JP2001258860A - Arterial sclerosis diagnostic device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect a precise pulse wave data with a detection part which has a portable shape installable to a part of a human body. SOLUTION: This arterial sclerosis diagnostic device K comprises the detection part A installed to a part of an organism to detect the pulse wave data of the organism and a diagnostic part B for receiving the pulse wave transmitted from the detection part A to diagnose the state of arterial sclerosis of the organism. The detection part A is provided with a switch 3 for instructing the detection start timing of pulse wave data by a light emitting element 22 and a light receiving element 23. The detection start of the pulse wave data is instructed by the switch 3 in the state where a person to be measured relatively rests quietly so that the detection part A is never shifted to the person, whereby a precise pulse wave data can be detected.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention detects pulse wave data of a living body by utilizing the absorption characteristics of hemoglobin in blood,
The present invention relates to an arteriosclerosis diagnostic device that diagnoses the state of arteriosclerosis of a living body based on the pulse wave data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an apparatus for detecting an acceleration pulse wave which is a twice-differential waveform of a pulse wave, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-1903 is disclosed.
There is one disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 32. In this device, a person to be measured of an acceleration pulse wave inserts his / her finger into a fixedly installed blood flow sensor. The blood flow sensor includes a light receiving / emitting element, and detects a change in blood volume as a pulse wave based on the transmittance of light transmitted through the fingertip of the subject inserted into the blood flow sensor. Then, the acceleration pulse wave waveform is calculated by differentiating the detected pulse wave twice.

[0003]

However, when the blood flow sensor is fixedly installed as described above, it is necessary for the subject to go to a predetermined place every time the acceleration pulse wave is detected. Is bad.

On the other hand, if the detection unit for detecting the pulse wave is a portable type that can be worn on a human body, the convenience of the subject is improved. However, if the detection unit is of a portable type, the pulse wave can be detected even when the subject is moving, but the pulse wave detected in such a situation has a noise component. There is a problem that is easily included. Also,
If the detection unit is portable, the pulse wave data acquired by the detection unit will be wirelessly transmitted to the diagnosis unit. The transmitted pulse wave data may not be accurately received by the diagnostic unit.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has an arteriosclerosis in which a highly accurate pulse wave data can be detected by the detection unit while the detection unit is a portable type that can be attached to a part of a human body. A first object is to provide a diagnostic device. Further, a second object is to reliably transmit the pulse wave data to the diagnostic unit.

[0006]

According to the arterial sclerosis diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, a pulse wave data obtained by a light emitting element and a light receiving element is attached to a detection part which is attached to a part of a living body and detects the pulse wave data of the living body. Instruction means for instructing the detection start timing of the detection. By this instruction means, when the subject is relatively at rest and the detecting unit instructs the subject to start detecting pulse wave data in a situation where there is no displacement, highly accurate pulse wave data can be obtained. Can be detected. In particular, since the state of arteriosclerosis is obtained from the twice-differential waveform of the pulse wave, it is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis if the pulse wave data as the basis contains a noise component. .

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the indicating means is a switch provided on the detecting unit, and is preferably operated by a wearer who wears the detecting unit. This allows
Pulse wave data can be detected after the wearer recognizes a situation in which the wearer is relatively at rest and the detection unit does not cause a positional shift with respect to the wearer, so that a highly accurate pulse can be detected. Wave data is obtained.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the detection unit includes a storage unit for storing pulse wave data obtained from an output signal of the light receiving element, and the transmission unit stores a plurality of pulse wave data. If it is configured to be transmitted twice, 1
Even if the pulse wave data is not accurately received by the diagnostic unit in the second transmission, the probability that the diagnostic unit correctly receives the pulse wave data by subsequent transmission can be increased. At the time of transmitting a plurality of times, as described in claim 4, the detecting unit has time measuring means for measuring time, and the pulse wave data stored in the storage means is based on the time measured by the time measuring means. It is preferable to transmit the data intermittently a plurality of times.

In the arteriosclerosis diagnostic apparatus according to the fifth aspect, when the start of pulse wave data detection is instructed by the instruction means, the storage means stores the stored pulse wave data in the newly acquired pulse wave data. Update to Thereby, the diagnosis unit can always diagnose the state of arteriosclerosis based on the latest pulse wave data.

[0010] As described above, when the pulse wave data is stored in the storage unit and the stored pulse wave data is transmitted a plurality of times, the diagnosing unit may receive the received pulse wave data. When the pulse wave data is received from the transmission unit of the detection unit, and the pulse wave data is different from the pulse wave data stored in the diagnosis unit storage unit, the received pulse data is stored. Preferably, the wave data is stored in the diagnostic unit storage means. This can prevent the diagnosis based on the same pulse wave data from being repeated.

