rate or heart height using the notification means 4. Then, blood pressure measurement is started by the blood pressure measurement means 3. (S7)

  The blood pressure measurement signal Ms may be monitored during the blood pressure measurement, and the content is notified using the notification means 4 according to the result. For example, when the sphygmomanometer 1 is displaced from the appropriate position, the fact is notified or blood pressure measurement is interrupted. (S7 ')

In the blood pressure measuring means 3, the blood pressure measurement ends. (S8)
Further, the microwave sensing is continued during the blood pressure measurement, and when the deviation from the appropriate position is detected (S7 ′), the microwave sensing and the blood pressure measurement are terminated. (S8 ')

  The blood pressure information memory 371 of the blood pressure measurement control circuit 37 stores blood pressure information such as a maximum blood pressure value, a minimum blood pressure value, and a pulse rate, and a blood pressure measurement signal Ms. (S9)

Information stored in the blood pressure information memory 371 is notified by the notification means 4.
Press the measurement start switch 5 to finish the measurement. (S10)

[Explanation of Effects of First Embodiment]
First, let's consider the fundamental problems of conventional electronic blood pressure monitors.
Conventional electronic sphygmomanometers cannot know the state of the arm during blood pressure measurement, for example, when the wrist is the measurement site. In other words, I did not know whether the arm itself was raised or lowered, or whether it was impossible to bend by forcibly bending the arm. The idea was that blood pressure was correctly measured if the height of the sphygmomanometer and the heart were the same, so blood pressure was measured without taking into consideration the burden on the body.

  In addition, it was impossible to know the physical rest state and mental stability state of the measurement subject when taking blood pressure measurement. In other words, I thought I was relaxed and started to measure blood pressure, or I thought I was calm, but I wasn't sure if my pulse rate was high immediately after other actions such as walking.

However, the sphygmomanometer of the present invention solves the fundamental problem of the conventional electronic sphygmomanometer.
Since the sphygmomanometer of the present invention can also know the pulse rate at the time of blood pressure measurement, even if the blood pressure measurement is performed in an unreasonable posture such as forcibly raising or bending the arm itself, If you are in a posture, it will appear in your pulse rate because it puts a burden on your body. For this reason, immediately before the start of blood pressure measurement, it is understood that the blood pressure meter and the heart are at the same height, as well as whether or not the blood pressure can be measured in a posture that does not force the body. That is, it is possible to perform correct blood pressure measurement in an essential sense that it is possible to determine whether the posture is impossible before blood pressure measurement and to be able to perform blood pressure measurement at an appropriate position.
Then, from the pulse rate immediately before blood pressure measurement, it is possible to know the physical resting state and the mentally stable state of the person to be measured when the blood pressure measurement is started.

As a result of correctly guiding the arm to the appropriate position with the microwave Doppler sensor, blood pressure measurement was possible at the appropriate position, and the physical resting state and mental stability of the subject when taking the blood pressure measurement Since the pulse rate to be expressed can be recorded, the information can be obtained at any time after blood pressure measurement.
That is, the sphygmomanometer of the present invention can record the blood pressure value and the state of the person to be measured, in addition to being able to prove that the measured blood pressure value was obtained by correct measurement.

  With the sphygmomanometer of the present invention, for example, even when examining changes in blood pressure values by multiple blood pressure measurements under 24 hours free behavior, the subject's physical resting state and mental stability state It is convenient to know the changes in

Next, a second embodiment of the sphygmomanometer according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The feature of the second embodiment is that it further includes a respiratory wave detection circuit that detects the respiratory rate of the measurement subject. The respiratory wave component of the person to be measured is detected by microwave sensing, the position of the sphygmomanometer 10 relative to the height of the heart is checked by the pulse rate, and the resting state of the body can be grasped more accurately by taking into account respiratory information. It is.

  In the following description, the same number is assigned to the same element. In order to distinguish it from the first embodiment, the sphygmomanometer is assigned the symbol 10 and the second movement detection means is assigned the symbol 26. Yes. In addition, the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the sphygmomanometer 10 according to the second embodiment, and shows a part of the second movement detection means 26 and a part of the blood pressure measurement means 3. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the sphygmomanometer 10 according to the second embodiment.

