JP2019037659A - Measuring apparatus, measuring method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique of measuring a blood pressure value of a subject in a manner of being transparent to the subject.SOLUTION: A measuring apparatus according to the present invention includes at least two electrode sets 10, 20, and an operation unit 70. The electrode sets 10, 20 include respective first electrodes 11, 21 which come into contact with the skin of a subject 90 via insulation, and at least respective electrodes 12, 22 which come into contact with the skin of the subject 90 via insulator. The operation unit 70 estimates the blood pressure value of the subject based on a time difference between a feature point of a signal measured by the first electrode set 10 and a feature point of a signal measured by the second electrode set 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a measuring apparatus, a measuring method, and a program.

  Techniques related to the present invention are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 6.

  In Patent Document 1, each wave height of a signal, a ratio of wave heights, a time interval between each wave, and the like are calculated from a signal obtained by a sensor that detects vibration installed in bedding and the like, and a blood pressure value is calculated based thereon. A biological monitor device for determining arteriosclerosis, cardiac output and the like is disclosed.

  Patent Document 2 includes a first information acquisition unit that acquires a pulse wave signal of a living body, and a second information acquisition unit that acquires a pulse wave signal or an electrocardiogram signal at a position different from the first information acquisition unit, A biological signal measurement device that calculates a heartbeat period from acquired information and determines whether or not the position of a human body has changed is disclosed.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a measurement device that calculates a blood pressure value based on electrocardiogram information related to a subject's electrocardiogram and pulse wave information related to the subject's pulse wave.

  Patent Document 4 discloses a biological signal measurement device that simultaneously detects an electrocardiogram component signal and a respiratory component signal using first to third electrodes installed in a bedding.

  Patent Document 5 discloses an information monitoring device that monitors information on a human body using an electrode installed on a bedding.

  Patent Document 6 discloses a biological information acquisition apparatus that estimates sleep depth from biological information of a subject.

Japanese Patent No. 3596212 Japanese Patent No. 6020082 JP 2014-12072 A Japanese Patent No. 5820600 Japanese Patent No. 4414152 Japanese Patent No. 6011240

  There is a demand for a technique for measuring a blood pressure value of a subject without being conscious of being measured.

  As described in Patent Document 1, when vibration is detected by a sensor installed on the side of an appliance such as bedding, vibrations of the human body other than blood flow factors are superimposed on the output signal of the sensor. For this reason, it is difficult to calculate the time interval (pulse wave propagation time) between the waves. Moreover, even if it can be calculated, the measurement error increases.

  In the case of the techniques of Patent Documents 2 and 3, it is necessary to bring the subject's chest, fingers, and the like into contact with the measurement unit (electrodes, etc.). When the electrode is brought into contact with the subject, the subject becomes conscious of the measurement. Further, the contact of the electrode with the human body may cause discomfort.

  Patent Documents 4 to 6 do not disclose measuring blood pressure values.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for measuring a blood pressure value of a subject without being conscious of being measured.

According to the present invention,
At least two electrode sets having one first electrode that abuts the subject's skin via an insulator and at least one second electrode that abuts the subject's skin via an insulator;
A calculation unit that estimates a blood pressure value of the subject based on a time difference between a feature point of the signal measured by the first electrode set and a feature point of the signal measured by the second electrode set;
Is provided.

Moreover, according to the present invention,
A first of at least two sets of electrodes having one first electrode that contacts the subject's skin via an insulator and at least one second electrode that contacts the subject's skin via an insulator A measurement method for estimating a blood pressure value of a subject based on a time difference between a feature point of a signal measured by one electrode set and a feature point of a signal measured by a second electrode set is provided.

Moreover, according to the present invention,
Computer
A first of at least two sets of electrodes having one first electrode that contacts the subject's skin via an insulator and at least one second electrode that contacts the subject's skin via an insulator Provided is a program for functioning as a computing means for estimating a blood pressure value of a subject based on a time difference between a feature point of a signal measured by one electrode set and a feature point of a signal measured by a second electrode set Is done.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the technique which measures a test subject's blood-pressure value without being conscious of being measured is implement | achieved.

