KR101056016B1 - Apparatus, method and diagnostic system comprising the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The pulse wave propagation rate measuring apparatus for measuring the pulse wave propagation rate of an examinee whose integration is possible and the power consumption is reduced includes a bioimpedance signal measuring unit, an ECG signal measuring unit, and a data processing unit. The bioimpedance signal measuring unit measures the generated bioimpedance signal based on a test current delivered to a part of the body of the examinee. The ECG signal measuring unit measures the ECG signal of the examinee. The data processor measures the pulse wave transmission rate of the subject based on the bioimpedance signal and the electrocardiogram signal.

Description

Apparatus for measuring pulse wave velocity and method approximately, and diagnosis system including the same}

The present invention relates to a pulse wave transfer rate measurement technology, and more particularly, to a miniaturized and integrated pulse wave transfer rate measurement apparatus, method and diagnostic system comprising the same using an electrical and electronic device.

In highly industrialized countries, cardiovascular disorders, such as myocardial infarction, arteriosclerosis, and high blood pressure, occur, which is one of the leading causes of death. In order to prevent sudden death due to such cardiovascular diseases, blood pressure and arteriosclerosis having a high correlation with cardiovascular diseases may be measured to monitor the condition of the examinee. In addition, blood pressure and atherosclerosis of the subject may be determined by measuring pulse wave velocity (PWV).

Conventional techniques for measuring pulse wave propagation rates can be classified into three categories. The first technique is a technique for measuring pulse wave propagation rate by using a Doppler ultrasound device, which has a disadvantage that the Doppler ultrasound device is expensive and has high noise against interference from the surrounding environment. The second technique uses electrocardiogram (ECG) and optical blood flow measurement (Photoplethysmography, PPG), which are widely used. However, PPG sensor which measures pulse wave is expensive and optical blood flow measurement sensor Due to the disadvantage that integration is not possible. The third technique is a technique using a pressure sensor, which has a disadvantage of causing pain and discomfort to the user because it is invasive to the subject.

Therefore, there is a need for a low cost, low noise generation, integration, and non-invasive pulse wave transmission rate measuring apparatus and method for the subject.

One object of the present invention for solving the above problems is to provide a low-cost, integrated and non-invasive pulse wave transmission rate measurement device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a diagnostic system including a pulse wave transfer rate measuring device which is inexpensive, integratable and non-invasive.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for measuring pulse wave propagation rate which is inexpensive, integratable and non-invasive.

In order to achieve the above object of the present invention, the pulse wave transmission rate measuring apparatus for measuring the pulse wave transmission rate of the examinee according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a bio-impedance signal measuring unit, an electrocardiogram signal measuring unit and a data processing unit . The bioimpedance signal measuring unit measures a bioimpedance signal generated based on a test current delivered to a part of the body of the examinee. The ECG signal measuring unit measures an ECG signal of the examinee. The data processor measures the pulse wave transmission rate of the examinee based on the bioimpedance signal and the electrocardiogram signal.

In example embodiments, the data processor may measure the pulse wave propagation rate of the subject by using a pulse wave propagation time which is a time interval between an R peak value of the ECG signal and a pole value of the bioimpedance signal. The R peak value of the ECG signal may represent a third pole value among the plurality of pole values that appear in the ECG signal, and the pole value of the bioimpedance signal may represent the maximum value of the bioimpedance signal.

In example embodiments, the bioimpedance measurer may include a test current generator, a bioimpedance signal electrode, a bioimpedance signal amplifier, and a bioimpedance signal processor. The test current generator generates the test current delivered to a part of the body of the examinee. The bio-impedance signal electrode unit transmits the test current to a portion of the body of the examinee and detects a potential difference of a portion of the body of the examinee generated based on the transmitted test current. The bio-impedance signal amplifier generates an amplified bio-impedance signal based on the detected potential difference. The bioimpedance signal processor demodulates and filters the amplified bioimpedance signal to provide the bioimpedance signal.

In example embodiments, the test current generator may include a local oscillator and a voltage-to-current converter. The local oscillator is connected to ground and generates a local oscillation signal. The voltage-to-current converter converts the local oscillating signal into the test current. The test current may be an alternating current having a constant frequency.

In example embodiments, the bio-impedance signal electrode part may include a first electrode part and a second electrode part. The first electrode unit is connected to the test current generating unit and transmits the test current to a part of the body of the examinee. The second electrode portion detects a potential difference of a part of the body of the examinee generated based on the transmitted test current.

In example embodiments, the bioimpedance signal processor may include an envelope detector and a band pass filter. The envelope detector detects an envelope of the amplified bioimpedance signal. The band pass filter passes the frequency of a predetermined band of the output signal of the envelope detector to provide the bio-impedance signal.

In an embodiment, the ECG signal measuring unit may include an ECG signal electrode unit, an ECG signal amplifier, and an ECG signal processor. The ECG signal electrode unit detects the ECG of the examinee and provides a first ECG signal and a second ECG signal. The electrocardiogram signal amplifier generates an amplified electrocardiogram signal based on the first electrocardiogram signal and the second electrocardiogram signal. The ECG signal processor may provide the ECG signal by filtering the amplified ECG signal.