[Description of Configuration of Second Movement Detection Unit 26: FIG. 7]
As shown in FIG. 7, the second movement detection unit 26 of the appropriate position detection unit 2 includes a respiratory wave detection circuit 246. The respiratory wave detection circuit 246 receives the fundamental wave Bf output from the FFT circuit 242 as an input, extracts information related to respiration contained in the fundamental wave Bf, and outputs the information as respiratory wave data Rc to the blood pressure measurement control circuit 37 of the blood pressure measurement means 3.

[Configuration Description of Display Unit 41: FIG. 10]
As shown in FIG. 10, the display unit 41 includes a systolic blood pressure value display unit 411, a diastolic blood pressure value display unit 412, a pulse rate display unit 413, a pulse condition display unit 415a, and a respiratory condition display unit 415b. In addition to a display unit 415 and a time display unit 416 that displays time information such as the date and time when blood pressure was measured, a respiration rate display unit 414 is provided.
The blood pressure information Kj including the highest blood pressure, the lowest blood pressure, the pulse rate, the respiratory rate, and the blood pressure measurement signal Ms output from the blood pressure measurement control circuit 37 of the blood pressure measuring means 3 is displayed.

  FIG. 10A shows a case where information is displayed from information related to the respiratory wave data Rc, and FIG. 10B is a display example when no respiratory wave data Rc is input. In the respiration condition display part 415b, the state is indicated by “◯” and “X”, respectively.

[Description of Operation of Second Embodiment: FIGS. 7, 8, and 10]
Next, the operation of the sphygmomanometer 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, and 10.
FIG. 8 is a waveform diagram for explaining the operation of the second movement detection means 26 of the appropriate position detection means 2. 8, FIG. 8 (a) corresponds to FIG. 4 (b), and FIG. 8 (b) corresponds to FIG. 4 (c).

  As described above, the section B in FIG. 4A shows the time region in which the wrist is placed near the heart, and the second movement shown in FIGS. 2D to 2E. Indicates the state. In section B, although the arm's large movement is lost, the arm is moved small to find an appropriate position, so a digital signal Do that does not exceed the predetermined amplitude range Dr is detected. The waveform of the heart beat and the waveform of the body movement in which the chest moves by breathing are included.

  FIG. 8A is an enlarged view of a part of the digital signal Do in the section B shown in FIG. 4A, and the detected digital signal Do shown in FIG. Components due to the respiration of the measurer 8 are also included, for example, R1 and R2.

FIG. 8B is a diagram schematically showing a waveform obtained by subjecting the digital signal Do to the fast Fourier transform processing by the FFT circuit 242, and a frequency spectrum distribution diagram. This waveform is the fundamental wave Bf.

The second movement detecting means 26 calculates the pulse wave data Po and the respiratory wave data Rc from the predetermined frequency range from the fundamental wave Bf.
Lfp shown in FIG. 8B is a third frequency threshold, and Hfp is a fourth frequency threshold. A predetermined frequency range Df2 is between the third frequency threshold Lfp and the fourth frequency threshold Hfp. This frequency range must be a range that captures breathing. According to the results of experiments conducted by the inventor, for example, the third frequency threshold Lfp is set to around 0.06 Hz, and the fourth frequency threshold Hfp is set to around 0.4 Hz.

The pulse wave detection circuit 243 outputs the frequency spectrum distribution included in the predetermined frequency range Df1 in the fundamental wave Bf as the pulse wave data Po. If the pulse wave data Po is normally detected, the pulse wave detection circuit 243 outputs the frequency spectrum distribution. As described above, the movement state of No. 2 is completed, and the sphygmomanometer 1 and the heart 81 are in the proper positions at the same height as shown in FIG.

  The respiratory wave detection circuit 246 outputs the frequency spectrum distribution included in the predetermined frequency range Df2 in the fundamental wave Bf as the respiratory wave data Rc. Note that the respiratory wave data Rc is not related to the detection of the second movement state.

  The respiratory rate can be obtained by statistically processing the respiratory wave data Rc output from the respiratory wave detection circuit 246. The blood pressure measurement determination circuit 245 can calculate the respiration rate from the respiration wave data Rc. For example, although not shown, time information is obtained from the timing circuit 6 and is calculated as a respiration rate per minute. Then, if the respiratory rate is known, the mental stability state or the physical rest state of the measurement subject can be known.