It is an example of the functional block diagram of the measuring apparatus of this embodiment. 3 is an example of a circuit diagram of an Astable Multivibrator 40. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the calculating part 70 of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the pulse wave arrival time calculated by the calculating part 70 of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a process of the calculating part 70 of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example which provided two or more 2nd electrodes of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the effect at the time of providing two or more 2nd electrodes of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the effect at the time of providing two or more 2nd electrodes of this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the electrode which provided the through hole of this embodiment.

  First, the outline | summary of the measuring apparatus of this embodiment is demonstrated. The measurement apparatus of this embodiment has at least two electrode sets. Each electrode set has one first electrode and at least one second electrode. The first and second electrodes are in contact with the skin of the subject via an insulator. That is, in this embodiment, an electrode is not made to contact a test subject's skin directly. In this embodiment, a signal from a capacitive coupling electrode in which “subject's skin” — “insulator” — “electrode” are arranged in this order is detected. A capacitive coupling electrode is disclosed in Patent Document 4, for example.

  And the measuring apparatus of this embodiment is based on the time difference (pulse wave arrival time) between the feature point of the signal measured by the first electrode set and the feature point of the signal measured by the second electrode set. Estimate the blood pressure of the subject.

  According to such a measurement apparatus of this embodiment, the blood pressure value of the subject can be accurately measured without making the subject aware of the measurement being performed.

  Next, an example of the measuring apparatus of this embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 1 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the measuring apparatus of the present embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the measurement apparatus includes a first electrode set 10, a second electrode set 20, components (30, 40, 50, 60) for performing various signal processing, and a calculation unit 70.

  The first electrode set 10 and the second electrode set 20 are installed on the bedding 80. The first electrodes 11 and 21 and the second electrodes 12 and 22 are in contact with the skin of the subject 90 lying on the bedding 80 via an insulator such as a sheet or clothes of the subject. As a result, “subject skin” — “insulator” — “electrode” are arranged in this order to constitute a capacitively coupled electrode. In the case of this example, the blood pressure value of the subject 90 sleeping can be measured and observed.

  The first electrode set 10 is used to measure the subject's pulsation. The 1st electrode set 10 is installed in the position which can measure the signal of a test subject's limbs.

  It is preferable that the first electrode 11 measures the calf signal of the left or right leg of the subject 90 and the second electrode 12 measures the signal of the heel of the same leg. The 1st electrode 11 and the 2nd electrode 12 may be installed in the position which can measure such a signal so that it may show in figure. In this case, the measurement accuracy is improved as compared with the case of measuring signals at other positions.

  The second electrode set 20 is used to measure the subject's electrocardiogram. The 2nd electrode set 20 is installed in the position which can measure the signal of a test subject's trunk. For example, the first electrode 21 is installed at a position where a signal near the chest of the subject 90 can be measured, and the second electrode 22 is installed at a position where a signal near the waist and buttocks of the subject can be measured.

The ECG 30 extracts an electrocardiogram component signal from the differential component signal of the first electrode 21 signal and the second electrode 22 signal. The ECG 30 includes an amplifier, a high-pass filter, a notch filter, a low-pass filter, and the like, and may process an electrocardiogram component signal. These techniques of the ECG 30 are realized by the technique disclosed in Patent Document 4, for example. The _{ECG 30} outputs an _ECG component signal V _ECG .

  The Astable Multivibrator 40 incorporates capacitive coupling that can be formed between the first electrode 11 and the living skin and capacitive coupling that can be formed between the second electrode 12 and the living skin as a part of the circuit. An example of a circuit diagram of the Astable Multivibrator 40 is shown in FIG.

