U.S. patent application number 16/857698 was filed with the patent office on 2020-08-06 for blood pressure measurement apparatus, portable pressure measurement apparatus, and calibration method for blood pressure measure.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Jae Min KANG, Youn Ho KIM, Yong Joo KWON, Seung Woo NOH, Sang Yun PARK, Young Zoon YOON.
Application Number | 20200245878 16/857698 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004782863 |
Filed Date | 2020-08-06 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200245878 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KANG; Jae Min ; et
al. |
August 6, 2020 |
BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT APPARATUS, PORTABLE PRESSURE MEASUREMENT
APPARATUS, AND CALIBRATION METHOD FOR BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT
APPARATUS
Abstract
A blood pressure measurement apparatus, a portable pressure
measurement apparatus, and a calibration method for the blood
pressure measurement apparatus are provided. The blood pressure
measurement apparatus includes a pulse wave measurer configured to
measure pulse wave data of a subject while a user pressurizes and
depressurizes the blood pressure measurement apparatus, using a
portable pressure measurement apparatus, and a communicator
configured to receive pressure data that is applied to the blood
pressure measurement apparatus during the pressurizing and the
depressurizing of the blood pressure measurement apparatus, from
the portable pressure measurement apparatus, the pressure data
being measured by the portable pressure measurement apparatus. The
blood pressure measurement apparatus further includes a processor
configured to update a blood pressure estimation formula, based on
the received pressure data and the measured pulse wave data.
Inventors: |
KANG; Jae Min; (Seoul,
KR) ; KWON; Yong Joo; (Yongin-si, KR) ; NOH;
Seung Woo; (Seongnam-si, KR) ; PARK; Sang Yun;
(Hwaseong-si, KR) ; KIM; Youn Ho; (Hwaseong-si,
KR) ; YOON; Young Zoon; (Hwaseong-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO.,
LTD.
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
1000004782863 |
Appl. No.: |
16/857698 |
Filed: |
April 24, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15493314 |
Apr 21, 2017 |
10660532 |
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16857698 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/681 20130101;
A61B 5/02225 20130101; A61B 5/0261 20130101; A61B 5/02108 20130101;
A61B 5/7278 20130101; A61B 5/0004 20130101; A61B 2560/0223
20130101; A61B 5/02416 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/022 20060101
A61B005/022; A61B 5/026 20060101 A61B005/026; A61B 5/00 20060101
A61B005/00; A61B 5/021 20060101 A61B005/021 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 25, 2016 |
KR |
10-2016-0139408 |
Claims
1. A blood pressure measurement apparatus comprising: a pulse wave
measurer configured to measure pulse wave data of a subject while a
user changes pressure on a force touch panel; a pressure measurer
comprising the force touch panel, and configured to measure
pressure data that is applied to the blood pressure measurement
apparatus during the changing pressure on the force touch panel;
and a processor configured to update a blood pressure estimation
formula, based on the measured pressure data and the measured pulse
wave data.
2. The blood pressure measurement apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
pressure measurer is further configured to: sense a touch area of
the force touch panel that the user touches, and a force that the
user applies on the force touch panel; and determine the pressure
data that is applied to the blood pressure measurement apparatus,
based on the sensed touch area and the sensed force.
3. The blood pressure measurement apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
processor is further configured to: estimate a reference blood
pressure value by performing an oscillometric method, based on the
measured pressure data and the measured pulse wave data; and update
the blood pressure estimation formula, based on the estimated
reference blood pressure value.
4. The blood pressure measurement apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
processor is further configured to provide calibration guide
information of a method of calibration, using the force touch
panel.
5. The blood pressure measurement apparatus of claim 4, wherein the
calibration guide information comprises information of a method of
the changing pressure on the force touch panel.
6. The blood pressure measurement apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
blood pressure measurement apparatus is a wrist wearable device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/493,314, filed on Apr. 21, 2017, in the U.S. Patent
& Trademark Office, which is based on and claims priority under
35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 to Korean Patent Application No.
10-2016-0139408, filed on Oct. 25, 2016, in the Korean Intellectual
Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein
by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0002] Apparatuses and methods consistent with example embodiments
relate to a technology for blood pressure measurement, and
particularly, to a blood pressure measurement apparatus, a portable
pressure measurement apparatus, and a calibration method for the
blood pressure measurement apparatus.
2. Description of Related Art
[0003] Recently, with an increasing interest in health, various
types of biometric information detecting devices have been
developed. As various wearable devices that can be worn by a
subject have been widely disseminated, devices specialized in
health care have been developed.
[0004] A cuffless blood pressure sensor is an indirect measurement
type blood pressure sensor, which measures a blood pressure by
analyzing a pulse wave signal based on an optical signal, rather
than a pressure signal of a blood pressure itself. Such a cuffless
blood pressure sensor may be calibrated periodically.