In addition, by transmitting the latest pulse wave data together with the stored pulse wave data, the safety of the wearer of the detection unit can be confirmed.
Furthermore, as described in claim 9, since the switch is also used as a switch for reporting an emergency state to a predetermined management center, it is possible to immediately make an emergency report and take quick action. .

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows an arteriosclerosis diagnostic apparatus K according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the arteriosclerosis diagnosing device K includes a detection unit A that detects and transmits pulse wave data, and a diagnosis unit B that analyzes pulse wave data and diagnoses the state of arteriosclerosis.

The detecting section A includes a light emitting element 22 and a light receiving element 2
3, a current / voltage conversion circuit 51 for converting the output current of the light emitting element 23 into a voltage, an amplification circuit for amplifying the converted voltage output 5, a transmission circuit 6 for transmitting the amplified voltage output, A switch 3 for instructing a start timing of pulse wave detection by the sensor unit 3, a memory 10 for storing detected pulse wave data, an operation control circuit for controlling a detection operation of the pulse wave data in the detection unit 4, transmission of pulse wave data A timer circuit 7 for counting time is provided.

FIG. 2 shows a state in which the detection unit A is mounted on a human body. As shown in FIG. 2, the detection unit A is housed in a ring-shaped mounting tool 1. The wearing tool 1 is made of, for example, plastic, cloth, or the like, and has an inner diameter that does not easily fall off the finger 11 of the subject. The inner surface of the attachment 1 is subjected to a surface treatment (black coating or the like) for preventing light reflection. In the example of FIG. 2,
Although the case where the wearing tool 1 is worn on a finger with a ring shape is shown, the wearing tool 1 may be worn on another part of the human body such as an ear.

The light emitting element 22 and the light receiving element 23 constituting the sensor section 2 are arranged adjacent to each other in a package 21 molded in the mounting tool 1. The package 21 is provided with a window on a surface that is in close contact with the finger 11, and a light transmitting body 221 that transmits light is provided in a portion where the window is provided. Thereby, the light emitted from the light emitting element 22 reaches the inside of the finger through the light transmitting body 221 and the skin of the finger 11, and
A part is absorbed by a blood flow (specifically, hemoglobin in the blood flow) flowing through a capillary or the like, and the other is reflected and scattered. By receiving the reflected and scattered light by the light receiving element 23, pulse wave data can be detected.

Circuits other than the sensor section 2 among various circuits constituting the detection section A are provided on the pedestal section 1a of the mounting tool 1 located behind the finger 11. The switch 3 for instructing the sensor unit 2 to start detecting pulse wave data includes two electrodes 3a and 3b as shown in FIG. The one electrode 3a is provided so as to protrude from the pedestal portion 1a so as to be slidable.
Contact with. Thus, the operation control circuit 4 can detect that the switch 3 has been operated. The electrode 3a is provided with a waterproof seal in order to prevent moisture from entering the detection section A.

The diagnostic section B includes a receiving circuit 81 for receiving the pulse wave data transmitted from the detecting section A, an analyzing circuit 82 for analyzing the received pulse wave data and diagnosing the arteriosclerosis state of the subject, and an analyzing circuit. A display 83 such as a liquid crystal display for displaying the result of diagnosis by the circuit 82, a storage circuit 84 for storing the pulse wave and the result of diagnosis together with their collection time in a storage medium, and when there is an abnormality in the received pulse wave data, etc. A notification circuit 85 for notifying a predetermined management center is provided.

The analysis circuit 82 has a memory 90 for temporarily storing the received pulse wave data. Then, the pulse wave data stored in the memory 90 and the newly received pulse wave data are compared by the comparing circuit 82a, and only when it is determined that the data is different, the pulse wave data is analyzed.

When the switch 3 is operated, the detecting section A detects eight pulse waves as shown in FIG. 4 and transmits them to the diagnostic section B as pulse wave data. In the diagnostic unit B,
When receiving the pulse wave data including the pulse waves for eight beats, the second derivative waveform of each pulse wave is obtained, and the averaged pulse waveform is calculated. And, as shown in FIG.
Amplitude a, b, c, of each part of the obtained average acceleration pulse wave waveform
The state of arteriosclerosis is diagnosed from the ratio of d and e. In other words, as the degree of arteriosclerosis advances, the waveform of the acceleration pulse wave is more likely to be attenuated.
If e is smaller or the amplitude does not occur, it can be determined that the degree of arteriosclerosis is advanced.

