JP7737658B2 - Wearable vital signs measuring device and medical vital signs measuring system - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a wearable vital sign measurement device and a medical vital sign measurement system.

An example of a device for measuring a subject's vital signs (signs of life) is shown in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 will be described below.

The medical system and medical information processing device of Patent Document 1 include a data acquisition unit and a data processing unit. The data acquisition unit acquires at least two of the following data from the patient: blood oxygen data, auscultatory sound data, eye image data, and ocular blood flow data. The data processing unit processes the multiple pieces of data acquired by the data acquisition unit. Note that the vital signs of the subject in the medical system and medical information processing device of Patent Document 1 are blood oxygen, auscultatory sound, eye image, and ocular blood flow.

Here, blood oxygen (saturated oxygen concentration) and auscultatory sounds (lung sounds) are important pieces of information when predicting and assessing symptoms of respiratory disease. Therefore, by simultaneously acquiring and processing blood oxygen (saturated oxygen concentration) and auscultatory sounds (lung sounds) and synchronizing them in time, symptoms of respiratory disease can be predicted and assessed accurately and precisely.

In addition, electrocardiograms provide important information when predicting and assessing the symptoms of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, by simultaneously measuring this electrocardiogram along with the aforementioned blood oxygen (saturated oxygen concentration) and auscultatory sounds (lung sounds), it is possible to accurately and precisely predict and assess the symptoms of sleep apnea syndrome. Furthermore, health checkups of the respiratory system and cardiovascular system can be performed simultaneously.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-176056

However, the medical system and medical information processing device of Patent Document 1 acquire and process blood oxygen data (saturated oxygen concentration data) from a patient using a blood oxygen measurement device such as a pulse oximeter, and acquire and process auscultatory sound data (lung sound data) from a patient using an auscultatory sound measurement device such as an electronic stethoscope. In this way, the medical system and medical information processing device of Patent Document 1 acquire and process blood oxygen data (saturated oxygen concentration data) and auscultatory sound data (lung sound data) using separate sensors or other devices, and do not synchronize the blood oxygen data (saturated oxygen concentration data) and auscultatory sound data (lung sound data). As a result, the medical system and medical information processing device of Patent Document 1 make it difficult to accurately and precisely predict and diagnose symptoms of respiratory diseases.

Furthermore, the medical system and medical information processing device of Patent Document 1 detects changes in the circulatory system condition associated with an infection from at least two of the following data: blood oxygen data, auscultatory sound data, eye image data, and eye blood flow data. As a result, the medical system and medical information processing device of Patent Document 1 cannot accurately and precisely predict or diagnose the symptoms of sleep apnea syndrome, and furthermore cannot simultaneously perform health checkups of the respiratory system and the circulatory system.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a wearable vital sign measurement device and medical vital sign measurement system that can accurately and precisely predict and diagnose symptoms of respiratory diseases, and can accurately and precisely predict and diagnose symptoms of sleep apnea syndrome, and can simultaneously perform health checks of the respiratory system and the circulatory system.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a wearable vital sign measuring device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a wearable vital sign measuring device that can be worn on the chest or back of a subject, and comprises: a facing part that faces the chest or back of the subject when the wearable vital sign measuring device is worn on the chest or back of the subject; and a vital sign detection part that is provided on the facing part and collects the subject's vital signs from the chest or back of the subject that the facing part faces and outputs them as electrical signals, wherein the vital sign detection part has at least two of: a digital auscultation device that is provided on the facing part and collects the subject's lung sounds from the chest or back of the subject that the facing part faces and outputs them as electrical signals; a saturated oxygen concentration sensor that is provided on the facing part and collects the subject's saturated oxygen concentration from the chest or back of the subject that the facing part faces and outputs them as electrical signals; and an electrocardiogram sensor that is provided on the facing part and collects the subject's cardiac activity from the chest or back of the subject that the facing part faces and outputs them as electrical signals.

The wearable vital sign measurement device of this invention preferably includes a synchronization unit that temporally synchronizes and outputs at least two of the electrical signals from the digital auscultation device, the saturated oxygen concentration sensor, and the electrocardiogram sensor.

In the wearable vital sign measurement device of this invention, it is preferable that the vital signs collected by the digital auscultation device and output as the electrical signals include heart sounds in addition to lung sounds.