SUMMARY
[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of
the claimed subject matter.
[0006] According to an aspect of an example embodiment, there is
provided a blood pressure measurement apparatus including a pulse
wave measurer configured to measure pulse wave data of a subject
while a user pressurizes and depressurizes the blood pressure
measurement apparatus, using a portable pressure measurement
apparatus, and a communicator configured to receive pressure data
that is applied to the blood pressure measurement apparatus during
the pressurizing and the depressurizing of the blood pressure
measurement apparatus, from the portable pressure measurement
apparatus, the pressure data being measured by the portable
pressure measurement apparatus. The blood pressure measurement
apparatus further includes a processor configured to update a blood
pressure estimation formula, based on the received pressure data
and the measured pulse wave data.
[0007] The pulse wave measurer may be further configured to emit
light to the subject, detect light that is reflected from or
absorbed by the subject to which the light is emitted, and acquire
the pulse wave data of the subject, based on the detected
light.
[0008] The processor may be further configured to estimate a
reference blood pressure value by performing an oscillometric
method, based on the received pressure data and the measured pulse
wave data, and update the blood pressure estimation formula, based
on the estimated reference blood pressure value.
[0009] The processor may be further configured to provide
calibration guide information of a method of calibration, using the
portable pressure measurement apparatus.
[0010] The calibration guide information may include information of
a method of the pressurizing and the depressurizing of the blood
pressure measurement apparatus, using the portable pressure
measurement apparatus.
[0011] The blood pressure measurement apparatus may be a wrist
wearable device.
[0012] According to an aspect of an example embodiment, there is
provided a portable pressure measurement apparatus including a
pressure sensor configured to measure pressure data that is applied
to a blood pressure measurement apparatus while a user pressurizes
and depressurizes the blood pressure measurement apparatus, using
the portable pressure measurement apparatus, and a communicator
configured to transmit the measured pressure data to the blood
pressure measurement apparatus. The portable pressure measurement
apparatus further includes a pressure buffer configured to be used
to maintain a linear pressure change during the pressurizing and
the depressurizing of the blood pressure measurement apparatus.
[0013] The pressure buffer may be disposed on a surface that is in
contact with the blood pressure measurement apparatus during the
pressurizing of the blood pressure measurement apparatus, using the
portable pressure measurement apparatus.
[0014] The pressure buffer may include any one or any combination
of latex, polymer, and sponge.
[0015] According to an aspect of an example embodiment, there is
provided a calibration method for a blood pressure measurement
apparatus, the calibration method including measuring pulse wave
data of a subject while a user pressurizes and depressurizes the
blood pressure measurement apparatus, using a portable pressure
measurement apparatus, and receiving pressure data that is applied
to the blood pressure measurement apparatus during the pressurizing
and the depressurizing of the blood pressure measurement apparatus,
from the portable pressure measurement apparatus, the pressure data
being measured by the portable pressure measurement apparatus. The
calibration method further includes updating a blood pressure
estimation formula, based on the received pressure data and the
measured pulse wave data.
[0016] The updating of the blood pressure estimation formula may
further include estimating a reference blood pressure value by
performing an oscillometric method, based on the received pressure
data and the measured pulse wave data, and updating the blood
pressure estimation formula, based on the estimated reference blood
pressure value.
[0017] The calibration method may further include providing
calibration guide information of a method of calibration, using the
portable pressure measurement apparatus.
[0018] The calibration guide information may include information of
a method of the pressurizing and the depressurizing of the blood
pressure measurement apparatus, using the portable pressure
measurement apparatus.
[0019] According to an aspect of an example embodiment, there is
provided a blood pressure measurement apparatus including a pulse
wave measurer configured to measure pulse wave data of a subject
while a user pressurizes and depressurizes a force touch panel, and
a pressure measurer including the force touch panel, and configured
to measure pressure data that is applied to the blood pressure
measurement apparatus during the pressurizing and the
depressurizing of the force touch panel. The blood pressure
measurement apparatus further includes a processor configured to
update a blood pressure estimation formula, based on the measured
pressure data and the measured pulse wave data.
[0020] The pressure measurer may be further configured to sense a
touch area of the force touch panel that the user touches, and a
force that the user applies on the force touch panel, and determine
the pressure data that is applied to the blood pressure measurement
apparatus, based on the sensed touch area and the sensed force.
[0021] The processor may be further configured to estimate a
reference blood pressure value by performing an oscillometric
method, based on the measured pressure data and the measured pulse
wave data, and update the blood pressure estimation formula, based
on the estimated reference blood pressure value.
[0022] The processor may be further configured to provide
calibration guide information of a method of calibration, using the
force touch panel.