  Incidentally, it is generally said that the respiration rate of an adult at rest is 10 to 15 per minute. Therefore, the blood pressure measurement determination circuit 245 stores this numerical value in the internal memory 245a in advance, and compares whether or not it is in a resting state compared with the respiration rate calculated from the respiration wave data Rc. And when it determines with a resting state, the blood-pressure measurement signal Ms is output.

As in the case of the pulse rate, the blood pressure measurement signal Ms may include information that compares the respiratory rate with a predetermined range and divides the level. As mentioned above, a typical respiration rate is 10-15 per minute. Therefore, the blood pressure measurement determination circuit 245 may classify the rest state by comparing these numerical values stored in the internal memory 245a with the respiration rate calculated from the respiration data Rc.
For example, with respect to a numerical value of 10 to 15, the level may be level 3 if it is in that range, level 2 if it is larger or smaller by about 3 than that, level 1 if it exceeds that, and so on.

  The blood pressure measurement determination circuit 245 outputs the blood pressure measurement signal Ms, and the blood pressure measurement control circuit 37 outputs the blood pressure information Kj such as the respiration rate to the notification unit 4. At this time, based on the information (level) of the blood pressure measurement signal Ms. May be displayed as a mark. For example, “◯” may be set for level 3, “Δ” for level 2, and “x” for level 1.

  Moreover, you may make it display the measured respiration rate as it is. Then, the subject can know his / her respiration rate. At this time, if the respiration rate is high, the subject can try and relax by using a known relaxing breathing method (for example, slowly sucking from the nose and slowly exhaling with the mouth).

  The blood pressure measurement control circuit 37 of the blood pressure measurement means 3 is added with the pressure signal So from the pressure sensor 32 and the blood pressure measurement signal Ms from the blood pressure measurement determination circuit 245 of the appropriate position detection means 2.

  The blood pressure measurement control circuit 37 of the blood pressure measurement unit 3 may not perform the blood pressure measurement operation based on the information of the blood pressure measurement signal Ms. For example, this is when the respiratory wave data Rc output from the respiratory wave detection circuit 246 is not within a predetermined range, for example, the range between the maximum value Rch and the minimum value Rcl.

  In addition to the original data such as the respiratory rate and the respiratory cycle, as described above, various statistical indexes such as the average value and standard deviation of the respiratory rate and the respiratory cycle can be used as the respiratory wave data Rc.

Of course, the blood pressure information memory 371 can store the respiratory rate and the blood pressure value in association with each other. As in the first embodiment, the pulse rate may also be stored. In this way, it is convenient to know the state of the body when measured later.
If the third time information T3 is input from the time measuring circuit 6 and the time information of the date and time information at the time of blood pressure measurement is also stored together, the respiratory rate before the blood pressure measurement and the measured blood pressure value later. It is convenient because you know when.

  The blood pressure measurement control circuit 37 of the blood pressure measurement means 3 notifies that the blood pressure measurement condition is satisfied, the notification unit 42 of the notification means 4 notifies the blood pressure measurement by a buzzer sound or the like, and the blood pressure measurement is started.

[Description of Operation Flow: FIGS. 7, 9, and 10]
Next, an operation flow of blood pressure measurement by the sphygmomanometer 10 will be described in detail mainly using FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the second movement state detection step and subsequent steps in the operation until the sphygmomanometer 10 is worn on the wrist and the blood pressure measurement is completed. Hereinafter, the operation steps are abbreviated as S61, S7,..., Sn as in the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 9, since S1 to S5 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. In S61, the respiratory wave detection circuit 246 of the second movement detection unit 26 in FIG. A frequency component in the range of 0.06 Hz to 0.4 Hz, which is the frequency threshold and the fourth frequency threshold, is detected as respiratory wave data Rc. Since the detection of the pulse wave data Po by the pulse wave detection circuit 243 is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. (S61)

Since S7 to S8 are the same as in the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.
In S91, the blood pressure value, measurement conditions, and respiratory rate are stored in the memory. (S91)
Subsequent steps are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

[Explanation of Effects of Second Embodiment]
As described above, according to the sphygmomanometer 10 of the present invention, a pulse that represents blood pressure measurement at an appropriate position and represents a physical or mental state of the measurement subject when the blood pressure measurement is started. By measuring and recording the respiratory rate in addition to the number, the information can be obtained at any time after blood pressure measurement.
In other words, in addition to being able to prove whether the measured blood pressure value is a reliable value made by a correct measurement, it is also possible to record the blood pressure value and the state of the person being measured. Even when examining changes in blood pressure values due to blood pressure measurements, it is convenient because changes in the physical and mental stability of the subject can be known in more detail.