In order to achieve the above object of the present invention, a diagnosis system for diagnosing a cardiovascular disease of a subject through a network and a medical service server according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pulse wave delivery rate measuring device and the medical service server. do. The pulse wave delivery rate measuring apparatus transmits the pulse wave delivery rate measured by the subject to the medical service server through the network to request a diagnosis service of a cardiovascular disease, and the diagnosis is provided by the medical service server in response to the request. Receive data. The medical service server analyzes the pulse wave delivery rate of the examinee provided through the network, generates the diagnostic data, and transmits the diagnostic data to the pulse wave delivery rate measuring device through the network. The pulse wave transmission rate measuring apparatus includes a bioimpedance signal measuring unit, an electrocardiogram signal measuring unit, and a data processing unit. The bioimpedance signal measuring unit measures a bioimpedance signal generated based on a test current delivered to a part of the body of the examinee. The ECG signal measuring unit measures an ECG signal of the examinee. The data processor measures the pulse wave transmission rate of the examinee based on the bioimpedance signal and the electrocardiogram signal.

In example embodiments, the data processor may measure the pulse wave propagation rate of the subject by using a pulse wave propagation time which is a time interval between an R peak value of the ECG signal and a pole value of the bioimpedance signal. The R peak value of the ECG signal may represent a third pole value among the plurality of pole values that appear in the ECG signal, and the pole value of the bioimpedance signal may represent the maximum value of the bioimpedance signal.

In example embodiments, the bioimpedance measurer may include a test current generator, a bioimpedance signal electrode, a bioimpedance signal amplifier, and a bioimpedance signal processor. The test current generator generates the test current delivered to a part of the body of the examinee. The bio-impedance signal electrode unit transmits the test current to a portion of the body of the examinee and detects a potential difference of a portion of the body of the examinee generated based on the transmitted test current. The bioimpedance signal amplifier generates an amplified bioimpedance signal based on the detected potential difference. The bioimpedance signal processor demodulates and filters the amplified bioimpedance signal to provide the bioimpedance signal.

In an embodiment, the ECG signal measuring unit may include an ECG signal electrode unit, an ECG signal amplifier, and an ECG signal processor. The ECG signal electrode unit detects the ECG of the examinee and provides a first ECG signal and a second ECG signal. The electrocardiogram signal amplifier generates an amplified electrocardiogram signal based on the first electrocardiogram signal and the second electrocardiogram signal. The ECG signal processor may provide the ECG signal by filtering the amplified ECG signal. In this case, the ECG signal processor may include a band pass filter and a notch filter. The band pass filter passes a frequency of a predetermined band of the amplified electrocardiogram signal. The notch filter removes noise of an output signal of the band pass filter to provide the ECG signal.

In order to achieve the above object of the present invention, in the method for measuring the pulse wave delivery rate of the subject according to an embodiment of the present invention, first, the bio-impedance signal generated based on a test current transmitted to a part of the subject's body Measure Next, the ECG signal of the examinee is measured. Next, the pulse wave transmission rate of the subject is measured based on the bioimpedance signal and the electrocardiogram signal.

The measuring of the pulse wave propagation rate may include measuring the pulse wave propagation rate of the subject by using a pulse wave propagation time which is a time interval between an R peak value of the ECG signal and a pole value of the bioimpedance signal. have. The R peak value of the ECG signal may represent a third pole value among the plurality of pole values that appear in the ECG signal, and the pole value of the bioimpedance signal may represent the maximum value of the bioimpedance signal.

The apparatus and method for measuring pulse wave propagation rate according to embodiments of the present invention as described above and a diagnostic system including the same may be inexpensive, integratable, and reduce power consumption by using an electric and electronic device.

In addition, the pulse wave transmission rate measuring apparatus, method and a diagnostic system including the same according to embodiments of the present invention is non-invasive and can prevent pain and discomfort of the subject.

Hereinafter, a pulse wave transmission rate measuring apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and has a general knowledge in the art. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in various other forms without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "comprise" or "having" are intended to indicate that there is a feature, number, step, action, component, part, or combination thereof that is described, and that one or more other features or numbers are present. It should be understood that it does not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of steps, actions, components, parts or combinations thereof.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Terms such as those defined in the commonly used dictionaries should be construed as having meanings consistent with the meanings in the context of the related art and shall not be construed in ideal or excessively formal meanings unless expressly defined in this application. Do not.

On the other hand, when an embodiment is otherwise implemented, a function or operation specified in a specific block may occur out of the order specified in the flowchart. For example, two consecutive blocks may actually be performed substantially simultaneously, and the blocks may be performed upside down depending on the function or operation involved. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements.