[0023] The calibration guide information may include information of
a method of the pressurizing and the depressurizing of the force
touch panel.
[0024] The blood pressure measurement apparatus may be a wrist
wearable device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The above and/or other aspects will be more apparent by
describing example embodiments with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a cuffless blood
pressure measurement system according to an example embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a blood pressure
measurement apparatus according to an example embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a portable pressure
measurement apparatus according to an example embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a blood pressure
measurement apparatus according to another example embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing a method of pressurizing
a blood pressure measurement apparatus, according to an example
embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a blood pressure
measurement method according to an example embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a calibration method
according to an example embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an implementation of a
blood pressure measurement apparatus, according to an example
embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an implementation of a
portable pressure measurement apparatus, according to an example
embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a blood pressure
measurement apparatus according to still another example
embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a blood pressure
measurement apparatus according to yet another example
embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing a method of pressurizing
a blood pressure measurement apparatus, according to an example
embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a blood pressure
measurement method according to another example embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a calibration method
according to another example embodiment.
[0040] Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, unless
otherwise described, the same drawing reference numerals will be
understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures.
The relative size and depiction of these elements may be
exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] The following detailed description is provided to assist the
reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods,
apparatuses and/or systems described herein. Various changes,
modifications, and equivalents of the systems, apparatuses and/or
methods described herein will suggest themselves to those of
ordinary skill in the art. In the following description, a detailed
description of known functions and configurations incorporated
herein will be omitted when it may obscure the subject matter with
unnecessary detail.
[0042] It may be noted that in some alternative implementations,
the functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order
noted in the flowcharts. For example, two blocks shown in
succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or
the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order,
depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0043] Terms described below are selected by considering functions
in example embodiments, and meanings may vary depending on, for
example, a user or operator's intentions or customs. Therefore, in
the following example embodiments, when terms are defined, the
meanings of terms may be interpreted based on definitions, and
otherwise, may be interpreted based on general meanings recognized
by those skilled in the art.
[0044] As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include
the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates
otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises"
and/or "comprising," or "includes" and/or "including" when used in
this description, specify the presence of stated features, numbers,
steps, operations, elements, components or combinations thereof,
but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other
features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components or
combinations thereof.
[0045] It will also be understood that the elements or components
in the following description are discriminated in accordance with
their respective main functions. In other words, two or more
elements may be made into one element or one element may be divided
into two or more elements in accordance with a subdivided function.
Additionally, each of the elements in the following description may
perform a part or whole of the function of another element as well
as its main function, and some of the main functions of each of the
elements may be performed exclusively by other elements. Each
element may be realized in the form of a hardware component, a
software component, and/or a combination thereof.
[0046] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a cuffless blood
pressure measurement system 100 according to an example
embodiment.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, the cuffless blood pressure measurement
system 100 includes a blood pressure measurement apparatus 110 and
a portable pressure measurement apparatus 120.
[0048] The blood pressure measurement apparatus 110 may be a
cuffless-type blood pressure measurement device capable of
non-invasively measuring a blood pressure of a subject. The blood
pressure measurement apparatus 110 may be implemented in the form
of a software module or fabricated in the form of hardware chip and
mounted in an electronic device. In this case, the electronic
device may include a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer,
a notebook computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable
multimedia player (PMP), a navigation system, an MP3 player, a
digital camera, a wearable device, etc., and the wearable device
may include a wristwatch type, a wrist band type, a ring type, a
belt type, a necklace type, an ankle band type, a thigh band type,
a forearm band type and the like. However, the electronic device is
not limited to the above-described examples, and the wearable
device is also not limited to the above-described example.
[0049] The blood pressure measurement apparatus 110 may operate in
blood pressure measurement mode and in calibration mode. The blood
pressure measurement mode is a mode for measuring a blood pressure
of the subject according to a user's command, and the calibration
mode is a mode for updating a blood pressure estimation formula
used for blood pressure estimation according to a user's command or
a set calibration interval.
[0050] In blood pressure measurement mode, the blood pressure
measurement apparatus 110 may emit light to the subject, acquire
pulse wave data by sensing light reflected from or absorbed by the
subject, and estimate a blood pressure by analyzing the acquired
pulse wave data.
[0051] In calibration mode, the blood pressure measurement
apparatus 110 may be calibrated using the portable pressure
measurement apparatus 120. For example, when the user pressurizes
and depressurizes the blood pressure measurement apparatus 110
using the portable pressure measurement apparatus 120, the blood
pressure measurement apparatus 110 may determine a reference blood
pressure value (e.g., mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic blood
pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), etc.) on the basis
of pressure data measured by the portable pressure measurement
apparatus 120 and pulse wave data measured by the blood pressure
measurement apparatus 110 during the process of pressurizing and
depressurizing, and be calibrated by updating the blood pressure
estimation formula used for blood pressure estimation using the
determined reference blood pressure value.
