KR101225554B1 - In-ear type apparatus for measuring blood pulse and in-ear type hearing aid capable of measuring blood pulse - Google Patents

Abstract

The in-ear type pulse measuring device of the present invention is a pulse measuring unit 100 for measuring the pulse by contacting the location of the blood vessels in the ear canal, the power supply unit 300 for supplying power to the pulse measuring device and the pulse measuring unit ( 100 is disposed and includes a seating portion 200 is inserted and seated in the ear.
The in-ear type pulse measuring apparatus according to the present invention is included in a device such as a hearing aid to conveniently measure the pulse without spending a separate device or time, and the pulse measuring unit 100 includes a plurality of piezo film segments (sensors). Accurate pulse measurement is possible even if vibration occurs during measurement by using.

Description

IN-EAR TYPE APPARATUS FOR MEASURING BLOOD PULSE AND IN-EAR TYPE HEARING AID CAPABLE OF MEASURING BLOOD PULSE}

The present invention relates to a pulse measuring device. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for measuring the pulse by measuring the vibration of the varicose veins in the inner ear canal epidermis layer in the form inserted into the ear and a hearing aid comprising such a device.

In modern society, coping with diseases such as adult diseases due to environmental problems and aging has become a major social problem.

Pulse measurement is one of the simplest health screening methods, but it is essential and important biometric information. Therefore, there is a growing need for a method or device that can measure pulses more accurately and conveniently.

In particular, in older people, the pulse may not be measured accurately when measuring the pulse on the wrist. Therefore, there is a need for a device for measuring the pulse in different ways. In addition, it is necessary to periodically measure the pulse rate and store the pulse data for an unexpected condition such as arrhythmia.

In addition, if the daily life while measuring the pulse there is a problem that the accurate pulse is not measured by the vibration caused by the movement.

The in-ear type pulse measuring apparatus and the hearing aid which can measure a pulse according to the present invention aim at the following problems.

First, the pulse measuring apparatus according to the present invention is to increase the accuracy of the pulse measurement in the ear type.

Second, the pulse measuring apparatus according to the present invention is intended to facilitate the pulse measurement in the form of being inserted into the ear.

Third, the pulse measuring apparatus according to the present invention intends to increase the accuracy of pulse measurement even in a situation where vibration occurs during measurement.

Fourth, the pulse measuring apparatus according to the present invention is included in the hearing aid and earphone type in the form of being inserted into the ear so that the subject does not have a feeling of rejection of the pulse measurement.

Fifth, the pulse measuring apparatus according to the present invention is to be used to diagnose the disease by storing the periodic pulse data.

The solution to the problem of the present invention is not limited to those mentioned above, and other solutions not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

The in-ear type pulse measuring device according to the present invention is inserted into the ear while the pulse measuring unit for measuring the pulse by contacting the location of the blood vessels in the ear canal, the power supply unit for supplying power to the pulse measuring device and the pulse measuring unit are arranged. And a seating portion to be seated.

Pulse measuring unit according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises one or more piezo film sensor to measure the pulse with the vibration of the blood flow in the blood vessels of the ear canal.

The piezo film sensor unit according to the present invention includes a plurality of piezo film segments, the plurality of piezo film segments are disposed on the same surface, and each piezo film segment is characterized by measuring the pulses respectively.

The pulse measuring unit according to the present invention further includes an effective data detector for detecting noise-free data among pulse data measured in each of the plurality of piezo film segments.

The piezo film segment itself according to the present invention has elasticity, the piezo film segment is characterized in that the elastic member is connected to each other in close contact with the site for measuring the pulse.

The piezoelectric film sensor unit according to the present invention is disposed on an outer side of the seating unit in contact with the external auditory meatus, and is disposed on all or part of the outer side of the seating unit.

When the piezo film sensor unit according to the present invention is disposed on a part of the outer side of the seating portion, the piezoelectric film sensor may be disposed in the form of one or more annular bands surrounding the outer side.