  In the description of the second embodiment described above, the pulse wave and respiratory wave component of the measurement subject are detected by microwave sensing, the position detection of the sphygmomanometer with respect to the heart height is examined by the pulse rate, The information to grasp the resting state of the body was shown. Of course, the pulse wave detection portion may be omitted and the respiration may be performed only. That is, position detection with respect to the height of the sphygmomanometer may also be performed using respiration.

[Description of Application Example 1]
Although the sphygmomanometer of the present invention has been described using the first embodiment and the second embodiment, it is of course possible to make changes without departing from the gist of the present invention.
For example, the normal pulse rate and respiration rate of the measurement subject are recorded in advance in the internal memory 245a of the blood pressure measurement determination circuit 245, the blood pressure information memory 371 of the blood pressure measurement control circuit 37, or the like, and these numerical values measured in the past Calculate and record the average pulse rate and respiratory rate from, and when you want to measure blood pressure, compare the newly measured pulse rate and respiratory rate with those recorded. The notification means 4 may be used to notify that “the pulse rate is high” or “the respiratory rate is higher than normal”.

  This is convenient because the person being measured can know his / her physical condition at that time. In addition, even if the subject takes a posture that puts a burden on the body, such as unconsciously bending his arm unconsciously, when the blood pressure measurement is started, if the pulse rate or breathing rate is higher than usual Then, by using the notification means 4 to notify “Let's relax” or “Measure with the correct posture”, it is possible to guide to the correct blood pressure measurement.

The application example described above will be described using the first embodiment as an example.
This is an example in which the basal pulse rate is stored in advance. For example, immediately before going to bed, immediately before getting up, or when sitting for more than 30 minutes, it is considered that the person being measured is at rest, and the pulse rate measured in such a situation is called the basal pulse rate at rest. . If this basal resting pulse rate is measured and stored in advance, it is compared with the current pulse rate (the pulse rate when blood pressure is measured) and the difference amount (ΔPLS) is used to calculate the body of the subject. It is possible to grasp the state of mental rest and mental stability. The following formula is used for the difference amount.

  ΔPLS = Current pulse rate-Basal resting pulse rate

  The blood pressure measurement determination circuit 245 determines, for example, level 3 if ΔPLS is “less than 10”, level 2 if ΔPLS is “10 or more”, and level 1 if ΔPLS is “20 or more”. It outputs as a blood pressure measurement signal Ms.

[Description of Application Example 2]
There are also other applications. The first embodiment will be described again as an example.
In this example, the degree of fluctuation component of the pulse wave interval is used, and the degree of stress is known from the balance of autonomic nerves.

  First, a pulse wave is measured for a predetermined time (for example, several tens of seconds). A pulse wave may be acquired while measuring an appropriate position between the sphygmomanometer and the heart. And the signal processing which carries out the linear prediction analysis of the pulse wave is implemented. Then, the fluctuation of the pulse wave interval included in the linear prediction residual can be known.

That is, the frequency analysis is performed by arranging the pulse wave intervals obtained by the linear prediction analysis in time series. Then, frequency peaks can be found in the high frequency component (Hf) of 0.15 to 0.4 Hz and the low frequency component (LF) of 0.05 to 0.15 Hz.
In general, it is said that the high frequency component (Hf) reflects the uplift of the parasympathetic nerve, and the low frequency component (Lf) reflects the uplift of the sympathetic nerve and the parasympathetic nerve. Since it is said that the sympathetic nerve is elevated when stress is applied, the balance of the autonomic nerve can be known from the ratio (X) of the low frequency component (LF) to the high frequency component (HF).

  Specifically, after performing the frequency analysis by arranging the pulse wave intervals obtained by the linear prediction analysis in time series, the area ratio of the high frequency component (HF) and the low frequency component (LF) in the waveform. Is the ratio (X). The formula is as follows.

  X = LF / HF

  For example, the blood pressure measurement determination circuit 245 sets the level 3 if X is “less than 0.5”, level 2 if X is “0.6 or more”, and sets X to “1.0 or more”. If it is determined as level 1, the blood pressure measurement signal Ms is output.