1 is a graph illustrating a bioimpedance signal and an electrocardiogram signal measured in an apparatus for measuring pulse wave propagation rate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

ECG signals are the most frequently used diagnostic tools for diagnosing cardiovascular disease in subjects. The ECG signal includes a plurality of parameters that can be evaluated diagnostically, and the plurality of parameters include six pole values P, Q, R peak, S, which are mainly shown in the ECG signal of FIG. 1. T, U). The six extreme values are divided into three maximum values (P, R peak, T) and three minimum values (Q, S, U), and the six extreme values (P, Q, R peak, S, T, U). The third peak value, i.e., the R peak (R peak), which is the second maximum value among the three peak values (P, R peak, and T), occurs at the moment when the myocardium starts to contract during heartbeat. Therefore, the R peak occurs regularly according to the heartbeat of the examinee. In general, the R peak value represents the maximum value of the ECG signal.

The bioimpedance signal is used to measure the pulse wave propagation rate in the pulse wave propagation rate measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention, replacing the PPG signal measured in the conventional optical blood flow measurement technique. . The bio-impedance signal focuses on the minute change in the impedance of blood vessels in response to the pulse wave in the blood vessel, thereby allowing a microcurrent to flow through a part of the body of the examinee, particularly a blood vessel, and detecting a potential difference between the blood vessel portions through which the microcurrent flows. Is generated signal. That is, it means an electrical signal according to the change of the blood vessel impedance measured in the body of the examinee. Therefore, like the optical blood flow measurement signal, the bio-impedance signal regularly shows a pole value in synchronization with the peak value of the ECG signal, that is, the R peak value. The pole of the bioimpedance signal represents the maximum value of the bioimpedance signal.

Pulse transit time (PTT) is the time it takes for a pulse wave to pass from the subject's heart to the surrounding arteries. In the present invention, as shown in Figure 1, the pulse wave propagation time (PTT) is a time (T _rpeak ) of the R peak value (R peak) of the ECG signal and the time (T _pole ) of the _pole value of the bio-impedance signal Can be defined as the interval between. That is, the pulse wave propagation time PTT may be calculated as in Equation 1 below.

[Equation 1]

PTT = T _pole -T _rpeak

The pulse wave transfer rate may be measured using the pulse wave transfer time (PTT) calculated through Equation 1, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

2 is a view showing a model of a part of the subject's body as an electrical component in applying the pulse wave transmission rate measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, skin and blood vessels of the arm of the subject were modeled.

Referring to FIG. 2, the examinee's body 1 includes skin 2 and blood vessels 3. A plurality of electrode pads 31, 32, 33, 34 for measuring a bioimpedance signal are attached to the surface of the skin 2 of the examinee. The skin 2 to which the plurality of electrode pads 31, 32, 33, and 34 are attached may be modeled by including a plurality of impedances Zs1, Zs2, Zs3, and Zs4 connected in parallel. The plurality of impedances Zs1, Zs2, Zs3, and Zs4 may include contact impedances between the plurality of electrode pads 31, 32, 33, and 34 and the skin 2, and the impedance of the skin 2 itself. The blood vessel 3 may be modeled by a series connection of a constant impedance (Zi) regardless of the impedance (ΔZi) and the pulse wave that changes with the pulse wave. In FIG. 2, the impedances Zs1, Zs2, Zs3, Zs4, Zi and ΔZi are shown in the form of a resistor, but in practice, the impedances Zs1, Zs2, Zs3, Zs4, Zi, and ΔZi are resistances. ), Capacitance and inductance may all have a value.

In the pulse wave propagation rate measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, a test current may be generated in the current source 10 to measure the bioimpedance signal. The test current passes through the impedances Zi and ΔZi included in the blood vessel 3 through the first and second electrodes 31 and 32. The third and fourth electrodes 33 and 34 may detect the potential difference generated by the test current and measure the bioimpedance signal through the measurement unit 20. Since impedance DELTA Zi changes with pulse waves, as shown in FIG. 1, the bio-impedance signal includes a pole value that appears regularly in synchronization with an R peak value of the ECG signal. .

In one embodiment, the plurality of impedances Zs1, Zs2, Zs3, and Zs4 included in the skin 2 may all have the same impedance value or different impedance values. However, in the pulse wave transmission rate measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, impedance values of the plurality of impedances Zs1, Zs2, Zs3, and Zs4 included in the skin 2 do not affect the measurement of the bioimpedance signal. . This will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

3 is a block diagram illustrating a bioimpedance signal measuring unit included in the pulse wave propagation rate measuring apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the bioimpedance signal measuring unit 100 includes a test current generator 110, a bioimpedance signal electrode unit 130, a bioimpedance signal amplifier 150, and a bioimpedance signal processor 170. do. The bioimpedance signal measuring unit 100 may further include a first amplifier 160 and a second amplifier 180.

The bioimpedance signal measurer 100 may be connected to the portion 101 of the body of the examinee through the bioimpedance signal electrode 130. As described with reference to FIG. 2, the part 101 of the examinee's body may have a structure in which the skin and blood vessels of the examinee are modeled as electrical components, and may be constant regardless of the impedance (ΔZi) and the pulse wave that change according to the pulse wave. It can be modeled including the impedance (Zi).

The test current generator 110 generates a test current i _t transmitted to the portion 101 of the body of the examinee. The test current generator 110 may include a local oscillator 112 and a voltage-to-current converter 114.

Local oscillator 112 may be connected to ground and generate a local oscillation signal. The local oscillation signal may be an AC voltage component having a constant frequency. In one embodiment, the local oscillating signal may have a frequency of about 10 kHz.

The voltage-to-current converter 114 may convert the local oscillation signal into a test current i _t . The test current i _t is a microscopic current that does not harm the subject. In addition, the test current i _t may be an alternating current having a constant frequency. In one embodiment, the test current i _t may have a frequency of about 10 kHz and a magnitude of about 1 mA.

Bio-impedance signal electrode 130 passes the test current (i _t) in a portion 101 of the body of the examinee, and a portion of the cost on the basis of the transmission of the test current (i _t) generated examinee body 101 The potential difference is detected. The bioimpedance signal electrode unit 130 may include a first electrode unit 132 and a second electrode unit 142.

The first electrode unit 132 may be connected to the test current generator 110 and may transmit a test current i _t to a portion 101 of the body of the examinee. In an embodiment, the first electrode part 132 may include a first electrode pad 134 and a second electrode pad 136.

The second electrode unit 142 may detect the potential difference of the portion 101 of the body of the examinee generated based on the transmitted test current i _t . In an embodiment, the second electrode unit 142 may include a third electrode pad 144 and a fourth electrode pad 146.

In one embodiment, the plurality of pads 134, 136, 144, 146 may be fixed to a portion 101 of the body of the examinee using an adhesive member such as a tape. In another embodiment, each of the plurality of pads 134, 136, 144, 146 may comprise an insulating sheet, a conductive sheet, and an adhesive sheet.

According to an embodiment, the bio-impedance signal electrode unit 130 includes two electrode pads to transmit and transmit a test current i _t to the portion 101 of the body of the examinee through the two electrode pads. The potential difference of the portion 101 of the examinee's body generated based on the test current i _t can be detected. In another embodiment, the bio-impedance signal electrode unit 130 may further include a plurality of electrode units in addition to the first and second electrode units 132 and 142. In this case, the bio-impedance signal measuring unit 100 may simultaneously measure the bio-impedance signal with respect to various parts of the body of the examinee, thereby reducing the measurement time and improving the accuracy of the measurement.

The bioimpedance signal amplifying unit 150 generates an amplified bioimpedance signal based on the potential difference of the portion 101 of the body of the examinee detected through the bioimpedance signal electrode unit 130. In one embodiment, the bio-impedance signal amplifier 150 may be implemented in the form of a differential amplifier. In this case, the bio-impedance signal amplifier 150 may be implemented in the form of an instrumentation amplifier, or in the form of a general differential amplifier including one operational amplifier.

Although not shown, when the bio-impedance signal amplifier 150 is implemented in the form of the device amplifier, the bio-impedance signal amplifier 150 may include three operational amplifiers and a plurality of resistor elements. In this case, the bio-impedance signal amplifier 150 may have high input impedance and high common mode rejection ratio (CMRR) characteristics. Since the configuration of the device amplifier is disclosed in the prior art, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When the bio-impedance signal amplifier 150 is implemented in the form of the device amplifier as described above, input impedances of the bio-impedance signal amplifier 150 are impedances included in the skin of the examinee (Zs 1, FIG. 2, Zs2, Zs3, Zs4) may have a much larger value. In one embodiment, the input impedance of the bio-impedance signal amplification unit 150 may have a value 20 times greater than the impedances (Zs 1, Zs 2, Zs 3, and Zs 4 of FIG. 2) included in the skin of the examinee. Therefore, the effect of impedances (Zs1, Zs2, Zs3, Zs4 of FIG. 2) included in the skin of the examinee in measuring the bioimpedance signal may be very small, and as shown in FIG. In FIG. 101, impedances (Zs 1, Zs 2, Zs 3, and Zs 4 of FIG. 2) included in the skin of the examinee may be omitted.

The bio-impedance signal processor 170 demodulates and filters the amplified bio-impedance signal provided by the bio-impedance signal amplifier 150 to provide the bio-impedance signal. The bioimpedance signal processor 170 may include an envelope detector 172 and a band pass filter 174.

The envelope detector 172 may detect an envelope of the amplified bioimpedance signal. When the test signal i _t is an alternating current having a constant frequency, the envelope detector 172 may remove the alternating current component included in the amplified signal. In one embodiment, envelope detector 172 may include a diode and a low pass filter. Since the configuration of the envelope detector 172 including the diode and the low pass filter is disclosed in the prior art, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The band pass filter 174 may pass the frequency of a predetermined band among the output signals of the envelope detector to provide the bioimpedance signal. In one embodiment, band pass filter 174 may be a secondary band pass filter. In this case, the frequency pass band of the band pass filter 174 may be about 0.7 Hz to about 4.4 Hz.

In FIG. 3, the band pass filter 174 is positioned at the rear end of the envelope detector 172. However, in some embodiments, the band pass filter 174 may be positioned at the front end of the envelope detector 172.

The first amplifier 160 may be located between the bioimpedance signal amplifier 150 and the bioimpedance signal processor 170, and may amplify the amplified bioimpedance signal and provide the amplified bioimpedance signal to the bioimpedance signal processor 170. . The second amplifier 180 may be located at a rear end of the bioimpedance signal processor 170 and may amplify and provide the bioimpedance signal.

4 is a block diagram showing an apparatus for measuring pulse wave propagation rate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the pulse wave transmission rate measuring apparatus 400 includes a bioimpedance signal measuring unit 100, an electrocardiogram signal measuring unit 200, and a data processing unit 350. The pulse wave transmission rate measuring apparatus 400 may further include a converter 300, a data storage 360, and a display 370.

The bioimpedance signal measuring unit 100 measures the bioimpedance signal generated based on the test current i _t transmitted to the part 101 of the body of the examinee. The bioimpedance signal measurer 100 may include a test current generator 110, a bioimpedance signal electrode unit 130, a bioimpedance signal amplifier 150, and a bioimpedance signal processor 170. The bioimpedance signal measurer 100 may be connected to the portion 101 of the body of the examinee through the bioimpedance signal electrode 130. As described with reference to FIG. 2, the part 101 of the examinee's body may be modeled by including an impedance ΔZi that changes according to the pulse wave and a constant impedance Zi regardless of the pulse wave.

The test current generator 110 may generate a test current i _t delivered to the portion 101 of the body of the examinee. The test current generator 110 may include a local oscillator 112 and a voltage-to-current converter 114. Local oscillator 112 may be connected to ground and generate a local oscillation signal. The voltage-to-current converter 114 may convert the local oscillation signal into a test current i _t .

Bio-impedance signal electrode 130 passes the test current (i _t) in a portion 101 of the body of the examinee, and a portion of the cost on the basis of the transmission of the test current (i _t) generated examinee body 101 The potential difference of can be detected. The bioimpedance signal electrode unit 130 may include a first electrode unit 132 and a second electrode unit 142. The first electrode unit 132 may be connected to the test current generator 110 and may transmit a test current i _t to a portion 101 of the body of the examinee. The second electrode unit 142 may detect the potential difference of the portion 101 of the body of the examinee generated based on the transmitted test current i _t .

The bioimpedance signal amplifier 150 may generate an amplified bioimpedance signal by amplifying a potential difference of the portion 101 of the body of the examinee detected through the bioimpedance signal electrode 130. In one embodiment, the bio-impedance signal amplification unit 150 may be implemented in the form of an instrumentation amplifier including three operational amplifiers.

The bioimpedance signal processor 170 may demodulate and filter the amplified bioimpedance signal provided by the bioimpedance signal amplifier 150 to provide the bioimpedance signal. The bioimpedance signal processor 170 may include an envelope detector 172 and a band pass filter 174. The envelope detector 172 may detect an envelope of the amplified bioimpedance signal. The band pass filter 174 may pass the frequency of a predetermined band among the output signals of the envelope detector to provide the bioimpedance signal.

The ECG signal measuring unit 200 measures the ECG signal of the examinee. The ECG signal measuring unit 200 may include an ECG signal electrode 210, an ECG signal amplifier 230, and an ECG signal processor 250. The ECG signal measuring unit 200 may further include a third amplifier 240 and a fourth amplifier 260.

The electrocardiogram signal electrode unit 210 may detect the electrocardiogram of the examinee and provide a first electrocardiogram signal and a second electrocardiogram signal. The ECG signal electrode unit 210 may include a fifth electrode pad 212 and a sixth electrode pad 214 attached to a portion different from a portion 101 of the body of the examinee. In one embodiment, the fifth electrode pad 212 may be attached to one wrist of the subject and the sixth electrode pad 214 may be attached to the other wrist of the subject. In some embodiments, the fifth and sixth electrode pads 212 and 214 may be fixed to the body of the examinee using an adhesive member.

The ECG signal amplifier 230 may generate an amplified ECG signal based on the first ECG signal and the second ECG signal. In one embodiment, the ECG signal amplifier 230 may be implemented in the form of a device amplifier including three operational amplifiers. In this case, the ECG signal amplifier 230 may include three operational amplifiers and a plurality of resistance elements, and may have high input impedance and high in-phase removal ratio characteristics.

The ECG signal processor 250 may provide the ECG signal by filtering the amplified ECG signal. In an embodiment, the ECG signal processor 250 may include a band pass filter 252 and a notch filter 254.

The band pass filter 252 may pass a frequency of a predetermined band among the amplified ECG signals. In one embodiment, band pass filter 252 may be a secondary band pass filter. In this case, the frequency pass band of the band pass filter 252 may be about 0.05 Hz to about 50 Hz.

The notch filter 254 may remove the noise of the output signal of the band pass filter 252 to provide the ECG signal. In one embodiment, notch filter 254 may be designed to have a high Q value and resist 60 Hz components. In this case, only 60 Hz power supply noise can be removed.

In FIG. 4, the notch filter 254 is positioned at the rear end of the band pass filter 252, but the notch filter 254 may be positioned at the front end of the band pass filter 252, according to an exemplary embodiment.

The third amplifier 240 may be located between the ECG signal amplifier 230 and the ECG signal processor 250. The third amplifier 240 may amplify the amplified ECG signal and provide the amplified ECG signal to the ECG signal processor 250. The fourth amplifier 260 may be located at the rear end of the ECG signal processor 230 and may amplify and provide the ECG signal.

The data processor 350 measures the pulse wave transmission rate of the subject based on the bioimpedance signal and the electrocardiogram signal. For example, the data processor 350 first calculates a difference between a time at which the pole value of the bioimpedance signal is detected and a time at which the R peak value of the ECG signal is detected, as shown in Equation 1, to transmit pulse waves. Time can be measured. Subsequently, the pulse wave transfer rate may be substituted by the following Equation 2 to measure the pulse wave transfer rate.

[Equation 2]

In [Equation 2], PWV is the pulse wave transmission rate of the subject, d is the distance from the heart of the subject to the portion 101 of the body in which the bio-impedance signal is measured, PTT is the above Equation 1 ] To calculate the pulse wave propagation time. In one embodiment, when the portion 101 of the subject's body from which the bioimpedance signal is measured is a wrist, the distance d may be replaced with the length of the subject's arm. At this time, the distance d may be a database according to the height of the examinee or may be measured together when measuring the bioimpedance signal.

In one embodiment, the data processor 350 may be implemented in the form of a microprocessor, a central processing unit, or the like capable of performing digital signal processing. In another embodiment, the data processor 350 may diagnose a health state of the cardiovascular system of the examinee based on the pulse wave transmission time and the stored data stored in the data storage 360.

The converter 300 digitally converts the bioimpedance signal and the ECG signal and provides the converted data to the data processor 350. Since the bioimpedance signal and the ECG signal are analog signals, when the data processor 350 is implemented in the form of a microprocessor or a central processing unit capable of performing digital signal processing as described above, the converter 300 The bioimpedance signal and the electrocardiogram signal may be converted into a form suitable for processing by the data processor 350 and provided.

In an embodiment, the converter 300 may include a first analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 310 for digitally converting the bioimpedance signal and a second ADC 320 for digitally converting the ECG signal. In another embodiment, the converter 300 may include one ADC for digitally converting the bioimpedance signal and the ECG signal, respectively.

The data storage unit 360 may store data including the pulse wave transmission rate and the diagnosis result of the examinee measured by the data processor 350 or provide the stored data to the data processor 350. For example, the stored data may include data stored by classifying the measured pulse wave transmission rate and the diagnosis result by date. In addition, the stored data may include reference data for determining whether a cardiovascular disease.

The display unit 370 displays the pulse wave transmission rate and the diagnosis result of the subject measured by the data processor 350. The measured pulse wave transmission rate and the diagnosis result may be displayed in text, voice, graph or image. In one embodiment, the display unit 370 may include a cathode ray tube, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), organic light emitting diodes (OLED), and the like. In addition, the display unit 370 may include light emitting diodes (LEDs), a buzzer, a speaker, and the like.

The pulse wave propagation rate measuring device 400 does not require a separate sensor, unlike the optical blood flow measurement technology, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. In addition, it can be integrated using electrical and electronic devices, thereby reducing power consumption.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a cardiovascular disease diagnosis system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the cardiovascular disease diagnosis system 500 includes a pulse wave delivery rate measuring device 520, a network 530, and a medical service server 540.

The pulse wave propagation rate measuring apparatus 520 may be the pulse wave propagation rate measuring apparatus 400 of FIG. 4. The pulse wave delivery rate measuring apparatus 520 may further include a communication module for communicating with the medical service server 540. The pulse wave delivery rate measuring apparatus 520 transmits the pulse wave rate delivered from the subject 510 to the medical service server 540 through the network 530 to request a diagnosis service of a cardiovascular disease, and in response to the request. Diagnostic data provided by the medical service server 540 may be received. In this case, the network 530 may be an internet communication network.

The pulse wave transmission rate may be measured based on a bioimpedance signal generated based on a test current transmitted to a part of the body of the subject 510 and an electrocardiogram signal measured from the subject 510. For example, the pulse wave propagation rate measuring apparatus 520 calculates a difference between the time at which the pole value of the bioimpedance signal is detected and the time at which the R peak value of the ECG signal is detected as shown in Equation 1 above. The pulse wave propagation time may be measured, and the pulse wave propagation time may be substituted by Equation 2 below to measure the pulse wave propagation rate.

The medical service server 540 analyzes the pulse wave propagation rate of the examinee 510 provided through the network 530 to generate the diagnostic data, and the pulse wave propagation rate measuring device 520 through the network 530. ) Can be sent. For example, the diagnostic data may be generated based on reference data for determining the pulse wave delivery rate and cardiovascular disease of the subject 510 previously transmitted by the pulse wave delivery rate measuring apparatus 520. Also, the diagnostic data may be generated by a preset virtual simulation program. In an embodiment, the medical service server 540 may further include a user authentication unit that provides a service only when the user 510 is a registered user by determining whether the examinee 510 is a registered user.

The cardiovascular disease diagnosis system 500 may be integrated and reduce power consumption by including a pulse wave transmission rate measuring device 520 implemented using electric and electronic devices. In addition, according to the integration and miniaturization, the examinee 510 may be provided with medical services regardless of the place.

FIG. 6A illustrates that each electrode included in a conventional pulse wave delivery rate measuring device using a pulse wave delivery rate measuring device and a photoblood flow measurement (PPG) sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to a part of a body of a subject. Drawing. 6B is a graph illustrating a bioimpedance signal, a PPG signal, and an electrocardiogram signal measured in a conventional pulse wave transmission rate measuring apparatus using a pulse wave transmission rate measuring apparatus and an optical blood flow measuring sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6c is a graph showing the correlation of the performance of the conventional pulse wave delivery rate measurement device using the pulse wave delivery rate measurement device and the optical blood flow measurement sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the performance of the pulse wave propagation velocity measuring apparatus 400 and the conventional pulse wave propagation velocity measuring apparatus using the optical blood flow measurement sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention will be compared and evaluated with reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C.

Referring to FIG. 6A, an ECG electrode (ECG) is attached to both wrists of an examinee to measure an ECG signal. An optical blood flow measurement sensor (PPG sensor) is attached to the thumb lock of the subject to measure the PPG signal. Bioimpedance electrodes (Bioimpedance) is attached to the elbow and wrist of the examinee in series to measure the bioimpedance signal at the elbow and wrist, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 6B, an R peak value is regularly displayed on the measured ECG signal, and the measured PPG signal and the bioimpedance signal (elbow) measured at the elbow. )) And the bioimpedance signal (wrist) measured at the wrist show the pole values PPG pole, BIM pole 1, and BIM pole 2 synchronized to the R peak value, respectively. The pulse wave propagation time is measured based on the R peak value and the respective peak values (PPG pole, BIM pole 1, BIM pole 2).

Referring to FIG. 6C, in the conventional pulse wave delivery rate measuring device using the pulse wave delivery rate measuring apparatus 400 and the optical blood flow measuring sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention using a single linear regression analysis. Each measured pulse wave propagation time is shown. In order to increase the reliability, the pulse wave delivery time was measured under various conditions such as when the test subject ingested smoking and caffeine, exercising, eating, and resting. The X axis represents the pulse wave propagation time measured in the conventional pulse wave delivery rate measuring apparatus using the optical blood flow measuring sensor, and the Y axis represents the pulse wave propagation time in the wrist and elbow measured in the pulse wave delivery rate measuring apparatus 400. The correlation coefficient (r) between the pulse wave propagation time measured in the conventional pulse wave propagation rate measuring device and the pulse wave propagation time measuring device 400 has a very high value of 0.930 and 0.817, respectively. It can be confirmed, which indicates that the pulse wave transmission rate measuring apparatus 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention has excellent performance compared to the prior art.

Hereinafter, the pulse wave propagation velocity measuring method in the pulse wave propagation velocity measuring apparatus 400 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, the bioimpedance signal measuring unit 100 measures the bioimpedance signal generated based on the test current i _t transmitted to the part 101 of the body of the examinee. For example, the bio-impedance signal electrode unit 130 delivers the test current i _t generated by the test current generator 110 to a part 101 of the body of the examinee, and is based on the test current i _t . The potential difference of the portion 101 of the body of the examinee generated by the detection can be detected. The bio-impedance signal amplification unit 150 differentially amplifies the detected potential difference, and the bio-impedance signal processing unit 170 demodulates and filters the output signal of the bio-impedance signal amplification unit 150 to provide the bio-impedance signal. can do.

Next, the ECG signal measuring unit 200 measures the ECG signal of the examinee. For example, the ECG signal electrode unit 210 may detect the first and second ECG signals. The ECG signal amplifier 230 may differentially amplify the first and second ECG signals, and the ECG signal processor 250 may filter the output signal of the ECG signal amplifier 230 to provide the ECG signal. .

Next, the data processor 350 measures the pulse wave transmission rate of the examinee based on the bioimpedance signal and the electrocardiogram signal. For example, using the above Equation 1, the pulse wave propagation time, which is a time interval between the R peak value of the ECG signal and the pole value of the bioimpedance signal, is provided, and the above Equation 2 is used. To provide pulse wave delivery rates.

According to the present invention, it is possible to use the electrical and electronic devices, the cost is low, can be integrated, and the power consumption can be reduced, and the effect of measuring the pulse wave transmission rate non-invasively, which leads to the improvement of the pulse wave transmission rate measuring device. In addition, the present invention can be used for a diagnosis system for cardiovascular diseases in which a subject can receive a diagnosis result regardless of a place.

As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but those skilled in the art may vary the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. It will be understood that modifications and changes can be made.

1 is a graph illustrating a bioimpedance signal and an electrocardiogram signal measured in an apparatus for measuring pulse wave propagation rate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a view showing a model of a part of the subject's body as an electrical component in applying the pulse wave transmission rate measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram illustrating a bioimpedance signal measuring unit included in the pulse wave propagation rate measuring apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a block diagram showing an apparatus for measuring pulse wave propagation rate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a cardiovascular disease diagnosis system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A illustrates that each electrode included in a conventional pulse wave delivery rate measuring device using a pulse wave delivery rate measuring device and a photoblood flow measurement (PPG) sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to a part of a body of a subject. Drawing.

6B is a graph illustrating a bioimpedance signal, a PPG signal, and an electrocardiogram signal measured in a conventional pulse wave transmission rate measuring apparatus using a pulse wave transmission rate measuring apparatus and an optical blood flow measuring sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6c is a graph showing the correlation of the performance of the conventional pulse wave delivery rate measurement device using the pulse wave delivery rate measurement device and the optical blood flow measurement sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (14)

In the apparatus for measuring the pulse wave transmission rate of the subject, A bioimpedance signal measuring unit configured to measure a bioimpedance signal generated based on a test current transmitted to a part of the body of the examinee; An electrocardiogram signal measuring unit measuring the electrocardiogram signal of the examinee; And And a data processor configured to measure the pulse wave transmission rate of the subject based on the bioimpedance signal and the electrocardiogram signal. The bio impedance signal measuring unit, A test current generator configured to generate the test current transmitted to a part of the body of the examinee; A bio-impedance signal electrode unit for transmitting the test current to a portion of the body of the examinee and detecting a potential difference of the portion of the body of the examinee generated based on the transmitted test current; A bioimpedance signal amplifier configured to generate an amplified bioimpedance signal based on the detected potential difference; And And a bioimpedance signal processor configured to demodulate and filter the amplified bioimpedance signal to provide the bioimpedance signal. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the data processor measures the pulse wave propagation rate of the subject by using a pulse wave propagation time which is a time interval between an R peak value of the ECG signal and a pole value of the bioimpedance signal, The R peak value of the ECG signal represents the maximum value of the ECG signal, the pole value of the bio-impedance signal represents the maximum value of the bio-impedance signal. delete The method of claim 1, wherein the test current generating unit, A local oscillator connected to ground and generating a local oscillation signal; And A voltage-to-current converter for converting the local oscillating signal into the test current, The test current is pulse wave propagation rate measuring device, characterized in that the alternating current having a constant frequency. The method of claim 1, wherein the bio-impedance signal electrode unit, A first electrode part connected to the test current generator and transferring the test current to a part of the body of the examinee; And And a second electrode portion for detecting a potential difference of a portion of the body of the examinee generated based on the transmitted test current. The method of claim 1, wherein the bio-impedance signal processing unit, An envelope detector for detecting an envelope of the amplified bioimpedance signal; And And a band pass filter for passing the frequency of a predetermined band among the output signals of the envelope detector to provide the bio-impedance signal. The EKG signal measuring unit of claim 1, An electrocardiogram signal electrode unit for detecting an electrocardiogram of the examinee and providing a first electrocardiogram signal and a second electrocardiogram signal; An electrocardiogram signal amplifier configured to generate an amplified electrocardiogram signal based on the first electrocardiogram signal and the second electrocardiogram signal; And And an electrocardiogram signal processing unit for filtering the amplified electrocardiogram signal to provide the electrocardiogram signal. The EKG signal processor of claim 7, A band pass filter for passing a frequency of a predetermined band among the amplified electrocardiogram signals; And And a notch filter for removing the noise of the output signal of the band pass filter to provide the ECG signal. delete delete delete delete In the method for measuring the pulse wave transmission rate of the subject, Measuring a bioimpedance signal generated based on a test current delivered to a portion of the body of the examinee; Measuring an ECG signal of the examinee; And Measuring the pulse wave propagation rate of the subject based on the bioimpedance signal and the electrocardiogram signal, Measuring the bio impedance signal, Generating the test current delivered to a portion of the body of the subject; Delivering the test current to a portion of the body of the subject and detecting a potential difference of the portion of the body of the subject generated based on the delivered test current; Generating an amplified bioimpedance signal based on the detected potential difference; And Demodulating and filtering the amplified bioimpedance signal to provide the bioimpedance signal. The pulse wave propagation rate of the examinee is measured using a pulse wave propagation time which is a time interval between an R peak value of the ECG signal and a pole value of the bioimpedance signal. , The R peak value of the ECG signal represents the maximum value of the ECG signal, and the extreme value of the bioimpedance signal represents the maximum value of the bioimpedance signal.

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