Comprising an elastic member according to the present invention further comprises a support for supporting the seating portion in the form surrounding the ear wheels or the whole, the support portion extending from one side of the seating portion exposed to the outside in the state that the seating portion is inserted into the ear It is characterized by the form.

The display unit further includes a display unit displaying pulse data measured by the pulse measuring unit according to the present invention, wherein the display unit is disposed on one side of the seating unit exposed to the outside in a state where the seating unit is inserted into the ear.

The apparatus may further include a wireless communication module unit transmitting the pulse data measured by the pulse measuring unit according to the present invention to be transmitted to an external receiving device.

The hearing aid according to the present invention measures a pulse by contacting a region in which a blood vessel of the ear canal is located in contact with a region in which a blood vessel of the ear canal is located or an amplification unit amplifying the external sound received from the receiver. The pulse measuring unit, the power supply for supplying power for measuring the pulse and the receiving unit, while the amplification unit and the pulse measuring unit is disposed, it characterized in that it comprises a seat is inserted into the ear.

The pulse measuring unit of the hearing aid according to the present invention includes at least one piezo film sensor unit for measuring the vibration of the blood flow in the blood vessels of the ear canal.

The piezo film sensor unit of the hearing aid according to the present invention includes a plurality of piezo film segments, the plurality of piezo film segments are disposed on the same surface, and each piezo film segment is characterized in that it measures the vibration of blood flow, respectively.

The piezo film segment itself of the hearing aid according to the present invention has elasticity, and the piezo film segments are connected to each other with elastic members, and are in close contact with a portion for measuring a pulse.

The piezoelectric film sensor of the hearing aid according to the present invention is disposed on an outer surface of the seating portion in contact with the ear canal, and is disposed on a portion of the outer surface of the seating portion, or is disposed in a circular band shape surrounding the outer surface.

The in-ear type pulse measuring apparatus and the hearing aid which can measure a pulse according to the present invention have the following effects.

First, the in-ear type pulse measuring apparatus according to the present invention is included in a device such as a hearing aid, it is possible to conveniently measure the pulse without spending a separate device or time.

Second, in the present invention, even when vibration occurs during measurement using a plurality of piezo film segments (sensors), accurate pulse measurement is possible.

Third, the in-ear type pulse measuring apparatus according to the present invention can be worn by the subject at all times to measure the rate of change of the periodic pulse, and stores the pulse data to be used for diagnosis.

Fourth, the pulse data measured in the in-ear type pulse measuring apparatus according to the present invention is transmitted by the wireless communication module can be conveniently used by the diagnostic person.

Fifth, it is possible to respond quickly by monitoring pulse data transmitted periodically, especially in the elderly or hospitals that manage patients with heart disease.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an in-ear type pulse measuring apparatus according to the present invention.
Figure 2 (a) is a perspective view schematically showing each configuration in the state in which the in-ear type pulse measuring apparatus according to the present invention is inserted into the ear, Figure 2 (b) is the main body of the pulse measuring apparatus (sitting part) An example of the support 600 for supporting the (200) is shown.
It is a figure for demonstrating the state which the piezo film segment which concerns on this invention contacts other surface.
Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the shape of the piezo film segment disposed on the seating portion 200 according to the present invention. Figure 4 (a) shows the shape disposed on the entire outer surface of the seating portion 200, Figure 4 (b) shows that it is disposed in the form of an annular band on the outer surface of the seating portion 200.
5 shows experimental results for proving the effect of the plurality of piezo film segments according to the present invention. When subjected to constant vibration from the outside, FIG. 5 (a) shows a single piezo film sensor, FIG. 5 (b) shows a plurality of piezo film segments, and FIG. 5 (c) shows that for FIG. 5 (a). The measurement results are shown, and FIG. 5 (d) shows the measurement results for FIG. 5 (b).

Hereinafter, an in-ear type pulse measuring apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As used herein, the singular forms "a,""an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is to be understood that the present invention means that there is a part or a combination thereof, and does not exclude the presence or addition possibility of one or more other features or numbers, step operation components, parts or combinations thereof.

