Surgery – Diagnostic testing – Cardiovascular
Patent
1994-12-06
1998-04-07
Bahr, Jennifer
Surgery
Diagnostic testing
Cardiovascular
600485, A61B 502
Patent
active
057357994
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Technology
This invention relates to a pulse wave processing device that may be used in electronic wristwatch and other small electronic devices.
2. Background Technology
Pulse waves can be detected by any of the following methods: the method of detecting changes in pressure caused in the artery by the pulsation of the heart; the method of detecting the cardiac sound produced by the pulsation of the heart; and the method of detecting changes in blood flow. In small electronic devices such as an electronic wristwatch, the method of detecting change in blood flow through the use of an optical means is especially effective. For example, an LED and other types of light-emitting devices and a phototransistor and other types of light-receiving devices can be provided, wherein the light from the photo-emitting device is directed to a finger, and either the light reflected from the finger or the light passing through the finger is input into the light-receiving device in order to detect the change in blood flow as the change in the mount of received light. This gives changes in blood flow as pulse wave signals. Pulse wave signals can be detected and processed through the use of a filter circuit, an stoplifter, or a waveform control circuit, in order to display the condition of a human body in terms of pulses or changes in pulse waves.
Even when a part of the human body is correctly set in a pulse wave sensor, the pressure exerted between the pulse wave sensor and the human body reduces the amplitude of pulse waves, and this can give a poor detection condition. Thus, a poor detection condition makes an accurate measurement impossible, and this makes it impossible to determine with confidence as to how the detected pulse waves can be treated. Several methods of displaying the detection level of pulse waves using a display device have been devised in the past (see Patent Application Publication S62-60534).
In the above type of pulse wave processing device, the output level of a pulse wave sensor is displayed using a digital level meter in order to display the detection status of pulse waves. This allows one to place the finger at an optimal position and adjust the pressure. However, because the device displays the pulse wave level, the display on the level meter changes with the pulsation of the heart. Therefore, if the pulse count is 60 per minute, discontinuities can be determined only at a rate of one per second. Therefore, the method suffers from the drawback of not being able to confirm the optimal detection condition for the detection of pulse waves.
As another consideration, the capability for obtaining other physical data (past changes in pulses, optimal pressure, and pulse wave level) will greatly aid health management. However, conventional devices do not provide a means of obtaining this type of physical data.
This invention was accomplished in light of the above consideration. It has a purpose of providing a pulse wave processing device that is capable of providing confirmation on optimal pulse wave detection conditions at all times.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The pulse wave processing device of this invention is characterized in that it is provided with a pulse wave detection means, which, when attached to a part of a human body, detects pulse waves; a pressure detection means, which detects the force exerted between the pulse wave detection means and the body; a pulse wave processing means, which processes pulse wave signals based on the output from the pulse wave detection means; a display means, which displays the results from the pulse wave detection means; and a pressure notification means, which produces a notification based on the signals detected by the pressure detection means. These means permit continuous measurement of the pulse wave detection condition. This allows the operator to easily determine the optimal pressure to apply when detecting pulse waves, and ensures an efficient, stable measurement of pulse waves.
The pulse wave processing device may
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patent: 4995399 (1991-02-01), Hayashi et al.
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Amano Kazuhiko
Baba Norimitsu
Bahr Jennifer
Seiko Epson Corporation
Watson Mark P.
Yarnell Bryan K.
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