JP2003102693A - Electronic sphygmomanometer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic sphygmomanometer by which the height difference of a heart and a site to be measured can accurately measured by preventing the variance of a detection angle owing to twisting of a wrist. SOLUTION: The electronic sphygmomanometer is provided with a main body part 1 having a display part 4 for displaying the measured value of blood pressure and a biaxial angle sensor 2 which is arranged in the main body part 1 and can measure the angle of two axis at least. An angle formed by the displaying surface of the display part 4 and the surface for mounting the biaxial angle sensor 2 of a substrate 3 is fixed at a prescribed angle when measuring blood pressure.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic sphygmomanometer, and more particularly to an electronic sphygmomanometer capable of detecting a height difference between a measurement site and a heart.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in a sphygmomanometer, an accurate blood pressure value can be obtained by measuring the blood pressure at the height of the heart. This is because when the blood pressure measurement site is lower than the heart, the blood pressure at the measurement site is high, and when it is higher than the heart, the blood pressure is low.

The electronic blood pressure monitor for wrists and fingers is used by being attached to the wrists and fingers. Since the wrists and fingers are parts that can move freely, the wrists and fingers are at the same height as the heart. It is difficult to set to, and accurate blood pressure may not be measured.

In order to avoid such a problem, Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-28334 describes a technique for improving the accuracy of blood pressure measurement by detecting the height difference between the heart and the sphygmomanometer mounting part. According to this technique, the height difference between the heart and the mounting portion of the sphygmomanometer body is estimated by using the angle sensor that measures the angle of the forearm and the angle of the upper arm.

[0005]

However, Japanese Patent Application No. 2
In the electronic sphygmomanometer described in No. 001-28334, the positional relationship between the display surface of the display unit and the angle measurement surface of the angle sensor is not uniquely determined. For this reason, when the electronic sphygmomanometer is attached to the wrist, for example, the twisting of the wrist causes variations in the angle measurement values, which deteriorates the estimation accuracy of the height difference between the heart and the sphygmomanometer attachment part. It was
The problem will be described below.

In Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-28334, the vertical angle φ _b of the forearm and the roll direction angle θ of the wrist are measured in order to detect the height difference between the heart and the measurement site. The roll direction angle θ is measured as a combined angle of the body inclination angle θ _c and the forearm front-back direction angle θ _b .

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15,
When the sphygmomanometer 110 is worn, since the display surface is viewed vertically, the wrist is twisted so that the display surface is perpendicular to the line of sight, and the position where the sphygmomanometer 110 is worn is changed. However, if the wrist is twisted, the sphygmomanometer body 101 is inclined by θ _d with respect to the horizontal plane as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17.

Here, since the angle sensor built in the sphygmomanometer main body 101 normally measures the angle by utilizing gravity, the roll direction angle θ of the wrist is θ _b +
Measuring θ _c + θ _d . However, in the calculation formula for detecting the difference in height between the heart and the measurement site, θ = θ _b + θ _c is used, assuming that the sphygmomanometer main body 101 is arranged horizontally. Therefore, when the wrist is twisted as described above,
The value of θ _d varies and the roll direction angle θ of the wrist is erroneously recognized. As a result, in the two states shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, even if the height difference between the heart and the measurement site is the same, the difference in height between the heart and the measurement site is detected because the twist angle θ _{d of the} wrist is different. The result will be different. This causes a detection error, which leads to deterioration of blood pressure measurement accuracy.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic sphygmomanometer capable of accurately measuring the height difference between the heart and the measurement site by preventing variations in the detected angle due to twisting of the wrist.

[0010]

The electronic sphygmomanometer of the present invention comprises:
An electronic sphygmomanometer that is attached to a predetermined part of a living body to measure the blood pressure of the predetermined part and includes a main body and a biaxial angle measurement sensor. The main body section has a display section for displaying a blood pressure measurement value. The biaxial angle measurement sensor
At least 2 arranged in the body or in the display
The angle of the axis can be measured. The angle formed by the display surface of the display unit and the mounting surface of the biaxial angle measurement sensor is fixed at a predetermined angle when measuring the blood pressure.

According to the electronic sphygmomanometer of the present invention, the angle formed by the display surface and the sensor mounting surface is fixed when the blood pressure is measured. Therefore, if you make the display surface of the blood pressure value perpendicular to the line of sight,
The angle θ _d formed by the sensor mounting surface and the horizontal plane is fixed.
Therefore, if this angle θ _d is given to the sphygmomanometer main body in advance as a predetermined value, the roll direction angle of the wrist can be accurately calculated. As a result, it is possible to accurately measure the difference in height between the heart and the measurement site, and it is possible to accurately measure the blood pressure value.

