WO2013053996A1 - Apparatus and method for measuring heart rate - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for measuring heart rate Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013053996A1
WO2013053996A1 PCT/FI2012/050970 FI2012050970W WO2013053996A1 WO 2013053996 A1 WO2013053996 A1 WO 2013053996A1 FI 2012050970 W FI2012050970 W FI 2012050970W WO 2013053996 A1 WO2013053996 A1 WO 2013053996A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
unit
measuring
telecommunications
heart
light source
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FI2012/050970
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Michael Quarshie
Petri HÄNNINEN
Klaus Turhanen
Antti Hagqvist
Pablo Erat
Original Assignee
Stoat Technologies Oy
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Stoat Technologies Oy filed Critical Stoat Technologies Oy
Publication of WO2013053996A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013053996A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/0059—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
    • A61B5/024—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
    • A61B5/024—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate
    • A61B5/02416—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate using photoplethysmograph signals, e.g. generated by infrared radiation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
    • A61B5/024—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate
    • A61B5/02438—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate with portable devices, e.g. worn by the patient
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
    • A61B5/024—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate
    • A61B5/02444—Details of sensor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
    • A61B5/6813—Specially adapted to be attached to a specific body part
    • A61B5/6824—Arm or wrist
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
    • A61B5/683—Means for maintaining contact with the body
    • A61B5/6831—Straps, bands or harnesses
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/72—Signal processing specially adapted for physiological signals or for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/7232—Signal processing specially adapted for physiological signals or for diagnostic purposes involving compression of the physiological signal, e.g. to extend the signal recording period

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an apparatus and to a method for measuring heart rate.
  • the measuring of heart rate and the transmission of the measuring data from a wristband to a wrist computer or central unit are known in prior art. These types of measuring methods are from a wristband measuring heart rate with an electrical contact and the transmission of data with an induction transmitter, with an HF radio transmitter or UHF radio transmitter having a frequency of below 400 MHz.
  • publications DE10200903032 and HK1048426 present such solutions.
  • the transmission of heart rate data wirelessly is also known in the art, as presented in publication US2008116364P/WO2009US6234A.
  • the publication presents a garment to be worn, comprising sensors, and in the solution of the publication unprocessed data is transmitted. The data is recorded in memory before transmission, and critical parameters are sought from it.
  • Also known in the art are heart pulse rate measuring and transmission from a wristband to a wrist computer or central unit. In these inventions the data coming from the sensor(s) is transmitted as raw data. Inventions according to this are described in publications US20070285868A1, US20020147410A1. In the aforementioned publications, the amount of data to be transmitted is limited owing to the type of the data to be sent.
  • a problem in the aforementioned prior-art devices is also the acquisition of pulse rate and other heart data with an electrical connection from the skin in the chest region. That being the case, an awkward pulse rate belt must be used in the measuring procedure.
  • Another problem in the aforementioned inventions is also the rather high price caused by the awkward user interface. If the amount of data is limited, the processing of it at the transmitting end requires a lot of processing power and therefore consumes a lot of electricity and requires expensive components. That being the case, the measurement of heart functions is very limited or it is difficult over the longer term and with an inexpensive and accurate device.
  • the aim of the solution of the invention is to remedy the deficiencies of prior art.
  • the invention relates to an apparatus and to a method to measure with a sensor the basic functions of a heart, such as pulse rate, the interval between pulses, the length of the pulses and oxygen saturation, and to convey the data wirelessly to a terminal device, such as to a mobile terminal, a wrist computer, a tablet computer or other computer or to a central unit.
  • a terminal device such as to a mobile terminal, a wrist computer, a tablet computer or other computer or to a central unit.
  • the data transmitted by a sensor/sensors is processed in the apparatus before it is transmitted to the terminal device.
  • the apparatus comprises a measuring unit, a telecommunications unit and a fixing unit.
  • the fixing unit can be an adhesive sticker-type unit to be placed on the chest, wrist or elsewhere on the body, to which unit the measuring unit and/or the telecommunications unit can be detachably fixed . Since the fixing unit is fixed to an object by the aid of a sticker/type fixing, the contact of the measuring unit fixed to the measuring unit with the object to be measured remains reliable even during hard physical exercise, which is not possible in solutions according to prior art.
  • the measuring unit comprises sensors for measuring the functions of a heart, from which sensors, when placed on the skin of the object to be measured, there is an electrical and optical contact with the skin.
  • the telecommunications unit manages the operation of the apparatus, the transmission of data, and the processing of measuring data.
  • the telecommunications unit is in connection with the measuring unit or it can be fixed to the measuring unit, in which case it can also be detached from the measuring unit when e.g. it is desired to replace the measuring unit or the fixing unit.
  • the solution of the invention enables the replacement of disposable plaster-type and inexpensive fixing units because the more expensive telecommunications unit and measuring unit do not always need to be replaced or re-purchased when it is desired to replace the fixing unit.
  • Measurement of the functions of a heart is performed in the solution according to the invention with a sensor, in which both an electrical sensor and an optical sensor are used.
  • the optical sensor can comprise one or more LED light sources for measuring the aforementioned heart functions and the electrical sensor can comprise two or more electrodes for measuring heart functions.
  • a wrist computer is not necessarily needed at all, but instead a mobile phone, tablet computer or other computer, or a central unit, can function as a receiver.
  • the device can comprise a memory, in which it records measuring data and which measuring data can later be transferred to a receiving device.
  • the invention also remedies other deficiencies of prior art because the measured data can be preprocessed already at the transmitter end and the data to be transmitted is already wholly or partly processed. The invention therefore enables shorter transmissions and, via that, lower current consumption and in addition a smaller size.
  • Fig. 1 presents an apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention for measuring heart functions, wherein the measuring unit is integrated in connection with the fixing unit,
  • Fig. 2 presents an apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention for measuring heart functions, wherein the measuring unit and the telecommunications unit are integrated with each other, and
  • Fig. 3 presents a cross-section of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention for measuring heart functions, wherein the measuring unit and the telecommunications unit of the apparatus are integrated with each other.
  • the apparatus is composed of two parts to be connected to each other: an entity 100 formed from a measuring unit and a fixing unit, and a telecommunications unit 110.
  • the measuring unit comprises measuring sensors, e.g. electrical sensors and/or optical sensors for measuring heart functions, e.g. pulse rate, the interval between pulses, the length of pulses and/or oxygen saturation.
  • An electrical sensor can comprise two or more electrodes 102, with which the functions of a heart can be measured from on top of the skin of the object to be measured.
  • the embodiment of Fig. 1 comprises three electrodes 102, by the aid of which more precise measurement results can be reached than by the aid of two electrodes.
  • the voltage differences between electrodes that are caused by the pulse of the heart are measured. In this way, by the aid of the changes in voltage differences, the beats of the heart, the pulse rate and other functions of a heart are detected.
  • the optical sensor of the apparatus comprises one or more light sources 104, 106 and an optical receiver 108.
  • the light source 104, 106 can be e.g. a LED light source. If there is more than one light source, they can transmit light at a different wavelength. In one embodiment of the invention the light sources transmit light at two different wavelengths and the first light source 104 transmits light at a wavelength of red light and the second light source 106 transmits light at a wavelength of ultraviolet light.
  • the light sources 104, 106 of the sensor transmit light through the skin into blood vessels, from where it is reflected to an optical receiver.
  • the pulse of the heart affects the flow and pressure of the blood in a blood vessel, and the reflection of light changes along with the pulse of the heart. Via this change, the heart rate and other functions of a heart can be measured with the light sources 104, 106 and with the optical receiver 108.
  • the fixing unit according to the invention and the entity formed by the fixing unit and the measuring unit are small in size and essentially flexible. Adhesive or a sticker-aided contact can be used in fixing the fixing unit to the object to be measured.
  • the fixing unit can be tape-like or plaster-like in structure, in which case it can be fixed to the object to be measured easily and it stays in position even during hard physical exercise, e.g. during sports activities.
  • the telecommunications unit of the apparatus comprises a control unit 112, a transmitting unit 114 and an antenna 116. Also the telecommunications unit can be essentially flexible in structure.
  • the control unit 112 of the telecommunications unit controls the operation of the apparatus, the sensors and their operation, and the transmission of data.
  • the control unit 112 is in connection with the sensors and receives measurement results from the sensors.
  • the telecommunications unit and the measuring unit comprise connectors by the aid of which the units can be connected to each other and via which sensor data can be conveyed from the measuring unit to the telecommunications unit.
  • the control unit 112 processes the measurement results and can e.g. process the measurement results and/or compress them so that they take up less bandwidth when transmitting.
  • the transmitting unit 114 handles the transmission of the data onwards by the aid of an antenna 116, e.g. to a wrist computer, mobile phone, tablet computer or other computer, or central unit.
  • These receiving apparatuses comprise software or an apparatus, by the aid of which the sensor data transmitted is received, decompressed, processed and/or presented to the user.
  • One receiving apparatus can, simultaneously or at different times, be in connection with and receive measuring data from a number of devices measuring heart functions.
  • Fig. 2 presents an apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention for measuring heart functions, wherein the measuring unit and the telecommunications unit are integrated with each other.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 2 is composed of two parts to be connected to each other: a fixing unit 200, which can be fixed to the object to be measured, e.g. by the aid of its sticker-type or plaster-type structure, and an entity 210 formed by the measuring unit and telecommunications unit integrated into connection with each other, which entity can be fixed to the fixing unit 200 with fixing means.
  • the fixing unit 200 can also comprise a power source.
  • the entity 210 formed by the measuring unit and telecommunications unit comprises measuring sensors, e.g. optical measuring sensors and/or electrical sensors for measuring heart functions.
  • An electrical sensor can comprise two or more electrodes 102.
  • Fig. 3 presents a cross-section of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention for measuring heart functions, wherein the measuring unit and the telecommunications unit are integrated with each other.
  • the fixing of the entity 210 formed by the measuring unit and telecommunications unit to the fixing unit occurs with connectors 202 in the ends of the fixing unit.
  • the entity 210 formed by the measuring unit and telecommunications unit can be elastic and it can be fixed e.g. by threading the entity 210 formed by the measuring unit and the telecommunications unit under the connectors, in which case the connectors keep the entity 210 formed by the measuring unit and the telecommunications unit firmly in its position.
  • the apparatus also comprises an antenna 116.
  • An optical sensor of the apparatus thus comprises one or more light sources 104, 106 and an optical receiver 108.
  • the light sources can be e.g. LED light sources. If there is more than one light source, they can transmit light at a different wavelength. In one embodiment of the invention the light sources transmit light at two different wavelengths and the first light source transmits light at a wavelength of red light and the second light source transmits light at a wavelength of ultraviolet light.
  • the telecommunications unit of the apparatus can use e.g. frequencies over 2 GHz as a transmission frequency. In this way a broad frequency band can be used and a very short transmission burst can be optimized, in which however a large amount of measuring data and other data can be fitted.
  • Measuring data can be transmitted e.g. with Bluetooth, Bluetooth light, Zigbee or with some other wireless telecommunications technology. Since the data measured with the sensors is preprocessed in the control unit 112 before transmitting, it is possible to make the transmission (burst) shorter than before.
  • the telecommunications unit can be fixed to the fixing unit 200, or to the entity 100 formed by the measuring unit and the fixing unit, with fixing means, e.g. with stickers, buttons or snap-on buttons i.e. poppers.
  • the telecommunications unit and/or the measuring unit are separate parts to the fixing unit, so that e.g. the fixing unit can be replaced.
  • the fixing unit can be a disposable and inexpensive part, of which the user can purchase a number of units.
  • the price of the telecommunications unit can be higher than the price of the fixing unit and it is therefore good that it can be used again and with a new fixing unit.
  • the data to be transmitted from the apparatus can be partly or wholly encrypted.
  • Data transfer and telecommunications between the apparatus measuring heart functions and the receiving apparatus can be bidirectional, in which case e.g. the receiving device can transmit settings or other data to the apparatus measuring heart functions.
  • the device can comprise a memory, in which it records measuring data and which measuring data can later be transferred to a receiving device.
  • the invention thus relates to an apparatus for measuring the functions of a heart, which apparatus comprises at least two electrodes 102 for measuring the functions of a heart and a telecommunications unit, which comprises an antenna 116 and which is configured to transmit wirelessly the measuring data of heart functions.
  • the apparatus further comprises a measuring unit and an optical measuring sensor for measuring heart functions, which optical measuring sensor comprises at least one light source 104, 106 and an optical receiver 108.
  • the electrodes 102 and the optical measuring sensor are fitted into the measuring unit, and the apparatus further comprises a fixing unit, to which the measuring unit and/or the telecommunications unit can be detachably fixed, which fixing unit is essentially elastic and can be fixed to the object to be measured, e.g. with a sticker or with an adhesive.
  • the telecommunications unit is configured to receive the measuring data of the optical measuring sensor of the measuring unit and/or of the electrodes 102 and to transmit wirelessly the processed and/or unprocessed measuring data of the optical measuring sensor of the measuring unit and/or of the electrodes 102.
  • the telecommunications unit is in connection with the measuring unit or it is configured to be fixed in connection with the measuring unit.
  • the measuring unit is integrated in connection with the fixing unit and the telecommunications unit can be fixed with fixing means to the entity formed by the fixing unit and the measuring unit.
  • the measuring unit is integrated in connection with the telecommunications unit and the entity formed by the telecommunications unit and the measuring unit can be fixed with fixing means to the fixing unit.
  • the light source 104, 106 of the optical receiver is a LED light source.
  • the optical measuring sensor comprises two light sources 104, 106, a first and a second light source, which are LED light sources, which are configured to transmit at a different wavelength to each other.
  • the first light source 104 is a LED light source transmitting a wavelength of red light and the second light source 106 is a LED light source transmitting a wavelength of UV light.
  • the measuring unit is configured to measure the functions of a heart, which are pulse rate, the interval between pulses, the length of pulses and/or oxygen saturation.
  • the fixing unit is an essentially structurally thin, plaster-type unit and comprises a sticker surface, with which the fixing unit can be fixed to an object.
  • the telecommunications unit is fixed to the measuring unit and/or to the fixing unit with fixing means, e.g. with stickers, buttons or snap-on buttons i.e. poppers.
  • the telecommunications unit is configured to transmit measuring data to a mobile phone, tablet device, computer, wrist computer or central unit.
  • the telecommunications unit is configured to transmit measuring data wirelessly at frequencies above 2 GHz and using Bluetooth, Bluetooth light, Zigbee or other corresponding wireless telecommunications technologies.
  • the invention also relates to a method for measuring heart functions with an apparatus, which apparatus comprises at least two electrodes 102, which measure the functions of a heart, and a telecommunications unit, which comprises an antenna 116 and which telecommunications unit transmits wirelessly the measuring data of the functions of a heart.
  • the apparatus further comprises a measuring unit and an optical measuring sensor, which optical measuring sensor measures the functions of a heart, which optical measuring sensor comprises at least one light source 104, 106 and an optical receiver 108, and wherein the electrodes 102 and the optical measuring sensor are fitted into the measuring unit, and the apparatus further comprises a fixing unit, to which the telecommunications unit and/or the measuring unit are detachably fixed, which fixing unit is essentially elastic and can be fixed to the object to be measured, e.g. with a sticker or with an adhesive.
  • the telecommunications receives the measuring data of the optical measuring sensor of the measuring unit and/or of the electrodes 102 relating to the functioning of the heart, the telecommunications unit processes and/or compresses the measuring data the telecommunications unit transmits wirelessly the processed and/or compressed measuring data of the optical measuring sensor of the measuring unit and/or of the electrodes 102.
  • the light source 104, 106 of the optical receiver is a LED light source.
  • the optical measuring sensor comprises two light sources 104, 106, a first and a second light source, which are LED light sources, which transmit at a different wavelength to each other.
  • the first light source 104 transmits a wavelength of red light and the second light source 106 transmits a wavelength of UV light.
  • the measuring unit measures functions of a heart, which are pulse rate, the interval between pulses, the length of pulses and/or oxygen saturation.
  • the telecommunications unit transmits measuring data to a mobile phone, tablet PC, computer, wrist computer or central unit.
  • the telecommunications unit transmits measuring data wirelessly at frequencies above 2 GHz and uses Bluetooth, Bluetooth light, Zigbee or other corresponding wireless telecommunications technologies. It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the different embodiments of the invention are not limited solely to the examples described above, and that they may therefore be varied within the scope of the claims presented below. The characteristic features possibly presented in the description in conjunction with other characteristic features can also, if necessary, be used separately to each other.

Abstract

Apparatus for measuring functions of a heart, which apparatus comprises at least two electrodes (102) for measuring the functions of a heart and a telecommunications unit, which comprises an antenna (116) and which is configured to transmit wirelessly the measuring data of heart functions. The apparatus further comprises a measuring unit and an optical measuring sensor for measuring heart functions, which optical measuring sensor comprises at least one light source (104, 106) and an optical receiver (108). The electrodes (102) and the optical measuring sensor are fitted into the measuring unit. The apparatus further comprises a fixing unit, to which the measuring unit and/or the telecommunications unit can be detachably fixed and which fixing unit is essentially elastic and can be fixed to the object to be measured, e.g. with a sticker or with an adhesive. The telecommunications unit is configured to process and transmit wirelessly the processed and/or unprocessed measuring data of the optical measuring sensor of the measuring unit and/or of the electrodes (102). The telecommunications unit is in connection with the measuring unit or it is configured to be fixed in connection with the measuring unit.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEASURING HEART RATE
The invention relates to an apparatus and to a method for measuring heart rate.
Background of the invention
The measuring of heart rate and the transmission of the measuring data from a wristband to a wrist computer or central unit are known in prior art. These types of measuring methods are from a wristband measuring heart rate with an electrical contact and the transmission of data with an induction transmitter, with an HF radio transmitter or UHF radio transmitter having a frequency of below 400 MHz. For example, publications DE10200903032 and HK1048426 present such solutions.
Also known in the art is a method to measure the pulse rate and oxygen saturation from a fingertip and examples of such are presented in publications US2008116364P and US2004613785P. The solutions of these publications do not enable rapid physical exercise during the measurement. Methods of optical measurement of heart rate are presented in e.g. publication US 2003233051 and US 2010113948. The publications refer to sensors having a light source and an optical receiver, and by the aid of which the functions of a human heart can be measured. In optical measurement, light is directed onto the surface of the skin, from where it is reflected to an optical receiver or it penetrates through the tissue to an optical receiver. The beating of the heart affects the flow and pressure of the blood in a blood vessel, and the reflection of light or its passage through the tissue changes along with the heartbeat. Via this change, the heart rate can be measured with a light source and an optical receiver.
The transmission of heart rate data wirelessly is also known in the art, as presented in publication US2008116364P/WO2009US6234A. The publication presents a garment to be worn, comprising sensors, and in the solution of the publication unprocessed data is transmitted. The data is recorded in memory before transmission, and critical parameters are sought from it. Also known in the art are heart pulse rate measuring and transmission from a wristband to a wrist computer or central unit. In these inventions the data coming from the sensor(s) is transmitted as raw data. Inventions according to this are described in publications US20070285868A1, US20020147410A1. In the aforementioned publications, the amount of data to be transmitted is limited owing to the type of the data to be sent. An apparatus is also known from publication US20060247549, wherein the signal is processed with a heavy-duty microprocessor. In the solutions in which heart rate data and other data related to the functioning of the heart are transmitted wirelessly, the transmission frequency in prior art is below 400 MHz, in which case the transmission of the data to be transmitted from the transmitter takes a lot of time, and therefore drains the current source, or another possibility is the transmission of a very low volume of data.
A problem in the aforementioned prior-art devices is also the acquisition of pulse rate and other heart data with an electrical connection from the skin in the chest region. That being the case, an awkward pulse rate belt must be used in the measuring procedure. Another problem in the aforementioned inventions is also the rather high price caused by the awkward user interface. If the amount of data is limited, the processing of it at the transmitting end requires a lot of processing power and therefore consumes a lot of electricity and requires expensive components. That being the case, the measurement of heart functions is very limited or it is difficult over the longer term and with an inexpensive and accurate device.
Brief description of the invention
The aim of the solution of the invention is to remedy the deficiencies of prior art. The invention relates to an apparatus and to a method to measure with a sensor the basic functions of a heart, such as pulse rate, the interval between pulses, the length of the pulses and oxygen saturation, and to convey the data wirelessly to a terminal device, such as to a mobile terminal, a wrist computer, a tablet computer or other computer or to a central unit. The data transmitted by a sensor/sensors is processed in the apparatus before it is transmitted to the terminal device.
The apparatus according to the invention comprises a measuring unit, a telecommunications unit and a fixing unit. The fixing unit can be an adhesive sticker-type unit to be placed on the chest, wrist or elsewhere on the body, to which unit the measuring unit and/or the telecommunications unit can be detachably fixed . Since the fixing unit is fixed to an object by the aid of a sticker/type fixing, the contact of the measuring unit fixed to the measuring unit with the object to be measured remains reliable even during hard physical exercise, which is not possible in solutions according to prior art. The measuring unit comprises sensors for measuring the functions of a heart, from which sensors, when placed on the skin of the object to be measured, there is an electrical and optical contact with the skin. The telecommunications unit manages the operation of the apparatus, the transmission of data, and the processing of measuring data. The telecommunications unit is in connection with the measuring unit or it can be fixed to the measuring unit, in which case it can also be detached from the measuring unit when e.g. it is desired to replace the measuring unit or the fixing unit. The solution of the invention enables the replacement of disposable plaster-type and inexpensive fixing units because the more expensive telecommunications unit and measuring unit do not always need to be replaced or re-purchased when it is desired to replace the fixing unit.
Measurement of the functions of a heart is performed in the solution according to the invention with a sensor, in which both an electrical sensor and an optical sensor are used. The optical sensor can comprise one or more LED light sources for measuring the aforementioned heart functions and the electrical sensor can comprise two or more electrodes for measuring heart functions. By means of the solution according to the invention the contact with the skin of the object to be measured is not only electrical or only optical, in which case with the solution according to the invention more accurate measurement results are reached than in prior-art solutions, in which only one measuring technology is used.
The advantages of the structure described above and of the measurement of the functions of a heart operating with both an optical and an electrical measuring method are also the very small surface area needed in the measuring unit, extremely low current consumption, and versatile data acquisition directly from a blood vessel. Sensors based on one prior-art measuring technology do not reach the same measuring precision or reliability in such a small size as the apparatus based on optical and electrical measurement according to the invention.
With the solution according to the invention a wrist computer is not necessarily needed at all, but instead a mobile phone, tablet computer or other computer, or a central unit, can function as a receiver. In one embodiment of the invention the device can comprise a memory, in which it records measuring data and which measuring data can later be transferred to a receiving device. The invention also remedies other deficiencies of prior art because the measured data can be preprocessed already at the transmitter end and the data to be transmitted is already wholly or partly processed. The invention therefore enables shorter transmissions and, via that, lower current consumption and in addition a smaller size.
Brief description of the figures
In the following, the invention will be described in more detail by the aid some examples of its embodiment with reference to the drawings, wherein,
Fig. 1 presents an apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention for measuring heart functions, wherein the measuring unit is integrated in connection with the fixing unit,
Fig. 2 presents an apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention for measuring heart functions, wherein the measuring unit and the telecommunications unit are integrated with each other, and
Fig. 3 presents a cross-section of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention for measuring heart functions, wherein the measuring unit and the telecommunications unit of the apparatus are integrated with each other.
Detailed description of the invention
In the solution according to the invention the functions of a heart are measured with an apparatus, one embodiment of which is presented in Fig. 1. The apparatus is composed of two parts to be connected to each other: an entity 100 formed from a measuring unit and a fixing unit, and a telecommunications unit 110. The measuring unit comprises measuring sensors, e.g. electrical sensors and/or optical sensors for measuring heart functions, e.g. pulse rate, the interval between pulses, the length of pulses and/or oxygen saturation. An electrical sensor can comprise two or more electrodes 102, with which the functions of a heart can be measured from on top of the skin of the object to be measured. The embodiment of Fig. 1 comprises three electrodes 102, by the aid of which more precise measurement results can be reached than by the aid of two electrodes. In an electrical sensor the voltage differences between electrodes that are caused by the pulse of the heart are measured. In this way, by the aid of the changes in voltage differences, the beats of the heart, the pulse rate and other functions of a heart are detected.
The optical sensor of the apparatus comprises one or more light sources 104, 106 and an optical receiver 108. The light source 104, 106 can be e.g. a LED light source. If there is more than one light source, they can transmit light at a different wavelength. In one embodiment of the invention the light sources transmit light at two different wavelengths and the first light source 104 transmits light at a wavelength of red light and the second light source 106 transmits light at a wavelength of ultraviolet light. There can be one or more optical receivers in a measuring unit but the light transmitted by a number of different light sources 104, 106 can be received also with one optical receiver, especially if they transmit light at different wavelengths. In an optical sensor, the light sources 104, 106 of the sensor transmit light through the skin into blood vessels, from where it is reflected to an optical receiver. The pulse of the heart affects the flow and pressure of the blood in a blood vessel, and the reflection of light changes along with the pulse of the heart. Via this change, the heart rate and other functions of a heart can be measured with the light sources 104, 106 and with the optical receiver 108.
The fixing unit according to the invention and the entity formed by the fixing unit and the measuring unit are small in size and essentially flexible. Adhesive or a sticker-aided contact can be used in fixing the fixing unit to the object to be measured. The fixing unit can be tape-like or plaster-like in structure, in which case it can be fixed to the object to be measured easily and it stays in position even during hard physical exercise, e.g. during sports activities.
The telecommunications unit of the apparatus comprises a control unit 112, a transmitting unit 114 and an antenna 116. Also the telecommunications unit can be essentially flexible in structure. The control unit 112 of the telecommunications unit controls the operation of the apparatus, the sensors and their operation, and the transmission of data. The control unit 112 is in connection with the sensors and receives measurement results from the sensors. The telecommunications unit and the measuring unit comprise connectors by the aid of which the units can be connected to each other and via which sensor data can be conveyed from the measuring unit to the telecommunications unit. The control unit 112 processes the measurement results and can e.g. process the measurement results and/or compress them so that they take up less bandwidth when transmitting. By processing or compressing measurement results, the amount of their data can be reduced by e.g. 15 - 20 percent of the original. The transmitting unit 114 handles the transmission of the data onwards by the aid of an antenna 116, e.g. to a wrist computer, mobile phone, tablet computer or other computer, or central unit. These receiving apparatuses comprise software or an apparatus, by the aid of which the sensor data transmitted is received, decompressed, processed and/or presented to the user. One receiving apparatus can, simultaneously or at different times, be in connection with and receive measuring data from a number of devices measuring heart functions.
Fig. 2 presents an apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention for measuring heart functions, wherein the measuring unit and the telecommunications unit are integrated with each other. The apparatus of Fig. 2 is composed of two parts to be connected to each other: a fixing unit 200, which can be fixed to the object to be measured, e.g. by the aid of its sticker-type or plaster-type structure, and an entity 210 formed by the measuring unit and telecommunications unit integrated into connection with each other, which entity can be fixed to the fixing unit 200 with fixing means. The fixing unit 200 can also comprise a power source. The entity 210 formed by the measuring unit and telecommunications unit comprises measuring sensors, e.g. optical measuring sensors and/or electrical sensors for measuring heart functions. An electrical sensor can comprise two or more electrodes 102.
Fig. 3 presents a cross-section of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention for measuring heart functions, wherein the measuring unit and the telecommunications unit are integrated with each other. In the embodiment presented by Fig. 3 the fixing of the entity 210 formed by the measuring unit and telecommunications unit to the fixing unit occurs with connectors 202 in the ends of the fixing unit. The entity 210 formed by the measuring unit and telecommunications unit can be elastic and it can be fixed e.g. by threading the entity 210 formed by the measuring unit and the telecommunications unit under the connectors, in which case the connectors keep the entity 210 formed by the measuring unit and the telecommunications unit firmly in its position. The apparatus also comprises an antenna 116.
Otherwise the functionality and parts of the embodiment presented by Figs. 2 and 3 are similar to those in the embodiment of Fig. 1.
An optical sensor of the apparatus according to the invention thus comprises one or more light sources 104, 106 and an optical receiver 108. The light sources can be e.g. LED light sources. If there is more than one light source, they can transmit light at a different wavelength. In one embodiment of the invention the light sources transmit light at two different wavelengths and the first light source transmits light at a wavelength of red light and the second light source transmits light at a wavelength of ultraviolet light. There can be one or more optical receivers in a measuring unit but the light transmitted by a number of different light sources can be received also with one optical receiver, especially if they transmit light at different wavelengths.
The telecommunications unit of the apparatus according to the invention can use e.g. frequencies over 2 GHz as a transmission frequency. In this way a broad frequency band can be used and a very short transmission burst can be optimized, in which however a large amount of measuring data and other data can be fitted. Measuring data can be transmitted e.g. with Bluetooth, Bluetooth light, Zigbee or with some other wireless telecommunications technology. Since the data measured with the sensors is preprocessed in the control unit 112 before transmitting, it is possible to make the transmission (burst) shorter than before. The telecommunications unit can be fixed to the fixing unit 200, or to the entity 100 formed by the measuring unit and the fixing unit, with fixing means, e.g. with stickers, buttons or snap-on buttons i.e. poppers.
The telecommunications unit and/or the measuring unit are separate parts to the fixing unit, so that e.g. the fixing unit can be replaced. This is advantageous in a situation in which the fixing unit is of the sticker type or plaster type, and it is desired to be replaced after each time of use. Thus the fixing unit can be a disposable and inexpensive part, of which the user can purchase a number of units. The price of the telecommunications unit can be higher than the price of the fixing unit and it is therefore good that it can be used again and with a new fixing unit.
In one embodiment of the invention the data to be transmitted from the apparatus can be partly or wholly encrypted. Data transfer and telecommunications between the apparatus measuring heart functions and the receiving apparatus can be bidirectional, in which case e.g. the receiving device can transmit settings or other data to the apparatus measuring heart functions. In one embodiment of the invention the device can comprise a memory, in which it records measuring data and which measuring data can later be transferred to a receiving device. The invention thus relates to an apparatus for measuring the functions of a heart, which apparatus comprises at least two electrodes 102 for measuring the functions of a heart and a telecommunications unit, which comprises an antenna 116 and which is configured to transmit wirelessly the measuring data of heart functions. The apparatus further comprises a measuring unit and an optical measuring sensor for measuring heart functions, which optical measuring sensor comprises at least one light source 104, 106 and an optical receiver 108. The electrodes 102 and the optical measuring sensor are fitted into the measuring unit, and the apparatus further comprises a fixing unit, to which the measuring unit and/or the telecommunications unit can be detachably fixed, which fixing unit is essentially elastic and can be fixed to the object to be measured, e.g. with a sticker or with an adhesive. The telecommunications unit is configured to receive the measuring data of the optical measuring sensor of the measuring unit and/or of the electrodes 102 and to transmit wirelessly the processed and/or unprocessed measuring data of the optical measuring sensor of the measuring unit and/or of the electrodes 102. The telecommunications unit is in connection with the measuring unit or it is configured to be fixed in connection with the measuring unit.
According to one embodiment of the invention the measuring unit is integrated in connection with the fixing unit and the telecommunications unit can be fixed with fixing means to the entity formed by the fixing unit and the measuring unit.
According to one embodiment of the invention the measuring unit is integrated in connection with the telecommunications unit and the entity formed by the telecommunications unit and the measuring unit can be fixed with fixing means to the fixing unit.
According to one embodiment of the invention the light source 104, 106 of the optical receiver is a LED light source. According to one embodiment of the invention the optical measuring sensor comprises two light sources 104, 106, a first and a second light source, which are LED light sources, which are configured to transmit at a different wavelength to each other.
According to one embodiment of the invention the first light source 104 is a LED light source transmitting a wavelength of red light and the second light source 106 is a LED light source transmitting a wavelength of UV light.
According to one embodiment of the invention the measuring unit is configured to measure the functions of a heart, which are pulse rate, the interval between pulses, the length of pulses and/or oxygen saturation.
According to one embodiment of the invention the fixing unit is an essentially structurally thin, plaster-type unit and comprises a sticker surface, with which the fixing unit can be fixed to an object. According to one embodiment of the invention the telecommunications unit is fixed to the measuring unit and/or to the fixing unit with fixing means, e.g. with stickers, buttons or snap-on buttons i.e. poppers.
According to one embodiment of the invention the telecommunications unit is configured to transmit measuring data to a mobile phone, tablet device, computer, wrist computer or central unit.
According to one embodiment of the invention the telecommunications unit is configured to transmit measuring data wirelessly at frequencies above 2 GHz and using Bluetooth, Bluetooth light, Zigbee or other corresponding wireless telecommunications technologies.
The invention also relates to a method for measuring heart functions with an apparatus, which apparatus comprises at least two electrodes 102, which measure the functions of a heart, and a telecommunications unit, which comprises an antenna 116 and which telecommunications unit transmits wirelessly the measuring data of the functions of a heart. The apparatus further comprises a measuring unit and an optical measuring sensor, which optical measuring sensor measures the functions of a heart, which optical measuring sensor comprises at least one light source 104, 106 and an optical receiver 108, and wherein the electrodes 102 and the optical measuring sensor are fitted into the measuring unit, and the apparatus further comprises a fixing unit, to which the telecommunications unit and/or the measuring unit are detachably fixed, which fixing unit is essentially elastic and can be fixed to the object to be measured, e.g. with a sticker or with an adhesive. In the method the telecommunications receives the measuring data of the optical measuring sensor of the measuring unit and/or of the electrodes 102 relating to the functioning of the heart, the telecommunications unit processes and/or compresses the measuring data the telecommunications unit transmits wirelessly the processed and/or compressed measuring data of the optical measuring sensor of the measuring unit and/or of the electrodes 102.
According to one embodiment of the invention the light source 104, 106 of the optical receiver is a LED light source.
According to one embodiment of the invention the optical measuring sensor comprises two light sources 104, 106, a first and a second light source, which are LED light sources, which transmit at a different wavelength to each other.
According to one embodiment of the invention the first light source 104 transmits a wavelength of red light and the second light source 106 transmits a wavelength of UV light.
According to one embodiment of the invention the measuring unit measures functions of a heart, which are pulse rate, the interval between pulses, the length of pulses and/or oxygen saturation.
According to one embodiment of the invention the telecommunications unit transmits measuring data to a mobile phone, tablet PC, computer, wrist computer or central unit.
According to one embodiment of the invention the telecommunications unit transmits measuring data wirelessly at frequencies above 2 GHz and uses Bluetooth, Bluetooth light, Zigbee or other corresponding wireless telecommunications technologies. It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the different embodiments of the invention are not limited solely to the examples described above, and that they may therefore be varied within the scope of the claims presented below. The characteristic features possibly presented in the description in conjunction with other characteristic features can also, if necessary, be used separately to each other.

Claims

1. Apparatus for measuring the functions of a heart, which apparatus comprises at least two electrodes (102) for measuring the functions of a heart and a telecommunications unit, which comprises an antenna (116) and which is configured to transmit wirelessly the measuring data of heart functions,
characterized in that
the apparatus further comprises a measuring unit and
an optical measuring sensor for measuring heart functions, which optical measuring sensor comprises at least one light source (104, 106) and an optical receiver (108),
wherein the electrodes (102) and the optical measuring sensor are fitted into the measuring unit, and
the apparatus further comprises, a fixing unit, to which the measuring unit and/or the telecommunications unit can be detachably fixed, which fixing unit is essentially elastic and can be fixed to the object to be measured, e.g. with a sticker or with an adhesive, and
wherein the telecommunications unit is configured to receive the measuring data of the optical measuring sensor of the measuring unit and/or of the electrodes (102) and to transmit wirelessly the processed and/or unprocessed measuring data of the optical measuring sensor of the measuring unit and/or of the electrodes (102) and
the telecommunications unit is in connection with the measuring unit or it is configured to be fixed in connection with the measuring unit.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measuring unit is integrated in connection with the fixing unit and the telecommunications unit can be fixed with fixing means to the entity formed by the fixing unit and the measuring unit.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measuring unit is integrated in connection with the telecommunications unit and the entity formed by the telecommunications unit and the measuring unit can be fixed with fixing means to the fixing unit.
4. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the light source (104, 106) of the optical receiver is a LED light source.
5. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the optical measuring sensor comprises two light sources (104, 106), a first and a second light source, which are LED light sources, which are configured to transmit at a different wavelength to each other.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first light source (104) is a LED light source transmitting a wavelength of red light and the second light source (106) is a LED light source transmitting a wavelength of UV light.
7. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring unit is configured to measure the functions of a heart, which are pulse rate, the interval between pulses, the length of pulses and/or oxygen saturation.
8. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing unit is an essentially structurally thin, plaster-type unit and comprises a sticker surface, with which the fixing unit can be fixed to an object.
9. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the telecommunications unit is fixed to the fixing unit with fixing means, e.g. with stickers, buttons or snap-on buttons i.e. poppers.
10. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the telecommunications unit is configured to transmit measuring data to a mobile phone, tablet device, computer, wrist computer or central unit.
11. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the telecommunications unit is configured to transmit measuring data wirelessly at frequencies above 2 GHz and using Bluetooth, Bluetooth light, Zigbee or other corresponding wireless telecommunications technologies.
12. Method for measuring heart functions with an apparatus, which apparatus comprises at least two electrodes (102), which measure the functions of a heart, and a telecommunications unit, which comprises an antenna (116) and which telecommunications unit transmits wirelessly the measuring data of the functions of a heart, characterized in that
the apparatus further comprises a measuring unit and an optical measuring sensor, which optical measuring sensor measures the functions of a heart, which optical measuring sensor comprises at least one light source (104, 106) and an optical receiver (108), and wherein the electrodes (102) and the optical measuring sensor are fitted into the measuring unit, and the apparatus further comprises a fixing unit, to which the telecommunications unit and/or the measuring unit can be detachably fixed and which fixing unit is essentially elastic and can be fixed to the object to be measured, e.g. with a sticker or with an adhesive, and
in which method the telecommunications receives the measuring data of the optical measuring sensor of the measuring unit and/or of the electrodes (102) relating to the functioning of the heart,
the telecommunications unit processes and/or compresses the measuring data and
the telecommunications unit transmits wirelessly the processed and/or compressed measuring data of the optical measuring sensor of the measuring unit and/or of the electrodes (102).
13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the light source (104, 106) of the optical receiver is a LED light source.
14. Method according to any of claims 12 - 13, wherein the optical measuring sensor comprises two light sources (104, 106), a first and a second light source, which are LED light sources, which are configured to transmit at a different wavelength to each other.
15. Method according to claim 14, wherein the first light source (104) transmits a wavelength of red light and the second light source
(106) transmits a wavelength of UV light.
16. Method according to any of claims 12 - 15, wherein the measuring unit measures functions of a heart, which are pulse rate, the interval between pulses, the length of pulses and/or oxygen saturation.
17. Method according to any of claims 12 - 16, wherein the telecommunications unit transmits measuring data to a mobile phone, tablet device, computer, wrist computer or central unit.
18. Method according to any of claims 12 - 17, wherein the telecommunications unit transmits measuring data wirelessly at frequencies above 2 GHz and uses Bluetooth, Bluetooth light, Zigbee or other corresponding wireless telecommunications technologies.
PCT/FI2012/050970 2011-10-13 2012-10-09 Apparatus and method for measuring heart rate WO2013053996A1 (en)

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FI20116016A FI20116016L (en) 2011-10-13 2011-10-13 Device and method for measuring heartbeats

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WO2003065926A2 (en) * 2001-07-16 2003-08-14 Irvine Sensors Corporation Wearable biomonitor with flexible thinned integrated circuit
US20070142715A1 (en) * 2005-12-20 2007-06-21 Triage Wireless, Inc. Chest strap for measuring vital signs
US20100056880A1 (en) * 2006-11-23 2010-03-04 Ok Kyung Cho Medical measuring device
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WO2011076886A2 (en) * 2009-12-23 2011-06-30 Delta, Dansk Elektronik, Lys Og Akustik A monitoring device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003065926A2 (en) * 2001-07-16 2003-08-14 Irvine Sensors Corporation Wearable biomonitor with flexible thinned integrated circuit
US20070142715A1 (en) * 2005-12-20 2007-06-21 Triage Wireless, Inc. Chest strap for measuring vital signs
US20100056880A1 (en) * 2006-11-23 2010-03-04 Ok Kyung Cho Medical measuring device
US20110066044A1 (en) * 2009-09-15 2011-03-17 Jim Moon Body-worn vital sign monitor
WO2011076886A2 (en) * 2009-12-23 2011-06-30 Delta, Dansk Elektronik, Lys Og Akustik A monitoring device

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