JPH06197873A - Pulsation wave sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] To enable high-accuracy pulse diagnosis using the Ayurvedic method. [Structure] Band-shaped strain gauges 81 to 84 are bonded in parallel to the finger length direction on the finger pad of the rubber glove 5 for surgery. When the examiner wears the rubber gloves 5 and presses the finger along the radial artery of the subject, the strain gauges 81 to 84 detect the pressure distribution in the width direction of the finger.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pulse wave sensor suitable for pulse diagnosis.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in Chinese medicine, a method in which a diagnostician's finger is pressed against three points (dimension, seki, and shaku) of a subject's arm along the radial artery and pulse diagnosis is performed by this )It has been known. In addition, a pulsing device for automatically making a diagnosis by a piecing method using a piezoelectric element has also been proposed (Japanese Patent Publication No. 57-52054).

On the other hand, in India, traditional medicine called Ayurveda has been known since ancient times. The outline will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b). First, the examiner gently presses his / her finger on a portion of the subject's arm along the radial artery. Here, the diagnosis points are the three points shown in FIG. 4 (a), which are referred to as vata (V), pitta (P) and kapa (K), respectively, and are similar to the dimensions, functions and scales in Chinese medicine. . That is, the examiner presses the vata (V) with the second finger, the pitta (P) with the third finger, and the kapha (K) with the fourth finger in FIG. 4A.

Next, the examiner diagnoses the pulse condition and strength of the subject at points 1 to 4 of "4" per finger as shown in FIG. . Therefore,
For three fingers, there are a total of "12" diagnostic points.

[0005]

By the way, the pulse diagnosis by the mouth method does not require any special ability for acquisition, and as described in the above Japanese Patent Publication No. 57-52054, it is used for pulse diagnosis. The sensor can also be constructed relatively easily. However, the examination possible by the technique described in this publication is only to detect the pulse waves at three points in the process of pressurizing the sensor and gradually depressurizing the sensor, the number of data obtained is small, and highly accurate diagnosis is possible. There is a problem that it is difficult.

On the other hand, in pulse diagnosis by Ayurveda, it is considered that more accurate diagnosis can be performed because a large amount of data is obtained. However, those who can perform pulse diagnosis by the Ayurvedic method are limited to those who have extremely sensitive fingertips, and are required to have the ability to be said to be one in thousands or one in tens of thousands.
Further, even those who have such a keen sense cannot make an accurate diagnosis unless they are trained for many years. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pulse wave sensor capable of easily performing highly accurate pulse diagnosis.

[0007]

In order to solve the above problems, according to the present invention, a thin film member to be attached to a finger of an examiner, the thin film member fixed to the thin film member, and the thin film member being attached to the finger. And a detection means for detecting a pressure distribution in the width direction of the finger when the finger is worn on the finger pad.

[0008]

When the examiner wears the thin film member on the finger and presses the finger along the pulse of the subject, the pressure distribution in the width direction of the finger is detected by the detecting means. Since this pressure distribution is determined according to the medical condition of the subject, it becomes possible to determine the medical condition.

[0009]

EXAMPLES A. Prerequisites for Embodiments The present inventors made various sensors as prototypes before reaching the embodiments described later in order to solve the above problems. First, considering that there are “4” diagnostic points per finger in Ayurveda, it is considered that automatic diagnosis can be performed by providing a strain gauge at each diagnostic point. Therefore, the present inventors prototyped a pulse wave sensor as shown in FIG.

In the illustrated example, rubber gloves for surgery 5
The linear strain gauges 61 to 64 are fixed in parallel to the finger pad of the. Next, the rubber glove 5 is attached to the hand of the diagnosing person, the fingertips are pressed against the diagnosing portion of the arm of the subject, and the resistance values of the strain gauges 61 to 64 are measured. Is considered possible.

However, in the above-mentioned prototype, favorable results were not obtained. That is, each strain gauge 61 to 6
When the resistance value of 4 is measured, waveforms corresponding to the pulse wave are certainly obtained, but when these waveforms are diagnosed by the diagnostic method handed down by Ayurveda, the diagnostic results and the medical condition of the subject do not match. is there.

The present inventors have considered such a problem and obtained the following hypothesis. First, in Ayurveda, it has been handed down that the number of diagnostic points on the finger pad is "4", which are points P1 to P shown in FIG.
There is a possibility that the pressure distribution was not measured in a dot-like pattern as in No. 4, but was measured in a continuous region in the width direction of the finger pad.

That is, the Ayurvedic diagnostician
Actually, we sense the pressure distribution in a continuous region on the finger pad, but no matter how good a person is, there is a limit to the human tactile resolution, and that limit is "4", that is, the tradition. It can be inferred that it is the number of points.

Secondly, in the structure shown in FIG.
There may be a problem in that only strain in the length direction of the finger can be measured. That is, if the strength of the pulse is simply measured, the configuration shown in FIG. 5 (a) may be sufficient, but it can be inferred that the Ayurvedic diagnostician also perceives a subtle vibration in the width direction of the finger. it can.

Even if any of the above hypotheses is valid,
It seems that the defect can be eliminated by detecting the strain in the width direction as well as the length direction of the finger pad. Then, next, the pulse wave sensor shown in FIG. 5B was prototyped. In the illustrated example, the band-shaped strain gauges 71 to 71 are provided on the finger pad of the rubber glove 5.
74 are fixed in parallel. In addition, strain gauges 71 to 7
4 is integrally formed. However, when the same diagnosis as described above was performed using this pulse wave sensor, the diagnosis result and the medical condition of the subject still did not match.

Then, when the above troubles are examined again, in the configuration of FIG.
Since 74 is integrally formed, it seems that interference may occur between the strain gauges. The above is the premise of the embodiment, and one embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

B. Configuration of Embodiment and Configuration of Motion Sensor FIG. 1 is a plan view of a pulse wave sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 81 to 84 are strip-shaped strain gauges, which are arranged in the finger pad of the rubber glove 5 in parallel with the length direction. The thickness of the rubber gloves 5 is about "200".
μm ”, and as a means for fixing the strain gauges 81 to 84 to the rubber glove 5, a general gauge adhesive may be used.

Here, the details of the strain gauges 81 to 84 will be described. The strain gauges 81 to 84 are thin gauges,
Gauge rate “2.1”, resistance “120Ω”, width (D)
"2.8 mm", length (L) "9.4 mm", thickness "1"
5 μm ”. Next, the entire width (M) of the strain gauges 81 to 84 is set to about “12 mm” corresponding to the contact width when the finger of the diagnostician is lightly pressed against the arm of the subject. Therefore, the distance (S) between each gauge is about "0.27m.
m ”.

Structure of Pulse Wave Measuring Device Next, the structure of the pulse wave measuring device using the strain gauges 81 to 84 will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, the strain gauge 81 and the resistor 12 are connected in series, and a predetermined DC voltage E is applied by the power supply 11. Therefore, a voltage Vi according to the resistance ratio is generated at both ends of the strain gauge 81. A DC cutoff filter 13 removes the DC component of the voltage Vi and outputs it.

The output signal of the DC cutoff filter 13 is amplified by the amplifier 14 and output through the low pass filter 15 having a cutoff frequency of "20 Hz". Then, the output voltage Vo of the low pass filter 15 is recorded by a recorder (not shown) or the like. 2 is a strain gauge 81
However, similar devices are provided for the other strain gauges 82 to 84, respectively.

Operation of the Embodiment In the above-mentioned structure, the diagnostician puts on the rubber glove 5 in one hand, and the subject's vata (V) has the second finger, pitta (P) has the third finger, and kapa (K) has the fourth finger. Press each finger. In this state, a total of "12" strain gauges output the voltages Vi in accordance with the pulsation of the subject. These voltages Vi
The direct current component is removed by the corresponding direct current cut-off filter 13, and is output and recorded via the corresponding amplifier 14 and low pass filter 15, respectively.

C. Diagnostic Examples Next, various diagnostic examples will be described in which the findings of Western medicine are compared with the results of Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis based on the pulse waves observed using the pulse wave measuring device. Chronic rhinitis In this example, the subject is a 28 year old male, who has been diagnosed with chronic rhinitis by Western medical findings.

The pulse wave measurement results of the subject are shown in FIG.
It is shown in (c). Here, the vertical scale of FIG.
It is twice as large as the scale shown in FIGS. In addition,
This is because of the convenience of measurement that prevents the waveform from swinging out. Therefore, it can be seen that the amplitude of the waveform in vata (V) is larger than that of the other waveforms. Further, focusing on the measurement result of FIG. 8A relating to vata (V), first and second points (see FIG. 4B)
It can be seen that the amplitude of the pulse wave at is extremely large as compared with the amplitudes at the third and fourth points.

By the way, when such a characteristic appears in the pulse wave, a pulse diagnosis finding is made in Ayurveda indicating that the nasopharynx is impaired. If such a pulse wave is observed, it is statistically reported that there is a high probability that the nose, throat, or bronchus will be damaged (Visualization and Quan
titative Analysis of the Pulse Diagnosis in AYURVE
DA: K. Kodama, H. Kasahara, The proceeding of the
4th world congress holistic approach-health for al
l in Bangalore, India, 1991). Therefore, in this diagnosis example, it is understood that the diagnosis result of this example is in agreement with the Western medical findings.

Example of Liver Injury (1) In this example, the subject is a 28-year-old male and has a liver injury (GTO "42", GPT "63"). The measurement results of the pulse wave of the subject are shown in FIGS. 9 (a) to 9 (c). The scales in FIGS. 7A to 7C are the same. From these figures, it can be seen that the amplitude of the waveform at the pitter (P) of the third finger is larger than the amplitudes of the other fingers.
Next, an enlarged view of FIG. 9B is shown in FIG. In FIG. 10, it can be seen that the amplitude at the second point is larger than the amplitudes at other points.

By the way, according to Ayurveda, the above-mentioned case is found to have a liver or gastrointestinal disorder. Therefore, even in this diagnosis example, it is understood that the diagnosis result according to this example is in agreement with the Western medical findings.

Hepatopathy Example (2) Next, in order to confirm the reproducibility of Hepatopathy Example (1), another hepatopathy case was diagnosed. The test subject was a 24-year-old male and had a liver disorder (GTO “36”, GPT “52”). Also in this test subject, the amplitude of the waveform in the pitter (P) was larger than the amplitudes in the other fingers. FIG. 10 shows the pulse wave measurement result of this pitter (P). In the figure, it can be seen that the amplitude at the second point is larger than the amplitudes at other points. Therefore, even in this case of liver damage,
The same result as in (1) was obtained.

Cardiac Abnormality Example (1) In this example, the subject is a 26-year-old male, and several arrhythmias due to ventricular extrasystole are observed in one hour. According to the pulse wave measurement result of the subject, the amplitude of the waveform in the pitter (P) of the third finger was larger than that in the other fingers. Next, FIG. 12 shows a pulse wave measurement result in the pitter (P). In FIG. 12, it can be seen that the amplitude at the third point is larger than the amplitudes at other points. By the way, according to Ayurveda, the above-mentioned case is found to have an abnormality in the heart. Therefore, even in this diagnosis example, it is understood that the diagnosis result according to this example is in agreement with the Western medical findings.

Heart Abnormality Example (2) Next, another heart abnormality example was diagnosed in order to confirm the reproducibility of the heart abnormality example (1). The test subject was a 38-year-old male, and several arrhythmias due to ventricular premature contraction were observed in one hour. Also in this test subject, the amplitude of the waveform at the pitter (P) of the third finger was larger than that at the other fingers. Next, FIG. 13 shows a pulse wave measurement result in the pitter (P). In FIG. 13, it can be seen that the amplitude at the third point is larger than the amplitudes at other points. Therefore, also in this cardiac abnormality example, the same results as in the above cardiac abnormality example (1) were obtained.

As described above, according to the pulse wave sensor of this embodiment, the strip-shaped strain gauges 81 to 84 are arranged in parallel in the length direction in the finger pad of the rubber glove 5, and the strain gauges 81 to 84 are arranged.
Since 84 corresponds to the pulse point of Ayurveda, it is possible to easily perform the pulse pulse based on Ayurveda.

Further, in this embodiment, since the rubber gloves 5 for operation made of thin rubber are used, the diagnostician visually confirms the pulse wave while performing the pulse diagnosis based on his / her sense of touch. be able to. That is, information can be obtained from both tactile and visual senses, and more accurate diagnosis can be performed. Furthermore, a skilled diagnostician attaches the pulse wave sensor of this embodiment and records the findings while collecting the pulse wave data, thereby constructing a database in which the pulse wave data and the findings are associated with each other. It can also be done automatically.

D. Modifications The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made as follows, for example. Modified Example In the above embodiment, the strain gauge of “4” is provided for each finger, but the number of strain gauges is not limited to “4”. For example, by providing a strain gauge of "5" or more as shown in FIG. 6, it is considered that more reliable and high-accuracy pulse diagnosis becomes possible. The reason for this is that, as described above, the number of diagnostic points “4” on the finger pad in Ayurveda is presumed to be based on the limit of resolution due to human tactile sensation. This is because the larger the number, the more advantageous it is.

For example, if the pressure distribution in the finger pad direction of the diagnostician is shown by the curve A in FIG. 3, by observing the change over time in the waveform itself of the curve A,
Get the most accurate information. On the other hand, the handed down Ayurveda and the above-described embodiment can be considered in some sense as an approximation of the curve A like a polygonal line B in order to aggregate the number of diagnostic points into "4". .

On the other hand, in traditional medicine such as Ayurveda, a large amount of diagnostic data has already been accumulated. Therefore, if these are used immediately and clinical is rushed,
In some cases it may be advantageous to match the number of measurement points with that of traditional medicine. Therefore, the number of strain gauges may be "4" or less as long as it is plural. For example, in traditional medicine in Tibet, it is known to have "2" measurement points per finger. Therefore, the number of gauges may be set to "2" when performing pulse diagnosis based on such traditional medicine.

Modifications In the above embodiment, various specifications of the strain gauges 81 to 84 have been described, but the strain gauges 81 to 84 are not limited to the above-mentioned specifications. For example, it goes without saying that the gauge factor can take various values other than "2.1".
The dimensions of the strain gauges 81 to 84 can be variously changed within a measurable range.

Modified Example In the above embodiment, the strain gauges 8 are arranged at a predetermined interval.
Since it is necessary to bond 1 to 84 to the rubber glove 5, manufacturing is complicated. Therefore, the strain gauge may be configured as shown in FIG. In the figure, 90 is a thin film formed in a lattice shape, and strain gauges 91 to 94 are fixed to each lattice. In addition, the ends of the lattices are narrow enough to accommodate the lead wires 91a to 94a of the strain gauges.

According to the above construction, the thin film 90 is simply used.
It is possible to arrange the strain gauges 91 to 94 at a predetermined interval by adhering to the rubber glove 5.
In addition, the thin film 9 is provided between the strain gauges 91 to 94.
Since 0 is punched out and the width of each lattice is narrow at the ends, it is possible to prevent mutual interference of the strain gauges 91 to 94 through the thin film 90.

Modified Example In the circuit shown in FIG. 2, the pulse wave was detected by directly measuring the voltage Vi appearing at both ends of the strain gauge 81. However, a bridge circuit having the strain gauge 81 as one side is constituted,
The pulse wave may be detected by detecting the voltage appearing on the diagonal of the bridge circuit. That is, the strain gauge 81
By fixing the three thin film resistors having the same temperature coefficient of resistance to the rubber gloves 5 to form a bridge circuit, temperature drift due to body temperature and the like can be corrected and sensitivity is also improved. It is possible.

Modified Example In the circuit shown in FIG. 2, the current is continuously supplied to the strain gauge 81, but the current supplied to the strain gauge 81 may be intermittent. That is, according to the circuit of FIG. 2, since only the component of "20 Hz" or less is finally detected as the pulse wave among the frequency components of the voltage Vi, for example, according to the result of sampling at the frequency of "40 Hz". It is possible to reproduce the pulse wave sufficiently.
As described above, when the current supplied to the strain gauge 81 is intermittent, it is possible to reduce power consumption, and thus it is particularly suitable for use in a portable device.

As described above, according to the pulse wave sensor of the present invention, it is possible to detect the pressure distribution in the width direction of the finger of the examiner, so that highly accurate pulse diagnosis can be easily performed. It is possible.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a main part of a pulse wave sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a pulse wave measuring device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an Ayurvedic method.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the Ayurvedic method.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a main part of a pulse wave sensor which is a premise of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a main part of a modified example of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a main part of another modification of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing a diagnosis example according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing a diagnosis example according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing a diagnosis example according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing a diagnosis example according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a graph showing a diagnosis example according to one embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a graph showing a diagnosis example according to an embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 5 Rubber gloves (thin film member) 81-84 Strain gauge (detection means)

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A thin film member to be attached to a finger of an examiner, and a thin film member fixed to the thin film member, in a finger pad portion of the finger when the thin film member is attached to the finger, in a width direction of the finger. A pulse wave sensor comprising: a detection unit that detects a pressure distribution. 2. The pulse wave according to claim 1, wherein the detection means is a plurality of strip-shaped strain gauges arranged at predetermined intervals along the length direction of the finger. Sensor. 3. The pulse wave sensor according to claim 2, wherein each of the strain gauges is arranged along each lattice on a film perforated in a lattice shape.