WO2020103947A1

WO2020103947A1 - A physiological measurement device and a method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2020103947A1
Application number: PCT/CN2019/120349
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kwan Wai To; Wang Kin FUNG; Luis Ng; Ngok Man Sze; Chi Tin Luk; Wenbo Gu
Original assignee: Amorv (Ip) Company Limited
Priority date: 2018-11-23
Filing date: 2019-11-22
Publication date: 2020-05-28
Also published as: CN113164051A; TW202025962A

Abstract

An electronic device measures physiological information of a living subject. The electronic device includes a measurement surface on which a user put a wrist for measurement; an opening configured on the measurement surface; and a sensor configured under the measurement surface for measuring physiological information of the user on the wrist through the opening, wherein the sensor is operable to scan the upper wrist surface along a scan path under the wrist to determine a measuring position in a non-contact mode and to move upwards through the opening to contact the wrist surface at the measuring position to measure the physiological information of the user in a contact mode.

Description

A PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT DEVICE AND A METHOD THEREOF

PRIORITY RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims priority to United States Patent Application No. 62/770,851, filed before United States Patent and Trademark Office on Nov. 23, 2018 and entitled “Physiological Measurement Device and The Method Thereof” , the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to an electronic device for health data measurement, and more particularly, to a portable device for blood pressure measurement.

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, technology integrated with health tools is becoming a very popular trend within the healthcare industry and is increasingly being used on a more regular basis. In one main application field, many wearable/portable devices are designed to measure the health data of the user, e.g., blood pressure, via the blood vessel of the wrist. Generally, there are some different solutions for the BP measurement, wherein the wearable/portable devices with an inflatable cuff are widely used to measure the blood pressure on arm/wrist of the user. However, the pressure sensor with inflatable cuff is too bulky for long-term wearing and not operable for continues measurement. In some other applications, the blood pressure is calculated based on the PPG signals measured at the wrist and the ECG signals measured at another body location, e.g., chest. However, the accuracy of such measurement is not high. Furthermore, it’s inconvenient and bulky to carry two sensors at the different locations to respectively measure the PPG and ECG signals. In order to enhance the portability and comfortability of the wearable/portable device for continuously measuring the blood pressure, it’s important to develop a more compact wearable/portable device for long-term measurement.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to an electronic device that measures physiological information of a living subject. In one example embodiment, the electronic device includes a measurement surface on which a user put a wrist for measurement; an opening configured on the measurement surface; and a sensor configured under the measurement surface for measuring physiological information of the user on the wrist through the opening, wherein the sensor is operable to scan the upper wrist surface along a scan path under the wrist to determine a measuring position in a non-contact mode and to move upwards through the opening to contact the wrist surface at the measuring position to measure the physiological information of the user in a contact mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof, which description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1A and 1B shows a schematic drawing of a portable device in operating mode for measuring physiological information of a user;

Figure 2 shows a measuring band wearing on the wrist for the measurement operated by the portable device;

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the wristband being magnetically coupled with the device during the operation;

Figures 4a and 4b respectively illustrate schematic drawings of top view and perspective view of the device shown in Figures 1A and 1B.

Figure 5 depicts an alternative embodiment in which a one-piece ferromagnetic component may be separated into several blocks applied on the wristband.

Figures 6A and 6B illustrate the instruction indicators on the wristband.

Figure 7 shows a measurement module 700 of the device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 illustrates a locking mechanism of the device for locking the wristband during the operation, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 illustrates a schematic drawing of the operating mode of a sensor in the device for detecting the vital signs on the user’s wrist;

Figure 10 is a schematic depiction of a mechanical structure of a sensor;

Figures 11A-11B schematically illustrate a mechanical structure of a sensor;

Figure 12 shows a schematic drawing of a portable device with peripheral components for measuring physiological information of a user;

Figure 13 shows an operation flowchart of a portable device for measuring physiological information of a user;

Figure 14 is an example showing a detailed mechanical structure among a leverage unit, a resisting element and the supporting element within the mechanical structure of the sensor in Figures 11A-11B;

Figure 15 shows an operation flowchart of a portable device for measuring physiological information of a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present invention. While the invention will be described in conjunction with these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention. In the light of the foregoing background, it is an object of the present invention toprovide a wearable device for monitoring the health status of the user.

In one embodiment, a portable device for healthcare is, but not limited to, a wrist-test device that measures the health data, e.g., to measure one or more physiological waveform signals for detecting heart rate, heart rate variability, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, and/or stress, of a user at the wrist. The wrist here can represent for, but not limited to, wrist, ankle, and/or neck. In a preferred embodiment, the presented portable device mainly measures the blood pressure at an artery of the wrist.