In the embodiment described above, an example is shown in which the measurement of the measurement subject's pulse and respiration and the measurement of the proper position of the sphygmomanometer are performed simultaneously by using the microwave Doppler sensor. It doesn't matter. Of course, it is a matter of course that proper position detection may be omitted.

  Moreover, although the example in which the sphygmomanometer according to the present invention is worn on the wrist has been shown, it may of course be worn on the upper arm or the like. In addition, the configuration in which the cuff and the sphygmomanometer body are integrated has been described as an example, but it is needless to say that the cuff and the sphygmomanometer body may be separate.

  The important thing is that the height of the wearing part and the heart where the sphygmomanometer is worn are the same, and the point where blood pressure measurement is performed in a posture that does not place a burden on the body, so there is no burden on the body It is also important for the operation of the apparatus not to take an unnatural posture such as unnecessarily lifting the arm portion even within the range.

  According to the present invention, the pulse and respiration of the measurement subject are measured, and the mental stability state or the physical rest state of the measurement subject can be accurately known from the measurement result. For this reason, it is suitable as a sphygmomanometer that can perform correct blood pressure measurement.

1, 10 Sphygmomanometer 2 Appropriate position detection means 21 Microwave Doppler sensor 211 Microwave transmitter 212 Microwave receiver 213 Microwave Doppler demodulator 22 AD converter 23 Signal saturation detection circuit 24, 26 Second movement detection means 25 First movement detection means 241 Fundamental wave accumulation circuit 242 FFT circuit 243 Pulse wave detection circuit 244 Measurement condition memory 245 Blood pressure measurement determination circuit 245a Internal memory 246 Respiration wave detection circuit 3 Blood pressure measurement means 31 Cuff 32 Pressure sensor 33 Pressure pump 34 Addition Pressure control circuit 35 Exhaust valve 36 Exhaust control circuit 37 Blood pressure measurement control circuit 371 Blood pressure information memory 38 Blood pressure meter measurement unit 4 Notification means 41 Display unit 411 Systolic blood pressure display unit 412 Diastolic blood pressure display unit 413 Pulse rate display unit 414 Respiration rate display unit 415 Measurement condition display section 415a Pulse condition mark table Unit 415b breathing condition mark display unit 416 time display unit 42 notification unit 5 measurement start switch 6 timing circuit 8 measured person 8a left arm 8b chest front 81 heart Me microwave Mt reflected wave Eme transmission microwave signal Emt reception microwave signal Eo electricity Signal Do Digital signal Ds First movement state end signal Dr Predetermined amplitude range Dx First saturation threshold Dm Second saturation threshold Df1, Df2 Predetermined frequency range Bf Fundamental wave Lf First frequency threshold Hf Second frequency Threshold Lfp Third frequency threshold Hfp Fourth frequency threshold Ms Blood pressure measurement signal Ms
Mss Blood pressure measurement information storage signal Po Pulse wave data P1, P2, P3 Heart pulsation component Rc Respiration wave data Rch Maximum value Rcl Minimum value R1, R2 Respiration component So Pressure signal Kc Pressure control signal Hc Exhaust control signal Kd Add Pressure drive signal Hd Exhaust drive signal T1 First time information T2 Second time information T3 Third time information

Claims (5)

In a sphygmomanometer that measures blood pressure by restraining the measurement site of the subject,
A microwave generator and a microwave receiver; the microwave generator irradiates the person to be measured with microwaves; and the Doppler-shifted reflected wave detected by the microwave receiver detects the person to be measured. A sphygmomanometer that detects at least one of a pulse and a respiration, determines a timing for starting the restraint based on the detection result, and measures blood pressure.   2. The sphygmomanometer according to claim 1, wherein the determination is performed when at least one of the pulse and the number of respirations within a predetermined time is within a predetermined range.   The sphygmomanometer according to claim 2, further comprising memory means for storing the pulse rate or the respiratory rate in association with the value of the blood pressure. An appropriate position detecting means for detecting an appropriate position where a relative height position between the measurement site and the heart of the subject is within an appropriate range;
The sphygmomanometer according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the determination is performed using the pulse rate or the respiratory rate and the appropriate position. The sphygmomanometer according to claim 4, wherein the appropriate position detection unit detects the pulse or breath of the subject.

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