[0052] The portable pressure measurement apparatus 120 is used in
calibration of the blood pressure measurement apparatus 110. When
the user pressurizes and depressurizes the blood pressure
measurement apparatus 110 using the portable pressure measurement
apparatus 120, the portable pressure measurement apparatus 120 may
measure pressure data applied to the blood pressure measurement
apparatus 110 during the process of pressurizing and
depressurizing, and transmit the measured pressure data to the
blood pressure measurement apparatus 110.
[0053] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating of a blood pressure
measurement apparatus 110 according to an example embodiment.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 2, the blood pressure measurement
apparatus 110 includes a pulse wave measurer 210, a communicator
220, and a processor 230.
[0055] The pulse wave measurer 210 may measure pulse wave data of a
subject. For example, the pulse wave measurer 210 may emit light to
the subject, detect light reflected from or absorbed by the
subject, and acquire the pulse wave data of the subject from a
detected optical signal.
[0056] According to an example embodiment the pulse wave measurer
210 may include a light emitting device and a light receiving
device. The light emitting device may include a light emitting
diode (LED), a laser diode, and the like, and the light receiving
device may include a photodiode, a photo transistor, a
charge-coupled device (CCD), and the like.
[0057] The communicator 220 may receive, from a portable pressure
measurement apparatus 120, pressure data that the user applies to
the blood pressure measurement apparatus 110 using the portable
pressure measurement apparatus 120. The communicator 220 may use
various communication technologies, such as a Bluetooth
communication, Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication, a
near-field communication (NFC), a wireless local area network
(WLAN) communication, a ZigBee communication, an infrared data
association (IrDA) communication, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD)
communication, a ultra-wideband (UWB) communication, an Ant+
communication, a Wi-Fi communication, a radio frequency
identification (RFID) communication, a 3G communication, a 4G
communication, a 5G communication, and the like. However, these are
examples, and the communication technologies are not limited to the
above examples.
[0058] The processor 230 may operate in blood pressure measurement
mode or in calibration mode according to a user's command or a set
calibration interval.
[0059] Hereinafter, operations of the processor 230 in blood
pressure measurement mode and in calibration model will be
described in detail.
[0060] <Blood Pressure Measurement Mode>
[0061] The processor 230 may operate in blood pressure measurement
mode according to the user's command.
[0062] The processor 230 may estimate a blood pressure of the
subject by analyzing the pulse wave data measured by the pulse wave
measurer 210.
[0063] According to an example embodiment, the processor 230 may
estimate the blood pressure using a pulse arrival time (PAT) method
in which a blood pressure is estimated on the basis of a pulse wave
signal and an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. For example, the
processor 230 may extract a feature point of the measured pulse
wave (hereinafter, will be referred to as a "pulse wave feature
point") and a feature point of an ECG (hereinafter, will be
referred to as an "ECG feature point") at the time of measuring the
pulse wave, then calculate a time difference between the pulse wave
feature point and the ECG feature point (hereinafter, will be
referred to as a "pulse wave arrival time"), and finally estimate
the blood pressure on the basis of the calculated pulse wave
arrival time and the blood pressure estimation formula. In this
case, the blood pressure estimation formula may define the
relationship between the pulse wave arrival time and the blood
pressure. In this example, the processor 230 may calculate the
pulse wave arrival time on the basis of the measured pulse wave
data, and update the blood pressure estimation formula on the basis
of the estimated reference blood pressure value and the calculated
pulse wave arrival time.
[0064] According to another example embodiment, the processor 230
may estimate a blood pressure using a pulse transit time (PTT)
method in which a blood pressure is measured on the basis of a PTT.
For example, the processor 230 may extract feature points of pulse
waves measured at different two sites, calculate a time difference
between the extracted feature points (hereinafter, will be referred
to as a "PTT"), and estimate the blood pressure on the basis of the
calculated PTT and the blood pressure estimation formula. In this
case, the blood pressure estimation formula may define the
relationship between the PTT and the blood pressure. In this
example, the processor 230 may calculate the pulse transit time on
the basis of the measured pulse wave data, and update the blood
pressure estimation formula on the basis of the estimated reference
blood pressure value and the calculated pulse transit time.
[0065] According to still another example embodiment, the processor
230 may estimate a blood pressure, using a pulse wave analysis
method in which a blood pressure is estimated on the basis of a
waveform of a pulse wave. For example, the processor 230 may
extract feature points of a measured pulse wave and estimate the
blood pressure on the basis of characteristic values corresponding
to the feature points and the blood pressure estimation formula. In
this case, the blood pressure estimation formula may define the
relationship between the characteristic value corresponding to each
feature point of the pulse wave and the blood pressure. In this
example, the processor 230 may extract feature points of the
measured pulse wave, and update the blood pressure estimation
formula on the basis of the estimated reference blood pressure
value and the characteristic values corresponding to the extracted
feature points.