Next, the operation of the arteriosclerosis diagnosing apparatus K comprising the detecting section A and the diagnosing section B will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5A and 5B and the time chart of FIG.

FIG. 5A is a flowchart showing the control flow of the detection unit A. In step S100, it is determined whether or not the switch 3 has been operated. If the switch 3 has not been pressed, as shown in the time chart of FIG. 6, it is determined in step S142 whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous transmission (timed by the timer circuit 7). If it has elapsed, step S150
Transmits the pulse wave data stored in the memory 10.

If it is determined in step S100 that the switch 3 has been pressed, a pulse wave is detected in step 110. Then, in step S120, it is determined whether the detection of the pulse wave data has been completed. As described above, this is a process for acquiring a pulse wave for eight beats, and the determination in step S120 is Yes when the pulse wave for eight beats is acquired.

In step 130, the acquired pulse wave data is stored in the memory 10. Specifically, the voltage output amplified by the amplifier circuit 5 is stored as pulse wave data in the memory 1.
Store to 0. At this time, if there is already stored pulse wave data, the pulse wave data is updated to newly acquired pulse wave data. Thereafter, in step S140, the pulse wave data stored in the memory 10 is transmitted by the transmission circuit 6. A series of processes from the operation of the switch 3 to the data transmission is sequentially executed by the operation control circuit 4 as shown in the time chart of FIG.

FIG. 5B is a flowchart showing the flow of control in the diagnosis section B. In step S200,
The pulse wave data transmitted from the detection unit A is received. At this time, the process proceeds to the next step 210 only when the pulse wave data is normally received, and when the pulse wave data is not normally received due to, for example, external noise, the received data at that time is canceled ( See the time chart in FIG. 6).

At step 210, it is determined whether or not the received pulse wave data is the same as the previously received pulse wave data (corresponding to the comparison circuit 82a). If so, the process returns to the data receiving state at step S200. . On the other hand, if the data is different from the past data, in step 220, the pulse wave data in the memory 90 is updated to the newly received pulse wave data.

In step S230, the above-described analysis processing is performed on the newly acquired pulse wave data, and an average twice differential waveform is calculated. Further, a state of arteriosclerosis is diagnosed based on the average twice differential waveform. Then, in step S240, the diagnosis result is displayed on the display 83, and the pulse wave data and the diagnosis result are stored in the storage medium by the storage circuit 84 together with their collection times.

According to the first embodiment, since the detection of the pulse wave data is started by operating the switch 3, the person to be measured is relatively at rest and the detecting section A is provided to the person to be measured. On the other hand, pulse wave data can be detected in a situation where there is no displacement, and highly accurate pulse wave data can be detected. In particular, since the state of arteriosclerosis is obtained from the twice-differential waveform of the pulse wave, it is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis if the pulse wave data as the basis contains a noise component. . However, in the present embodiment, since highly accurate pulse wave data can be obtained as described above, it is possible to improve the accuracy of diagnosis of the state of arteriosclerosis.

(Second Embodiment) Next, an arteriosclerosis diagnostic apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The arteriosclerosis diagnosing apparatus according to the second embodiment periodically detects a pulse wave in addition to the pulse wave data acquired at a specific timing by operating the switch 3 and transmits the latest pulse wave data. Is what you do.

The structure of the arteriosclerosis diagnostic apparatus of the second embodiment is as follows.
Since it is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description is omitted.

Detecting section A of the arteriosclerosis diagnostic apparatus of the second embodiment
7 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. Also in this flowchart, most of the flowchart is common to that of the first embodiment, and the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 7A is different from the first embodiment in that step S144 is added and step S152 is executed instead of step S150 in the first embodiment.

That is, in the second embodiment, the first
By the processes of steps S100 to S140, a predetermined number of pulse waves are detected when the switch 3 is operated in the same manner as in the embodiment, and the detected pulse wave data is stored in the memory 10 and transmitted to the diagnostic unit B. .

If the switch 3 has not been operated, it is determined in step S142 whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the last transmission of the pulse wave data. At this time, if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S100, and if the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S144. In step 144, a predetermined number of pulse waves are detected to obtain the latest pulse wave data. And step S
In step 152, the pulse wave data stored in the memory 10 and the latest pulse wave data acquired in step S144 are transmitted together.

FIG. 7 shows a control flow of the diagnosis section B.
(B) is different from the first embodiment in that the first embodiment returns to the data receiving process of step S200 without any processing if the received pulse wave data is the same as the data received in the past. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, only the latest pulse wave data is updated, and diagnosis processing (step S230) and display / notification processing (step S240) are performed based on the latest pulse wave data.