Figure 1A and 1B shows a schematic drawing of a portable device in operating mode for measuring physiological information of a user, according to one embodiment of the present invention. During the operation, when the user put a hand 101 onto the device 102 for measuring the physiological information, the palmar side of the wrist 103 is towards a sensor 104 (shown in dot line as configured inside the device) integrated within the portable device 102, in one embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor 104 may be integrated with several sub-sensors, for example, but not limited to, an optical sensor for detecting physiological information of the user in a non-contact mode and a pressure sensor for detecting physiological information of the user in a contact mode. In still a preferred embodiment, when the wrist 103 is put on the device 102 as illustrated in Figure 1, the sensor 104 is positioned beneath the wrist 103. Under such configuration, the user will feel more comfortable, relaxed and natural during the measurement. Furthermore, in order to let the palmar surface of the wrist 103 being fully exposed to the sensor 104 with enough tension on the wrist, the device 102 is designed in a high-low trend such that the hand 101 could be put on a higher front portion 102a of the device while the wrist 103 will be located at a lower rear portion 102b of the device. Under such condition, the palmar skin surface of the wrist 103 is tensed towards the sensing surface of the device for easing the detection of the vital sign at the wrist 103.

In one embodiment, an additional component could be configured on the user for eliminating the movement of the user during the measurement, especially to limit the movement of the wrist on the device 102, so as to guarantee the measurement accuracy. In one preferred embodiment, the user will wear a band 105 on the wrist 103 before the measurement for fixing the wrist 103 onto the sensing surface of the device 102 and prevent the wrist 103 from shifting, even a small movement, during the measurement. Figure 2 shows a measuring band wearing on the wrist for the measurement operated by the portable device, according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, there are two

ferromagnetic components

201a and 201b being symmetrically configured on the two sides of the band 105, in one embodiment. A sensing opening 202 is configured between the two

ferromagnetic components

201a and 201b for defining the sensing area of the wrist 103. In one embodiment, the sensing opening 202 is rectangular shaped with one side edge being aligned to the middle of the two

ferromagnetic components

201a and 201b, and the other side edge nearby the end of the band 105. As can be understood by one skilled in the art that the shape of the opening could have other applicable structures as long as it satisfies the requirement of defining the sensing area of the wrist 103. For properly wearing the band 105 on the wrist 103 for physiological measurement, the middle of the ferromagnetic components 201a is aligned with the middle finger 204 as indicated by a dotted arrow when the band 105 is worn on the wrist, in a preferred embodiment. By properly wearing the band 105 on the wrist 103, the target wrist surface where an artery pulse locates beneath will be exposed to the sensor 104 through the sensing opening 202 when the wrist 103 is put on the device 102 for measurement. As such, the sensor 104 is able to detect physiological information at the target wrist surface. Optionally, another opening 203 could be configured on the band 105 at the opposite side of the sensing opening 202, such that when the user wears the band 105 on the wrist 103, the styloid process of the ulna could protrude from the sensing opening 202 such that the user will feel more comfortable.

During the operation, when the wrist is put at the lower rear portion 102b for measurement, the

ferromagnetic components

201a and 201b will be tightly coupled with the sensing surface of the device 102 due to a magnetic attraction between the ferromagnetic components 201a/201b and the sensing surface. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the wristband being magnetically coupled with the device during the operation, according to one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, there is a recess 304 at the middle of the rear portion 102b for holding the wrist. An arc-shaped opening 301 is laterally across the recess surface at a proper position. The sensor 104 is configured under the opening 301. Another ferromagnetic component 302 is configured near by the opening 301, e.g., near the bottom of the opening 301 or along the arc-side of the opening 301, to be coupled with the

ferromagnetic components

201a and 201b of the wristband 105 when the user puts the wrist 103 on the device 102 for measurement as illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B. Under such configuration, the wrist 103 will be held at the recess 304 and the band 105 is stably coupled with the opening 301 due to the attraction between the ferromagnetic components 201a/201b and 302. Under such condition, the wrist 103 could be fixed on the device 102 without unwanted shift during the measurement. The skin surface of the wrist 103 will expose to the sensor 104 through the opening 202 and 301 which are properly aligned with each other. Thereafter, the sensor 104 will detect the physiological information of the user at the wrist 103 through the openings 202 and 301. In one embodiment, the sensor 104 will scan the exposing region of the wrist 103 defined by the opening 202 along a predetermined path defined by the opening 301 to search an optimal position where the artery pulse locates nearby, and then detect the vital signals at the optimal position. Although the embodiments through the whole description mainly describe how to detect an optimal position near the artery pulse and measure the vital signs at the optimal position by the device 102, it can be also applied to alternative embodiments wherein the device is able to detect an optimal position where another blood vessel pulse is nearby for measuring the corresponding vital signs.

As can be understood by one skilled in the art that, the above embodiment is one example for illustration. In one embodiment, the component 302 could be magnet and the components 201a/201b could be metal materials that can interact with magnet (e.g., iron) , or vice versa. In another embodiment, the components 302 and 201a/201b are both magnets that could be attracted with each other. Moreover, the environmental design surrounding the wristband 105 and the opening 301 is not limited to the example as shown in Figure 3 and could be amended according to different requirements.

Figures 4a and 4b respectively illustrate schematic drawings of a top view and perspective view of the device 102, according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 4a/4b, a recess 404 is configured at the middle of the rear position 102b of the device 102 for holding the wrist 103. An arc-shaped opening 401 is laterally across the recess 404 while perpendicular to the hand-wrist direction. Two

ferromagnetic components

402a and 402b are configured at the bottom of the opening 401. When the user puts the hand on the device for measurement, the wrist 103 is held by the recess 404 while the

ferromagnetic components

201a and 201b of the band 105 are respectively coupled with the

ferromagnetic components

402a and 402b of the opening 401 on the recess 404. In a preferred embodiment, the configuration of the

components

402a and 402b are well designed that when the

components

201a and 201b are coupled with the

components

402a and 402b, the sensing opening 202 of the band 105 is accurately aligned with the opening 401 of the device 102 to provide enough measuring space for the sensor 104 to detect the pulse position on the wrist and measure the vital signs at the pulse position. Furthermore, a slope 403 exists between the higher front portion 102a and the lower rear portion 102b as a buffer between the hand 101 and the wrist 103 to enhance the user experience.