[0066] The feature point may include a start point, the maximum
point and the minimum point of the pulse wave or the ECG. The blood
pressure estimation formula may be stored in an internal memory of
the processor 230 or an external memory.
[0067] <Calibration Mode>
[0068] The processor 230 may operate in calibration mode according
to a user's command or a set calibration interval.
[0069] In calibration mode, when the user pressurizes and
depressurizes the blood pressure measurement apparatus 110 using
the portable pressure measurement apparatus 120, the processor 230
may update the blood pressure formula using pressure data measured
by the portable pressure measurement apparatus 120 during the
process of pressurizing and depressurizing, that is, pressure data
applied to the blood pressure measurement apparatus 110, and pulse
wave data measured by the pulse wave measurer 210 during the
process of pressurizing and depressurizing.
[0070] According to an example embodiment, the processor 230 may
estimate a reference blood pressure value (e.g., MAP, SBP, DBP,
etc.) using an oscillometric method on the basis of the pressure
data measured by the portable pressure measurement device 120 and
the pulse wave data measured by the pulse wave measurer 210 during
the process of pressurizing and depressurizing, and update the
blood pressure estimation formula on the basis of the estimated
reference blood pressure value.
[0071] According to an example embodiment, when entering into
calibration mode, the processor 230 may provide calibration guide
information on a method of calibration using the portable pressure
measurement apparatus 120 to the user. In this case, the
calibration guide information may include information about a
method of pressurizing and depressurizing the blood pressure
measurement apparatus 110 using the portable pressure measurement
apparatus 120.
[0072] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a portable pressure
measurement apparatus 120 according to an example embodiment.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 3, the portable pressure measurement
apparatus 120 includes a pressure sensor 310 and a communicator
320.
[0074] The pressure sensor 310 may measure pressure data applied to
a blood pressure measurement apparatus 110 while a user pressurizes
and depressurizes the blood pressure measurement apparatus 110
using the portable pressure measurement apparatus 120.
[0075] The communicator 320 may transmit the measured pressure data
to the blood pressure measurement apparatus 110. In this case, the
communicator 320 may use various communication technologies, such
as a Bluetooth communication, a BLE communication, an NFC, a WLAN
communication, a ZigBee communication, an IrDA communication, a WFD
communication, a UWB communication, an Ant+ communication, a Wi-Fi
communication, a RFID communication, a 3G communication, a 4G
communication, a 5G communication, and the like. However, these are
examples, and the communication technologies are not limited to the
above examples.
[0076] According to an example embodiment, the portable pressure
measurement apparatus 120 further includes a pressure buffer
330.
[0077] The pressure buffer 330 may be disposed on a surface that is
in contact with the blood pressure measurement apparatus 110 when a
pressure is applied to the blood pressure measurement apparatus
110, so that the pressure buffer 330 may reduce the irregularity
that may occur while the user pressurizes and depressurizes the
blood pressure measurement apparatus 110 using the portable
pressure measurement apparatus 120. In other words, the pressure
buffer 330 may be used to maintain a linear pressure change in the
process of pressurizing and depressurizing the blood pressure
measurement apparatus 110, using the portable pressure measurement
apparatus 120.
[0078] According to an example embodiment, the pressure buffer 330
may be implemented with a material, such as latex, polymer, sponge,
and the like.
[0079] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a blood pressure
measurement apparatus 400 according to another example
embodiment.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 4, the blood pressure measurement
apparatus 400 includes an input interface 410, a storage 420, an
output interface 430, a pulse wave analyzer 210, a communicator
220, and a processor 230. In this case, because the pulse wave
measurer 210, the communicator 220, and the processor 230 have been
described with reference to FIG. 2, detailed descriptions thereof
will be omitted.
[0081] The input interface 410 may receive various operation
signals from the user. According to an example embodiment, the
input interface 410 may include a key pad, a dome switch, a touch
pad (resistive/capacitive) a jog wheel, a jog switch, a hardware
button, and the like. When the touch pad forms a mutual layer
structure with a display, it may be referred to as a touch
screen.
[0082] The storage 420 may store a program or instructions for
operations of the blood pressure measurement apparatus 400 and may
store data input to or output from the blood pressure measurement
apparatus 400. In addition, the storage 420 may store data related
to the subject's pulse wave data measured by the pulse wave
measurer 210, the blood pressure estimation formula used for blood
pressure estimation, and the subject's blood pressure data
estimated by the processor 230.
