JP2006102184A - Blood pressure measuring device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem of accuracy in the measured value of blood pressure because of the disturbance in the blood pressure measurement by means of a conventional method by pressing a measured region of a subject by feeding air to a cuff since the measured value of the air pressure inside the cuff is used as the pressure value to press the measured region of the subject and the pressure to press the measured region is not directly measured; and so to provide a blood pressure measuring device capable of stably and accurately measuring the blood pressure by accurately measuring the pressure with which the measured region of the subject is pressed. <P>SOLUTION: As this blood pressure measuring device has a pressure-sensitive conductive rubber part on the contact face with the subject, the pressure to press the measured part of the subject can be directly measured by the electric resistance of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber part. Accordingly, the blood pressure measuring device can accurately measure the pressure to press the measured part of the subject, and can stably and accurately measure the blood pressure. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a blood pressure measurement device that measures blood pressure by compressing a part of a subject.

  In recent years, as a method for easily detecting the pulse of a subject with a smaller device, scattered light in which irradiation light irradiated on the subject by a light emitting element provided in the device is scattered by a blood vessel of the subject or a blood cell in the blood vessel. Is received by a light receiving element provided in the apparatus, and a method of detecting blood vessel pulsation from the received scattered light has been developed (for example, see Patent Document 1). A photoelectric measurement method for measuring blood vessel pulsation using light is recognized as an effective blood pressure measurement method along with the conventional cuff vibration method and volume compensation method (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1). .)

  In general, blood pressure is measured as follows. First, the blood pressure in the subject is compressed with a pressure at which the blood flow stops, and then the pulsation change of the blood vessel in the subject in the process of decreasing the pressure to compress the subject is measured using the cuff vibration method, the volume compensation method, and the photoelectric measurement. The maximum blood pressure and the minimum blood pressure are measured from the pressure of the subject and the change in blood vessel pulsation. Conventionally, as a method of compressing the measurement part of the subject, a method in which a rectangular and flat cuff is wound around the part to be measured, and air is supplied to the cuff to compress the measurement part of the subject is generally used. Is.

In the present application, the name of the pinna is based on Non-Patent Document 2, and the name of the pinna cartilage is based on Non-Patent Document 3.
JP-A-9-128203 Kenichi Yamakoshi, Tatsuo Togawa, “Biosensor and Measuring Device”, MM Japan Society / ME textbook series A-1, pages 39-52 Sobotta Illustrated Human Anatomy Volume 1 (Translation by Michio Okamoto), p. 126, Medical School, issued October 1, 1996 Sobotta Illustrated Human Anatomy Volume 1 (Translation by Michio Okamoto), p. 127, Medical School, issued October 1, 1996

  In blood pressure measurement in which air is supplied to the cuff and the measurement part of the subject is compressed, the measured value of the air pressure in the cuff is used as the pressure value for compressing the measurement part of the subject. Since the measured value depends on the elasticity of the cuff material, there is a problem in the accuracy of the measured value of blood pressure. In addition, due to the vibration of the air pipe for measuring the air pressure in the cuff, an error occurs in the measurement value of the blood pressure measurement every measurement, and there is a problem in the measurement reproducibility of the blood pressure measurement.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a blood pressure measurement device that can accurately measure the pressure with which the measurement unit of the subject is pressed and stably and accurately measure blood pressure in order to solve the above-described problems in the conventional example. The task is to do.

  In order to solve the above problems, the blood pressure measurement device according to the first and second inventions of the present application includes a pressure-sensitive conductive rubber on the contact surface with the subject, and measures the electrical resistance of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber. It was decided to measure the pressure pressing the measurement part of the subject.

  Specifically, the first invention of the present application includes a pressure-sensitive conductive rubber whose electric resistance value changes depending on the applied pressure, a first casing having the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber on a part of the surface, and the first A blood pressure measurement apparatus comprising: a compression mechanism that compresses a casing in a direction of a subject in contact with the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber.

  Further, the second invention of the present application is such that the subject is sandwiched between the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber whose electric resistance value changes depending on the applied pressure, the second casing having the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber on a part of the surface, and the like. And a pressure mechanism that is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber and compresses the subject in the direction of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber.

  The electrical resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber varies depending on the strength of the pressure with which the compression mechanism compresses the subject. Therefore, the blood pressure measurement device according to the first invention of the present application and the second invention of the present application accurately measures the pressure by which the measurement part of the subject is compressed by measuring the electrical resistance of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber. Can do. In addition, the pulse of the subject can be measured from the pulsation of the subject transmitted to the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber.

  In the blood pressure measurement device according to the first invention of the present application, the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber has a light transmission part formed partly of a light-transmitting material, and the first housing is configured to be the pressure-sensitive conductive material. There is a light-transmitting light-transmitting window at a position coinciding with the light-transmitting portion of the rubber, and from the first housing through the light-transmitting window of the first housing and the light-transmitting portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber. A light emitting element that irradiates light to the subject, and light scattered by the subject through the light emitted from the light emitting element passes through the light transmitting window of the first casing and the light transmitting portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber. A light receiving element that receives light in the first housing.

