MX2008002800A - Blood pressure sphygmomanometer for use with a common apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A sphygmomanometer cuff assembly, air pump, pressure sensor and release valve are contained in an otherwise conventional computer mouse controller or are attached to a cell phone, television remote control or directly to a computer. In one embodiment the sphygmomanometer cuff is nominally positioned within a mouse structure and is extended outside the mouse housing during the measurement. In another embodiment, the cuff is always external of the mouse structure and is easily connected to the mouse at special ports during the measurement. In yet another embodiment, the cuff is always internal of the mouse structure and is readily accessible through an aperture in the housingsurface of the mouse to permit the measurement to take place. In yet another embodiment, a wrist cuff and associated pump, sensor and valve are designed to be selectively connected to a cell phone to which appropriate software has been downloaded from a computer.

Description

ESFIGMOMANOMETER FOR BLOOD PRESSURE, FOR USE WITH A COMMON APPLIANCE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS This application claims the priority of the U.S.A. patent application, serial number 1 1 / 215,983, filed on August 31, 2005, and the U.S. patent. No. 7,066,890, now issued, issued June 27, 2006, and the provisional patent application of E.U.A. , Serial No. 60 / 720,845, filed on September 27, 2005, and the provisional patent application of E.U.A., Serial No. 60/731, 663, filed on October 31, 2005.

PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE Hypertension is one of the most insidious diseases of modern society. If left untreated, it causes life-threatening problems, including atherosclerosis, stroke and aneurysms. Long-term hypertension can lead to decreased cardiovascular and renal function. Although high blood pressure is one of the easiest problems to detect in a completely non-invasive procedure, unfortunately it is too common that it is not detected in a large portion of the population. In the last 20 years or so, with the advent of microprocessor microcircuits and miniature digital electronics and low-cost electromagnetic devices, self-measurement of blood pressure by non-medical personnel has become more readily available. However, sphygmomanometers for blood pressure are still too sophisticated for a large segment of the population. Even those who are entirely capable of operating such devices tend to pack them into drawers and other hidden places, where they often remain for the most part forgotten and unused. It would be extremely advantageous for the early detection of hypertension and therefore for the general health of the population if there were a way to provide prolific availability of blood pressure monitoring devices that were immediately accessible and even easier to use than digital sphygmomanometers. currently available. The fact of having a sphygmomanometer for blood pressure in virtually every computer or television set with a cuff for pressure always immediately adjacent to each computer or television remote control unit, would serve much for such an advantageous function. Such is the purpose of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention combines the sphygmomanometer for blood pressure with the most commonly available devices of the modern world: the computer mouse and the cell phone. In addition, the invention incorporates the sphygmomanometer cuff to the computer mouse in a manner that makes it extremely simple and convenient to initiate and carry out the blood pressure measurement procedure. Three alternative mouse modalities are illustrated and discussed in the present. In one such embodiment, the sphygmomanometer cuff is nominally positioned within the mouse structure and extends out of the mouse housing during measurement. In another embodiment, the bracelet is always outside the mouse structure and is easily connected to the mouse in special access ways during the measurement. In yet another embodiment, the bracelet is always within the mouse structure and is easily accessible through an opening in the mouse receiving surface to allow the measurement to take place. Preferably, in each of these alternative embodiments a hinged or slidable door or panel protects the cuff or the access ways of the cuff between the measurements. In the cell phone mode, a wrist bracelet and its associated pump, sensor and valve are connected to the cell phone that has received associated software. In another modality still, a pressure bracelet and associated components are directly connected to a television remote control for the wireless transmission to a television or box placement on top of a device, connected to a television. In all embodiments shown herein, the sphygmomanometer cuff is configured to receive a human wrist or finger in engagement subjected to pressure in the surrounding environment, using controlled pneumatic pressure to vary the cuff coupling pressure accurately. In a well-known manner used in blood pressure sphygmomanometers of all kinds, the cuff / finger coupling pressure is initially increased, until the pulsation of the arterial vessel is beyond the admission closure (total occlusion of the artery). The cuff pressure is then slowly decreased until the first detection of the pulsation of the arterial arm (commonly known as Korotkoff stage I). The corresponding pressure on the cuff at this point will be substantially equal to the systolic blood pressure which is an important parameter to monitor. As the cuff pressure continues to decrease, the pulsations of the arterial vessel will eventually become undetectable through the cuff due to the lack of adequate cuff pressure to detect those pulsations (commonly known as Korotkoff stage V). The cuff pressure at this point will be substantially equal to the diastolic blood pressure which is another important parameter to monitor. In addition, the frequency of pulsations detected between the systolic and diastolic pressures is measured and easily equal to the heart rate or to the pulse frequency, which is also a parameter of some importance that must be monitored. These two bracelet pressures and the pulse frequency are the measured parameter data of the method and the corresponding digital data is sent to the computer to which the mouse controller is associated. The computer software, which will be described herein, can then use this digital data (typically in binary form) to create an adequate display of the parameters measured on the computer monitor. Other functions can also be carried out, such as data recording, graphical plotting of data on numerous measurements and communication of data to other people, such as via the Internet, for example by e-mail to previously assigned medical personnel. . The main advantage of the present invention is thus clearly the proliferation in a simple and convenient manner so that the large number of computer and cell phone users have the benefits of frequent monitoring of blood pressure. In addition, since the computer mouse can usually be easily replaced in existing computers, this clearly beneficial, health-related device can be substantially enjoyed by each computer user and his or her family with relatively little investment. In addition, virtually any cell phone user will finally be able to easily monitor and record their blood pressure and pulse rate by simply placing a wrist strap on their wrist and connecting it to their cell phone. Society as a whole will benefit from the probable increase in the detection of hypertension and the timely treatment resulting from it and the prevention of related diseases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The various embodiments, features and advances of the present invention will be more fully understood in the following, as a result of a detailed description thereof, in which reference will be made to the following drawings: Figures 1 to 6 are several views of a first embodiment of the invention, in which a sphygmomanometer pressure cuff is selectively ejected from within a mouse controller for blood pressure measurement; Figures 7 to 9 are various views of a sphygmomanometer bracelet and auxiliary devices for applying the occlusion pressure to a human finger and releasing the pressure accurately to carry out the measurement; Figures 10 to 11 are views of a second embodiment of the invention, in which the pressure cuff of the sphygmomanometer is selectively fixed to access routes on the outside of a mouse controller for measurement; Figures 12 to 13 are views of a third embodiment of the invention, in which a blood pressure monitor cuff is fixedly positioned within the housing of a mouse controller and is accessible through an opening at least in the accommodation for measurement; Fig. 14 is a block diagram of the sphygmomanometer and the computer interface that can be employed using an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 15 and 16 are representations of a computer monitor display of a record of blood pressure measurements; Figure 17 is a representation of one embodiment of the invention of cell phone / wrist bracelet; Figure 18 is a representation of another wrist cuff embodiment, in which the cuff and associated components are connected directly to a computer, such as by means of a USB connector; and Figure 19 is a representation of another still wrist cuff embodiment, in which the cuff and associated components are connected to a remote control device, which wirelessly transmits the measured data to a television directly or through a box of placement on top of a television set.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Modes of the mouse controller Referring to the adjacent figures of FIGS. 1 to 6 initially, it will be seen that a mouse controller 10 of a first embodiment comprises a housing 12, click buttons 13 and 15 and a control device 14. it will be understood that the precise configuration of the mouse controller can be varied from the present to virtually any of the many conventional designs. Therefore the shape, location and number of click buttons, the control device 14 and the shape of the housing 12 are each shown here as illustrative only and should not be considered as limiting the scope thereof. However, now follows what is the important improvement with respect to conventional mouse drivers. As seen in Figures 1 and 2, a hinged door 16 is provided on the mouse housing side 12. The hinged door 16, when opened around the hinge 17, leads into the interior of the housing 12, where they are located the sphygmomanometer 21 and its cuff assembly 18. As will be described in more detail hereinafter, with the activation of the sphygmomanometer 21, the cuff assembly 18 extends through the door 16 to the mouse housing exterior, as best shown in Figures 3 to 5. This extension of the bracelet assembly is facilitated, by folding the door 16 around the hinge 17, until it is in alignment with an inner door degree 19 which extends, at the same time , beyond the housing 12 and rotated about its hinge 20, until the door assembly is completely rotated about 260 degrees into a rectangular recess 22 in the lower surface 24 of the housing. Jamiento, as shown in Figures 3 and 4 in particular. When the cuff assembly 18 has fully extended to the position shown in Figure 5, the cuff assembly is in a position for insertion of a person's extended finger for blood pressure and pulse rate measurement. The assembly can then be reinserted into the housing and the door assembly rotated back to the position for closing the housing and normal conventional use of the mouse controller 10. The sphygmomanometer 21 including the pressure cuff assembly 18 is shown in Figure 6, as it sits within the housing 12, and the bracelet assembly and auxiliary components are shown in detail in Figures 7 to 9. As seen in these figures, the blood pressure monitor 21 comprises an inflatable air bag. Within the annular interior of the cuff assembly 18. Also forming part of the sphygmomanometer 21 is a solenoid 26, an extension arm 28, a motorized air pump 30, a pressure sensor 32 and a release valve 34. The solenoid 26 and the Extender arm 28 provides the ability to extend bracelet assembly 18 out of housing 12, as previously described in connection with Figures 3 to 5. The air pump 30 provides the pressurized air to selectively expand the air bag 25, to clamp a finger protruding through the cuff assembly 18. The pressure sensor 32 senses the pressure of the air bag interface. air / finger surface and release valve 34 releases air from air bag 25 at a rate that is proportional to the oscillometric detection of sensor 32 of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the inserted finger. Figures 10 and 1 1 illustrate a mouse controller 40 of the second embodiment having a housing 42, click buttons 43 and 45 and a control device 45. In this embodiment, the housing provides female plugs 46 and 48, at which an outer armband assembly 50 having an air bag 52 is joined by the connectors 54 and 56. A connector bracket 58 is spliced with a bracket receptacle 60 to further support the armband assembly 50. The remaining components of the blood pressure monitor (minus the extender arm 28 and the solenoid 26 that are not required in this second embodiment) are within the housing 42. Once the arm assembly 50 has been attached to the controller 40, the operation of the second embodiment is identical to the operation of the second embodiment. of the first embodiment 10. A plug socket 47 can be used to protect the socket 46 and socket 48, when the sphygmomanometer is not in use. Figures 12 and 13 illustrate a mouse controller of the third illustrative embodiment, having a housing 72, click buttons 73 and 75 and a control device 74. In this embodiment a sphygmomanometer is completely contained in a fixed position within the housing 72, which has openings 76 axially aligned on opposite lateral surfaces of the housing. Within the apertures 76, a cuff assembly 68 and an air bag 80 are positioned to receive a person's finger for blood pressure measurement and pulse rate, as previously described. Fig. 14 is a block diagram of the sphygmomanometer / computer interface showing that the air bag is connected through the air tubes of the pump, the pressure sensor and the release valve. These components, in turn, receive commands and provide pressure data to a computer through an MCU and USB to UART bridge and the USB path of the computer. Figure 5 shows the typical data transmitted to the computer during the blood pressure measurement and from which the systolic, diastolic and pulse frequency blood pressure parameters are obtained. Figure 6 illustrates a typical display presented on the computer monitor after a measurement has been completed. Data on multiple divisions can be recorded and displayed graphically to provide a time-based record of changes in blood pressure and pulse rate.

Modalities of cell phone and direct computer Figure 17 illustrates a wrist / cell phone bracelet version of the invention, in which the blood pressure monitor 90 comprises a pressure cuff 92 configured to be compressively coupled with a person's wrist. A small attached housing 94 contains an air pump, a pressure sensor and a release valve (not shown) of the type previously described in relation to the finger cuff of Figures 1 to 14. The cuff 92 and the cuff can be connected. housing 94 electrically to a cell phone 95 via a cable 96 and a connector 97. The cell phone 95 may preferably have a screen 98 to present the same type of information shown in Figure 16, including graphic data, as well as data in alphanumeric form. The cell phone 95 may preferably be connectable to a PC or laptop computer (not shown) to download such data to the computer and / or to receive programming for its operation with the sphygmomanometer 90 that is required for a combattable operation. As shown in Fig. 18, the wrist cuff of Fig. 17 can also be connected directly to a computer 100, such as through a USB connector, 101, thus putting the cell phone out of circuit and displaying data on health status on a 102 computer screen in real time.

Television remote control unit As shown in Figure 19, the wrist bracelet of Figure 17 can also be connected to a television remote control unit 1 10 that wirelessly transmits the measured data to a nearby television 1 2 for its deployment in it. A positioning box can be used on top of an apparatus 1 4 to receive the data from the remote control unit 1 10 and configure the data as a corresponding message that is to be displayed on the television screen 15, as shown in FIG. Figure 19. The direct interface to a television set is also contemplated. It will now be understood that the present invention provides a novel and convenient way to measure and track health-based parameters, using either a modified computer mouse driver that facilitates having such parameters on virtually every computer or a combination of cell phone and bracelet wrist that facilitates the measurement of such parameters, using otherwise conventional cell phones. Although several alternative embodiments have been described herein, other variations will now be perceived by those who have the benefit of the description herein. According to the foregoing, the scope of the present is not limited by the illustrative features described herein, but only by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (10)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1 .- A combination comprising: a computer mouse controller and a device for measuring at least one parameter of a person's health status; said controller having an interface for said measuring device; wherein said measuring device is stored inside said controller; and wherein said stored measuring device is configured to be selectively extended out of said controller for access to said measuring device during the measurement of said at least one parameter.

2. The combination according to claim 1, further characterized in that said measuring device comprises a sphygmomanometer.

3. The combination according to claim 1, further characterized in that said measuring device comprises a pressure cuff for the measurement of blood pressure.

4. - The combination according to claim 3, further characterized in that said pressure cuff is configured to be compressively coupled to a person's finger.

5. - The combination according to claim 1, further characterized in that said at least one parameter is the systolic blood pressure.

6. - The combination according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a computer having a screen, said mouse controller being configured to communicate with said computer to control at least one feature of said screen and to generate a manifestation visual of said at least one parameter in said screen.

7. A combination comprising: a computer mouse controller; and a sphygmomanometer; said controller having an interface with said sphygmomanometer; and wherein said sphygmomanometer has a selectably extensible pressure cuff from an interior position in said controller to an exterior position relative to said controller.

8. A sphygmomanometer that has a pressure cuff for the selective coupling with the extremity of a person to measure the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of a person; and a computer control device having a housing, said bracelet being contained within said housing, said housing having an access to said contained cuff to place said extremity on said bracelet; wherein said access comprises an extension device for extending said bracelet out of said housing.

9. - A combination comprising: a computer mouse driver; and a device having a first and second separate and separable parts for measuring at least one parameter of a person's health status; said controller having an interior interface for said first part of said measuring device; wherein said second part of measuring device is selectively attached to the outside of said controller and to said first part for the combined operation during the measurement of said at least one parameter; a computer to which said controller is in communication to transfer data referring to said measurement.

10. - The combination according to claim 9, further characterized in that said computer comprises a deployment device for displaying said data. eleven . - A combination comprising: a computer mouse controller; and a sphygmomanometer; said controller having an interface with said sphygmomanometer; wherein said sphygmomanometer has a pressure cuff accessible through an opening in said controller. 12. - A sphygmomanometer that has a pressure cuff for the selective coupling with the extremity of a person to measure the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of a person; and a computer control device having a housing, said bracelet being contained within said housing, said housing having an access to said contained bracelet to place said extremity in said bracelet; wherein said access comprises an opening in said housing. 13.- A sphygmomanometer that has a pressure cuff for the selective coupling of a person's extremity to measure the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of a person; and a computer mouse control device having a housing, said housing having at least one external access path for receiving said cuff and containing at least one air pump for filling said cuff with air to compressively engage said cuff. tip. 14. A sphygmomanometer that has a pressure cuff for the selective coupling with a person's finger to measure the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of a person; and a computer mouse control device having a housing with at least one opening for receiving said finger, said pressure cuff being located within said housing in the vicinity of said opening for engaging said finger. 15. A computer mouse control device having a housing that forms an interior chamber; and a sphygmomanometer having an air pump positioned within said inner chamber of said housing for measuring a person's blood pressure, using said computer mouse control device and a bracelet for the coupling subjected to pressure with the end of a person, said bracelet being selectively connected to said air pump through an access path in said housing. 16. - The computer mouse control device according to claim 15, further characterized in that it further comprises a computer interface for connecting said control device to a computer having a screen and wherein said measured blood pressure can be unfold on that screen. 17. - A combination comprising: a computer mouse controller; and a device having first and second portions for measuring at least one parameter of a person's health status; the first portion of said device being located within said mouse controller, the second portion of said device being located outside said mouse controller, said controller having an opening through which said first and second portions are selectively joined to measure said parameter and then separate after completing said measurement. 18. The combination according to claim 17, further characterized in that said parameter is blood pressure, said first portion comprises an air pump and said second portion comprises an air chamber for compressively coupling to the extremity of a person to measure blood pressure