Pulse measuring device

1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an in-ear type pulse measuring apparatus according to the present invention.

1 shows each component constituting the pulse measuring apparatus according to the present invention. The seat 200 for maintaining the shape inserted in the ear, the pulse measuring unit performing a function of measuring the pulse, the display unit 400 for displaying the measured pulse data, and transmits the measured pulse data to the external receiving device The wireless communication module unit 500 is shown, and the data flow of each component pipe is shown by a solid arrow.

Furthermore, there is a power supply unit 300 for supplying power to the pulse measuring unit 100, the display unit 400 and the wireless communication module unit 500, which is an electrical device, and is connected to the seating unit 200 so that the entire pulse measuring device is There is a support 600 for supporting to maintain a stable fixed state.

The power supply unit 300 may be a device such as a battery included in the seating unit 200, or may be a separate power supply device connected to the seating unit 200 by wire or wirelessly.

The seating unit 200 and the support unit 600 correspond to a mechanical configuration, and the pulse measuring unit 100, the display unit 400, the wireless communication module unit 500, and the power supply unit 300 correspond to electrical devices. would.

The seating unit 200 corresponds to a main body inserted into the ear and preferably has elastic rubber, plastic, synthetic resin, and the like, and includes a pulse measuring unit 100, a display unit 400, and a wireless communication module unit ( 500 and the power supply 300 is preferably disposed in the seating portion 200. In particular, the sensor for measuring the vibration of the blood vessels in the pulse measuring unit 100 is preferably disposed in a position that comes in contact with the portion of the inner blood vessels flowing out of the seating portion 200.

The display unit 400, the wireless communication module unit 500, and the power supply unit 300 may not be disposed in the seating unit 200, but may be disposed outside as a separate device to achieve the object of the present invention.

The main feature of the present invention is to measure the pulse in a device having a shape that is inserted into the ear. Examples of devices inserted into the ear include hearing aids, earphones, and the like, and may include a pulse measuring device according to the present invention.

Figure 2 (a) is a perspective view schematically showing each configuration in the state in which the in-ear type pulse measuring apparatus according to the present invention is inserted into the ear, Figure 2 (b) is the main body of the pulse measuring apparatus (sitting part) An example of the support 600 for supporting the (200) is shown.

Figure 2 (a) shows the intermediate step that the seating portion 200 is inserted into the ear. There is a side (S) that is exposed to the outside even when inserted into the ear from the seating part 200, it is preferable that the display unit 400 is disposed on this side.

Looking at Figure 2 (b), the support portion 600 supports the seating portion 200 in a form surrounding the ear wheel part or the whole. The support part 600 has a form extending from one side S of the seating part 200 exposed to the outside in a state where the seating part 200 is inserted into the ear. On the other hand, the support 600 is preferably composed of a member such as a synthetic resin and / and metal having elasticity.

Looking at only the important configuration of the present invention, the in-ear type pulse measuring apparatus of the present invention is a pulse measuring unit 100 for measuring the pulse by contacting the position of the blood vessels in the ear canal, the power supply for supplying power to the pulse measuring apparatus 300 and the pulse measuring unit 100 includes a seating portion 200 is inserted and seated in the ear.

Pulse measurement unit 100 of the present invention is to measure the vibration of the blood flow in the blood vessel passing near the epidermis tissue of the ear canal. That is, the pulse measuring unit 100 includes a sensor capable of detecting vibration. After detecting vibration with a vibration sensor, a separate device may be used to extract quantified pulse data. Furthermore, sensors such as piezo film sensors that convert vibrations directly into electrical data can also be used.

The pulse measuring unit 100 of the present invention preferably includes at least one piezo film sensor in order to measure the pulse by the vibration of the blood flow in the blood vessels of the ear canal.

Further, the piezo film sensor unit 101 may include a plurality of piezo film segments, and the plurality of piezo film segments may be disposed on the same surface, and each piezo film segment may measure a pulse, respectively.

The inner ear has a hollow shape of a circular column. Since the inner ear is different in each person and there are various bends, the measuring sensor may not be able to perform accurate measurement depending on the area to be measured. Accordingly, the present invention is to configure the pulse measuring unit 100 with a plurality of piezo film segments.

If the pulse is measured with each piezo film segment, the at least one piezo film segment is close to the position where the blood vessels in the ear can pass and the pulse can be measured. In this case, the pulse measuring unit 100 may further include an effective data detecting unit 110 for detecting noise-free data among pulse data measured in each of the plurality of piezo film segments.

The effective data detector 110 measures a pulse signal that appears when the pulse is converted into an electrical signal, removes pulse data having abnormal upper and lower amplitudes through filtering, and detects only valid pulse data.

Alternatively, the valid data detector 110 may operate. For example, the final effective pulse data may be detected by averaging the remaining values, except for the measured values with extreme noise in the measured values of the entire piezo film segment.

The pulse measuring apparatus according to the present invention may further include a display unit displaying pulse data measured by the pulse measuring unit. The display unit may be implemented in a separate device spaced apart from the seating unit 200. If the pulse measuring device is configured to be integrally inserted into the ear, the display unit is preferably disposed on one side of the seating portion 200 exposed to the outside in a state in which the seating portion 200 is inserted into the ear.

The apparatus may further include a wireless communication module unit 500 for transmitting the pulse data measured by the pulse measuring unit to the external receiving device. In this case, the display unit may be disposed in the external receiving device.

For example, a central server installed in a hospital managing a patient may receive pulse data measured by a pulse measuring unit and store the data in a database to periodically check a change in pulse rate. In addition, if a sudden pulse change is detected, the patient may be called to a medical staff.

Or even people with heart disease, such as arrhythmia, so everyday life, people with heart disease wearing the pulse measuring device according to the invention at all times, the measured pulse data periodically through the wireless communication module unit 500 It may be transmitted to a reception server of a hospital server or a management center managing a patient. This will enable immediate response in the event of a risk.

It is a figure for demonstrating the state which the piezo film segment which concerns on this invention contacts other surface. FIG. 3 illustrates an example in which a piezo film segment is attached to an inner wall of the ear canal, and thus, when the piezo film segment measures a pulse over several parts, valid pulse data may be extracted from at least one segment. This is very high.

Since the piezo film itself is usually made of a synthetic resin material having elasticity, the piezo film itself can be in close contact with the curvature of the inner wall of the ear canal, and furthermore, the piezo film segment is connected to each other by an elastic member so that the entire piezo film sensor portion formed by the piezo film segment is pulsed. Close contact with the position to measure the.

The position where the piezo film sensor unit 101 is disposed on the seating unit 200 may be various embodiments. The piezo film sensor unit 101 may be disposed on the entire surface of the seating part 200 in contact with the external auditory canal wall, the measuring units may be arranged at regular intervals in several groups, or may be arranged like one straight band.

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the shape of the piezo film segment disposed on the seating portion 200 according to the present invention. Figure 4 (a) shows the shape disposed on the entire outer surface of the seating portion 200, Figure 4 (b) shows that it is disposed in the form of an annular band on the outer surface of the seating portion 200.

 The piezo film sensor unit 101 is disposed on the outer surface of the seating unit 200 in contact with the external auditory meatus, and may be disposed on all or part of the outer surface of the seating unit 200.

Figure 4 (a) shows an example disposed on the entire outer surface of the mounting portion 200. Since the piezo film sensor unit 101 is positioned only at the part contacting the ear canal, it is illustrated in a form disposed on a part of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical shape.

When the piezo film sensor unit 101 is disposed on a portion of the outer surface of the seating unit 200, it is preferable that the piezo film sensor unit 101 is disposed in the form of one or more annular bands surrounding the outer surface. Of course, the annular band would be in contact with the inner wall of the ear canal. In FIG. 4 (b), the case where the annular band is one is illustrated, but it is obvious that the band may be composed of a plurality of bands.

Although the piezo film sensor unit 101 illustrated in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b) is illustrated as forming a piezo film segment having a constant size, the piezo film segment may have various sizes or shapes. . For example, polygonal forms such as circles, rhombuses, rectangles, triangles, and the like are possible.

The piezo film segments illustrated in FIG. 4 are disposed on the outer surface of the seating part 200, and the piezo film segments do not have separate connected means. In another embodiment, the piezo film segment may be connected by an elastic connecting member.

5 shows experimental results for proving the effect of the plurality of piezo film segments according to the present invention. When subjected to constant vibration from the outside, FIG. 5 (a) shows a single piezo film sensor, FIG. 5 (b) shows a plurality of piezo film segments, and FIG. 5 (c) shows that for FIG. 5 (a). The measurement results are shown, and FIG. 5 (d) shows the measurement results for FIG. 5 (b).

Arrows F shown in Figs. 5A and 5B indicate the directions in which vibrations are applied. In Figs. 5C and 5D, the x axis represents a measurement time and the y axis represents a measured potential. (Amplitude).

Figure 5 is a pulse measuring device according to the present invention inserted into the ear, and shows the experimental results for the vibration that may occur when living in general. As mentioned above, the present invention can be implemented as a device included in a device such as a hearing aid worn at all times, and should be able to measure a stable pulse even in a general situation that occurs when the wearer moves.

Although the single piezo film sensor can measure normal vibration in the absence of vibration, it can be seen that the vibration measurement is incorrectly performed in a specific situation in which vibration occurs as shown in FIG. 5 (c). The amplitude representing the potential value was measured irregularly after the midsection.

Referring to FIG. 5 (d), when the same vibration applied to a single piezo film sensor occurs, some piezo film segments may have incorrect vibrations measured in some segments, but normal vibrations may be measured in one segment.

Eventually, a single piezo film sensor is vulnerable to vibrations that may occur in everyday living environments, but a plurality of piezo film segments are capable of accurate measurement at least in some segments. Therefore, the present invention uses a plurality of piezo film segments.

Different forms Example

Another aspect of the invention is the inclusion of the aforementioned pulse measuring device in a device such as a hearing aid. That is, the earphone type in-ear hearing aid device having a pulse measuring function is possible. Furthermore, the pulse measuring device according to the present invention can be implemented in any device inserted into the ear and used. For example, the pulse measuring device of the present invention may also be included in an earphone-type device for listening to music.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the ear-ear type hearing aid of the earphone type that can measure the pulse, the receiver for receiving the external sound, the amplification unit for amplifying the external sound received from the receiver, the contact with the site where the blood vessels in the ear canal are located or The pulse measuring unit 100 for measuring the pulse by contacting the area near the vessel where the blood vessels of the ear canal are located, the power supply unit 300 for supplying power for pulse measurement, and the receiving unit, the amplifying unit and the pulse measuring unit are arranged in the ear. It may include a seating portion 200 is inserted and seated.

As another embodiment of the present invention, the earphone capable of measuring the pulse includes a receiver for receiving digital voice data, a converter for converting a digital signal into an analog vibration signal, and a blood vessel of the ear canal or ear in contact with an area where a blood vessel of the ear canal is located. It may include a pulse measuring unit 100 for measuring the pulse in contact with a region near the position, and the receiving unit 200 is inserted into the ear while the receiver, the conversion unit and the pulse measuring unit are disposed.

Among the components used for the hearing aid and the earphone, the same configuration as the pulse measuring apparatus according to the present invention performs the same function as the aforementioned pulse measuring apparatus.

That is, the pulse measuring unit 100 includes one or more piezo film sensor units to measure the vibration of blood flow in the blood vessels of the ear canal.

The piezo film sensor unit 101 includes a plurality of piezo film segments, wherein the plurality of piezo film segments are disposed on the same surface, and each piezo film segment measures vibration of blood flow, respectively.

The piezo film segment itself has elasticity, and the piezo film segments are connected to each other with elastic members to be in close contact with a site for measuring a pulse. Of course, the piezo film segments are not connected to each other, it is also possible to form each arranged on the outer surface of the seating portion (200).