  Further, in the blood pressure measurement device according to the second invention of the present application, the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber has a light transmission part that is partially formed of a light-transmitting material. There is a light transmissive window at a position that coincides with the light transmissive portion of the pressure conductive rubber, and the second housing is passed through the light transmissive window of the second housing and the light transmissive portion of the pressure sensitive conductive rubber. A light emitting element for irradiating the subject with light from a body, and light transmitted by the light emitting element scattered by the subject to transmit light through the light transmitting window of the second casing and the pressure sensitive conductive rubber And a light receiving element that receives light in the second casing through the unit.

  The blood pressure measurement device according to the first invention of the present application and the second invention of the present application can accurately measure the pressure with which the measurement part of the subject is pressed from the electric resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber, By providing the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, the light-receiving element receives the scattered light obtained by scattering light emitted from the light-emitting element by blood vessels in the subject or blood cells in the blood vessels, and changes in the amount of light received. By detecting, the pulse of the subject can be accurately measured.

  In the blood pressure measurement device according to the first invention of the present application, a light-emitting element that is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween and irradiates the subject with light, and the subject is between A light-receiving element that is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so as to be sandwiched between the light-sensitive conductive rubbers and that receives light scattered by the subject.

  Further, in the blood pressure measurement device according to the second invention of the present application, a light emitting element that is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so that the subject is sandwiched between them, and irradiates the subject with light, and the subject And a light receiving element that is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so as to be sandwiched between the light-sensitive conductive rubbers, and that receives light scattered by the subject.

  The blood pressure measurement device according to the first invention of the present application and the second invention of the present application can accurately measure the pressure with which the measurement part of the subject is pressed from the electric resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber, By providing the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, the light-receiving element receives the scattered light obtained by scattering light emitted from the light-emitting element by blood vessels in the subject or blood cells in the blood vessels, and changes in the amount of light received. By detecting, the pulse of the subject can be accurately measured.

  In the blood pressure measurement device according to the first invention of the present application, the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber has a light transmission part formed partly of a light-transmitting material, and the first housing is configured to be the pressure-sensitive conductive material. A light transmitting window having a light transmitting property is provided at a position coinciding with the light transmitting portion of the rubber, and is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so that the object is sandwiched between them. A light emitting element to irradiate and light transmitted through the subject through the light emitted from the light emitting element through the light transmitting window of the first casing and the light transmitting portion of the pressure sensitive conductive rubber. And a light receiving element that receives the light.

  Further, in the blood pressure measurement device according to the second invention of the present application, the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber has a light transmission part that is partially formed of a light-transmitting material. A transparent window having a light transmission property at a position that coincides with the light transmitting portion of the pressure conductive rubber, disposed at a position facing the pressure sensitive conductive rubber so that the object is sandwiched therebetween, A light emitting element for irradiating light, and light transmitted through the subject through the light emitted from the light emitting element is transmitted through the light transmitting window of the second casing and the light transmitting portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber. And a light receiving element that receives light in the housing.

  The blood pressure measurement device according to the first invention of the present application and the second invention of the present application can accurately measure the pressure with which the measurement part of the subject is pressed from the electric resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber, By including the light emitting element and the light receiving element, the light receiving element receives the transmitted light that is transmitted without being absorbed by the blood vessel in the subject or the blood cell in the blood vessel, and the amount of received light. By detecting this change, the pulse of the subject can be accurately measured.

  In the blood pressure measurement device according to the first invention of the present application, the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber has a light transmission part formed partly of a light-transmitting material, and the first housing is configured to be the pressure-sensitive conductive material. There is a light-transmitting light-transmitting window at a position coinciding with the light-transmitting portion of the rubber, and from the first housing through the light-transmitting window of the first housing and the light-transmitting portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber. A light emitting element that irradiates light to the subject, and a light emitting element that is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween, and the light irradiated by the light emitting element transmits light that has passed through the subject. And a light receiving element for receiving light.

  Further, in the blood pressure measurement device according to the second invention of the present application, the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber has a light transmission part that is partially formed of a light-transmitting material. There is a light transmissive window at a position that coincides with the light transmissive portion of the pressure conductive rubber, and the second housing is passed through the light transmissive window of the second housing and the light transmissive portion of the pressure sensitive conductive rubber. A light emitting element that irradiates light from the body to the subject, and a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween, and the light emitted from the light emitting element has passed through the subject And a light receiving element that receives light.

  The blood pressure measurement device according to the first invention of the present application and the second invention of the present application can accurately measure the pressure with which the measurement part of the subject is pressed from the electric resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber, By including the light emitting element and the light receiving element, the light receiving element receives the transmitted light that is transmitted without being absorbed by the blood vessel in the subject or the blood cell in the blood vessel, and the amount of received light. By detecting this change, the pulse of the subject can be accurately measured.

  In the blood pressure measurement device according to the first invention of the present application, a vibrometer for detecting vibration from the subject may be further provided inside or on the surface of the first casing.

  The blood pressure measurement device according to the first aspect of the present invention further includes a vibrometer that is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween and detects vibration from the subject. Also good.

  On the other hand, the blood pressure measurement device according to the second invention of the present application may further include a vibrometer that detects vibration from the subject inside or on the surface of the second casing.

  Further, the blood pressure measurement device according to the second invention of the present application further includes a vibrometer that is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween and detects vibration from the subject. May be.

  The blood pressure measurement device according to the first invention of the present application and the second invention of the present application can accurately measure the pressure with which the measurement part of the subject is pressed from the electric resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber, By providing a vibrometer, vibration due to pulsation of blood vessels in the subject can be measured, and the pulse of the subject can be accurately measured.

  In the blood pressure measurement device according to the first invention of the present application, a microphone for detecting sound waves from the subject may be further provided inside or on the surface of the first casing.

  The blood pressure measurement device according to the first aspect of the present invention may further include a microphone that is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween, and that detects a sound wave from the subject. Good.

  On the other hand, the blood pressure measurement device according to the second invention of the present application may further include a microphone for detecting sound waves from the subject inside or on the surface of the second casing.

  The blood pressure measurement device according to the second invention of the present application also includes a microphone that is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween, and detects a sound wave from the subject. Also good.

  The blood pressure measurement device according to the first invention of the present application and the second invention of the present application can accurately measure the pressure with which the measurement part of the subject is pressed from the electric resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber, By providing the microphone, it is possible to detect a sound wave when the subject is pressed, and to accurately measure the pulse of the subject.

  In the blood pressure measurement device according to the first invention of the present application and the second invention of the present application, the compression mechanism has a cuff that expands and contracts by supply of gas or liquid, and controls pressure to be compressed by pressure of supply of the gas or liquid. May be.

  In the blood pressure measurement device according to the first invention of the present application and the second invention of the present application, the compression mechanism may control a pressure compressed by an actuator.

  By providing the cuff or the actuator, the blood pressure measuring device according to the first invention and the second invention of the present application compresses the subject of the cuff or the actuator from the electric resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber. The pressure can be controlled.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to directly measure the pressure applied by the measurement unit of the subject from the electric resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber provided on the contact surface with the subject. The pressure with which the measurement unit is pressed can be accurately measured. Therefore, the pressure at which the measurement unit of the subject is compressed, the fluctuation of the electrical resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber due to the pulsation of the blood vessel in the subject during blood pressure measurement, the intensity change of the scattered light or the transmitted light, It is possible to provide a blood pressure measurement apparatus capable of measuring a pulse, a maximum blood pressure, and a minimum blood pressure from vibration of the measurement unit of the subject or sound waves of the measurement unit of the subject.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiment described below is an example of the configuration of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.
(Embodiment 1)

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a blood pressure measurement device 111 according to an embodiment of the first invention of the present application. The blood pressure measurement device 111 includes a pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11, a housing 12, a compression mechanism 13, and an electrical resistance measurement device 14.

  The pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 has a characteristic that the shape changes depending on the applied pressure and the electric resistance value changes. The pressure-sensitive conductive rubber is formed in a state where conductive particles such as carbon and metal are dispersed almost uniformly in an insulating rubber material. When no pressure is applied, the conductive particles are not in contact with each other. It shows a high electrical resistance value of about 40 MΩ. On the other hand, when a pressure is applied to the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber, the conductive particles begin to contact each other, and a conductive path is formed in the rubber. The conductive path increases according to the pressure, and the electrical resistance value is reduced to about 5Ω. That is, when pressure is applied, the electrical resistance value decreases and the pressure electrical resistance value increases. Since the blood pressure measurement device 111 measures the pressure that presses the measurement part of the subject as an electric resistance, it is desirable that the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 be a resistance value change type instead of an ON-OFF type.

  A pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 that comes into contact with the subject is installed on a part of the surface of the housing 12. The material of the housing 12 is not particularly limited. However, since the pressure is applied by the compression mechanism 13 as a blood pressure measurement device and is applied to the measurement unit of the subject, it is lightweight and does not deform with pressure, or a metal such as plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, or the like Is desirable.

  The compression mechanism 13 is means for pressing the housing 12 in the direction of the measurement unit of the subject that the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 contacts. The pressure with which the compression mechanism 13 compresses the casing 12 is a pressure that compresses the measurement part of the subject through the casing 12 and the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11. The type of the compression mechanism 13 is not particularly specified as long as it has a structure capable of compressing the casing 12, but is preferably a cuff that expands and contracts by supplying gas or liquid. The conventional technique can be used by using the cuff, and the pressure for pressing the measurement part of the subject can be controlled by controlling the supply pressure of the gas or liquid from a supply source (not shown). An actuator such as a motor driven by electric power or a voice coil may be used. By controlling the voltage or current from a power source (not shown), it is possible to control the pressure for pressing the measurement unit of the subject, and it is possible to reduce the size of the blood pressure measurement device 111 by using a small actuator.

  The electrical resistance measuring device 14 is connected to the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 and the compression mechanism 13. The electrical resistance measuring instrument 14 is a measuring instrument that applies a constant voltage to the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 and measures the electrical resistance of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 from the current flowing through the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11. From the correlation between the pressure applied to the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 measured in advance and the electrical resistance, the pressure at which the measurement unit of the subject is pressed can be specified. The electrical resistance measuring device 14 outputs the measurement result of the electrical resistance of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 to the compression mechanism 13. Furthermore, since the pulsation of the subject is transmitted to the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11, the electrical resistance value due to the pressure with which the measurement part of the subject is pressed changes (hereinafter, the electrical resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 changed by the pulsation). The time waveform is referred to as “pulsation electric resistance waveform”.) Therefore, the pulse of the subject can be measured from the pulsation electric resistance waveform of the electric resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11. Note that the pressure with which the measurement unit of the subject is compressed is measured by excluding the electrical resistance value changed by pulsation.

  The blood pressure measurement device 111 operates as follows. The blood pressure measurement device 111 is mounted so that the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 is in contact with the measurement location of the subject. Simultaneously with the mounting, the electric resistance measuring instrument 14 starts measuring the electric resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11. The compression mechanism 13 moves the casing 12, that is, the subject until the electrical resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11, which is a signal from the electrical resistance measuring device 14, reaches a pressure value at which the blood flow inside the subject is stopped. Squeeze the measurement points. Thereafter, the compression mechanism 13 gradually reduces the pressure for pressing the measurement part of the subject. As the pressure for compressing the measurement part of the subject decreases, blood inside the subject begins to flow, and the measurement part of the subject starts to pulsate due to blood flow. By starting the pulsation, a pulsation electric resistance waveform is generated in the time waveform of the electric resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11. For example, the pressure specified from the electric resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 when the pulsating electric resistance waveform is generated can be the maximum blood pressure of the subject. Further, in the pulsating electric resistance waveform, the pulse of the subject can also be measured from the interval of the pulse-shaped waveform that is a change in the electric resistance value due to the pulsation. When the pressure with which the compression mechanism 13 presses the measurement part of the subject further decreases, the resistance of the blood flow due to the compression of the blood vessel disappears, so the pulsation disappears and the pulsation electrical resistance waveform disappears. For example, the pressure specified from the electric resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 when the pulsating electric resistance waveform disappears can be the minimum blood pressure of the subject. As described above, the blood pressure measurement device 111 can measure the blood pressure and pulse of the subject.

As the blood pressure measurement device according to the embodiment of the second invention of the present application, the compression mechanism 13 in the blood pressure measurement device 111 may be disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween. By pressing the subject in the direction of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 by the compression mechanism 13, the same effect as that of the blood pressure measurement device 111 having the configuration shown in FIG. 1 can be obtained.
(Embodiment 2)

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a blood pressure measurement device 112 according to another embodiment of the first invention of the present application. 2, the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 1 perform the same functions and the same operations. The difference from the blood pressure measurement device 111 is that the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 has a light transmission part 11a partially formed of a light-transmitting material, and the housing 12 has light at a position coincident with the light transmission part 11a. A light-emitting element 25 having a transparent window 12a having transparency and irradiating the subject with irradiation light A from the housing 12 through the transmission window 12a and the light transmission portion 11a, and scattering in which the irradiation light A is scattered by the subject The light receiving element 26 that receives the light B in the housing 12 through the light transmitting window 12a and the light transmitting portion 11a is provided.

  The blood pressure measurement device 112 operates as follows. The operation is the same as that of the blood pressure measurement device 111 until the compression mechanism 13 starts to decrease the pressure for compressing the measurement unit of the subject. The light emitting element 25 emits the irradiation light A toward the measurement unit of the subject through the light transmission window 12a and the light transmission unit 11a. As the pressure at which the compression mechanism 13 compresses the measurement part of the subject decreases, the blood flow inside the subject begins to flow, and the measurement part of the subject starts to pulsate due to the blood flow. The irradiation light A is scattered by the pulsation caused by the blood vessels inside the subject to become scattered light B, and is received by the light receiving element 26 again through the light transmitting portion 11a and the light transmitting window 12a. The light receiving element 26 outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the scattered light B, and the output signal is processed by a signal processor (not shown). By processing the signal, the blood pressure measurement device 112 can measure the pulse of the subject. For example, in the measurement using the blood pressure measuring device 112, the pressure specified from the electric resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 when the scattered light B received by the light receiving element 26 starts to change in intensity due to the pulsation is the maximum blood pressure. can do. Moreover, the pressure specified from the electric resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 when the pulsation disappears and the scattered light B does not change in intensity can be set as the minimum blood pressure. As described above, the blood pressure measurement device 112 can measure the blood pressure and pulse of the subject.

As a blood pressure measurement device according to another embodiment of the second invention of the present application, the compression mechanism 13 in the blood pressure measurement device 112 may be arranged at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween. Good. The compression mechanism 13 presses the subject in the direction of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11, so that the same effect as that of the blood pressure measurement device 112 having the configuration shown in FIG.
(Embodiment 3)

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a blood pressure measurement device 113 according to another embodiment of the first invention of the present application. In FIG. 3, the same reference numerals as those used in FIGS. 1 and 2 perform the same functions and the same operations. The difference from the blood pressure measurement device 111 is that the subject is placed between the light-emitting element 35 that is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween, and irradiates the subject with the irradiation light A, and the subject. Thus, the light receiving element 36 is provided which is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 and receives the scattered light B which is scattered by the subject with the irradiation light A irradiated by the light emitting element 35.

The blood pressure measurement device 113 operates as follows. The operation is the same as that of the blood pressure measurement device 111 until the compression mechanism 13 starts to decrease the pressure for compressing the measurement unit of the subject. The light emitting element 35 emits the irradiation light A toward the measurement part of the subject. As the pressure at which the compression mechanism 13 compresses the measurement part of the subject decreases, the blood flow inside the subject begins to flow, and the measurement part of the subject starts to pulsate due to the blood flow. Irradiation light A is scattered by pulsation caused by blood vessels inside the subject, becomes scattered light B, and is received by the light receiving element 36. The light receiving element 36 outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the scattered light B, and the blood pressure measuring device 113 measures the pulse of the subject by processing the signal with a signal processor (not shown). The blood pressure measurement device 113 measures the maximum blood pressure and the minimum blood pressure in the same manner as the blood pressure measurement device 112. As described above, the blood pressure measurement device 113 can measure the blood pressure and pulse of the subject.

As a blood pressure measurement device according to another embodiment of the second invention of the present application, the compression mechanism 13 in the blood pressure measurement device 113 may be disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween. Good. When the compression mechanism 13 presses the subject in the direction of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11, the same effect as the blood pressure measurement device 113 having the configuration of FIG. 3 can be obtained.
(Embodiment 4)

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a blood pressure measurement device 114 according to another embodiment of the first invention of the present application. In FIG. 4, the same reference numerals as those used in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 perform the same functions and the same operations. The difference from the blood pressure measurement device 112 is that the light emitting element 25 and the light receiving element 26 are not provided, and the light emitted from the light emitting element 35 and the light emitting element 35 is transmitted through the subject C through the light transmitting window 12a and the light. In other words, a light receiving element 46 that receives light in the housing 12 through the transmission portion 11a is provided.

The blood pressure measurement device 114 operates as follows. The operation is the same as that of the blood pressure measurement device 111 until the compression mechanism 13 starts to decrease the pressure for compressing the measurement unit of the subject. The light emitting element 35 emits the irradiation light A toward the measurement part of the subject. As the pressure at which the compression mechanism 13 compresses the measurement part of the subject decreases, the blood flow inside the subject begins to flow, and the measurement part of the subject starts to pulsate due to the blood flow. The light transmitted through the irradiation light A without being absorbed by the blood in the blood vessel inside the subject becomes the transmitted light C and is received by the light receiving element 46. The light receiving element 46 outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the transmitted light C, and the blood pressure measuring device 114 measures the pulse of the subject by processing the signal with a signal processor (not shown). The blood pressure measurement device 114 measures the maximum blood pressure and the minimum blood pressure in the same manner as the blood pressure measurement device 112. As described above, the blood pressure measurement device 114 can measure the blood pressure and pulse of the subject.

As a blood pressure measurement device according to another embodiment of the second invention of the present application, the compression mechanism 13 in the blood pressure measurement device 114 may be disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween. Good. When the compression mechanism 13 presses the subject in the direction of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11, the same effect as the blood pressure measurement device 114 having the configuration of FIG. 4 can be obtained.
(Embodiment 5)

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a blood pressure measurement device 115 according to another embodiment of the first invention of the present application. 5, the same reference numerals as those used in FIGS. 1 and 2 perform the same functions and the same operations. The difference from the blood pressure measurement device 112 is that the light-receiving element 26 is not provided, and is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 so that the subject is sandwiched between them. The light receiving element 56 that receives the transmitted light C that has passed therethrough is provided.

The blood pressure measurement device 115 operates as follows. The operation is the same as that of the blood pressure measurement device 111 until the compression mechanism 13 starts to decrease the pressure for compressing the measurement unit of the subject. The light emitting element 25 irradiates the irradiation light A toward the measurement part of the subject. As the pressure at which the compression mechanism 13 compresses the measurement part of the subject decreases, the blood flow inside the subject begins to flow, and the measurement part of the subject starts to pulsate due to the blood flow. The light transmitted through the irradiation light A without being absorbed by the blood in the blood vessel inside the subject becomes the transmitted light C and is received by the light receiving element 56. The light receiving element 56 outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the transmitted light C, and the blood pressure measuring device 115 measures the pulse of the subject by processing the signal with a signal processor (not shown). The blood pressure measurement device 115 measures the maximum blood pressure and the minimum blood pressure in the same manner as the blood pressure measurement device 112. As described above, the blood pressure measurement device 115 can measure the blood pressure and pulse of the subject.

As a blood pressure measurement device according to another embodiment of the second invention of the present application, the compression mechanism 13 in the blood pressure measurement device 115 may be disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween. Good. The compression mechanism 13 presses the subject in the direction of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11, so that the same effect as that of the blood pressure measurement device 115 having the configuration shown in FIG.
(Embodiment 6)

  FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a blood pressure measurement device 116 according to another embodiment of the first invention of the present application. 6, the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 1 perform the same functions and the same operations. The difference from the blood pressure measurement device 111 is that a vibration meter 64 for detecting vibration from the subject is provided inside the housing 12.

  The blood pressure measurement device 116 operates as follows. The operation is the same as that of the blood pressure measurement device 111 until the compression mechanism 13 starts to decrease the pressure for compressing the measurement unit of the subject. As the pressure at which the compression mechanism 13 compresses the measurement part of the subject decreases, the blood flow inside the subject begins to flow, and the measurement part of the subject starts to pulsate due to the blood flow. The pulsation is transmitted to the vibrometer 64 through the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 and the housing 12. The vibrometer 64 outputs a signal proportional to vibration acceleration due to pulsation, and the blood pressure measuring device 116 measures the pulse of the subject by processing the signal with a signal processor (not shown). In the measurement using the blood pressure measuring device 116, the pressure specified from the electric resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 when the vibrometer 64 starts measuring the pulsation may be set as the maximum blood pressure. The pressure specified from the electric resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 when the pulsation measured by the vibrometer 64 disappears may be used as the minimum blood pressure. As described above, the blood pressure measurement device 116 can measure the blood pressure and pulse of the subject.

As a blood pressure measurement device according to another embodiment of the second invention of the present application, the compression mechanism 13 in the blood pressure measurement device 116 may be disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween. Good. The compression mechanism 13 presses the subject in the direction of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11, so that the same effect as the blood pressure measurement device 116 having the configuration of FIG. 6 can be obtained.
(Embodiment 7)

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a blood pressure measurement device 117 according to another embodiment of the first invention of the present application. In FIG. 7, the same reference numerals as those used in FIGS. 1 and 6 perform the same functions and the same operations. The difference from the blood pressure measurement device 116 is that the vibrometer 64 is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween.

  The blood pressure measurement device 117 operates as follows. The operation is the same as that of the blood pressure measurement device 111 until the compression mechanism 13 starts to decrease the pressure for compressing the measurement unit of the subject. As the pressure at which the compression mechanism 13 compresses the measurement part of the subject decreases, the blood flow inside the subject begins to flow, and the measurement part of the subject starts to pulsate due to the blood flow. The pulsation is directly transmitted to the vibrometer 64. The vibrometer 64 outputs a signal proportional to the vibration acceleration due to the pulsation of the subject, and the blood pressure measuring device 117 measures the pulse of the subject by processing the signal with a signal processor (not shown). The blood pressure measurement device 117 measures the maximum blood pressure and the minimum blood pressure in the same manner as the blood pressure measurement device 116. As described above, the blood pressure measurement device 117 can measure the blood pressure and pulse of the subject.

As a blood pressure measurement device according to another embodiment of the second invention of the present application, the compression mechanism 13 in the blood pressure measurement device 117 may be disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween. Good. By pressing the subject in the direction of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 by the compression mechanism 13, the same effect as that of the blood pressure measurement device 117 having the configuration shown in FIG. 7 can be obtained.
(Embodiment 8)

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a blood pressure measurement device 118 according to another embodiment of the first invention of the present application. In FIG. 8, the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 1 perform the same functions and the same operations. The difference from the blood pressure measurement device 111 is that a microphone 84 that detects sound waves from the subject is provided inside the housing 12.

  The blood pressure measurement device 118 operates as follows. The operation is the same as that of the blood pressure measurement device 111 until the compression mechanism 13 starts to decrease the pressure for compressing the measurement unit of the subject. As the pressure at which the compression mechanism 13 compresses the measurement part of the subject decreases, the blood flow inside the subject begins to flow, and the measurement part of the subject starts to pulsate due to the blood flow. When blood in the subject flows through the compressed portion, a vortex is generated in the blood vessel, and a sound wave is generated by the vortex (Korotkoff sound). The microphone 84 outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the sound wave, and the blood pressure measuring device 118 can measure the pulse of the subject by processing the signal with a signal processor (not shown). In the measurement using the blood pressure measurement device 118, the pressure specified from the electric resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 when the Korotkoff sound starts to be generated may be set as the maximum blood pressure. Further, the pressure specified from the electric resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 when the Korotkoff sound disappears may be set as the minimum blood pressure. As described above, the blood pressure measurement device 118 can measure the blood pressure and pulse of the subject.

As a blood pressure measurement device according to another embodiment of the second invention of the present application, the compression mechanism 13 in the blood pressure measurement device 118 may be disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween. Good. The compression mechanism 13 presses the subject in the direction of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11, so that the same effect as that of the blood pressure measurement device 118 having the configuration shown in FIG.
(Embodiment 9)

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a blood pressure measurement device 119 according to another embodiment of the first invention of the present application. 9, the same reference numerals as those used in FIGS. 1 and 8 have the same functions and the same operations. The difference from the blood pressure measurement device 118 is that the microphone 84 is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween.

  The blood pressure measurement device 119 is the same as the operation of the blood pressure measurement device 118 except that it detects Korotkoff sounds outside the housing 12, and can measure the blood pressure and pulse of the subject.

  As a blood pressure measurement device according to another embodiment of the second invention of the present application, the compression mechanism 13 in the blood pressure measurement device 119 may be arranged at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween. Good. By pressing the subject in the direction of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 by the compression mechanism 13, the same effect as that of the blood pressure measurement device 119 having the configuration shown in FIG. 9 can be obtained.

  In the blood pressure measurement devices according to the second to fifth embodiments, the scattered light B and transmitted light C for measuring the pulsation of the subject are generated by the irradiation light A being absorbed and scattered by the pulsation of the blood vessel in the subject. Specifically, the irradiation light A is absorbed and scattered by the increase / decrease of blood in the measurement portion accompanying the pulsation of the blood vessel of the subject, that is, the increase / decrease of the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, and becomes the scattered light B and transmitted light C. As the irradiation light A, light having a wavelength of 300 nm to 1500 nm can be used. For example, a GaP (red) LED or a GaAs LED can be used as the light emitting element 25 and the light emitting element 35 that emit light at a wavelength of 300 nm to 1500 nm. Furthermore, it is more preferable to use light having a wavelength of 400 nm or more and 650 nm or less that is easily absorbed by hemoglobin in blood as the irradiation light A. GaP-based (green) LEDs or GaAsP-based LEDs can be used as the light-emitting elements 25 and the light-emitting elements 35 that emit light at wavelengths of 400 nm to 650 nm.

  The types of the light receiving element 26, the light receiving element 36, the light receiving element 46, and the light receiving element 56 are determined by the types of the light emitting element 25 and the light emitting element 35 that emit the irradiation light A. When GaP (red) LEDs or GaAs LEDs are used for the light emitting element 25 and the light emitting element 35, it is preferable to use Si phototransistors for the light receiving element 26, the light receiving element 36, the light receiving element 46, and the light receiving element 56. Further, when a GaP (green) LED or a GaAsP LED is used for the light emitting element 25 and the light emitting element 35, blue sensitive photodiodes should be used for the light receiving element 26, the light receiving element 36, the light receiving element 46, and the light receiving element 56. Is preferred.

  In the blood pressure measurement devices according to the sixth and seventh embodiments, it is preferable that the vibrometer 64 is a vibrometer having a highly sensitive acceleration sensor in order to measure a weak pulsation of a subject. For example, it is possible to use a piezoelectric effect type vibrometer using a crystal or ceramic having a piezoelectric effect in which an electric charge is generated on the surface when an external force is applied.

  The blood pressure measurement device according to the first and second embodiments of the present application measures the pressure at which the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 and the subject are in contact with each other as an electrical resistance value, thereby pressing the measurement unit of the subject. The pressure at which the measurement part of the subject is pressed, the pulsation electrical resistance waveform of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11 due to the pulsation of the blood vessel in the subject, and the intensity change of the scattered light B can be measured accurately. The pulse, the systolic blood pressure, and the diastolic blood pressure can be measured from the intensity change of the transmitted light C, the vibration of the measurement unit of the subject, or the sound wave of the measurement unit of the subject. Furthermore, the blood pressure measurement device according to the first and second embodiments of the present application accurately controls the pressure with which the compression mechanism 13 compresses the subject by the electric resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 11. Can do.

  The blood pressure measurement device of the present invention can be applied to a health appliance that detects biological information for health maintenance and medical examination.

It is a figure showing composition of blood pressure measuring device 111 of an embodiment concerning the 1st invention of this application. It is a figure showing composition of blood pressure measuring device 112 of an embodiment concerning the 1st invention of this application. It is a figure showing composition of blood pressure measuring device 113 of an embodiment concerning the 1st invention of this application. It is a figure which shows the structure of the blood-pressure measuring device 114 of embodiment which concerns on 1st invention of this application. It is a figure which shows the structure of the blood-pressure measuring apparatus 115 of embodiment which concerns on 1st invention of this application. It is a figure which shows the structure of the blood-pressure measuring apparatus 116 of embodiment which concerns on 1st invention of this application. It is a figure showing composition of blood pressure measuring device 117 of an embodiment concerning the 1st invention of this application. It is a figure which shows the structure of the blood-pressure measuring apparatus 118 of embodiment which concerns on 1st invention of this application. It is a figure which shows the structure of the blood-pressure measurement apparatus 119 of embodiment which concerns on 1st invention of this application.

Explanation of symbols

111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119 Blood pressure measuring device 11 Pressure sensitive conductive rubber 11a Light transmitting part 12 Housing 12a Light transmitting window 13 Pressure mechanism 14 Electric resistance measuring instrument 25, 35 Light emitting element 26 , 36, 46, 56 Light receiving element 64 Vibrometer 84 Microphone A Irradiation light B Scattered light C Transmitted light

Claims (20)

A pressure-sensitive conductive rubber whose electrical resistance changes depending on the applied pressure;
A first housing having the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber on a part of the surface;
A compression mechanism that compresses the first casing in the direction of the subject in contact with the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber;
A blood pressure measuring device. The pressure-sensitive conductive rubber has a light transmission part that is partially formed of a light-transmitting material,
The first casing has a light-transmitting transparent window at a position corresponding to the light transmitting portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber,
A light emitting element that irradiates the subject with light from the first casing through the light transmitting window of the first casing and the light transmitting portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber;
A light receiving element for receiving light scattered by the subject in the first casing through the light transmitting window of the first casing and the light transmitting portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber; The blood pressure measurement device according to claim 1, further comprising: A light emitting element disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween, and irradiating the subject with light; and
A light-receiving element that is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so that the subject is sandwiched between them, and that receives light scattered by the subject as light emitted from the light-emitting element. The blood pressure measurement device according to claim 1. The pressure-sensitive conductive rubber has a light transmission part that is partially formed of a light-transmitting material,
The first casing has a light-transmitting transparent window at a position corresponding to the light transmitting portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber,
A light emitting element disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween, and irradiating the subject with light; and
A light-receiving element that receives light transmitted through the subject by the light emitted from the light-emitting element in the first casing through a light-transmitting window of the first casing and a light transmitting portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber; The blood pressure measurement device according to claim 1, further comprising: The pressure-sensitive conductive rubber has a light transmission part that is partially formed of a light-transmitting material,
The first casing has a light-transmitting transparent window at a position corresponding to the light transmitting portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber,
A light emitting element that irradiates the subject with light from the first casing through the light transmitting window of the first casing and the light transmitting portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber;
A light-receiving element that is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween, and that receives light transmitted through the subject by light emitted from the light-emitting element. The blood pressure measurement device according to claim 1.   The blood pressure measurement device according to claim 1, further comprising a vibrometer that detects vibration from the subject inside or on the surface of the first casing.   The blood pressure measurement device according to claim 1, further comprising a vibrometer that is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween, and that detects vibrations from the subject. .   The blood pressure measurement device according to claim 1, further comprising a microphone that detects a sound wave from the subject inside or on the surface of the first casing.   The blood pressure measurement device according to claim 1, further comprising a microphone that is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween, and that detects a sound wave from the subject. A pressure-sensitive conductive rubber whose electrical resistance changes depending on the applied pressure;
A second housing having the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber on a part of the surface;
A pressure mechanism that is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween, and compresses the subject in the direction of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber;
A blood pressure measuring device. The pressure-sensitive conductive rubber has a light transmission part that is partially formed of a light-transmitting material,
The second casing has a light-transmitting transparent window at a position coinciding with the light transmitting portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber,
A light emitting element that irradiates the subject with light from the second casing through the light transmitting window of the second casing and the light transmitting portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber;
A light receiving element for receiving light scattered by the subject in the second casing through the light transmitting window of the second casing and the light transmitting portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber; The blood pressure measurement device according to claim 10, further comprising: A light emitting element disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween, and irradiating the subject with light; and
A light-receiving element that is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so that the subject is sandwiched between them, and that receives light scattered by the subject as light emitted from the light-emitting element. The blood pressure measurement device according to claim 10. The pressure-sensitive conductive rubber has a light transmission part that is partially formed of a light-transmitting material,
The second casing has a light-transmitting transparent window at a position coinciding with the light transmitting portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber,
A light-emitting element that is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween, and irradiates the subject with light; and
A light receiving element that receives light transmitted through the subject by the light emitted from the light emitting element in the second casing through the light transmitting window of the second casing and the light transmitting portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber; The blood pressure measurement device according to claim 10, further comprising: The pressure-sensitive conductive rubber has a light transmission part that is partially formed of a light-transmitting material,
The second casing has a light-transmitting transparent window at a position coinciding with the light transmitting portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber,
A light emitting element that irradiates the subject with light from the second casing through the light transmitting window of the second casing and the light transmitting portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber;
A light-receiving element that is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween, and that receives light transmitted through the subject by light emitted from the light-emitting element. The blood pressure measurement device according to claim 10.   The blood pressure measurement apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a vibrometer that detects vibration from the subject inside or on the surface of the second casing.   The blood pressure measurement device according to claim 10, further comprising a vibrometer that is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween, and detects vibration from the subject. .   The blood pressure measurement apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a microphone that detects a sound wave from the subject inside or on the surface of the second casing.   The blood pressure measurement device according to claim 10, further comprising a microphone that is disposed at a position facing the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber so that the subject is sandwiched therebetween, and that detects a sound wave from the subject.   The blood pressure according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the compression mechanism has a cuff that expands and contracts by supply of gas or liquid, and controls pressure to be compressed by pressure of supply of the gas or liquid. measuring device. The blood pressure measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the compression mechanism controls a pressure compressed by an actuator.

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