The above electronic blood pressure monitor is preferably provided with a display angle adjusting mechanism that rotatably supports the display surface with respect to the main body and that can adjust the angle of the display surface with respect to the main body.

As a result, the twisting angle of the wrist when the measurer looks at the display unit can be reduced, and the accuracy of height difference detection between the heart and the measurement site can be improved.

In the above electronic sphygmomanometer, preferably, the display angle adjusting mechanism has a lock mechanism for fixing the angle formed by the display surface of the display unit and the mounting surface of the biaxial angle measuring sensor to a predetermined angle. ing.

Thus, the angle of the display section, which is the movable section, with respect to the main body section can be fixed.

In the above electronic sphygmomanometer, preferably, the display surface and the mounting surface of the biaxial angle measuring sensor are always parallel to each other.

Thus, even if the display unit is movable with respect to the main body, the display surface and the sensor mounting surface can be fixed without providing a lock mechanism.

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of an electronic sphygmomanometer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 and 3 are a block diagram of the electronic blood pressure monitor of FIG. 1 and a schematic cross-sectional view showing the inside of the main body.

Mainly referring to FIG. 1, the electronic sphygmomanometer 10 is
It has a main body 1 in which a control device for blood pressure measurement is built in, and a cuff 6 for mounting the main body 1 on the wrist. A display unit 4 and an operation input unit 5 are provided on the outer surface of the main body unit 1. The display unit 4 is a portion mainly showing the measurement result of the blood pressure measurement, and the operation input unit 5 is a portion including operation keys such as a press key.

The cuff 6 has an air bag 7 for compressing the artery of the wrist by storing air therein, a band-shaped band 8 for mounting on the wrist, and a surface for fixing the band 8 around the wrist. And fasteners 9.

2 and 3, inside the main body 1, a biaxial angle sensor 2, a substrate 3, and a pressurizing pump 2 are provided.
1, an exhaust unit 22, a pressure sensor 23, an A / D converter 24, an MPU (Micro Processor Unit) 25, a storage unit 26, and a buzzer 27 are provided.

The biaxial angle sensor 2 measures two angles, that is, an angle in the vertical direction of the forearm and an angle in the roll direction of the wrist. For example, an acceleration sensor that measures the angle using gravity is used to measure the angle. Is measured. The biaxial angle sensor 2 is mounted on the surface of the substrate 3.

The pressurizing pump 21 sends air into the air bag 7 of the cuff 6 to pressurize it, and the exhaust unit 22 supplies air to the air bag 7 of the cuff 6.
Exhaust the air inside. The air pressure in the air bag 7 is detected by the pressure sensor 23, and the detection result of the pressure sensor 23 and the angle detected by the biaxial angle sensor 2 are A / D.
MP after being converted to a digital signal by the converter 24
Input to U25. The MPU 25 executes a process for blood pressure measurement by a built-in program based on various input information. The calculation data, measurement results, etc. obtained by the processing of the MPU 25 are stored in the storage unit 26,
In addition, depending on the result of processing by the MPU 25, the buzzer 2
The result is notified by 7. The blood pressure value and the like obtained as a result of the processing are displayed on the display unit 4.

Referring to FIG. 3, it should be particularly noted in electronic blood pressure monitor 10 of the present embodiment that the display surface of display unit 4 and the surface on which biaxial angle sensor 2 is mounted (hereinafter referred to as “sensor mounting surface”). It is that the angle formed by () is fixed. The display surface and the sensor mounting surface are arranged so as to be parallel to each other, for example.

Next, the processing operation of the electronic sphygmomanometer of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the electronic sphygmomanometer according to the first embodiment of the present invention is wrapped around a wrist, and FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a processing operation of the electronic sphygmomanometer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Is.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, first, electronic blood pressure monitor 10 is wrapped around the wrist and fixed. In this state, when the power of the electronic sphygmomanometer 10 is turned on and the operation starts,
All the LCDs (displays) are turned on (step ST1), the LCDs are all turned off (step ST2), and the display function can be confirmed, and then the zero setting, that is, the initial reset is completed (step ST3). .

Next, it is judged whether or not the angle detected by the biaxial angle sensor 2 which is the forearm angle detector is within a predetermined range (step ST4), and the angle of the forearm is not within the predetermined range. In this case, a guidance message is displayed to keep the forearm angle within a predetermined range, for example, "Please raise the sphygmomanometer body a little."
5). If the angle of the forearm is within the specified range, or if it falls within the specified range,
The pressurizing pump is turned on and the above blood pressure measurement is started (step ST6).

The blood pressure is measured by pressurizing the inside of the air bladder 7 with the pressurizing pump 21 to press the artery of the wrist and then the exhaust part 22.
The pressure sensor 23 measures the pressure in the air bladder 7 while the air bladder 7 is being evacuated.
This completes the measurement of the maximum blood pressure, the minimum blood pressure, and the pulse rate (step ST7). The measurement result is displayed on the display unit (step ST8), and the operation ends.

Further, the following processing may be performed without being limited to the above processing. FIG. 6 shows the first embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart showing another processing operation of the electronic sphygmomanometer in FIG. The hardware configuration of the circuit section of the electronic sphygmomanometer that performs this processing operation is the same as that shown in FIGS.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, first, electronic blood pressure monitor 10 is wrapped around the wrist and fixed. In this state, when the power is turned on and the operation starts, the LCD (display)
Are all turned on (step ST11), the LCD is turned off (step ST12), and the zero setting, that is, the initial reset is completed (step ST13).

Next, the forearm angle is detected by the biaxial angle sensor 2 which is a forearm angle detector (step ST1).
4). The angle of the forearm detected here is the vertical angle of the forearm and the roll direction angle of the wrist. The height difference between the heart and the cuff is predicted from the detected angle of the forearm (step S
T15). Next, the corresponding pressure correction value is converted from the predicted height difference between the heart and the cuff (step ST16), and this correction value is stored in the memory. The pressurizing pump is turned on, pressurization of the air bladder 7 is started, and measurement is performed (step ST17).

In this measurement, after pressurizing the cuff pressure to a target value for pressurization, the pressurization is stopped, and the pressure pulse wave in the cuff pressure is detected in the subsequent depressurization process.
For example, the systolic blood pressure value and the diastolic blood pressure value are determined by the vibration method from the amplitude sequence data of each pulse wave.
When the blood pressure measurement is completed (step ST18), the measurement (determination) result is corrected (step ST19). The blood pressure value is corrected by arithmetically correcting the blood pressure value determined based on the pressure correction data stored in the memory. As the measurement result, the corrected blood pressure value is displayed on the display unit (step ST20), and the operation ends.

In the above processing operation, before measuring the angle of the forearm in step ST14, the operation input unit 5
When the biometric information such as the forearm length of the measurer is input and the correction value is converted in step ST16, the correction may be performed in consideration of individual differences such as the forearm length. The correction of the individual difference by inputting the forearm length in advance can be applied to the processing operation shown in FIG.

Next, the method of calculating the height difference between the cuff and the heart in the present embodiment will be specifically described.

7 and 8 are views showing the inclination of the upper arm and the forearm when the human body is viewed from the front and side. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the left and right direction of the upper arm (X-axis direction)
Rear direction angle theta _a to (Y-axis direction), angle phi _b, the longitudinal direction of the angle of the forearm theta _b in the vertical direction of the forearm (Z axis direction), the angle leaning the body an angle of phi _a, the upper arm Is θ _c and the forearm length is L
1, upper arm length L2, shoulder to heart height H, shoulder to cuff height Z, wrist twist angle θ _d (Fig. 1
6 and 17), the height difference ΔH between the cuff and the heart is expressed by the following equation.

ΔH = Z−H = L2 × cos φ _a × cos (θ _a + θ _c ) −
L1 × sinφ _b × cos (θ _b + θ _c + θ _d ) −H FIG. 9 is a diagram showing each angle when the wrist is not twisted, and FIG. 10 is a diagram showing each angle when the wrist is twisted. Is.

Referring to FIG. 9, when an acceleration sensor utilizing gravity is used as the angle sensor, the angle sensor measures the roll direction angle θ of the wrist with reference to the direction perpendicular to the sensor mounting surface. In the state where the wrist is not twisted, the direction perpendicular to the sensor mounting surface and the vertical direction match, so the roll direction angle θ of the wrist is measured as θ _b + θ _c .

On the other hand, when the wrist is twisted as shown in FIG. 10, the direction perpendicular to the sensor mounting surface is inclined by θ _d with respect to the vertical direction. In this state, when the roll direction angle θ of the wrist is measured with reference to the direction perpendicular to the sensor mounting surface, the wrist roll direction angle θ is measured as θ _b + θ _c + θ _d .

Here, in the electronic sphygmomanometer described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-28334, the height difference ΔH between the cuff and the heart is set to θ _b + θ _c as the roll direction angle θ of the wrist as described above.
Was calculated. Further, the positional relationship between the display surface and the sensor mounting surface has not been uniquely determined. For this reason, when the wrist is twisted, the twist angle θ _{d of the} wrist is varied, and as a result, the value of ΔH is varied.

On the other hand, in the electronic sphygmomanometer of the present embodiment, the angle formed between the display surface and the sensor mounting surface is a predetermined angle θ.
Fixed to _d (uniquely determined). Therefore, if the blood pressure display surface is made perpendicular to the line of sight, the angle θ _d formed by the sensor mounting surface and the horizontal direction is fixed. Therefore, by storing the twist angle θ _{d of the} wrist as a predetermined value in the storage unit 26 in advance, ΔH can be accurately measured.

In the present embodiment, φ _a , L1, L2, and H in the above equation are input to the main body 1 as default values or stored in the storage unit 26, and the value of θ _a + θ _c is θ _b.
ΔH is measured assuming the same value as + θ _c + θ _d .

For each angle of the upper arm, θ _b as described above
It may be considered that it is the same as the value of + θ _c + θ _d , but
It may be actually measured by the angle sensor. When measuring each angle of the upper arm, the angle sensor that measures each angle of the upper arm may be provided in the main body 1 together with the biaxial angle sensor 2, or may be provided separately from the main body 1. May be. Further, the above φ _a , L1, L2, and H may be actually measured by some method.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 11 is a sectional view schematically showing a configuration of an electronic sphygmomanometer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. With reference to FIG. 11, the configuration of the present embodiment is
It differs from the configuration of the first embodiment in that the display unit 4 is rotatably supported by the rotating mechanism 11 with respect to the main body unit 1. The display unit 4 can be locked with respect to the main body unit 1 by a lock mechanism at a predetermined angle α.

Since the other structures are almost the same as those of the first embodiment, the same members are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The processing operation of the electronic sphygmomanometer according to the present embodiment is also the same as that of the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the display unit 4 is rotatable with respect to the main body unit 1 and can be fixed at a predetermined angle by the lock mechanism. Therefore, the angle at which the wrist twists in order for the measurer to see the display. The variation is reduced, and the accuracy of detecting the difference in height between the heart and the measurement site is further improved.

Further, since the power supply is turned on when the angle α formed by the display section 4 is reached and the power is turned off when the angle is released from the angle α, the power switch is not required.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 12 is a sectional view schematically showing a configuration of an electronic sphygmomanometer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. With reference to FIG. 12, the configuration of the present embodiment is as follows.
Compared to the configuration of the second embodiment, a biaxial angle sensor 2 that is a forearm angle detector and a substrate 3 on which the biaxial angle sensor 2 is mounted are provided in the display unit 4. Different in.

Since the other structure is almost the same as that of the second embodiment, the same members are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

The processing operation of the electronic sphygmomanometer according to the present embodiment is also the same as that of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, since the biaxial angle sensor 2 is arranged in the display unit 4, the angle formed by the display surface and the sensor mounting surface is always fixed. Specifically, the display surface and the sensor mounting surface are always parallel to each other. As a result, variations in the angle at which the wrist twists to see the display by the measurer are reduced, and the height difference detection accuracy between the heart and the measurement site is improved.

(Embodiment 4) This embodiment is shown in FIG.
17 specifically shows the structure of the lock mechanism in the fourth embodiment shown in FIG.

FIGS. 13A to 13C are schematic views showing the structure and operation of the lock mechanism of the electronic sphygmomanometer according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 13 (a),
A protrusion 4a is provided on the movable portion side of the rotating mechanism 11, and guide grooves 11a and 11b for guiding the protrusion 4a are provided on the fixed portion side. The depth of the groove between the guide groove 11a and the guide groove 11b is shallower than the depth of the guide grooves 11a and 11b.

As a result, the movable part is closed (see FIG. 13).
Between (a)) and the movable part non-fixed state (FIG. 13 (b)), the protrusion 4 a is guided by the rotation of the display unit 4 into the guide groove 11 a.
Rotate easily along. However, the movable part is not fixed (FIG. 13B) and the movable part is fixed (FIG. 13C).
Between and, the protrusion 4a must ride over the shallow guide groove portion. For this reason, when the protrusion 4a is fitted into the guide groove 11b, the movable portion of the display unit 4 is locked at that position and cannot easily move toward the guide groove 11a.
With such a structure, the movable portion can be fixed to the fixed portion at a predetermined angle.

In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the type in which the sphygmomanometer is worn on the wrist has been described.
The electronic sphygmomanometer of the present invention is not limited to this, and may be any one as long as it is attached to a predetermined part of the living body and the sphygmomanometer of the attachment part is measured.

In the second to fourth embodiments, the display unit 4 is rotatably supported with respect to the main body unit 1, but the electronic sphygmomanometer of the present invention is not limited to this, and the main body unit is not limited thereto. It suffices that the display unit 4 can be moved with respect to 1 and the angle of the display unit 4 can be fixed with respect to the main body unit.

Further, in the above-mentioned first to fourth embodiments, the case where the biaxial angle sensor is used as the sensor 2 mounted on the sphygmomanometer 10 has been described, but the sensor 2 can measure at least the biaxial angle. It may be anything as long as it can measure other angles and characteristics. Further, the sensor 2 is not limited to the acceleration sensor, and may be any sensor as long as it can measure the angle by utilizing gravity.

The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope.

[0060]

As described above, according to the electronic sphygmomanometer of the present invention, the angle formed between the display surface and the sensor mounting surface is fixed when measuring the blood pressure. Therefore, if the display surface of the blood pressure value is made perpendicular to the line of sight, the angle θ _d formed by the sensor mounting surface and the horizontal plane is fixed. Therefore, if this angle θ _d is determined in advance as an initial value and given to the sphygmomanometer main body, the roll direction angle of the wrist can be accurately calculated. As a result, it is possible to accurately measure the difference in height between the heart and the measurement site, and it is possible to accurately measure the blood pressure value.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of an electronic sphygmomanometer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic blood pressure monitor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the electronic blood pressure monitor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the electronic sphygmomanometer according to the first embodiment of the present invention is wrapped around a wrist.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation of the electronic sphygmomanometer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining another processing operation of the electronic sphygmomanometer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the human body for explaining the inclination of the upper arm and the forearm.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the human body for explaining the inclination of the upper arm and the forearm.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing each angle in a state where the wrist is not twisted.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing each angle when the wrist is twisted.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view schematically showing a configuration of an electronic sphygmomanometer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view schematically showing a configuration of an electronic sphygmomanometer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration and operation of the electronic sphygmomanometer according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a first diagram for explaining a twist of a wrist when a conventional electronic blood pressure monitor is used.

FIG. 15 is a second diagram for explaining the twist of the wrist when the conventional electronic blood pressure monitor is used.

FIG. 16 is a first diagram showing a state in which the conventional electronic sphygmomanometer is inclined with respect to the horizontal line due to the twist of the wrist.

FIG. 17 is a second diagram showing a state in which the conventional electronic sphygmomanometer is inclined with respect to the horizontal line due to the twist of the wrist.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 body part, 2 2 axis angle sensor, 3 substrate, 4 display part, 4a protrusion part, 5 operation input part, 6 cuff, 7 air bag, 8 band, 9 surface fastener, 10 electronic blood pressure monitor,
11 rotation mechanism part, 11a, 11b guide groove, 21
Pressure pump, 22 Exhaust part, 23 Pressure sensor, 24
A / D converter, 25 MPU, 26 memory, 27 buzzer.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Takahide Tanaka             Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi Shioji-dori Horikawa Higashiiri Minamifudo-cho             801 OMRON LIFE SAYE CORPORATION             Institute F-term (reference) 4C017 AA08 AB02 AC01 EE01

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An electronic sphygmomanometer that is attached to a predetermined part of a living body to measure the blood pressure of the predetermined part, the main part having a display part for displaying the measured value of the blood pressure, and the inside of the main part. Alternatively, a biaxial angle measurement sensor that is arranged in the display unit and is capable of measuring an angle of at least two axes is provided, and an angle between a display surface of the display unit and a mounting surface of the biaxial angle measurement sensor is a blood pressure. An electronic sphygmomanometer characterized in that it is fixed at a predetermined angle when measuring. 2. The display angle adjusting mechanism, which rotatably supports the display surface with respect to the main body, and is capable of adjusting an angle of the display surface with respect to the main body. Electronic blood pressure monitor described. 3. The display angle adjusting mechanism has a lock mechanism for fixing an angle formed by a display surface of the display unit and a mounting surface of the biaxial angle measuring sensor to a predetermined angle. The electronic sphygmomanometer according to claim 2, which is characterized. 4. The display surface and the mounting surface of the biaxial angle measuring sensor are always parallel to each other.
The electronic sphygmomanometer according to any one of 3 above.