[0083] The storage 420 may include a flash memory, a hard disk, a
micro type multimedia card, and a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD
memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access
memory (SRAM), a read only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable
programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read only
memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk,
and the like. In addition, the blood pressure measurement apparatus
400 may operate an external storage medium, such as a web storage,
which performs the storage function of the storage 420 on the
Internet.
[0084] The output interface 430 may output blood pressure
estimation result, calibration guide information, and the like.
According to an example embodiment, the output interface 430 may
output the blood pressure estimation result, the calibration guide
information, and the like in any one or any combination of audible,
visual, and tactile manners. For example, the output interface 430
may output the blood pressure estimation result, the calibration
guide information, and the like using a voice, text, vibration,
etc. To this end, the output interface 430 may include a display, a
speaker, a vibrator, etc.
[0085] FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing a method of pressurizing
a blood pressure measurement apparatus, according to an example
embodiment.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 5, the user may place a blood pressure
measurement apparatus 110 on a subject, that is, the wrist of the
user, and apply a pressure onto an upper part of the blood pressure
measurement apparatus 110 with the other hand using a portable
pressure measurement apparatus 120.
[0087] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a blood pressure
measurement method according to an example embodiment. The blood
pressure measurement method of FIG. 6 may be an example embodiment
of an operation method of the blood pressure measurement apparatus
110 in blood pressure measurement mode described above.
[0088] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, the blood pressure measurement
apparatus 110 enters into blood pressure measurement mode according
to a user's command, as depicted in operation 610.
[0089] The blood pressure measurement apparatus 110 measures pulse
wave data of the subject, as depicted in operation 620. For
example, the blood pressure measurement apparatus 110 may emit
light to the subject, detect light reflected from or absorbed by
the subject, and acquire the pulse wave data of the subject from
the detected optical signal.
[0090] The blood pressure measurement apparatus 110 estimates a
blood pressure of the subject by analyzing the measured pulse wave
data, as depicted in operation 630.
[0091] For example, the blood pressure measurement apparatus 110
may measure the blood pressure using a PAT method for estimating
the blood pressure on the basis of a pulse wave signal and an ECG
signal, a PTT method for estimating the blood pressure on the basis
of a PTT, and a PWA method for estimating the blood pressure on the
basis of analysis of the waveform of a pulse wave.
[0092] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a calibration method
according to an example embodiment. The calibration method of FIG.
7 may be an example embodiment of an operation method of the
cuffless blood pressure measurement system 100 in calibration mode
described above.
[0093] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, the blood pressure measurement
apparatus 110 enters into calibration mode according to a user's
command or a set calibration interval, as depicted in operation
710.
[0094] When entering into calibration mode, the blood pressure
measurement apparatus 110 provides calibration guide information on
a method of calibrating the blood pressure measurement apparatus
110 using the portable pressure measurement apparatus 120, as
depicted in operation 720.
[0095] When the user pressurizes and depressurizes the blood
pressure measurement apparatus 110 using the portable pressure
measurement apparatus 120 according to the calibration guide
information, the blood pressure measurement apparatus 110 measures
pulse wave data of the subject during the process of pressurizing
and depressurizing, as depicted in operation 730.
[0096] The portable pressure measurement apparatus 120 measures
pressure data applied to the blood pressure measurement apparatus
110 during the process of pressurizing and depressurizing, as
depicted in operation 735, and transmits the measured pressure data
to the blood pressure measurement apparatus 110, as depicted in
operation 740.
[0097] The blood pressure measurement apparatus 110 estimates a
reference blood pressure value on the basis of the measured pulse
wave data and the received pressure data, as depicted in operation
750. For example, the blood pressure measurement apparatus 110 may
estimate the reference blood pressure value by performing an
oscillometric method on the basis of the measured pulse wave data
and the received pressure data.
[0098] The blood pressure measurement apparatus 110 updates a blood
pressure estimation formula on the basis of the estimated reference
blood pressure value, as depicted in operation 760.
[0099] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an implementation of a
blood pressure measurement apparatus, according to an example
embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, example embodiments of the blood
pressure measurement apparatus described above may be implemented
as a wrist wearable device.
[0100] Referring to FIG. 8, a wrist wearable device 800 includes a
strap 810 and a main body 820.
[0101] The strap 810 may be formed to be flexible, and may be bent
to wrap around or be separated from the user's wrist.
[0102] The main body 820 may include the respective components of
the blood pressure measurement apparatus 110 or 400 illustrated in
FIG. 2 or FIG. 4.
[0103] The pulse wave measurer 210 of FIG. 2 or 4 may be disposed
on a lower part of the main body 820, that is, a surface that is in
contact with the user's skin when the user wears the wrist wearable
device 800.