In an alternative embodiment, the front portion 102a of the device 102 is movable from the main body of the device 102, in order to fit different sizes of users’ hands-wrists. During the operation, when a user wears the band 105 and prepares to put the hand-wrist onto the device 102, the user will adjust the position of the front portion 102a by extending it from or drawing it back to the main body of the device 102 to find his/her most comfortable position to put the hand-wrist on.

Furthermore, the shape and configuration of the ferromagnetic components 201a/201b and 302 are not limited to the examples shown in Figures 2 and 3. In an alternative embodiment, as exemplarily illustrated by Figure 5, the one-piece ferromagnetic component 201a could be separated into several blocks, e.g., four blocks 501a_1, 501a_2, 501a_3 and 501a_4, that are distributed along one side of the band 105. Similarly, the one-piece ferromagnetic component 201b could be separated into several blocks, e.g., four blocks 501b_1, 501b_2, 501b_3 and 501b_4, that are distributed along another side of the band 105. In a specified embodiment, several blocks, e.g., blocks 501a_1, 501a_2, 501a_3 and 501a_4, are evenly distributed along one side of the band 105 and several blocks, e.g., blocks 501b_1, 501b_2, 501b_3 and 501b_4 are evenly distributed along another side of the band 105, as exemplarily illustrated in Figure. 5. Under such configuration, enhanced magnetic force could be generated along a wide range of the band sides, and the wrist 103 with band 105 will be more tightly and stably coupled with the device 102. Furthermore, such separated configuration could enable the user to wear the band 105 more easily as the band 105 could be smoothly bended. Correspondingly, the configuration of the ferromagnetic components 302 at the device 103 will be changed to match the separated configuration of the ferromagnetic components 201a/201b. In another embodiment, only one side of the band 105 is configured with ferromagnetic component, no matter in one-piece or separated blocks, for coupling the wrist 103 to the device 102. Accordingly, the configuration of the ferromagnetic component 302 at the device 102 will be also changed to match the one-side configuration of the ferromagnetic component at the band 105.

In one embodiment, the user can put either of the left/right wrist on the device 102 for measuring the vital signs, e.g., pulse rate, blood pressure, etc. The band 105 is also designed to fit for wearing on either wrist. In one embodiment, instruction signs are marked on the band 105 for helping the user to properly wear the band 105 on the left or right wrist. As exemplarily illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B, instruction signs are marked on the

ferromagnetic components

201a and 201b of the band 105. In one embodiment, the instruction signs include a letter sign indicating which wrist (left or right wrist) it refers to, and an arrow sign besides the letter sign indicates the proper wearing manner of the band 105 on the current wrist to which the corresponding letter sign refers. When the user wears the band 105 on the right wrist 103a, the arrow sign, e.g., marked on the ferromagnetic component 201a, besides the letter sign “R” will point towards the middle finger 204a of the right hand. Such that, the sensing opening 202 will cover an area of the right wrist 103a where the artery pulse locates beneath. In other word, the area where the artery pulse locates beneath will be exposed through the sensing opening 202, when the band 105 is properly worn on the right wrist 103a according to the instruction signs. When the user wears the band 105 on the left wrist 103b, the arrow sign, e.g., marked on the ferromagnetic component 201b, besides the letter sign “L” will be pointed towards the middle finger 204b of the left wrist 103b. As such, the sensing opening 202 will cover an area of the left wrist 103b where the artery pulse located beneath.

As can be understood by one skill in the art, the instruction signs could have other patterns and/or could be marked anywhere on the band 105 as long as they can help the user to properly wear the band, and are not limited to the embodiment illustrated by Figures 6A and 6B.

Figure 7 shows a measurement module 700 of the device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In a typical embodiment, the module 700 is configured on the rear portion of the device, e.g., the rear portion 102b of the device 102. When the user puts the wrist onto the device, the wrist is coupled with the module 700 for measurement. More specifically, the module 700 comprises an opening 701 for the sensor 104 to detect physiological information of the user on the wrist when the wrist is put on the device while coupling with the opening 701. In one embodiment, the user wears a wristband on the wrist during the measurement. A locking mechanism is configured on at least one side of the opening 701 for affixing the wristband to the opening 701. In one example embodiment, a latch unit 722 configured within a locking rail 724 is controlled by at least one control unit 720A. By controlling the control unit 720A, e.g., to press the control unit 720A from status A to status B as exemplarily shown in Figure 7, the latch unit 722 will move along the locking rail 724 to lock the wristband. In an alternative embodiment, the module 700 comprises two

control units

720A and 720B for controlling the status of the latch unit 722. As such, when the user puts either one of the wrists (left and right wrists) on the device for measurement, the other hand of the user could press the nearer one of the

control units

720A and 720B for facilitating the process.