Since the latest pulse wave data is acquired at predetermined time intervals, the subject cannot specify in what state the pulse wave data is acquired, and the acquired pulse wave data may include noise. May be included. Therefore, this pulse wave data is not suitable as the base data for diagnosing arteriosclerosis. However, the data is sufficient as data for confirming the safety of the wearer of the detection unit A, and the safety of the wearer is determined based on the latest pulse wave data.

The latest pulse wave data acquired in step 144 is stored in the memory 10 as shown in the time chart of FIG.
Is transmitted to the diagnostic section B together with the pulse wave data stored in the diagnostic section B. After correctly receiving the pulse wave data stored in the memory 10 once, the diagnosis unit B cancels the stored pulse wave data repeatedly transmitted, takes in only the latest pulse wave data, and performs the above-described safety. Perform diagnostic processing for confirmation.

FIG. 9 shows a detailed flowchart of the display processing in the diagnosis section B, and FIG. 10 shows a display example in the diagnosis section B and a host computer of a predetermined management center.

In step S300 of FIG. 9, if no pulse wave data is transmitted from the detection unit A, it is determined that "no battery" or "out of battery", and step S37 is performed.
At 0, the display 83 indicates that transmission / reception is abnormal.

Next, in step S310, if it is determined that no pulse wave is generated as a result of analyzing the received pulse wave data stored in the memory 10 or the latest pulse wave data, step S360 is performed. , "No pulse wave" is displayed, the host computer of the management center is notified of the emergency, and the display 83 is also displayed to indicate the emergency.

Next, at step S320, the memory 10
As a result of analyzing the pulse wave data or the latest pulse wave data stored therein, if it is determined that a pulse wave is generated but the waveform of the pulse wave is different from the waveform of the normal pulse wave, the process proceeds to step S350. Displays on the display 83 that the wearer has an activity.

On the other hand, when there is no abnormality in the received pulse wave data, the detection time of the pulse wave data is recorded (step S330), and the calculation result of the average acceleration pulse wave is displayed on the display 83.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 10, various information such as the calculation result of the acceleration pulse wave, the activity of the wearer, the absence of the pulse wave, the transmission / reception abnormality, and the emergency state are displayed on the display 83. The diagnosis unit B and the host computer of the management center are connected, for example, via a telephone line, and all data displayed on the display 83 are also transmitted to the host computer.

According to the second embodiment, not only can the state of arteriosclerosis of the wearer of the detecting section A be accurately diagnosed,
By always wearing the detection unit A, it can be used for confirming the safety of the wearer. Therefore,
For example, when the wearer is undergoing medical treatment at home, the burden on the caregiver can be significantly reduced.

(Third Embodiment) Next, an arteriosclerosis diagnosis apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the arteriosclerosis diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment, the switch 3 is also used as a switch for notifying an emergency state to a predetermined management center and a switch for determining the timing of acquiring pulse wave data. is there.

The configuration of the arteriosclerosis diagnostic apparatus of the third embodiment is as follows.
The description is omitted because it is the same as that of the first and second embodiments.

The detecting section A of the arteriosclerosis diagnostic apparatus of the third embodiment
Is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this flowchart, the same parts as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 11A is different from the second embodiment in that steps S400 to S460 are added. This step S400 to step S46
By the process of 0, an emergency state is notified using the switch 3. When not reporting an emergency condition (step S45)
In the case of 0 and No), the same processing (the processing of steps S100 to S152) as in the second embodiment is performed.

Hereinafter, steps S400 to S46
The processing up to 0 will be described. In step S400, a flag and a timer are initialized. Subsequently, in step S410, it is determined whether the switch 3 has been pressed. In the third embodiment, since the switch 3 is used both as an emergency notification switch and a switch for instructing the start of pulse wave data detection, it is necessary to distinguish which switch has been operated. Therefore, the time from when the switch 3 is pressed to when it is released is measured. If the time is shorter than 2 seconds, the switch 3 functions as an emergency status notification switch. Function as a switch for instructing the start of the detection of.

If it is determined in step S410 that the time from when the switch 3 is pressed until it is released is less than 2 seconds, an emergency notification flag is set in step S420. If it is determined in step S430 that the switch 3 has been continuously pressed for more than 2 seconds while the emergency report flag is set, the emergency report flag is reset in step S440. In step S450,
It is determined whether or not the emergency report flag is set. If the emergency report flag is set, the fact that the emergency report flag is set is transmitted to the diagnosis unit B in step S460 (see FIG. 12).

If the switch 3 is pressed for more than 2 seconds while the emergency notification flag is reset (No in step S450), the determination in step 100 is Yes.
s, and detection of pulse wave data is started (step S
110 to step S140). At this time, switch 3
Functions as a switch for instructing the detection start timing of pulse wave data. Subsequent processing is the same as in the above-described second embodiment.

The control flow of the diagnosis unit B in the third embodiment is as shown in FIG.
When it is determined in step 202 that the emergency notification flag has been transmitted, an emergency state is displayed on the display 83, and the host computer of the management center is notified of the emergency state. Other processes are the same as in the above-described second embodiment.

According to the third embodiment, the switch 3
Can also be used as a switch for reporting an emergency condition and a switch for instructing the start timing of detection of pulse wave data. Therefore, the wearer of the detection unit A can not only accurately diagnose the state of arteriosclerosis, but also can promptly notify the management center even in an emergency in which the body has been modulated, and can take appropriate measures. .

In the first to third embodiments described above, the arteriosclerosis diagnosing device K is constituted by the pair of detecting sections A and the diagnosing section B. However, a plurality of detecting sections A and one diagnosing section are provided. B
May constitute an arteriosclerosis diagnostic apparatus. In this case, an individual identification number is assigned to each of the plurality of detection units A,
Based on the identification number, the diagnostic unit B performs
Pulse wave data is detected and diagnosed every time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an arteriosclerosis diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a detection unit A is mounted on a finger.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a switch 3;

FIG. 4 is a waveform chart showing pulse wave data and an average acceleration pulse wave.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a detection unit and a diagnosis unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a time chart illustrating the operation of the detection unit and the diagnosis unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a detection unit and a diagnosis unit according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a time chart illustrating the operation of a detection unit and a diagnosis unit according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a display process according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example on a display 83 and a host computer.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a detection unit and a diagnosis unit according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a time chart illustrating an operation of a detection unit and a diagnosis unit according to the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

A: detection unit, B: diagnosis unit, K: arteriosclerosis diagnosis device 3: switch, 4: operation control circuit, 6, transmission circuit, 7:
Timer circuit, 10 memory, 22 light emitting element, 23 light receiving element, 81 receiving circuit, 82 analysis circuit, 83 display, 85 notification circuit, 90 memory

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Masahiko Ito 1-1-1 Showa-cho, Kariya-shi, Aichi F-term in DENSO Corporation (reference) 4C017 AA07 AA09 AB03 AC26 BC11 FF17

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A detection unit attached to a part of a living body for detecting pulse wave data of the living body, and a diagnosis for receiving pulse wave data transmitted from the detection unit and diagnosing a state of arteriosclerosis of the living body. An arteriosclerosis diagnostic apparatus comprising: a light-emitting element that emits light toward a part of a living body; and a light-emitting element that receives light scattered in the living body from the light-emitting element. A light receiving element, transmitting means for transmitting pulse wave data obtained from an output signal of the light receiving element, and instructing means for instructing a start timing of detection of pulse wave data by the light emitting element and the light receiving element, Diagnostic arteriosclerosis device. 2. The arteriosclerosis diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the instruction means is a switch provided on the detection unit, and is operated by a wearer of the detection unit. 3. The detection unit includes a storage unit that stores pulse wave data obtained from an output signal of the light receiving element when a start of detection of pulse wave data is instructed by the instruction unit. 2. The stored pulse wave data is transmitted a plurality of times by a transmission unit.
Or the arteriosclerosis diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2. 4. The detecting section has a time measuring means for measuring time, and the pulse wave data stored in the storage means is intermittently transmitted a plurality of times according to the time measured by the time measuring means. The arteriosclerosis diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: 5. When the start of pulse wave data detection is instructed by the instruction unit, the storage unit updates the stored pulse wave data to newly acquired pulse wave data. The arteriosclerosis diagnostic device according to claim 3 or 4, which performs the diagnosis. 6. The diagnostic section has a diagnostic section storage section for storing received pulse wave data, and when pulse wave data is received from the transmitting section, the pulse wave data is stored in the diagnostic section storage section. The arteriosclerosis diagnosis apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the received pulse wave data is stored in the diagnosis unit storage means only when the pulse wave data is different from the received pulse wave data. 7. The diagnostic unit according to claim 2, wherein a second derivative waveform of the pulse wave is obtained from the received pulse wave data, and the state of arteriosclerosis of the living body is diagnosed based on the second derivative waveform. The arteriosclerosis diagnostic device according to claim 1. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects the latest pulse wave data at predetermined time intervals and transmits the latest pulse wave data together with the pulse wave data stored in the storage unit. Item 5. The arteriosclerosis diagnostic apparatus according to item 3 or 4. 9. The arteriosclerosis diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the switch is also used as a switch for reporting an emergency condition to a predetermined management center.