[0104] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an implementation of a
portable pressure measurement apparatus 900, according to an
example embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the upper surface of the
portable pressure measurement apparatus 900 may be curved so that
the user can easily pressurizes the portable pressure measurement
apparatus 900 by placing the hand on the upper part.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 9, the portable pressure measurement
apparatus 900 includes a main body 910, a pressure sensor 310, and
a pressure buffer 330.
[0106] The main body 910 may include a communicator 320
therein.
[0107] The pressure sensor 310 may be disposed on the lower part of
the main body 910. However, this is an example embodiment, and the
position of the pressure sensor 310 may not be limited thereto.
Thus, the pressure sensor 310 may be disposed at various positions,
such as the upper part of the main body 910.
[0108] The pressure buffer 330 may be disposed on the lower part of
the portable pressure measurement apparatus 900 to be used for
reducing the irregularity that may occur during the process of
pressurizing and depressurizing the blood pressure measurement
apparatus 110 using the portable pressure measurement apparatus
900.
[0109] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a blood pressure
measurement apparatus 1000 according to still another example
embodiment.
[0110] The blood pressure measurement apparatus 1000 may be a
cuffless-type blood pressure measurement apparatus capable of
non-invasively measuring a blood pressure of a subject. The blood
pressure measurement apparatus 1000 may be implemented in the form
of a software module or fabricated in the form of a hardware chip
and mounted in an electronic device. In this case, the electronic
device may include a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer,
a notebook computer, a PDA, a PMP, a navigation system, an MP3
player, a digital camera, a wearable device, etc., and the wearable
device may include a wristwatch type, a wrist band type, a ring
type, a belt type, a necklace type, an ankle band type, a thigh
band type, a forearm band type and the like. However, the
electronic device is not limited to the above-described examples,
and the wearable device is also not limited to the above-described
example.
[0111] Referring to FIG. 10, the blood pressure measurement
apparatus 1000 includes a pulse wave measurer 1010, a pressure
measurer 1020, and a processor 1030.
[0112] The pulse wave measurer 1010 may measure pulse wave data of
the subject. For example, the pulse wave measurer 1010 may emit
light to the subject, detect light reflected from or absorbed by
the subject, and acquire the pulse wave data of the subject from
the detected optical signal.
[0113] The pressure measurer 1020 may measure pressure data that
the user applies to the blood pressure measurement apparatus 1000.
To this end, the pressure measurer 1020 may include a force touch
panel 1021. For example, the pressure measurer 1020 may sense a
touch area of the force touch panel 1021 that the user touches and
the force that the user applies to the force touch panel 1021, and
calculate the pressure applied to the blood pressure measurement
apparatus 1000 on the basis of the sensed touch area and force.
[0114] The processor 1030 may operate in blood pressure measurement
mode and in calibration mode.
[0115] The operations of the processor 1030 in blood pressure
measurement mode are the same as those described with reference to
FIG. 2, and hence detailed descriptions thereof will be
omitted.
[0116] Hereinafter, operations of the processor 1030 in calibration
mode will be described in detail.
[0117] <Calibration Mode>
[0118] The processor 1030 may operate in calibration mode according
to a user's command or a set calibration interval.
[0119] In calibration mode, when the user pressurizes and
depressurizes the force touch panel 1021, the processor 1030 may
update a blood pressure estimation formula on the basis of pressure
data measured by the pressure measurer 1020 and pulse wave data
measured by the pulse wave measurer 1010 during the process of
pressurizing and depressurizing.
[0120] According to an example embodiment, the processor 1030 may
estimate a reference blood pressure value (e.g., MAP, SBP, DBP,
etc.) using an oscillometric method on the basis of the pressure
data measured by the pressure measurer 1020 and the pulse wave data
measured by the pulse wave measurer 1010 during the process of
pressurizing and depressurizing, and update the blood pressure
estimation formula on the basis of the estimated reference blood
pressure value.
[0121] According to an example embodiment, when entering into
calibration mode, the processor 1030 may provide calibration guide
information on a method of calibration using the force touch panel
1021 to the user. In this case, the calibration guide information
may include information about a method of pressurizing and
depressurizing the force touch panel 1021.
[0122] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a blood pressure
measurement apparatus 1100 according to yet another example
embodiment.
[0123] Referring to FIG. 11, the blood pressure measurement
apparatus 1100 includes an input interface 1110, a storage 1120, an
output interface 1130, a pulse wave measurer 1010, a pressure
measurer 1020, and a processor 1030. In this case, the pulse wave
measurer 1010, the pressure measurer 1020, and the processor 1030
have been described with reference to FIG. 10, and hence detailed
descriptions thereof will be omitted.