Figure 8 illustrates a locking mechanism of the device for locking the wristband during the operation, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 will be described in combination with Figure 7 for easy understanding. As shown in Figure 8, the latch unit 722 is able to move along the locking rail 724. An actuator comprising a spring 826 and a driving unit 828 is coupled with the latch unit 722 for driving the latch unit 722. More specifically, the driving unit 828 is coupled with the latch unit 722 to drive the latch unit 722 moving along the locking rail 724. In one embodiment, when the control unit 720A and/or the control unit 720B is pressed from stage A to stage B, the driving unit 828 will be actuated to drive the latch unit 722 to move along the locking rail 724. Furthermore, the spring 826 is further coupled with the driving unit 828 for providing a restoring force on the driving unit 828 when the control unit 720A and/or the control unit 720B is pressed from stage A to stage B and the driving unit 828, along with the latch unit 722, is moved from an original position, e.g., the right side in stage A, to a target position, e.g., the left side in stage B. As shown in stage B, the spring 826 is distorted due to the movement of the driving unit 828 so as to provide the restoring force on the driving unit 828.

After the latch unit 722 is driven to the target position in stage B, the user will put a wrist with a wristband onto the device and couple the wristband to the opening 701 of the module 700. When the control unit 720A and/or the control unit 720B is released, the driving unit 828 will be returned to the original position because of the restoring force. Accordingly, the latch unit 722 will be also driven back to the original position for locking the wristband. Therefore, the wrist is affixed to the opening 701 for stable measurement. After then, the sensor 104 will begin to sense the physiological information of user at the sensing area defined by the wristband through the opening 701.

The mechanism for eliminating the movement of the wrist on the device is not limited to the embodiments as elaborated above. Other solutions could be also applied once satisfied the requirement, e.g., to use an inflatable cuff behind the wrist for eliminating the wrist’s movement, or to couple the arm of the user with a fixing component to control the arm’s movement during the measurement.

Figure 9 illustrates a schematic drawing of the operating mode of the sensor 104 for detecting the vital signs on the user’s wrist, according to one embodiment of the presented invention. For illustration purposes, the sectional view of the device 102 is set as seen from the rear portion 102b to the front portion 102a. At an initial phase, the sensor 104 will be stopped at an origin position 920, e.g., at the middle bottom of the opening 401. Optionally, the sensor 104 could be stopped within an origin range surrounding the origin position 920 as indicated in Figure 9. When the user puts the wrist on the device 102 for detecting vital signs at the wrist, the user will firstly set the initial sensing status of the sensor 104 by moving the sensor 104 to a first initial sensing position 930a or to a second initial sensing position 930b as indicated in Figure. 9 according the which wrist (left or right) is put on the device, in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the sensor 104 will be moved to the first initial sensing position 930a if the user put the left wrist onto the device 102, or be moved to the second initial sensing position 930b if the user puts the right wrist onto the device 102, or vice versa. In one embodiment, the user could set the initial sensing status of the sensor 104 by pressing a control button configured on the device 102, or by rotating a knob or through other mechanical manner. In an alternative embodiment, the user would move the sensor 104 to the first or second initial sensing position by hand. In still an alternative embodiment, the user would set the initial sensing position of the sensor 104 by wireless control.

After the sensor 104 being moved to an initial sensing position (here take the first initial sensing position as example for illustration below) , the sensor 104 begins to scan the target skin area of the corresponding wrist to detect an optimum position where the artery pulse locates beneath. In one embodiment, the sensor 104 is configured to move along a predetermined path above the skin. As illustrated in Figure. 9, the sensor 104 scans the wrist through the opening 401 by moving along a predetermined path, e.g., along an arcuate scanning path 910a within a 1 ^st sensing range if a left wrist is put on the device 102 or along an arcuate scanning path 910b within a 2 ^nd sensing range if a right wrist is put on the device 102, or vice versa. In one embodiment, as indicated in Figure 9, the sensor 104 is rotated around a predetermined center 960 within the 1 ^st or 2 ^nd sensing range to scan the wrist surface along a predetermined path, e.g., the arcuate scanning path 910a and/or 910b. The rotation radius R of the sensor 104 is pre-set within a range of 40 –60 mm. The initial sensing angle θ between the origin position 920 and the 1 ^st/2 ^nd initial sensing position relative to the center 960 is pre-set within a range of 10 -20 degree. The largest rotation angle βof the sensor 104 within the 1 ^st or 2 ^nd sensing range is pre-set within a range of 20 -40 degree. The effective 1 ^st or 2 ^nd sensing range of the sensor 104 on the wrist surface will be within a range of 10 –30mm.

However, As can be understood by one skilled in the art that, the embodiment in Figure 9 as described above is for exemplary illustration. The origin position 920, the first initial sensing position 930a, the first sensing range, the second initial sensing position 930b and/or the second sensing range are not limited to the above embodiment and can be changed to other workable positions if needed. For example, the sensor 104 could move in either a forward or a backward direction within the 1 ^st or 2 ^nd sensing range to scan the wrist surface, in an optional embodiment. If the first/second initial sensing positions of the sensor 104 are set to an position 940a/940b as shown in Figure 9, the sensor 104 will further move in a backward direction along the predetermined path 910a/910b within the corresponding sensing range, or even move back and forth for several times to find the target position more accurately. In an alternativeembodiment, the initial sensing position is set as the origin position 920. The sensor 104 starts to scan the wrist surface from the origin position 920 and swept along the opening 401 to find the target position. Moreover, the rotation radius R, the initial sensing angle θ, the largest rotation angle β, and the effective sensing range could be adjusted according to different requirements or conditions.

Furthermore, during the scanning operation, the sensor 104 will be operable to scan the skin surface of the wrist by emitting light to the skin surface and detecting light returned from the skin surface, and determine an optimal position, where the artery pulse is the strongest, based on the detected light, in one embodiment. In alternative embodiments, the sensor 104 could non-contactingly (i.e., without physically contacting) scan the skin surface by emitting and detecting other wireless signals, e.g., MRI or X-ray signal. In still an alternative embodiment, the sensor 104 scans the skin surface in a contacting manner by emitting and detecting the ultrasound signal or other mechanical wave signal. Thereafter, the sensor 104 will measure the user’s vital signs at the determined optimal position of the wrist. In one embodiment, the sensor 104 will press the skin surface of the wrist at the determined optimal position and measure the pressure signal against the wrist to detect vital signs, e.g., blood pressure, pulse rate, and/or bloodoxygen saturation value, etc. In a preferred embodiment as illustrated in Figure 9, when the sensor 104 determines the pulse location of the wrist, the sensor 104 will then be controlled to move substantially toward the predetermined center 960, as indicated by an arrow 950, at the determined pulse location to contact and further press the skin surface of the wrist. Of cause, the direction of the arrow 950 is not limited to the example illustrated in Figure 9 and could be properly adjusted according to different requirements. In alternative embodiment, the sensor may non-contactingly (i.e., without physically contacting) detect the vital signs at the optimal position by emitting wireless signal, e.g., optical signal, to the wrist surface at the optimal position and detecting the returned wireless signal reflected from the wrist. In other words, the sensor 104 could also detect the vial signs of the user in an optical manner.

Figure 10 illustrates a schematic drawing of a mechanical structure of the sensor 104, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the sensor 104 is supported by a moving platform 1004. Two

leverage elements

1003a and 1003b are mechanically coupled between the moving platform 1004 and a main cantilever 1002. During the operation, the cantilever 1002 is operable to rotate around an axis 1001 such that the sensor 104 is brought to move along a predetermined arc path whose direction is substantially perpendicular to the artery direction of the wrist, for example, the arc path within the first/second sensing range as shown in Figure 9, to scan the wrist surface for detecting the artery pulse position. In one embodiment, the rotation of the cantilever 1002 along the axis 1001 is controlled by a step motor with high control accuracy, e.g., the smallest moving distance of the sensor 104 driven by the cantilever 1002 is controlled within 0.1mm.

When the artery pulse position 1005 is determined after scanning, the sensor 104 will be controlled to move towards the wrist to contact and further press (optional) the wrist surface at the determined position 1005 for vital sign measurement. In one embodiment, the leverage elements 1003a1003b are able to revolve on respective coupling elements 1010a and 1010b between the leverage elements 1003a/1003b and the main cantilever 1002, as indicated by an arrow 1008. Therefore, when the leverageelement 1003a is pressed in a direction as indicated by an arrow 1006, the

leverage element

1003a and 1003b will revolve on the coupling elements 1010a and 1010b, so as to drive the moving platform 1004 along with the sensor 104 to move towards the wrist in a direction as indicated by an arrow 1007 whose direction is substantially reverse to the direction of the arrow 1006. The arrows presented here roughly shows a moving direction of the sensor 104 and the real moving direction is not limited to the direction indicated by the arrow 1007. Furthermore, dashed lines presented on the Figure 10 could clearly demonstrate the sensor’s moving condition towards the wrist. As can be seen from the dashed lines and the arrow 1007, during the movement towards the wrist, the sensor 104 moves in a slightly sloppy direction and the final touch position of the sensor 104 on the wrist will be slightly deviated from the determined position 1005. However, such deviation will not affect the measurement accuracy since the deviation is negligible within a tolerant range along the artery direction.

Figures 11A-B illustrate a schematic drawing of another mechanical structure of the sensor 104, according to another exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 11A, the sensor 104 is configured on a platform 1107 and supported by a supporting element 1104 which penetrates through the platform 1107 via a through hole. The supporting element 1104 could freely move through the hole to drive the sensor 104 to move away or towards the platform 1107. Furthermore, a leverage unit1103 is coupled with the platform 1107 via a connecting element 1110, e.g., a screw, and is able to revolve on the connecting element 1110. A resisting element 1106 is configured within the leverage unit 1103, e.g., a bar being coupled between two sides of the leverage unit 1103. The supporting element 1104 is aligned with the resisting element 1106. When the leverage unit 1103 rotates around the platform 1107 in a direction indicated by an arrow 1108, the resisting element 1106 will resist the supporting element 1104 accordingly to lift the supporting element 1104 through the hole of the platform 1107 such that the sensor 104 will be driven to move away from the platform 1107 while towards the wrist, as illustrated by Figure 11B.

An example showing a detailed mechanical structure among the leverage unit 1103, the resisting element 1106 and the supporting element 1104, as indicated by a dashed ellipse 1400 in Figure 11A, is illustrated in Figure 14. As shown in Figure 14, the resisting element 1106 has a quasi-semicircle or over-semicircle structure that at least a top surface thereof which is flat and loosely coupled with the supporting element 1104, and at least a lateral-side or bottom surface which is arcuate and coupled with a hole 1410 of the leverage unit 1103. The leverage unit 1103 with the hole 1410 are presented by dotted lines, and their real shape could be changed without being limited to the example herein. When the leverage unit 1103 rotates relative to the platform 1107 in the direction as indicated by the arrow 1430, e.g., rotates from stage 1 to stage 2, the resisting element 1106 will roll inside the hole 1410 due to the arcuate lateral-side or bottom surface, so as to keep the top flat surface always horizontal. During the rotation of the leverage unit 1103 from stage 1 to stage 2, the resisting element 1106 will move upwardly and forwardly simultaneously. Since the top flat surface of the resisting element 1106 is kept horizontal, the supporting element 404 is able to slightly move along the flat surface of the resisting element 1106, as indicated by the arrow 1420, from stage 1 to stage 2. As such, the supporting element 1104 with the sensor 104 will not move forwardly with the resisting element 1106 during the process from stage 1 to stage 2, which may prevent the sensor 104 from deviating from the determined optimal position.

In one embodiment, a spring element 1105 is coupled between the sensor 104 and the platform 1107 to provide a restoring force to the sensor 104 when the sensor 104 is moved away from the platform 1107 in Figure 11B. When the leverage unit 1103 returns to the initial position as indicted by an arrow 1109 in Figure 11B and the resisting element 1106 does no longer resist against the rod 1104, the sensor 104 will be pulled back to the platform 1107 by the restoring force of the spring element 1105.

As can be understood by one skilled in the art that the mechanical design among the leverage unit 1103, the resisting element 1106 and the supporting element 1104 are not limited to the above embodiment and can have alternative structures as long as it satisfies the requirement of driving the supporting element 1104 with the sensor 104 to move towards the wrist without rotating and shifting. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the supporting element 1104 is combined with the resisting element 1106. When the leverage unit 1103 rotates from stage 1 to stage 2, an additional mechanical element will be used to avoid the shift of the resisting element 1106 and the supporting element 1104 along the wrist direction.

Furthermore, the platform 1107 is coupled with a cantilever 1102 which is operable to revolve around a pivot 1101. In one embodiment, the revolution of the cantilever 1102 around the pivot 1101 is controlled by a motor, e.g., the step motor, with high control accuracy, e.g., the smallest moving distance of the sensor 104 driven by the cantilever 1102 is controlled within 0.1mm. During the operation, when the cantilever 1102 is driven to revolve around the pivot 1101, the platform 1107 will correspondingly swing beneath the wrist to take the sensor 104 to move along a predetermined arc path whose direction is substantially perpendicular to the artery direction of the wrist to scan the wrist surface for detecting the artery pulse position. When the artery pulse position 1005 is determined, the sensor 104 will be then driven to move towards the wrist until contact and press (optional) the wrist skin at the determined position for further measurement, according to the mechanical method as described above.

As can be understood by one skilled in the art, the mechanical design of the sensor 104 shown in Figures 10, 11A and 11B are for exemplary illustration only and the sensor 104 could have alternative mechanical structures while satisfying the function requirements of the measurement as described above, and not limited to the only embodiments of Figures 10, 11A and 11B. Optionally, the cantilever 1002 is able to move along the axis 1001 as controlled by another motor. Under such configuration, the sensor 104 could be driven to move along the artery of the wrist during the operation to compensate for the deviation from the determined position 1005 when the sensor 104 is moving towards the wrist. Moreover, by driving the sensor 104 to move in three directions including along the artery of the wrist; across the artery of the wrist; and toward the surface of the wrist, the sensor 104 could move more freely to sense physiological information at multiple positions with different pressing force in order to fine-tune the determined position 1005 and achieve more accurate measurement.

In an optional embodiment, peripheral components could be added for enhancing the user experience and device performance. Figure 12 shows a schematic drawing of a portable device with peripheral components for measuring physiological information of a user, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 will be described in combination with Figures 1A and 1B. As shown in Figure 12, a display unit 1201 is added in front of the device 102 for displaying the measurement result, as well as other instructions to the user. The display angle of the display unit 1201 could be adjusted for satisfying different users’ requirements. Furthermore, an arm rest component 1202 is added at the back of the device 102 for resting the user’s arm when the user put the wrist on the device 102. As can be understood by one skilled in the art, the configuration of the display unit 1201 and the arm rest component 1202 could be changed to other formats without limiting to the above embodiment, as long as it can satisfy the subject function. For example, the display unit 1201 could be integrated with the device 102 and configured upon the top surface of the device 102. Alternatively, the display unit 1201 could be separated from the device 102 and only be attached to the device when necessary.

Figure 13 shows an operation flowchart of a portable device for measuring physiological information of a user, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 will be described in combination with Figure 1A and 1B, Figure 4A-B, and Figure 6A-B for easy understanding. As shown in Figure 13, firstly the user will wear a measuring band, e.g., the band 105 illustrated in Figures 1-6, on the wrist 103 in step 1301. In one embodiment, when the user properly wears the band 105 on the wrist 103, the middle of the ferromagnetic components 201a is aligned with the middle finger as indicated by the dotted arrow as illustrated in Figure 2. In a more specific embodiment, the user will wear the band 105 according to the instruction signs of the band 105 as exemplarily illustrated in Figure 6A and 6B. In Figure 6A, when the user wears the band 105 on the right wrist 103a, the arrow sign besides the letter sign “R” will point to the middle finger of the right wrist 103a. Such that the sensing opening 202 will be positioned at the area of the right wrist 103a where the artery pulse locates beneath. In Figure 6B, when the user wears the band 105 on the left wrist 103b, the arrow sign besides the letter sign “L” will point to the middle finger of the left wrist 103b. Such that the sensing opening 202 will be positioned at the area of the left wrist 103b where the artery pulse locates beneath.

In step 1302, the user puts his/her wrist 103 on the device 102 while coupling the band 105 to the device 102. During the operation, the user puts the wrist 103 with band 105 at the lower portion 102b of the device 102, wherein the wrist 103 is held by the recess 404 and the band 105 is coupled with the opening 401, as exemplarily illustrated in Figure 4A-B. Additionally, the user puts the hand 101 on the front portion 102a of the device 102 in a comfortable status. In step 1303, the device 102 is preset according to which wrist (let or right) is put on device 102. In one embodiment as illustrated in Figure 9, if the left wrist is put on the device 102, the sensor 104 is configured to the 1 ^st initial sensing position within the first sensing range. If the right wrist is put on the device 102, the sensor 104 is configured to the 2 ^nd initial sensing position within the second sensing range. As can be understood by one skilled in the art that, the above embodiment is for illustration and the preset rule could be changed to other manner as long as it satisfies the requirement of being applicable to either of the left and right wrists. In step 1304, the sensor 104 starts to scan a skin area of the wrist 103 defined by the opening 202 of the band 105 along a predetermined path. In one embodiment, the sensor 104 scans the skin surface of the wrist 103 by emitting optical signal to the skin surface and detecting the optical signal reflected from the skin surface.

In step 1305, based on the scanning result, the sensor 104 analyzes the detected optical signal and determines an optimal position on the skin surface of the wrist 103 for further measurement. In step 1306, the sensor 104 measures the user’s vital signs at the determined optimal position. In one embodiment, the sensor 104 is controlled to firstly move towards the wrist 103 until contact and press against the wrist skin surface at the determined optimal position. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor 104 is controlled by an optimal hold-down force to press on the wrist surface for fine-tuning measurement location and measuring the pressure signal against the wall of the artery under the wrist surface. Based on the measured pressure signal, the sensor 104 could determine the vital signs of the user, e.g., the blood pressure, the pulse rate, the pulse oximetry, etc. In an alternative embodiment, the sensor 104 could detect the user’s vital signs at the optimal position by optical means. More specifically, the sensor 104 will emit optical signal to the wrist surface at the optimal position and detect the optical signal passing through the wrist surface and reflected by the artery under the wrist surface. Based on the detected optical signal, the sensor 104 could determine the vital signs of the user, e.g., the blood pressure, the pulse rate, the pulse oximetry, etc.

In step 1307, if the measurement is determined to continue, then the operation goes to step 1308 to determine whether a re-scan process is needed. If yes, the operation will return to the step 1304 for a next round of scan and measurement process. If not, the operation will return to the step 1306 for a next round of measurement process. In step 1307, if the measurement is determined to stop, then the operation goes to step 1309. In step 1309, the measurement result is output and/or displayed to the user for further process.

Figure 15 shows an operation flowchart of a portable device for measuring physiological information of a user, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 will be described in combination with Figures 1A and 1B, Figures 4A-B, and Figures 6A-B for easy understanding. Steps of Figure 15 which have similar embodiments as the steps of Figure 13 will be briefly described. As shown in Figure 15, in step 1501, the user puts a wrist on the device wherein a sensor 104 is configured under the wrist. In one embodiment, the skin surface of the wrist will be exposed to the sensor 104 via an opening of the device, e.g., the opening 401 of the device in Figures 4a-4b. In an optional embodiment, the wrist will be properly coupled with the device with additional component for restricting the movement of the wrist. In step 1502, the device is preset according to which wrist (let or right) is put on device 102. In alternative embodiment, this step could be omitted. In step 1503, the sensor 104 is driven to scan the skin area of the wrist along a predetermined path under the wrist. In one embodiment, the sensor 104 is driven to swing under the wrist to scan the skin area of the wrist through the opening 401 of the device.

In step 1504, an optimal position is determined by the sensor 104 on the skin area of the wrist based on the scanning result. In step 1505, the sensor is driven to move upwards until contact on the skin area of the wrist at the optimal position. In step 1506, the sensor 104 will detect the user’s vital signs with an optimal contacting force on the skin surface of the wrist. In one embodiment, the sensor 104 will press on the skin surface of the wrist while adjusting the pressing force to find the optimal contacting force. In step 1507, if the measurement is determined to continue, then the operation goes to step 1508 to determine whether a re-scan process is needed. If yes, the operation will return to the step 1503 for a next round of scan and measurement process. If not, the operation will return to the step 1506 for a next round of measurement process. In step 1507, if the measurement is determined to stop, then the operation goes to step 1509. In step 1509, the measurement result is output and/or displayed to the user for further process.

While the foregoing description and drawings represent embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that various additions, modifications and substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the principles of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be used with many modifications of form, structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, elements, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not limited to the foregoing description.

Claims

A wrist-type measurement system, comprising:

a measurement surface on which a user put a wrist for measurement;

an opening configured on the measurement surface; and

a sensor configured under the measurement surface for measuring physiological information of the user on the wrist through the opening,

wherein the sensor is operable to scan the upper wrist surface along a scan path under the wrist to determine a measuring position in a non-contact mode and to move upwards through the opening to contact the wrist surface at the measuring position to measure the physiological information of the user in a contact mode.
The wrist-type measurement system of claim 1, further comprising a wristband which is worn on the wrist and coupled with the opening during the measurement.
The wrist-type measurement system of claim 2, wherein the wristband is coupled to the opening via magnetic effect.
The wrist-type measurement system of claim 3, wherein multiple magnetic components are configured along at least one side of the wristband for affixing the wristband to the opening.
The wrist-type measurement system of claim 2, wherein the wristband is coupled to the opening via locking mechanism.
The wrist-type measurement system of claim 5, further comprising a latch unit being configured on at least one side of the opening for locking the wristband when the wristband is coupled to the opening, and at least one control unit for controlling locking status of the latch unit.
The wrist-type measurement system of claim 2, wherein the wristband comprises an opening for defining a sensing area of the wrist when the wristband is worn on the wrist.
The wrist-type measurement system of claim 7, wherein one or more instruction signs are marked on the wristband for guiding the user to properly wear the wristband on at least one of the left and right wrists.
The wrist-type measurement system of claim 1, wherein the measurement surface has a front portion and a rear portion which is lower than the front portion.
The wrist-type measurement system of claim 9, wherein a slope is configured between the higher front portion and the lower rear portion.
The wrist-type measurement system of claim 9, wherein a recess is configured at the rear portion of the measurement surface.
The wrist-type measurement system of claim 1, further comprising a cantilever coupled to the sensor to drive the sensor to scan the wrist surface along the scanning path perpendicular to an artery under the wrist surface.
The wrist-type measurement system of claim 12, wherein the cantilever is operable to rotate around an axis and the sensor is configured at an end of the cantilever.
The wrist-type measurement system of claim 12, further comprising at least one leverage element being coupled between the cantilever and the sensor, wherein the leverage element is rotatable in relative to the cantilever to press the sensor towards the wrist.
The wrist-type measurement system of claim 12, further comprising a leverage unit coupled to the cantilever and rotatable in relative to the cantilever to lift the sensor, which is moveably configured at one end of the cantilever, towards the wrist.
The wrist-type measurement system of claim 1, further comprising an arm rest component for resting the user’s arm.
The wrist-type measurement system of claim 1, further comprising a display holder operable for holding a display unit which is used to display the measurement result to the user.
The wrist-type measurement system of claim 1, wherein the sensor scans the wrist surface in a corresponding predetermined path based on which wrist is put on the measurement surface.
The wrist-type measurement system of claim 18, wherein the sensor is preset from an original position to an initial sensing position based on which wrist is put on the measurement surface, and further scans the wrist surface from the initial sensing position.
The wrist-type measurement system of claim 19, wherein the sensor is driven to move around the wrist within a predetermined sensing range from the initial sensing position.
A method for measuring physiological information of a user, comprising:

driving a sensor, which is positioned under a wrist of the user, to scan a skin area of the wrist along a scan path under the wrist;

determining a measuring position on the skin area based on a scanning result;

driving the sensor to move upwards to contact the skin surface at the measuring position; and

detecting the physiological information of the user at the measuring position by the sensor.
The method of claim 21, further comprising:

determining an optimal contacting force of the sensor on the wrist to detect the physiological information.
The method of claim 21, further comprising:

determining whether the wrist for measurement is a left or right wrist and driving the sensor to scan the wrist based on the determination result.
The method of claim 23, further comprising:

presetting the sensor from an original position to an initial sensing position based on which wrist is determined for measurement, and further scans the wrist surface from the initial sensing position along a corresponding predetermined path.
The method of claim 21, further comprising:

driving the sensor to scan the wrist in a direction perpendicular to an artery.
The method of claim 25, wherein the sensor is driven to scan around the wrist.
A method of applying a wrist-type measurement device to detect physiological information of a user, comprising:

wearing a wristband on a wrist of the user;

putting the wrist on the device and coupling the wristband to an opening of the device;

presetting a sensor of the device based on which wrist is put on the device; and

starting the measurement of the device.
the method of claim 27, wherein the step of presetting the sensor of the device based on which wrist is put on the device further comprises locating the sensor to a first initial sensing position when a left wrist is put on the device and locating the sensor to a second initial sensing position when a right wrist is put on the device.
The method of claim 27, wherein the step of coupling the wristband to an opening of the device further comprises coupling the wristband with the opening by magnet attraction.
The method of claim 27, wherein the step of coupling the wristband to an opening of the device further comprises locking the wristband with the opening mechanically.