The piezo film sensor unit 101 is disposed on an outer surface of the seating unit 200 in contact with the external auditory meatus, and may be disposed on a portion of the outer surface of the seating unit 200 or in a circular band shape surrounding the outer surface. .

The embodiments and drawings attached to this specification are merely to clearly show some of the technical ideas included in the present invention, and those skilled in the art can easily infer within the scope of the technical ideas included in the specification and drawings of the present invention. Modifications that can be made and specific embodiments will be apparent that all fall within the scope of the present invention.

100: pulse measuring unit 110: valid data detection unit
101: piezo film sensor 200: seating portion
300: power supply unit 400: display unit
500: wireless communication module 600: support
S: one side of the seating unit exposed to the outside while the seating unit is inserted into the ear

Claims (15)

In pulse measuring device,
Pulse measuring unit for measuring the pulse in contact with the location of the blood vessels in the ear canal;
A power supply unit supplying power to the pulse measuring device; And
The pulse measuring unit is disposed, and includes a seating portion inserted into the ear,
The pulse measuring unit includes at least one piezo film sensor unit for measuring the pulse by the vibration of the blood flow in the blood vessels of the ear canal,
The piezo film sensor unit includes a plurality of piezo film segments, wherein the plurality of piezo film segments are disposed on the same side, and each piezo film segment measures a pulse,
The piezo film sensor part is disposed on an outer side of the seating part in contact with the ear canal, and is disposed on all or a part of the outer side of the seating part,
When the piezo film sensor unit is disposed on a portion of the outer surface of the seating portion, the pulse measuring apparatus of the in-ear type, characterized in that arranged in the form of one or more annular bands surrounding the outer surface. delete delete The method of claim 1,
The pulse measuring unit further comprises an effective data detector for detecting noise-free data among the pulse data measured in each of the plurality of piezo film segments. The method of claim 1,
The piezo film segment itself has elasticity, the piezo film segment is connected to each other by the elastic member is in-ear type pulse measuring apparatus, characterized in that the close contact with the site for measuring the pulse. delete delete The method of claim 1,
It further comprises a support for supporting the seating portion formed of a member having an elastic member to surround a part or all of the ear wheels, wherein the support portion extends from one side of the seating portion exposed to the outside in the state that the seating portion is inserted into the ear Pulse measuring apparatus of the in-ear type, characterized in that. The method of claim 1,
The display unit further includes a display unit displaying pulse data measured by the pulse measuring unit, wherein the display unit is disposed on one side of a seating unit exposed to the outside while the seating unit is inserted into the ear. Measuring device. The method of claim 1,
An in-ear type pulse measuring apparatus further comprising a wireless communication module unit for transmitting the pulse data measured by the pulse measuring unit to be transmitted to an external receiving device. In hearing aids,
Receiving unit for receiving an external sound;
An amplifier for amplifying the external sound received by the receiver;
Pulse measuring unit for measuring the pulse in contact with the site where the blood vessels in the ear canal or the area near the site of blood vessels in the ear canal;
A power supply for supplying power for pulse measurement; And
The receiver, the amplifier and the pulse measuring unit is disposed, and includes a seating portion to be inserted into the ear,
The pulse measuring unit includes at least one piezo film sensor unit for measuring the vibration of the blood flow in the blood vessels of the ear canal,
The piezo film sensor unit includes a plurality of piezo film segments, the plurality of piezo film segments are disposed on the same surface, each piezo film segment measures the vibration of the blood flow, respectively,
The piezo film sensor part is disposed on an outer surface of the seating part in contact with the ear canal, and is disposed on a part of the outer surface of the seating part, or is arranged in a circular shape surrounding the outer surface of the ear-capable pulse in-ear Type of hearing aid. delete delete The method of claim 11,
The piezo film segment itself has elasticity, the piezo film segment is connected to the elastic member with each other in close contact with a portion for measuring the pulse rate pulse in-ear type hearing aid. delete

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