  Here, the circuit of FIG. 2 will be briefly described. The capacitive coupling including the first electrode 11 and the capacitive coupling including the second electrode 12 affect the transmission frequency of the Astable Multivibrator 40.

Returning to FIG. 1, the Development Pulse Beat Sensor 50 extracts the DC component V _Body and the AC component (pulsation signal) V _PB from the signal input from the Astable Multivibrator 40 and outputs it.

  Development Pulse Beat Sensor 50 includes, for example, Frequency Divider 51, F / V Converter 52, Buffer 53, B.I. P. F. (Band Pass Filter) 54 and Inv.Amp.55.

The signal input from the Astable Multivibrator 40 is frequency-divided by the Frequency Divider 51 and then subjected to frequency / voltage conversion by the F / V Converter 52. Then, after passing through Buffer 53, it is output (V _Body ). Further, the signal output from Buffer 53 is B.B. P. Filtered by F54, then amplified by Inv.Amp.55 and then output (V _PB ).

The A / D Converter 60 performs analog / digital conversion on V _ECG , V _Body , and V _PB and inputs the converted digital signal to the arithmetic unit 70.

  The computing unit 70 is a computer, and examples thereof include, but are not limited to, a PC (personal computer), a smartphone, a tab tablet, and the like.

  First, an example of the hardware configuration of the calculation unit 70 will be described. The arithmetic unit 70 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) of an arbitrary computer, a memory, a program loaded into the memory, a storage unit such as a hard disk for storing the program (in addition to programs stored in advance from the stage of shipping the device) It is also possible to store a program downloaded from a storage medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) or a server on the Internet, etc.), and an arbitrary combination of hardware and software centering on a network connection interface. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that there are various modifications to the implementation method and apparatus.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the arithmetic unit 70. As shown in FIG. 3, the arithmetic unit 70 includes a processor 1A, a memory 2A, an input / output interface 3A, a peripheral circuit 4A, and a bus 5A. The peripheral circuit 4A includes various modules. Note that the arithmetic unit 70 may be configured by a plurality of devices that are physically and / or logically separated. In this case, each of the plurality of devices may include a processor 1A, a memory 2A, an input / output interface 3A, a peripheral circuit 4A, and a bus 5A.

  The bus 5A is a data transmission path through which the processor 1A, the memory 2A, the peripheral circuit 4A, and the input / output interface 3A transmit / receive data to / from each other. The processor 1A is an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The memory 2A is a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The input / output interface 3A is an interface for acquiring information from an input device (eg, keyboard, mouse, microphone, physical key, touch panel display, code reader, etc.), external device, external server, external sensor, etc., and an output device ( Examples: display, speaker, printer, mailer, etc.), external device, an interface for outputting information to an external server, etc. The processor 1A can issue a command to each module and perform a calculation based on the calculation result.

  Next, the function of the calculating part 70 is demonstrated. Based on the time difference (pulse wave arrival time) between the feature point of the signal measured by the first electrode set 10 and the feature point of the signal measured by the second electrode set 20, the computing unit 70 Estimate the value.

  Specifically, the calculation unit 70 is an electrocardiogram R-wave time detector and detects the time (first time) when the R-wave peak appears in the electrocardiogram signal. The calculation unit 70 is a peak / bottom / zero crossing time detector, and detects the time (second time) when the pulsation peak appears in the pulsation signal. And the calculating part 70 calculates the difference of 1st time and 2nd time as pulse wave arrival time. FIG. 4 shows the time difference (pulse wave arrival time) between the feature point extracted from the ECG signal (ECG signal feature point in the figure) and the feature point extracted from the pulsation signal (pulse signal feature point in the figure). Show.

  The electrocardiogram R wave time detector can detect the R wave peak from the electrocardiogram signal. For example, an electrocardiogram R wave time detector detects an R wave peak from an electrocardiogram signal using the Pan-Thompson algorithm or the like. In addition, the electrocardiogram R wave time detector may detect the R wave peak from the electrocardiogram signal by obtaining the square of the slope of the waveform after applying the bandpass filter and comparing it with a threshold value.

  The peak / bottom / zero crossing time detector can detect the pulsation peak from the pulsation signal. For example, the peak / bottom / zero crossing time detector takes a maximum value within a certain time (for example, between 200 and 300 msec) from the electrocardiogram R wave time (the first time) after applying the bandpass filter. The pulsation peak is detected from the pulsation signal.

  In addition, the calculation unit 70 holds information (eg, function, table, etc.) indicating the relationship between the pulse wave arrival time and the blood pressure value in advance. And the calculating part 70 calculates the estimated value of a blood-pressure value using the calculated pulse wave arrival time and the said information.

  The computing unit 70 displays the estimated value of the calculated blood pressure value on a display or stores it in the storage device in association with the time.

  Next, an example of the processing flow of the calculation unit 70 of the present embodiment will be shown using the flowchart of FIG.

  Signals detected by the first electrode set 10 and the second electrode set 20 are subjected to various signal processing by predetermined components (30, 40, 50, 60) and then input to the arithmetic unit 70. . When the calculation unit 70 acquires the signal of the first electrode set 10 and the signal of the second electrode set 20 (S10), the calculation unit 70 stores the signals in association with time (for example, acquisition time). Up to this point, it is executed by real-time processing. Thereafter, it may be executed by real-time processing or batch processing.

  In S <b> 11, the arithmetic unit 70 processes the signal stored in S <b> 10 and detects the time (second time) when the pulsation peak appears in the signal (pulsation signal) of the first electrode set 10. In addition, the calculation unit 70 detects the time (first time) when the R wave peak appears in the signal (electrocardiogram signal) of the second electrode set 20.

  Thereafter, the calculation unit 70 calculates the difference between the first time and the second time as the pulse wave arrival time (S12).

  Next, the calculation unit 70 uses the information (eg, function, table, etc.) indicating the relationship between the pulse wave arrival time and the blood pressure value that is held in advance and the pulse wave arrival time calculated in S12 to obtain the blood pressure value. Is estimated (S13).

  Thereafter, the calculation unit 70 displays the calculated estimated value of the blood pressure value on the display (S14). Note that the calculation unit 70 may store the calculated estimated value of the blood pressure value in a nonvolatile storage device in association with the time.

  According to the measurement apparatus of the present embodiment described above, the blood pressure value of the subject is calculated based on the signal from the capacitive coupling electrode in which “subject skin”-“insulator”-“electrode” are arranged in this order. presume. In the case of this embodiment, it is not necessary to directly contact the electrode with the skin of the subject. For this reason, a test subject's blood-pressure value can be measured without being conscious of being measured.

  Further, according to the measurement apparatus of the present embodiment, the electrocardiogram signal and the pulsation signal of the subject can be measured for the same reason without being aware of the measurement.

  Moreover, in the measuring apparatus of this embodiment, an electrode can be installed in the bedding. In this case, the subject only has to lie on this bedding. If these conditions are met, the electrode comes into contact with the subject's skin via an insulator such as a sheet or the subject's clothes, thereby forming a capacitively coupled electrode. For this reason, according to the measuring apparatus of this embodiment, an unpleasant feeling is not given because an electrode contacts a test subject directly. Moreover, it is not necessary to restrain an electrode to a test subject. For this reason, a test subject's blood-pressure value can be measured without being conscious of being measured. In this case, the blood pressure value of the subject 90 sleeping can be observed.

  In the measurement apparatus of the present embodiment, an electrocardiogram signal and a pulsation signal are used as signals used for blood pressure value estimation. The electrocardiogram signal captures the biogenic potential and the pulsation signal captures the movement of the living body surface. Therefore, when a disturbance that affects the time of the feature point is entered, the probability of affecting only one of the signals increases, and it becomes easy to determine the signal abnormal state due to the disturbance. By not performing blood pressure estimation at the time of signal abnormal state determination, the blood pressure value estimation accuracy is improved as a result.

  In the measuring device of this embodiment, the blood pressure value can be estimated by measuring the calf and heel signals of one leg. The arterial path is different between the left and right legs. For this reason, the estimation accuracy of the blood pressure value is improved by detecting the signal only with either the left or right leg.

  Next, a modification of the measuring apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. The measuring apparatus of this embodiment can be configured to employ one or more of a plurality of modified examples described below.

<Modification 1>
When the DC component potential (hereinafter, “DC component potential”) of the signal measured by the first electrode set 10 satisfies a predetermined condition, the calculation unit 70 of Modification 1 executes a process of estimating a blood pressure value. If the direct current component potential does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the blood pressure value is not estimated. That is, the calculation unit 70 of the first modification determines whether or not to execute the process of estimating the blood pressure value depending on whether or not the DC component potential of the signal measured by the first electrode set 10 satisfies a predetermined condition. Switch. The predetermined condition is “reference value ≧ DC component potential”.

  When both of the two electrodes included in the first electrode set 10 are in contact with the subject via an insulator to form a capacitive coupling electrode, at least two electrodes included in the first electrode set 10 are included. Compared with the case where one does not constitute a capacitive coupling electrode, the DC component potential is lower. Between the DC component potential when both of the two electrodes constitute a capacitive coupling electrode and the DC component potential when at least one of the two electrodes does not constitute a capacitive coupling electrode When the reference value is determined, whether or not the subject is in a measurable state by comparing the reference value with the DC component potential (whether both of the two electrodes constitute a capacitive coupling electrode). Can be identified.

The blood pressure value can be estimated only when the subject is in a measurable state, and the blood pressure value is not estimated when the subject is not in a measurable state. Note that the DC component V _Body in FIG. 1 corresponds to the DC component potential.

  When the first electrode 11 and the second electrode of the first electrode set 10 shown in FIG. 1 are extended all the way in the lateral direction of the bedding 80, both the left and right legs are attached to the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, respectively. Is likely to come into contact. In this case, the signals of both the left and right legs are superimposed on the signal measured by the first electrode set 10. As a result, the estimation accuracy of the blood pressure value using the pulse wave arrival time is lowered.

  For this reason, the first electrode 11 and the second electrode of the first electrode set 10 cannot be fully extended in the lateral direction of the bedding 80, and have a length and a position where only one leg abuts with high probability. Installed. In this case, depending on the posture of the subject sleeping on the bedding 80, at least one of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 of the first electrode set 10 may not constitute a capacitive coupling electrode. Appears to some extent. That is, there is a possibility that the blood pressure value cannot be estimated. By adopting a configuration in which the blood pressure value is estimated when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the waste of executing the blood pressure value estimation process in a state where the blood pressure value cannot be estimated can be reduced. As a result, the processing burden on the arithmetic unit 70 can be reduced. In addition, the estimation accuracy is improved.

<Modification 2>
In the second modification, at least one first electrode set 10 includes a plurality of second electrodes. Then, from the first electrode set 10, a signal for each pair of one first electrode and each of the plurality of second electrodes is input to the arithmetic unit 70.

  An example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram in which only the first electrode set 10 is extracted. The illustrated first electrode set 10 includes one first electrode 11 and two second electrodes 12-1 and 12-2. In this case, the signal measured by the pair of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12-1 and the signal measured by the pair of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12-2 are calculated by the arithmetic unit 70. Is input.

  In the first electrode set 10 having the plurality of second electrodes as described above, the calculation unit 70 measures the pair of the plurality of pairs in which the potential of the DC component of the measured signal satisfies a predetermined condition. The signal obtained is used for the process of estimating the blood pressure value of the subject.

  The predetermined condition is “reference value ≧ DC component potential”. The method for determining the reference value is as described in the first modification.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when a subject's leg is located on the 1st electrode 11 and the 2nd electrode 12-1, it measures by the pair of the 1st electrode 11 and the 2nd electrode 12-1. The relationship between the direct current component potential of the signal, the direct current component potential of the signal measured by the pair of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12-2, and the reference value Va is as illustrated.

  In this case, the calculation unit 70 estimates the blood pressure value of the subject using a signal measured by the pair of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12-1 that satisfies “reference value ≧ DC component potential”. That is, the calculation unit 70 estimates the blood pressure value of the subject without using the signal measured by the pair of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12-2 that does not satisfy “reference value ≧ DC component potential”.

  On the other hand, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the leg of the subject is positioned on the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12-2, a pair of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12-1 The relationship between the DC component potential of the signal measured in Step 1, the DC component potential of the signal measured by the pair of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12-2, and the reference value Va is as illustrated. .

  In this case, the calculation unit 70 estimates the blood pressure value of the subject using a signal measured by the pair of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12-2 that satisfies “reference value ≧ DC component potential”. That is, the calculation unit 70 estimates the blood pressure value of the subject without using the signal measured by the pair of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12-1 that does not satisfy “reference value ≧ DC component potential”.

  Also in the modification 2, the effect of the measuring apparatus of this embodiment mentioned above is realizable. Further, according to the second modification, by providing a plurality of second electrodes, there is a high possibility that the blood pressure value can be measured regardless of the state of the subject. That is, the probability of success in measuring (estimating) the blood pressure value increases. For example, even if the position of the subject on the bedding changes due to turning over or the like, the measurement can be continued with one of the electrodes.

  Further, according to the second modification, an appropriate electrode pair can be selected according to the condition of the subject, and the blood pressure value can be estimated using a signal from the pair. As a result, blood pressure value estimation accuracy is improved.

<Modification 3>
The measurement apparatus of Modification 3 includes a plurality of first electrode sets 10. And the calculating part 70 can estimate a test subject's blood-pressure value using either of the signals detected by each of the some 1st electrode set 10 each.

  Each of the plurality of first electrode sets 10 measures signals of different limbs (right leg, left leg, right arm, left arm) of the subject. That is, each of the plurality of first electrode sets 10 is installed at a position where different limbs of the subject can be measured.

  The computing unit 70 estimates the blood pressure value of the subject from the signals measured by the first electrode set 10 in which the potential of the DC component of the measured signal among the plurality of first electrode sets 10 satisfies a predetermined condition. Used for processing.

  The predetermined condition is “reference value ≧ DC component potential”. The method for determining the reference value is as described in the first modification.

  In the case where the modification 2 and the modification 3 are combined, the arithmetic unit 70 includes the first electrode 11 and the first electrode 11 in which the potential of the DC component of the measured signal in the plurality of first electrode sets 10 satisfies the predetermined condition. A signal measured by the first electrode set 10 having at least one second electrode pair is used for the process of estimating the blood pressure value of the subject.

  Also in the modification 3, the effect of the measuring apparatus of this embodiment mentioned above is realizable. Moreover, according to the modification 3, by providing multiple 1st electrode sets 10, possibility that a test subject will be able to measure a blood pressure value will become high whatever the state will be. That is, the probability of success in measuring (estimating) the blood pressure value increases. For example, even if the position of the subject on the bedding changes due to turning over or the like, the measurement can be continued with one of the electrodes.

  Moreover, according to the modification 3, the suitable 1st electrode set 10 can be selected according to a test subject's state, and a blood pressure value can be estimated using the signal from the 1st electrode set 10. FIG. As a result, blood pressure value estimation accuracy is improved.

<Modification 4>
In the modified example 4, both the first electrode set 10 and the second electrode set 20 are used to measure signals of the limbs of the subject. The first electrode set 10 and the second electrode set 20 each measure signals of different limbs. The 1st electrode set 10 and the 2nd electrode set 20 are used in order to measure a subject's pulsation. In the fourth modification, an electrode set for measuring an electrocardiogram signal is not provided. Also in the modification 4, the effect of the measuring apparatus of this embodiment mentioned above is realizable.

<Modification 5>
In Modification 5, in at least one electrode set, the first electrode has a larger surface area than the second electrode.

  Also in the modification 5, the effect of the measuring apparatus of this embodiment mentioned above is realizable. Further, in the case of the modified example 5 in which the first electrode has a surface area larger than that of the second electrode, the signal amplitude of the obtained waveform is increased. For this reason, the extraction accuracy of the feature points is increased, and the time difference (pulse wave arrival time) to be calculated and the estimation accuracy of the blood pressure value calculated based thereon are improved.

<Modification 6>
In Modification 6, a through hole is provided in at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode. FIG. 9 schematically shows an example of an electrode provided with a through hole. FIG. 9 (1) is a plan view and FIG. 9 (2) is a side view. The illustrated through hole penetrates from the front surface to the back surface of the electrode.

  Also in the modification 6, the effect of the measuring apparatus of this embodiment mentioned above is realizable. Further, by providing a through hole for the electrode, air escape from the front and back of the electrode is improved. In this case, heat and moisture due to the body temperature of the subject existing on the side in contact with the subject through the insulator can be released to the opposite side of the electrode through the through hole. As a result, the inconvenience that the subject feels uncomfortable due to heat and moisture can be reduced.

<Modification 7>
In the modification 7, an electrode is comprised with the raw material which has a softness | flexibility. For example, the electrode can be composed of a conductive cloth tape having a thickness of 0.1 mm or less.

  Also in the modification 7, the effect of the measuring apparatus of this embodiment mentioned above is realizable. Moreover, according to the modified example 7, the inconvenience that an electrode influences the sleeping comfort in bedding can be reduced. For this reason, a test subject's blood-pressure value can be measured without being conscious of being measured.

<Modification 8>
In Modification 8, an insulating layer that does not allow moisture to pass is provided on at least one surface of the first electrode and the second electrode (at least the surface facing the subject). For example, a resin film or the like can be selected as such an insulating layer.

  In the case of this embodiment in which a signal is detected by a capacitive coupling electrode, it is necessary to provide an insulating layer between the skin of the subject and the electrode. In the present embodiment, for example, a bed sheet or a subject's clothes can be used as an insulating layer between the subject's skin and the electrode, but there is a possibility of short-circuiting due to sweat or moisture. According to the modified example 8, it is possible to suppress the disadvantage that the subject's skin and the electrode are short-circuited. Also in the modification 8, the effect of the measuring apparatus of this embodiment mentioned above is realizable.

<Modification 9>
The calculation unit 70 of the modification 9 calculates the sleep depth of the subject using signals measured by a plurality of electrode sets. For example, the technique described in Patent Document 6 can be employed as a method for calculating the sleep depth.

  Also in the modification 9, the effect of the measuring apparatus of this embodiment mentioned above is realizable. Moreover, according to the modification 9, in addition to a blood pressure value, a pulsation, an electrocardiogram, etc., a sleep depth can be calculated based on the signal measured with the same electrode. Since a plurality of pieces of information can be obtained based on the signals measured with the same electrode, the effect on the capital investment for measurement is increased. Moreover, health management during sleep can be performed to a higher degree by combining a plurality of information.

Hereinafter, examples of the reference form will be added.
1. At least two electrode sets having one first electrode that abuts the subject's skin via an insulator and at least one second electrode that abuts the subject's skin via an insulator;
A calculation unit that estimates a blood pressure value of the subject based on a time difference between a feature point of the signal measured by the first electrode set and a feature point of the signal measured by the second electrode set;
Measuring device.
2. In the measuring apparatus according to 1,
The first electrode set measures a signal of a subject's limb,
The second electrode set is a measuring device that measures a signal of a torso of a subject.
3. In the measuring apparatus according to 1 or 2,
The first electrode set measures a subject's pulsation, and the second electrode set measures a subject's electrocardiogram.
4). In the measuring apparatus according to any one of 1 to 3,
The first electrode of the first electrode set measures a calf signal on either the left or right leg of the subject;
The second electrode of the first electrode set is a measuring device that measures a signal of a heel of the leg.
5. In the measuring apparatus according to any one of 1 to 4,
The first electrode is a measuring device having a larger surface area than the second electrode.
6). In the measuring apparatus according to any one of 1 to 5,
The calculation unit performs a process of estimating a blood pressure value when a potential of a DC component of a signal measured by the electrode set satisfies a predetermined condition, and estimates a blood pressure value when the potential does not satisfy the predetermined condition. Measuring device that does not execute the process.
7). A first of at least two sets of electrodes having one first electrode that contacts the subject's skin via an insulator and at least one second electrode that contacts the subject's skin via an insulator A measurement method for estimating a blood pressure value of a subject based on a time difference between a feature point of a signal measured by one electrode set and a feature point of a signal measured by a second electrode set.
8). Computer
A first of at least two sets of electrodes having one first electrode that contacts the subject's skin via an insulator and at least one second electrode that contacts the subject's skin via an insulator A program that functions as a calculation unit that estimates a blood pressure value of a subject based on a time difference between a feature point of a signal measured by one electrode set and a feature point of a signal measured by a second electrode set.

1A processor 2A memory 3A I / O I / F
4A peripheral circuit 5A bus 10 first electrode set 11 first electrode 12 second electrode 12-1 second electrode 12-2 second electrode 20 second electrode set 21 first electrode 22 second Electrode 30 ECG
40 Astable Multivibrator
50 Development Pulse Beat Sensor
51 Frequency Divider
52 F / VConverter
53 Buffer
54 B. P. F.
55 Inv. Amp.
60 A / D Converter
70 Calculation Unit 80 Bedding 90 Subject

Claims (8)

At least two electrode sets having one first electrode that abuts the subject's skin via an insulator and at least one second electrode that abuts the subject's skin via an insulator;
A calculation unit that estimates a blood pressure value of the subject based on a time difference between a feature point of the signal measured by the first electrode set and a feature point of the signal measured by the second electrode set;
Measuring device. The measuring apparatus according to claim 1,
The first electrode set measures a signal of a subject's limb,
The second electrode set is a measuring device that measures a signal of a torso of a subject. The measuring apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The first electrode set measures a subject's pulsation, and the second electrode set measures a subject's electrocardiogram. The measuring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The first electrode of the first electrode set measures a calf signal on either the left or right leg of the subject;
The second electrode of the first electrode set is a measuring device that measures a signal of a heel of the leg. In the measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The first electrode is a measuring device having a larger surface area than the second electrode. In the measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The calculation unit performs a process of estimating a blood pressure value when a potential of a DC component of a signal measured by the electrode set satisfies a predetermined condition, and estimates a blood pressure value when the potential does not satisfy the predetermined condition. Measuring device that does not execute the process.   A first of at least two sets of electrodes having one first electrode that contacts the subject's skin via an insulator and at least one second electrode that contacts the subject's skin via an insulator A measurement method for estimating a blood pressure value of a subject based on a time difference between a feature point of a signal measured by one electrode set and a feature point of a signal measured by a second electrode set. Computer
A first of at least two sets of electrodes having one first electrode that contacts the subject's skin via an insulator and at least one second electrode that contacts the subject's skin via an insulator A program that functions as a calculation unit that estimates a blood pressure value of a subject based on a time difference between a feature point of a signal measured by one electrode set and a feature point of a signal measured by a second electrode set.

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