[0124] The input interface 1110 may receive various operation
signals from the user. According to an example embodiment, the
input interface 1110 may include a key pad, a dome switch, a touch
pad (resistive/capacitive) a jog wheel, a jog switch, a hardware
button, and the like. When the touch pad forms a mutual layer
structure with a display, it may be referred to as a touch
screen.
[0125] The storage 1120 may store a program or instructions for
operations of the blood pressure measurement apparatus 1100 and may
store data input to or output from the blood pressure measurement
apparatus 1100. In addition, the storage 1120 may store data
related to the subject's pulse wave data measured by the pulse wave
measurer 1110, the blood pressure estimation formula used for blood
pressure estimation, and the subject's blood pressure data
estimated by the processor 1030.
[0126] The storage 1120 may include a flash memory, a hard disk, a
micro type multimedia card, and a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD
memory), a RAM, an SRAM, a ROM, an EEPROM, a PROM, a magnetic
memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and the like. In
addition, the blood pressure measurement apparatus 1100 may operate
an external storage medium, such as a web storage, which performs
the storage function of the storage 1120 on the Internet.
[0127] The output interface 1130 may output blood pressure
estimation result, calibration guide information, and the like.
According to an example embodiment, the output interface 1130 may
output the blood pressure estimation result, the calibration guide
information, and the like in any one or any combination of audible,
visual, and tactile manners. For example, the output interface 1130
may output the blood pressure estimation result, the calibration
guide information, and the like using a voice, text, vibration,
etc. To this end, the output interface 1130 may include a display,
a speaker, a vibrator, etc.
[0128] FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing a method of pressurizing
a blood pressure measurement apparatus 1000, according to an
example embodiment.
[0129] As shown in FIG. 12, the user may place the blood pressure
measurement apparatus 1000 on a subject, that is, the wrist of the
user, and apply a pressure onto a force touch panel disposed on the
upper part of the blood pressure measurement apparatus 1000 with
the other hand.
[0130] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a blood pressure
measurement method according to an example embodiment. The blood
pressure measurement method of FIG. 13 may be an example embodiment
of the operation method of the above-described blood pressure
measurement apparatus 1000 in blood pressure measurement mode.
[0131] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 13, the blood pressure measurement
apparatus 1000 enters into blood pressure measurement mode
according to a user's command, as depicted in operation 1310.
[0132] The blood pressure measurement apparatus 1000 measures pulse
wave data of a subject, as depicted in operation 1320.
[0133] The blood pressure measurement apparatus 1000 estimates a
blood pressure of the subject by analyzing the measured pulse wave
data, as depicted in operation 1330.
[0134] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a calibration method
according to an example embodiment. The calibration method of FIG.
14 may be an example embodiment of the operation method of the
above-described blood pressure measurement apparatus 1000 in
calibration mode.
[0135] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 14, the blood pressure measurement
apparatus 1000 enters into calibration mode according to a user's
command or a set calibration interval, as depicted in operation
1410.
[0136] When entering into calibration mode, the blood pressure
measurement apparatus 1000 provides calibration guide information
on a method of calibrating the blood pressure measurement apparatus
1000 using the force touch panel 1021, as depicted in operation
1420.
[0137] When the user pressurizes and depressurizes the force touch
panel 1021 according to the calibration guide information, the
blood pressure measurement apparatus 1000 measures pulse wave data
of the subject and pressure data applied to the force touch panel
1021 during the process of pressurizing and depressurizing, as
depicted in operation 1430.
[0138] The blood pressure measurement apparatus 1000 estimates a
reference blood pressure value on the basis of the measured pulse
wave data and pressure data, as depicted in operation 1440. For
example, the blood pressure measurement apparatus 1000 may estimate
the reference blood pressure value by performing an oscillometric
method on the basis of the measured pulse wave data and the
measured pressure data.
[0139] The blood pressure measurement apparatus 1000 updates a
blood pressure estimation formula on the basis of the estimated
reference blood pressure value, as depicted in operation 1450.
[0140] The current example embodiments can be implemented as
computer readable codes in a computer readable record medium. Codes
and code segments constituting the computer program can be easily
inferred by a skilled computer programmer in the art. The computer
readable record medium includes all types of record media in which
computer readable data are stored. Examples of the computer
readable record medium include a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a magnetic
tape, a floppy disk, and an optical data storage. Further, the
record medium may be implemented in the form of a carrier wave such
as Internet transmission. In addition, the computer readable record
medium may be distributed to computer systems over a network, in
which computer readable codes may be stored and executed in a
distributed manner.
[0141] A number of examples have been described above.
Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may
be made. For example, suitable results may be achieved if the
described techniques are performed in a different order and/or if
components in a described system, architecture, device, or circuit
are combined in a different manner and/or replaced or supplemented
by other components or their equivalents. Accordingly, other
implementations are within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *