JP2012061215A - Blood pressure information measuring device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a blood pressure information measuring device which can accurately measure blood pressure information while lessening the burden on a subject.SOLUTION: The blood pressure information measuring device includes a sensor in its arm band for detecting a curvature. The curvature is detected when it is wrapped around an upper arm. The arm circumference is calculated from the detected curvature on the basis of previously stored correspondence relationship between the curvature and the arm circumference (S103). Parameters for measuring blood pressure are set on the basis of the detected arm circumference in the blood pressure information measuring device (S105). Blood pressure measuring operations are performed by using the parameters (S107).

Description

  The present invention relates to a blood pressure information measuring device, and more particularly to a measuring device for measuring blood pressure information such as blood pressure and pulse wave by winding a measurement band (cuff) containing an air bag around a measurement site.

  In order to measure blood pressure information such as blood pressure and pulse wave, a measurement band (cuff) containing an air bag is wrapped around a measurement site such as the upper arm, and a pulse wave waveform superimposed on the change in internal pressure is extracted.

  However, since the circumference of the measurement site such as the upper arm is different between living bodies, the capacity of the air bag is different for each subject. Therefore, the cuff compliance changes for each subject, and the accuracy of the measured pulse wave shape varies for each subject.

  In addition, the pulse wave may not be stably measured due to variations in the winding state for each measurement.

  In view of such a problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-279197 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-279196 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 2) obtain the perimeter of a measurement site, Discloses a technique for controlling pressurization and decompression based on the above. Specifically, a predetermined amount of air is injected into the air bag at the start of measurement, and the circumference is detected based on the arrival time up to the predetermined pressure.

JP 2009-279197 A JP 2009-279196 A

  However, in the techniques disclosed in these patent documents, since measurement is started and the circumference is detected after air is injected into the air bag, the subject is already compressed by the air bag for detection. There is a problem that it may be burdensome.

  In addition, since the detection is performed once after the measurement is started, there is a problem that the total measurement time becomes long and the burden on the subject may increase.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a blood pressure information measuring device capable of accurately measuring blood pressure information while suppressing the burden on the subject.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, the blood pressure information measurement device includes an air bag and a measurement band for wrapping around a measurement site of a subject, and an operation means for receiving an instruction to start measurement Adjusting means for injecting / exhausting air into the air bag, a first sensor provided in the measurement band for detecting the curvature of the measurement band, and a second sensor for detecting the internal pressure of the air bag The sensor includes a sensor and a control unit. The control unit calculates the circumference of the measurement site around which the measurement band is wound based on the curvature, and controls the internal pressure of the air bag according to the instruction based on the circumference. A process of setting conditions before starting the process and a process of calculating blood pressure information of the subject based on the change in the internal pressure of the air bag under the control of the internal pressure of the air bag are executed.

  Preferably, the control unit sets a parameter corresponding to the circumference of the measurement site as the condition setting, and calculates blood pressure information using the set parameter.

  Preferably, the blood pressure information measurement device further includes a storage unit for storing the subject information, the operation unit accepts an instruction for specifying the subject to be measured, and the control unit is configured to set the condition information as the subject information. Based on the circumference of the measurement site of the subject stored as and the calculated circumference, a condition is set as to whether or not the designated subject is a subject around which the measurement band is wound.

  Preferably, the blood pressure information measurement device is a sensor for detecting the curvature of the position of the measurement band on the central side when wound around the measurement site of the measurement band, and the distal side as the first sensor. A sensor for detecting the curvature of the position of the measurement band, and the control means determines whether or not the mounting state of the measurement band to the measurement site is appropriate based on the central curvature and the peripheral curvature as the condition setting. Set conditions that indicate the results.

  According to this invention, blood pressure information can be accurately measured while suppressing the burden on the subject.

It is the figure which shows the specific example of a structure of the measuring apparatus concerning embodiment, and the schematic which shows a measurement attitude | position. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the measurement attitude | position and armband using the measuring apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3A is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the armband, and FIG. 3A is a view of the armband as viewed from the surface on the measurement site side when the armband is wound around the measurement site. (B) is a cross-sectional view of the armband as viewed in the circumferential direction of the measurement site when the armband is wound around the measurement site. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the relationship between the curvature of a sensor, and output voltage. It is a figure which shows the functional block of the measuring apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the relationship between the curvature of a curler, and an arm periphery. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the relationship between the output voltage of a sensor, and a wrist circumference. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the waveform which shows the change of the amplitude value of the pulse wave signal according to the measured internal pressure change of the air bag. It is a flowchart which shows the measurement operation | movement with the measuring apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the specific example of a structure of the measuring apparatus concerning a modification. It is a figure explaining the procedure of pressurization speed adjustment by measurement part circumference length. It is a figure explaining the procedure of pressure reduction speed adjustment by measurement part circumference length. It is a figure which shows the functional block of the measuring apparatus concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the measurement operation | movement with the measuring apparatus concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the armband concerning 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the arm band concerning 3rd Embodiment, Comprising: FIG. 16 (A) shows an arm band from the surface which becomes a measurement site | part side when winding an arm band around a measurement site | part. FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the armband viewed in the circumferential direction of the measurement site when the armband is wound around the measurement site. It is a figure which shows the functional block of the measuring apparatus concerning 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the measurement operation | movement with the measuring apparatus concerning 3rd Embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same.

(Appearance of device and measurement posture)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a configuration of a blood pressure information measurement device (hereinafter abbreviated as a measurement device) 1 according to an embodiment and a schematic diagram illustrating a measurement posture.

  The blood pressure information includes a blood pressure value, a pulse wave waveform, a heart rate, etc., and a maximum blood pressure value, a minimum blood pressure value, a pulse rate, a pulse wave amplitude, an AI (Augmentation Index) value calculated from them, TR (Time of Reflection) value, arteriosclerosis index, and the like are included.

  Referring to FIG. 1, measuring apparatus 1 includes a base body 2 and an arm band 9 that is connected to the base body 2 by an air tube 8 and is attached to an upper arm that is a measurement site. A display unit 4 for displaying various information including measurement results and an operation unit 3 operated to give various instructions to the measuring device 1 are arranged on the front surface of the base 2. The operation unit 3 includes a switch 31 that is operated to turn on / off the power source and a switch 32 that is operated to instruct the start of measurement.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the measurement posture and the configuration of the armband 9 using the measurement apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when measuring blood pressure as blood pressure information using the measuring apparatus 1 </ b> A, the armband 9 is wound around the upper arm 100 which is a measurement site. Measurement is started when the switch 32 is pressed in this state.

(Arms configuration)
Further, referring to FIG. 2, the armband 9 includes an air bag 13 in a cloth (referred to as an outer cloth) covering the outer periphery, and the armband 9 is wound around the upper arm 100 so that the armband 9 is interposed through the outer cloth. Thus, the air bag 13 is wound around the upper arm 100.

  The curler 10 is disposed inside the armband 9 on the side farther from the upper arm 100 of the air bag 13 when wound around the upper arm 100. The curler 10 is a curved elastic plate for urging the air bag 13 toward the upper arm 100 when the arm band 9 is wound around the upper arm 100. When the curler 10 is deployed, it has a belt shape. The curler 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction of the upper arm so as to fit the upper arm, and is formed of a flexible member configured to be elastically deformable in the radial direction by being wound in an annular shape. . Curler 10 is formed of a resin member such as polypropylene (PP), for example, so as to exhibit a sufficient elastic force.

  Between the curler 10 and the air bag 13, a sensor 5 for detecting a curvature described later is provided. The sensor 5 is provided at the center or substantially the center of the arm band 9 with respect to the direction of the upper arm, which is the axial direction of the measurement site.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the armband 9. FIG. 3A shows the armband 9 viewed from the surface on the measurement site side when the armband 9 is wound around the measurement site. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the armband 9 viewed in the circumferential direction of the measurement site when the armband 9 is wound around the measurement site.

  Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a sensor for detecting a curvature (both a curvature sensor and a bending sensor) is provided inside armband 9 and between air bag 13 and curler 10. 5) is arranged. In the first embodiment, the sensor 5 is disposed at a substantially central position in the circumferential direction and the axial direction of the measurement site when the armband 9 is wound around the measurement site, and detects the curvature in the circumferential direction.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the relationship between the curvature of the sensor 5 and the output voltage. Referring to FIG. 4, sensor 5 outputs a voltage signal corresponding to its curvature. As shown in FIG. 4, as an example, the sensor 5 outputs a signal having a voltage proportional to its own curvature.

(Configuration of measuring device)
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the measuring apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, air bag 13 included in armband 9 is connected to air pump 21, exhaust valve 22, and pressure sensor 23 by air tube 8.

  The air pump 21 is connected to the drive circuit 26 and is driven by the drive circuit 26 to send the compressed gas into the air bag 13.

  The exhaust valve 22 is connected to a drive circuit 27 and is driven by the drive circuit 27 to open and close. By closing the exhaust valve 22, a closed space is formed by the air bag 13 and the air tube 8, and the pressure in the air bag 13 is maintained. When the exhaust valve 22 is opened, the closed space is opened, and the air in the air bag 13 is discharged.

  The pressure sensor 23 detects the pressure in the air bladder 13 by detecting the pressure in the closed space, and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected value to the amplifier 28. The amplifier 28 amplifies the signal output from the pressure sensor 23 and outputs the amplified signal to the A / D converter 29. The A / D converter 29 digitizes the analog signal output from the amplifier 28.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 40 is connected to the drive circuit 26, the drive circuit 27, and the A / D converter 29. Further, the operation unit 3, the display unit 4, and the memory 41 are connected to the CPU 40. In addition, when the armband 9 includes a display device, the display device is connected to the CPU 40. In addition, when a function for outputting sound is provided, a sound output unit is connected to the CPU 40.

  A detection circuit 51 is connected to the sensor 5 for detecting the curvature, and the detection circuit 51 detects the curvature based on a signal from the sensor 5. Specifically, the detection circuit 51 stores the relationship shown in FIG. 4 and calculates the curvature from the voltage of the signal input from the sensor 5. The detection circuit 51 is further connected to the CPU 40, and a signal indicating the calculated curvature is input to the CPU 40.

  The memory 41 stores measurement results and programs executed by the CPU 40. The CPU 40 generates a control signal by executing a program stored in the memory 41 based on the operation signal input from the operation unit 3, and outputs the control signal to the drive circuit 26 and the drive circuit 27. The drive circuit 26 and the drive circuit 27 drive the air pump 21 and the exhaust valve 22, respectively, according to control signals from the CPU 40. Further, the CPU 40 obtains the detected value of the digitized pressure sensor 23 from the A / D converter 29 and stores it in a predetermined area of the memory 41 as a measurement result. Moreover, the process for making it display on the display part 4 is performed, and the control signal for making it display on the display part 4 is output.

  The CPU 40 has a circumference calculating unit 401 that is a function for calculating a circumference, a setting unit 402 that is a function for setting conditions, and a blood pressure calculating unit that is a function for calculating a blood pressure value as blood pressure information. 403 is included. These are formed in the CPU 40 when the CPU 40 executes a predetermined program stored in the memory 41 based on an operation signal input from the operation unit 3.

  The circumference calculation unit 401 receives a signal from the detection circuit 51 and acquires the curvature of the portion around which the armband 9 is wound. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the relationship between the curvature of the curler 10 and the arm circumference. The circumference calculation unit 401 stores the relationship shown in FIG. 6 in advance, and calculates the arm circumference from the curvature of the curler 10 represented by the signal from the detection circuit 51. The relationship in FIG. 6 is an example, and the curvature of the curler 10 is converted by regarding the upper arm, which is the measurement site, as a perfect circle.

  Note that the relationship between the output voltage of the sensor 5 and the arm circumference is obtained from the relationship in FIG. 4 and the relationship in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the relationship between the output voltage of the sensor 5 and the arm circumference. The circumference calculation unit 401 may store the relationship of FIG. 7 in advance instead of the relationship of FIG. In this case, the detection circuit 51 is not included in the measuring apparatus 1A, and the signal from the sensor 5 is configured to be input to the CPU 40 directly (or after being amplified to a predetermined amplitude by an amplifier not shown). The circumference calculation unit 401 calculates the arm circumference from the signal from the sensor 5 using the relationship shown in FIG.

  The blood pressure calculation unit 403 calculates a blood pressure value based on the change in the internal pressure of the air bladder 13 input from the A / D converter 29.

  Based on the arm circumference calculated by the circumference calculation unit 401, the setting unit 402 sets parameters used in the calculation performed to calculate the blood pressure value by the blood pressure calculation unit 403 as condition settings. The calculation and specific parameters in the blood pressure calculation unit 403 will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a waveform indicating a change in the amplitude value of the pulse wave signal in accordance with the measured change in the internal pressure of the air bladder 13. The blood pressure calculation unit 403 calculates a minimum blood pressure value and a maximum blood pressure value as blood pressure values using the feature amounts A and B of the waveform shown in FIG. Specifically, it is known that each of the maximum blood pressure value and the minimum blood pressure value can be detected at a predetermined ratio from the pulse wave maximum amplitude value of the pulse wave amplitude waveform of FIG. According to FIG. 8, the minimum blood pressure value can be detected as the internal pressure Pc of the air bag 13 at the position of the pulse wave maximum amplitude × β%, and the maximum blood pressure value is the internal pressure Pc of the air bag 13 at the position of the pulse wave maximum amplitude × α%. Can be detected.

  The setting unit 402 determines the values of variables α and β, which are waveform feature amounts indicating changes in the amplitude value of the pulse wave signal, in accordance with the calculated arm circumference, and is used as a parameter for calculation in the blood pressure calculation unit 403. Set. As a result, blood pressure can be accurately measured regardless of the circumference of the measurement site.

  Another example of the parameter is a correction coefficient. That is, the setting unit 402 may set a correction coefficient as a parameter according to the calculated arm circumference, and the blood pressure calculation unit 403 may correct the calculation result using the parameter value according to the arm circumference. For example, the blood pressure calculation unit 403 may perform weighting using a proportional coefficient of a value corresponding to the arm circumference set by the setting unit 402 and correct the calculation result.

(Measurement operation)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a measurement operation in the measurement apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. The operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 is performed by the CPU 40 executing a predetermined program stored in the memory 41 to realize each function of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 9, first, in step S <b> 101, CPU 40 accepts a user selection according to an operation signal from a switch for selecting a user included in operation unit 3 (not shown). The CPU 40 sets a memory area for storing the calculation result according to the selected user, or sets a parameter used for calculation based on information about the user stored in advance.

  Next, in step S103, the CPU 40 detects the curvature of the sensor 5 according to the signal from the sensor 5, that is, the curvature of the arm band 9 wound around the upper arm that is the measurement site, and the circumference of the measurement site according to the curvature. Is calculated.

  Next, in step S105, the PCU 40 sets parameters used for calculation for calculating a blood pressure value according to the circumference obtained in step S103. As a specific example, the values of the aforementioned variables α and β are determined and set.

  Next, in step S107, the CPU 40 performs a blood pressure measurement operation, and calculates the blood pressure value of the user using the change in the internal pressure of the air bladder 13 at that time and the parameters set in step S105. As a specific example of the blood pressure operation, when the operation of step S107 is started, the internal pressure of the air bladder 13 is increased to a predetermined pressure set in advance (pressurization process), and then the internal pressure of the air bladder 13 is decreased (decompression process). ). The measuring device 1A may be a type that calculates a blood pressure value from a change in the internal pressure of the air bag 13 in the pressurization step, or a type that calculates a blood pressure value from the change in the internal pressure of the air bag 13 in the pressure reduction step. May be.

  When the measuring apparatus 1A is the former type, the CPU 40 gradually pressurizes the internal pressure of the air bag 13 at a pre-specified pressurizing speed, and calculates the blood pressure value from the pulse pressure superimposed on the change in the internal pressure of the air bag 13 at that time. calculate. When the calculation of the blood pressure value is completed, the CPU 40 opens the air bag 13 and exhausts it rapidly, and the measurement operation is terminated.

  When the measuring apparatus 1A is of the latter type, the CPU 40 pressurizes the internal pressure of the air bladder 13 to a predetermined internal pressure that is higher than a general maximum blood pressure value, and then air at a predetermined depressurization rate. The internal pressure of the bag 13 is gradually reduced. And CPU40 calculates a blood pressure value from the pulse pressure superimposed on the internal pressure change of the air bag 13 at that time. When the calculation of the blood pressure value is completed, the CPU 40 opens the air bag 13 and exhausts it rapidly, and the measurement operation is terminated.

  In step S109, the CPU 40 executes processing for displaying the calculated minimum blood pressure value and maximum blood pressure value on the display unit 4 as measurement results. As a result, the measurement result is displayed on the display unit 4.

  By providing the sensor 5 for detecting the curvature on the armband 9 of the measuring apparatus 1A, the circumference can be calculated from the sensor signal. That is, the circumference of the measurement site can be obtained with an easy configuration. Thereby, as described above, the parameter used for the calculation can be set to the optimum parameter, and the measurement accuracy can be improved regardless of the circumference of the measurement site.

[Modification]
In the above example, as a condition setting, a parameter used for calculation to calculate a blood pressure value from the circumference of the calculated measurement site is set. A parameter used for optimization of pressurization control or decompression control of the air bladder 13 in step S107 may be set from the perimeter.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of the configuration of the measurement apparatus 1A according to the modification. Referring to FIG. 10, in this case, the CPU 40 performs the conditions in the blood pressure calculation unit 403 and the setting unit 402 for calculating the blood pressure value based on the change in the internal pressure of the air bladder 13 input from the A / D converter 29. A control unit 404 for controlling the drive circuit 26 and the drive circuit 27 based on the setting is included. The setting unit 402 sets parameters used for control by the control unit 404 as condition settings. Control in the control unit 404 and specific parameters will be described.

(Pressure process measurement type)
In the case of the former type in which the measurement apparatus 1A calculates the blood pressure value in the step of pressurizing the air bladder 13 in the blood pressure measurement operation, the setting unit 402 sets parameters used for pressurization control of the air bladder 13 as the measurement site. Set based on the perimeter of the. As the parameter, for example, a parameter for correcting the voltage level for driving the air pump 21 is applicable. The control unit 404 corrects the voltage level using the set parameters, and outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 26 so as to apply the corrected level voltage to the air pump 21. Thereby, optimal pressurization control is implement | achieved irrespective of the measurement site | part circumference length.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the procedure for adjusting the pressurization speed according to the measurement site circumference length. With reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the level of the voltage supplied from the drive circuit 26 to the air pump 21 to drive the air pump 21 when the air bag 13 is pressurized in the blood pressure measurement operation is When constant regardless of the circumference of the measurement site, pressurization is performed when the perimeter is large (arms are thick) when compared with the optimum pressurization speed (internal pressure increase speed) indicated by the broken line as shown in FIG. On the contrary, when the perimeter is small (the arm is thin), the pressurizing speed is increased.

  In this way, when the air pump 21 is driven by supplying the same level of voltage, the time required to reach an optimal pressurization state for blood pressure measurement differs depending on the circumference of the measurement site. The length of the pressurizing period varies depending on the length. This prevents the pulse pressure superimposed on the internal pressure of the air bladder 13 from being accurately detected, and causes excessive stress on the subject, which can be an obstacle to accurate blood pressure measurement.

  In order to improve the blood pressure measurement accuracy so that the pulse pressure superimposed on the internal pressure of the air bladder 13 during the pressurization process can be accurately detected and the subject is not excessively stressed, the calculation is performed. It is necessary to adjust the pressurization speed based on the perimeter of the measured site, that is, to selectively switch the voltage level for driving the air pump 21.

  Therefore, in the modification, the setting unit 402 sets the perimeter of the measurement site so that the pressurization speed in the blood pressure measurement operation becomes the optimum pressurization speed as shown by the broken line in FIG. The level of the driving voltage, which is the value of the corresponding adjustment parameter, or the application period is determined and set as a control parameter in the control unit 404. The control unit 404 controls the drive circuit 26 so as to supply a drive voltage to the air pump 21 according to a set level or application period. As a result, regardless of the peripheral length of the measurement site, the pressurization speed becomes the optimal pressurization speed as shown in FIG. 11B, and the pulse pressure superimposed on the internal pressure of the air bag 13 can be accurately detected. In addition, it is possible to avoid an excessive stress on the subject and to accurately measure blood pressure.

(For decompression process measurement type)
When the measurement device 1A calculates the blood pressure value in the step of reducing the pressure of the air bag 13 in the blood pressure measurement operation, the setting unit 402 sets parameters used for the pressure reduction control of the air bag 13 to the measurement site. Set based on perimeter. As the parameter, for example, a parameter for correcting the voltage level for driving the exhaust valve 22 is applicable. The control unit 404 corrects the voltage level using the set parameters, and outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 27 so as to apply the corrected level voltage to the exhaust valve 22. Thereby, optimal pressure reduction control is realized irrespective of the measurement site circumference length.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the procedure for adjusting the decompression speed according to the circumference of the measurement site. With reference to FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, the level of the voltage supplied from the drive circuit 27 to the exhaust valve 22 to drive the exhaust valve 22 when the air bag 13 is depressurized in the blood pressure measurement operation. When the measurement site is constant regardless of the circumference of the measurement site, the decompression speed is greater when the circumference is longer (the arm is thicker) than the optimum decompression speed (internal pressure lowering speed) indicated by the broken line as shown in FIG. Conversely, when the perimeter is small (the arm is thin), the decompression speed is high.

  In this way, when the same level of voltage is supplied to drive the exhaust valve 22 to open, the period for maintaining the optimal reduced pressure state (slow exhaust state) for measuring blood pressure differs depending on the circumference of the measurement site. Therefore, the length of the decompression period varies depending on the peripheral length of the measurement site. This is because the pulse pressure superimposed on the internal pressure of the air bladder 13 cannot be accurately detected, and excessive stress is applied to the subject, which can be a factor that hinders accurate blood pressure measurement.

  Therefore, in order to improve the blood pressure measurement accuracy so that the pulse wave signal superimposed on the internal pressure of the air bladder 13 during the decompression process can be accurately detected and the subject is not excessively stressed, it is obtained. It is necessary to adjust the pressure reduction speed based on the perimeter of the measured part, that is, to selectively switch the voltage level or voltage application period for driving the exhaust valve 22 as the value of the adjustment parameter.

  Therefore, in the modification, the setting unit 402 responds to the calculated circumference length of the measurement site so that the pressure reduction speed in the blood pressure measurement operation becomes an optimum pressure reduction speed as shown by the broken line in FIG. The level of the drive voltage, which is the value of the adjustment parameter, or the application period is determined and set as a control parameter in the control unit 404. The control unit 404 controls the drive circuit 27 so as to supply a drive voltage to the exhaust valve 22 according to a set level or application period. As a result, the decompression speed becomes the optimum decompression speed as shown in FIG. 12B regardless of the circumference of the measurement unit, and the pulse pressure superimposed on the internal pressure of the air bag 13 can be accurately detected. Thus, it is possible to avoid an excessive stress applied to the subject and to accurately measure blood pressure.

  That is, in the measurement apparatus 1A according to the modification, adjustment is performed according to an adjustment parameter value corresponding to the circumference of the measurement site where the internal pressure of the air bladder 13 is detected in order to calculate the blood pressure. This makes it possible to perform optimal pressurization control or decompression control based on the circumference of the measurement site, leading to an improvement in blood pressure calculation accuracy.

  Note that the measuring apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment may be provided with the function according to the modification. That is, the CPU 40 of the measuring apparatus 1 </ b> A includes a circumference calculation unit 401, a setting unit 402, a blood pressure calculation unit 403, and a control unit 404, and the setting unit 402 calculates blood pressure using the circumference calculated by the circumference calculation unit 401. The parameters used in the calculation in the unit 403 may be set and the control parameters in the control unit 404 may be set.

[Second Embodiment]
In the memory 41 of the measuring apparatus 1A, information about the subject such as sex and age is registered in advance as subject information. Then, when calculating an index of the degree of arteriosclerosis as blood pressure information, the information is used as a parameter. In the memory 41 of the measuring apparatus 1A, a plurality of pieces of subject information may be registered in advance. Therefore, if a user different from the actual user is selected in step S101, incorrect subject information is used, and blood pressure information is not accurately calculated.

  Therefore, in the measuring apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment, it is determined whether or not the selected user matches the actual user.

(Configuration of measuring device)
FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of the measuring apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment. The functional blocks of the measuring apparatus 1B shown in FIG. 13 are substantially the same as the functional blocks of the measuring apparatus 1A shown in FIG. 5, but the functions realized by the CPU 40 are different. That is, referring to FIG. 13, the CPU 40 of the measuring apparatus 1 </ b> B calculates a blood pressure calculation unit 403 for calculating a blood pressure value based on a change in the internal pressure of the air bladder 13 input from the A / D converter 29, and calculates a circumference. A peripheral length calculation unit 401 that is a function for performing the comparison, a determination unit 405 that is a function for performing a comparison process using the calculated peripheral length and setting a condition, and a drive circuit 26 and a drive circuit based on the comparison process 27 includes a control unit 404 that is a function for controlling the control unit 27. The circumference calculation unit 401 and the control unit 404 are the same as the functions realized by the CPU 40 of the measuring apparatus 1A.

  The memory 41 of the measurement device 1B stores the circumference of the measurement site (upper arm) of the subject as subject information registered in advance. The determination unit 405 receives an operation signal input from the operation unit 3 and identifies a user selected from the operation signal. Then, the circumference of the measurement region is read from the subject information about the user stored in the memory 41 and compared with the circumference calculated by the circumference calculation unit 401. If the circumference of the registered subject matches the calculated circumference, or if the difference is within the threshold, the selected user and the subject around which the armband 9 is wound match to decide. On the other hand, if the circumference of the registered subject does not match the calculated circumference, or if the difference is greater than the threshold value, the selected user and the subject around which the armband 9 is wound match. Judge not to. Then, the result is set as a control condition and input to the control unit 404.

  When the control condition that the selected user and the subject around whom the armband 9 is wound is set is set, the control unit 404 presupposes that the user's selection has been made correctly in the memory 41 in advance. The drive circuit 26 and the drive circuit 27 are controlled according to the stored program. On the other hand, when the control condition is set that the selected user and the subject around which the armband 9 is wound do not match, the user's selection is assumed to be incorrect and the blood pressure measurement operation is not performed. To control. Furthermore, the control part 404 performs control for displaying on the display part 4 the message for alert | reporting that is stored beforehand.

(Measurement operation)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a measurement operation in the measurement apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment. The operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14 is performed when the CPU 40 executes a predetermined program stored in the memory 41 to realize each function of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 14, first, in step S <b> 201, CPU 40 accepts a user selection according to an operation signal from a switch for selecting a user included in operation unit 3 (not shown). The CPU 40 sets a memory area for storing the calculation result according to the selected user, or sets a parameter used for calculation based on information about the user stored in advance. In the measuring apparatus 1B, in step S203, the CPU 40 reads out the arm circumference of the subject from the information stored in the memory 41 as subject information on the selected user.

  Next, in step S205, the CPU 40 detects the curvature of the sensor 5 according to the signal from the sensor 5, that is, the curvature of the arm band 9 wound around the upper arm that is the measurement site, and the circumference of the measurement site according to the curvature. Is calculated. The operations in steps S203 and S205 are the same as those in steps S101 and S103 in FIG.

  The CPU 40 compares the arm circumference of the subject read from the memory 41 with the circumference calculated from the curvature in step S207, and whether or not they match or the difference is within a prestored threshold value. Determine whether. As a result, if it is determined that they match (YES in step S207), the CPU 40 performs a blood pressure measurement operation in step S209, and executes a process for displaying the result on the display unit 4 in step S211. The operations in steps S209 and S211 are the same as those in steps S107 and S109 in FIG.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination, if it is determined that the arm circumference of the subject read from the memory 41 and the circumference calculated from the curvature in step S207 do not match (NO in step S207), the use accepted in step S201 In step S213, the CPU 40 executes a process for causing the display unit 4 to display a screen for notifying that the selection is incorrect. And CPU40 complete | finishes a series of measurement operation | movement, without performing the process for the blood pressure measurement operation | movement in said step S209, and the display of the result in step S211.

  The measuring apparatus 1B uses the sensor 5 for detecting the curvature provided on the armband 9 to determine whether or not the user's selection is appropriate, so that the measuring apparatus 1B can determine the blood pressure in step S209. It is determined whether or not the user's selection is appropriate before the measurement operation is started. If the selection is wrong, the measurement apparatus 1B notifies the user of the blood pressure measurement operation before performing the blood pressure measurement operation, so that the user can redo the selection before the blood pressure measurement operation is started. it can. As a result, the burden on the user can be reduced compared to the case where an error in selection is notified after the blood pressure measurement operation is started. Moreover, since the selection can be redone at an early stage, the time required for measurement can be shortened.

[Modification 1]
In the above example, if the circumference calculated from the detected curvature does not match the arm circumference stored as the selected user's subject information, this is notified and blood pressure measurement is performed. It is assumed that no action is taken.

  However, the CPU 40 may perform the blood pressure measurement operation in step S209 and the display in step S211 after notifying in step S213. In this case, the CPU 40 preferably does not store the measurement result in the memory 41.

  In this way, since the user can perform blood pressure measurement, it is possible to prevent erroneous user information from being stored in the memory 41 without impairing convenience.

[Modification 2]
Alternatively, the CPU 40 scans the subject information registered in the memory 41 after the notification in the step S213, reads the subject information that matches or is close to the calculated circumference, and identifies information that can identify the subject. Processing for displaying on the display unit 4 may be performed.

  By doing in this way, when a user's selection is redone, it can carry out quickly and does not impair the convenience.

[Modification 3]
Alternatively, the measurement device 1B does not accept the user's selection, and the CPU 40 identifies a subject that matches or is close to the circumference calculated from the curvature detected in step S203, and uses the subject information about the subject to determine blood pressure information. And the measurement result may be stored in the corresponding storage area.

  By doing so, the user is automatically selected without making a mistake in the user's selection, and it is possible to improve measurement accuracy and convenience.

[Modification 4]
In the above example, it is assumed that the arm circumference of the subject is stored in advance in the memory 41 as subject information. However, the subject information may not include the arm circumference.

  In this case, the CPU 40 preferably stores the circumference calculated from the curvature detected together with the measurement result for each measurement operation in the memory 41. When the user's selection is accepted in step S201, the CPU 40 reads the circumference stored in the memory 41 together with the measurement result of the user in step S203, and calculates from the curvature detected in the current measurement operation. It may be compared with the perimeter. In this case, the CPU 40 may compare with the circumference associated with the latest measurement result, or may compare with the average value of the circumference associated with each of the measurement results for the predetermined period.

  By doing in this way, it is not necessary to memorize an arm circumference as subject information, and it is possible to improve measurement accuracy and convenience.

[Third Embodiment]
In the above example, the arm band 9 included in the measuring device is manually wound as shown in FIG. 1, but the same applies to the automatic winding type.

  However, in the case of manual wrapping as shown in FIG. 1, the armband 9 defines the relationship of the orientation of the measurement site with the vertical direction in the axial direction. This is because the air tube 8 connecting the arm band 9 and the base body 2 is bent when the arm band 9 is mounted in the up-down direction in the up-down direction in the axial direction, and there is a possibility that air traffic may be hindered.

  In addition, by defining the relationship of the direction of the armband 9 with the circumferential direction of the measurement site, the pressure sensor 23 is positioned as directly as possible to the artery so that the pulse pressure superimposed on the air bladder 13 can be easily detected. For this reason, if the armband 9 is mounted in the up-down direction in the axial direction of the measurement site, the distance between the pressure sensor 23 and the artery of the measurement site may be increased, and the pulse pressure superimposed on the air bag 13 is This is because it may be difficult to detect.

  Therefore, in the measuring apparatus 1C according to the third embodiment, it is determined whether or not the wearing direction of the armband 9 and the vertical direction in the axial direction of the measurement site have a predetermined relationship.

(Arms configuration)
FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the armband 9 according to the third embodiment. Referring to FIG. 15, a plurality of sensors for detecting the curvature are provided between curler 10 and air bag 13 along the axial direction of the measurement site. Here, an example is shown in which the sensors 5X, 5Y, and 5Z are provided in that order from the central side to the distal side in the axial direction. For the operation described later, it is sufficient that at least two sensors for detecting the curvature are provided, that is, a central sensor and a distal sensor.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the armband 9 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16A shows the measurement site side when the armband 9 is wound around the measurement site. FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the armband 9 viewed in the circumferential direction of the measurement site when the armband 9 is wound around the measurement site.

  Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, a plurality of sensors 5X, 5Y, and 5Z for detecting curvature are provided in that order from the central side to the distal side in the axial direction. Thereby, the central sensor 5X outputs a signal of a voltage proportional to the curvature of the central side (hereinafter also referred to as X side), and the peripheral sensor 5Z is the central side (hereinafter also referred to as Z side). ) Output a voltage signal proportional to the curvature.

(Configuration of measuring device)
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of the measurement apparatus 1C. The functional blocks of the measuring apparatus 1C shown in FIG. 17 are substantially the same as the functional blocks of the measuring apparatus 1B shown in FIG. 13, but the sensor provided in the armband 9 and the configuration related thereto are different. That is, with reference to FIG. 17, the armband 9 of the measuring apparatus 1C is provided with a plurality of sensors 5X, 5Y, and 5Z as sensors for detecting curvature.

  Signals from the respective sensors are input to the detection circuit 51, and the curvature of the position corresponding to the sensor position is detected by the detection circuit 51 and input to the CPU 40.

  Similar to the CPU 40 of the measuring apparatus 1B, the CPU 40 of the measuring apparatus 1C is based on a change in the internal pressure of the air bladder 13 input from the circumference calculating unit 401, which is a function for calculating the circumference, and the A / D converter 29. A blood pressure calculation unit 403 for calculating a blood pressure value, a determination unit 405 that is a function for performing a comparison process using the calculated circumference and setting a condition, and a drive circuit 26 and a drive circuit based on the comparison process 27 includes a control unit 404 that is a function for controlling the control unit 27. The circumference calculation unit 401 calculates the circumference of each position corresponding to the sensor position, and the determination unit 405 uses them to determine whether the wearing direction of the armband 9 is appropriate to the axial direction of the measurement site. Judge whether or not. Specifically, in general, the upper arm of a person is thicker on the central side (larger circumference) and thinner on the distal side (smaller circumference). Accordingly, the determination unit 405 compares the circumference on the X side, which is the central side, with the circumference on the Z side, which is the distal side. As a result, when the circumference on the X side is larger than the circumference on the Z side, it is determined that the wearing direction of the armband 9 and the orientation of the measurement site in the axial direction match. On the contrary, when the circumference on the X side is smaller than the circumference on the Z side, it is determined that the wearing direction of the armband 9 does not coincide with the axial direction of the measurement site. Then, the result is set as a control condition and input to the control unit 404.

The control unit 404 controls the drive circuit 26 and the drive circuit 27 according to the control conditions.
(Measurement operation)
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a measurement operation in the measurement apparatus 1C according to the third embodiment. The operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 18 is performed by the CPU 40 executing a predetermined program stored in the memory 41 to realize each function of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 18, first, in step S <b> 301, CPU 40 accepts a user selection according to an operation signal from a switch for selecting a user included in operation unit 3 (not shown). The CPU 40 sets a memory area for storing the calculation result according to the selected user, or sets a parameter used for calculation based on information about the user stored in advance.

  Next, in steps S303 and S305, the CPU 40 follows the curvature, that is, the X side of the measurement site and the signal from the sensor 5X which is the most central sensor and the signal from the sensor 5Z which is the most distal sensor. The respective curvatures on the Z side are detected, and the circumferences on the X side and the Z side of the measurement site are calculated according to the curvature. The operations in steps S303 and S305 are the same as those in step S103 in FIG.

  The CPU 40 compares the circumference on the X side calculated in step S303 with the circumference on the Z side calculated in step S305. As a result, when the circumference on the X side is larger than the circumference on the Z side (YES in step S307), the CPU 40 determines that the wearing direction of the armband 9 and the axial direction of the measurement site match. The blood pressure measurement operation is executed in step S309, and a process for displaying the result on the display unit 4 is executed in step S311.

  On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, if the circumference on the X side is smaller than the circumference on the Z side (NO in step S307), the CPU 40 matches the wearing direction of the armband 9 with the axial direction of the measurement site. In step S313, the CPU 40 executes a process for causing the display unit 4 to display a screen for notifying that fact. And CPU40 complete | finishes a series of measurement operation | movement, without performing the process for the blood pressure measurement operation | movement in said step S309, and the display of the result in step S311.

  By determining whether or not the mounting direction of the armband 9 is appropriate with respect to the axial direction of the measurement site using the sensor 5 for detecting the curvature provided on the armband 9 by the measuring device 1C. In the measuring apparatus 1C, it is possible to prevent the blood pressure measurement operation from being performed on the armband 9 worn in the wrong direction, and the measurement accuracy can be improved.

  Further, the measuring device 1C determines whether or not the wearing direction of the armband 9 is appropriate before the blood pressure measurement operation in step S309 is started, and if the wearing direction is incorrect, the measurement is performed. Since the device 1C notifies that effect before the blood pressure measurement operation is performed, the user can rewind the armband 9 before the blood pressure measurement operation is started. As a result, the burden on the user can be reduced as compared with the case where the wearing direction of the armband 9 is determined after the blood pressure measurement operation is started. Moreover, since the armband 9 can be rewound early, the time required for measurement can be shortened.

[Modification 1]
In the above example, the wearing direction of the armband 9 is determined using signals from a plurality of sensors for detecting the curvature, but the measuring apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment is similarly used. A plurality of sensors may be provided, and it may be determined whether or not the user's selection is appropriate using signals from the respective sensors.

  In this case, for example, as the subject information, the circumferences of the X side, the Y side, and the Z side are stored in advance in the memory 41 for each subject, and the CPU 40 obtains the X side, the Y side, and the signals obtained from the signals from the respective sensors. This can be determined by comparing the sum of the respective circumferences on the Z side with the stored sum of the circumferences.

  Alternatively, for example, the ratio of the circumference on the X side and the circumference on the Z side is stored for each subject in advance in the memory 41 as subject information, and the CPU 40 obtains the circumference on the X side and the Z side obtained from signals from the respective sensors. This can be determined by comparing the ratio of the circumference with the stored ratio.

By doing in this way, it can judge more accurately.
[Modification 2]
In the above description, the measuring device 1A calculates the circumference of the measurement site based on the signal from the sensor 5, sets the parameters, and the measuring device 1B determines whether the user's selection is appropriate, The measuring device 1C determines whether or not the wearing direction of the armband 9 is appropriate with respect to the axial direction of the measurement site.

  However, as another example, these may be combined. That is, one measuring device may have the functions of at least two of these measuring devices.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  1A, 1B, 1C Measuring device, 2 substrate, 3 operation section, 4 display section, 5, 5X, 5Y, 5Z sensor, 8 air tube, 9 armband, 10 curler, 13 air bag, 21 air pump, 22 exhaust valve, 23 pressure sensor, 26, 27 drive circuit, 28 amplifier, 29 converter, 31, 32 switch, 40 CPU, 41 memory, 51 detection circuit, 100 upper arm, 401 circumference calculation unit, 402 setting unit, 403 blood pressure calculation unit, 404 Control unit.

Claims (4)

A measurement band for enclosing an air bag and wrapping around a measurement site of a subject,
Operation means for receiving an instruction to start measurement;
Adjusting means for injecting / exhausting air into the air bag;
A first sensor provided in the measurement band for detecting the curvature of the measurement band;
A second sensor for detecting an internal pressure of the air bag;
Control means,
The control means includes
A process of calculating a circumference of the measurement site around which the measurement band is wound based on the curvature;
Based on the circumference, a process for setting a condition before starting control of the internal pressure of the air bag according to the instruction;
A blood pressure information measurement device that executes processing for calculating blood pressure information of the subject based on a change in internal pressure of the air bag under control of the internal pressure of the air bag.   The blood pressure information measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets a parameter corresponding to a circumference of the measurement site as the condition setting, and calculates the blood pressure information using the set parameter. It further comprises storage means for storing the subject's information,
The operation means also accepts an instruction for designating a subject to be measured,
The control means is configured to wrap the measurement band on the designated subject based on the circumference of the measurement site of the subject and the calculated circumference stored as the subject information as the condition setting. The blood pressure information measurement device according to claim 1, wherein a condition as to whether or not the subject is a given subject is set. As the first sensor, a sensor for detecting the curvature of the position of the measurement band on the central side when wound around the measurement site of the measurement band, and the position of the measurement band on the distal side A sensor for detecting the curvature of the
The control means sets, as the condition setting, a condition indicating a determination result of suitability of an attachment state of the measurement band to the measurement site based on the central curvature and the peripheral curvature. 1. The blood pressure information measuring device according to 1.

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