In the wearable vital sign measurement device of this invention, the digital auscultation device preferably has a lung sound collection microphone that collects at least lung sounds and external environmental sounds, an external environmental sound collection microphone that collects only external environmental sounds, and a signal processing unit, and the signal processing unit preferably performs the following signal processing: adjusting the level of the external environmental sounds collected by the external environmental sound collection microphone to the level of at least the lung sounds and external environmental sounds collected by the lung sound collection microphone; subtracting the external environmental sounds collected by the external environmental sound collection microphone from at least the lung sounds and external environmental sounds collected by the lung sound collection microphone to leave at least lung sounds alone; and converting at least lung sounds alone into an electrical signal for output.

In the wearable vital sign measuring device of this invention, the saturated oxygen concentration sensor preferably has an attachment portion, and a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion attached to the attachment portion, the light-emitting portion emitting red light and infrared light toward the subject, and the light-receiving portion receiving the red light and infrared light emitted from the light-emitting portion and reflected from the subject, and outputting the saturated oxygen concentration in the arterial blood as the electrical signal based on the red light and infrared light.

In the wearable vital sign measurement device of this invention, it is preferable that the attachment section has a concave shape that is recessed toward the subject, and the light-emitting section and the light-receiving section are attached to a portion of the attachment section that faces the subject.

In the wearable vital sign measurement device of this invention, it is preferable that the vital signs collected by the saturated oxygen concentration sensor and output as the electrical signal include heart rate in addition to the saturated oxygen concentration.

In the wearable vital sign measurement device of this invention, it is preferable that the electrocardiogram sensor is a multi-function sensor, and that the vital signs collected by the electrocardiogram sensor of the multi-function sensor and output as the electrical signals are the contractile activity of the subject's muscle cells in addition to the activity of the subject's heart.

In the wearable vital sign measurement device of this invention, it is preferable that the opposing part has a mounting part that mounts the opposing part near the subject's lungs or near the lungs or heart, on the subject's chest or back.

In the wearable vital sign measurement device of this invention, the attachment part is preferably at least one of an adhesive that adheres the facing part to the subject's skin, a fixing tape that adheres the facing part to the subject's skin and fixes the facing part to the subject while the facing part is in contact with the subject's skin, or a fixing belt that is attached to the facing part and tightens around the subject while the facing part is in contact with the subject's skin to fix the facing part to the subject.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a medical vital sign measurement system according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises the wearable vital sign measurement device of the present invention and a data processing and storage device, wherein the wearable vital sign measurement device has a communication unit that transmits at least two of the electrical signals from the digital auscultation device, the electrical signal from the saturated oxygen concentration sensor, and the electrical signal from the electrocardiogram sensor as synchronized digital data, and the data processing and storage device forms a communication line together with the communication unit of the wearable vital sign measurement device and comprises: a communication unit that receives and outputs the synchronized digital data transmitted from the communication unit of the wearable vital sign measurement device; a processing unit that processes and outputs digital sound data from the synchronized digital data output from the communication unit; a storage unit that stores the synchronized digital data output from the processing unit; and an output unit that outputs the synchronized digital data output from the processing unit and the synchronized digital data stored in the storage unit.

The wearable vital sign measurement device and medical vital sign measurement system of this invention can accurately and precisely predict and diagnose symptoms of respiratory diseases, and can also accurately and precisely predict and diagnose symptoms of sleep apnea syndrome, and can also perform health checks of the respiratory system and circulatory system simultaneously.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state of use of a wearable vital sign measuring device and a medical vital sign measuring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams (graphs) showing saturated oxygen concentrations measured by a saturated oxygen concentration sensor of a wearable vital sign measurement device. The vertical axis represents saturated oxygen concentration (unit: %), and the horizontal axis represents time (unit: seconds). (A) is an explanatory diagram (graph) showing saturated oxygen concentrations measured by placing the saturated oxygen concentration sensor on the tip of the index finger of the subject's left hand. (B) is an explanatory diagram (graph) showing saturated oxygen concentrations measured by placing the saturated oxygen concentration sensor on the subject's chest near the lungs. 3 is a side view showing the wearable vital sign measuring device attached to a subject, taken along the line III-III in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wearable vital sign measuring device. FIG. 5 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a digital auscultation device of a wearable vital sign measuring apparatus. FIG. 6 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a saturated oxygen concentration sensor of a wearable vital sign measuring device. FIG. 7 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing an electrocardiogram sensor of a wearable vital sign measuring device. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a data processing and storage device of a medical vital sign measurement system. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the wearable vital sign measuring device. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the digital auscultation device of the wearable vital sign measuring device, and is a side view of the wearable vital sign measuring device worn by a subject. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital auscultation device shown in FIG. 10 and a flowchart showing signal processing. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a fixing tape, which is a first modified example of the attachment part of the wearable vital sign measurement device, is used. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a fixing belt, which is a second modified example of the attachment part of the wearable vital sign measurement device, is used.

(Description of the configuration of the embodiment)
A medical vital sign measurement system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the medical vital sign measurement system 1. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a preferred specific example of the present invention. The numerical values, components, the arrangement and connection order of the components, the processing order in the flowcharts, and the like shown in the following embodiment are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, each figure is not necessarily an exact representation.

The medical vital sign measurement system 1 includes a wearable vital sign measurement device 2 and a data processing and storage device 3.

The wearable vital sign measurement device 2 (hereinafter referred to as measurement device 2 where appropriate) is attached to the chest of subject P and collects at least lung sounds (in the example of FIG. 1, lung sounds and heart sounds) as vital signs, while simultaneously measuring at least saturated oxygen concentration (in the example of FIG. 1, saturated oxygen concentration and heart rate) and at least electrocardiogram (in the example of FIG. 1, electrocardiogram and electromyogram), which are then transmitted to the data processing and storage device 3 in synchronization with the timing of sound collection and measurement. The data processing and storage device 3 stores the data transmitted from the measurement device 2. The data indicating the lung sounds and heart sounds, saturated oxygen concentration and heart rate, electrocardiogram and electromyogram stored in the data processing and storage device 3 are synchronized with the timing of sound collection and measurement, and therefore represent the condition of subject P at the same time. As will be described in more detail below, by viewing the lung sounds and heart sounds, saturated oxygen concentration and heart rate, electrocardiogram and electromyogram, which indicate the condition of subject P at the same time, a more accurate diagnosis of subject P can be made.

In the example shown in Figure 1, the measurement device 2 is attached to the chest of the subject P, but this is not limited to this. It may be attached to any location, such as the back, where lung sound collection, saturated oxygen concentration measurement, and light-shielding measurement can be performed simultaneously.

(Measurement of saturated oxygen concentration at a location other than the fingertip)
Generally, it is said that the fingertip is the most suitable place to measure saturated oxygen concentration. However, it has been shown that similar saturated oxygen concentration results are obtained whether measuring on the chest or on the fingertip. When the saturated oxygen concentration of the same subject P was measured at the tip of the index finger and on the chest at approximately the same time, the same saturated oxygen concentration value was obtained. Figure 2(A) is a graph showing the saturated oxygen concentration measured on the tip of the index finger of subject P's left hand. Figure 2(B) is a graph showing the saturated oxygen concentration value measured by measuring device 2 placed on subject P's chest near the lungs. The vertical axis of Figure 2 represents saturated oxygen concentration (unit: %), and the horizontal axis represents time (unit: seconds).

As shown in Figures 2(A) and 2(B), the saturated oxygen concentration is approximately 98% in both cases. Note that the time A between the drop at approximately 2.30 seconds and the rise at approximately 3.40 seconds in the graph of Figure 2(B) is the time when the measuring device 2 is temporarily removed from the chest or back of subject P, and the saturated oxygen concentration is 0%.

In this way, saturated oxygen concentration can be measured in the chest, so lung sounds can also be measured, and lung sounds, saturated oxygen concentration, and electrocardiogram can be measured in sync.

(The significance of measuring lung sounds, saturated oxygen levels, and electrocardiograms in synchronization)
It takes about 2-3 seconds for red blood cells to reach the left atrium after passing through the alveoli and being oxygenated in the pulmonary circulation, and depending on the location, it can take more than 10 seconds for them to reach the peripheral circulation from the left ventricle. Furthermore, when measuring the saturated oxygen concentration, a moving average of data obtained over a certain period of time is taken, which adds an additional time to the moving average, resulting in a measurement delay. In other words, when measuring the saturated oxygen concentration at the fingertips of subject P's hand or at the earlobe of subject P, there is a certain time lag between the lung sounds picked up from the chest and the saturated oxygen concentration measured at the fingertips, etc.

However, if the saturated oxygen concentration can be measured in the same location as the lung sounds, the time lag between the two data can be reduced.

This section explains the significance of measuring lung sounds and saturated oxygen concentration, which have little time lag, i.e., synchronized lung sounds and saturated oxygen concentration. Synchronized lung sounds and saturated oxygen concentration enable the following diagnoses:

If lung sounds appear abnormal but the saturated oxygen concentration does not decrease, it is possible that an asthma attack is occurring. The airway branches from the trachea through more than 20 branches before reaching the alveolar region where gas exchange occurs. The parts of the lungs other than those where gas exchange occurs are called ducts. Abnormal lung sounds due to asthma can also occur due to obstruction of the ducts. However, even if the ducts are obstructed, as long as gas exchange in the alveolar region is maintained at a level that allows the saturated oxygen concentration to remain normal, and circulatory dynamics are stable, the saturated oxygen concentration will remain at a level that allows it to remain normal. Therefore, even if the saturated oxygen concentration does not decrease, abnormal lung sounds can be considered to indicate obstruction of the ducts and the possibility of an asthma attack.

Conversely, when lung sounds appear normal but the saturated oxygen level is low, pulmonary hypertension may be a possible cause. Pulmonary hypertension is characterized by structural remodeling of the pulmonary arteries (e.g., narrowing of the vascular lumen), which is an impairment of the microvascular bed within the lungs. Gas exchange in the lungs requires the normal functioning of all units—alveoli, pulmonary interstitium, and intrapulmonary microvasculature—and therefore impairment of these vascular systems impairs gas exchange. Pulmonary hypertension, including pulmonary thromboembolism, is characterized by normal lung sounds but low saturated oxygen levels. Therefore, even when lung sounds appear normal, a low saturated oxygen level can be suspected and diagnosed as pulmonary hypertension. Similarly, when alveolar congestion occurs due to heart failure, if the condition is mild, lung sounds will be normal but the saturated oxygen level will be low. Furthermore, renal failure also results in normal lung sounds but low saturated oxygen levels.

Here, if both the lung sounds and saturated oxygen concentration are normal, it can be predicted and determined that subject P's respiratory system is normal. Furthermore, if both the lung sounds and saturated oxygen concentration are abnormal, it can be predicted and determined that there is an abnormality in subject P's respiratory system. For example, in the case of a severe asthma attack, abnormal lung sounds will be observed along with abnormal saturated oxygen concentration, i.e., a decrease in saturated oxygen concentration.

By synchronizing lung sounds and saturated oxygen levels, it is possible to diagnose a wider range of possible conditions for the subject. Furthermore, by synchronizing lung sounds and saturated oxygen levels, the above-mentioned symptoms can be accurately and precisely identified.

In addition, by synchronously measuring lung sounds, saturated oxygen levels, and electrocardiograms (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "various items"), it becomes possible to accurately and precisely predict and diagnose the symptoms of sleep apnea syndrome, and it is also possible to simultaneously perform health checkups of the respiratory system and circulatory system.
Furthermore, because this measuring device 2 is worn on the subject P's chest or back, it can continuously measure various data from the start of exercise until immediately after exercise, and compared to conventional stationary measuring devices, it can comprehensively grasp signs of electrocardiogram changes, including respiratory sounds, saturated oxygen concentration, and heart rate. That is, conventional stationary measuring devices make comprehensive diagnostic assessments based on various measurement data obtained in a resting state with a measurement time lag, which can lead to individuals suffering from respiratory or cardiac diseases being deemed healthy. On the other hand, because this measuring device 2 can continuously measure various data from the start of exercise until immediately after exercise, it can accurately grasp signs of respiratory or cardiac diseases that are particularly likely to appear during physical exercise, but are not detected by resting data measurements using conventional stationary measuring devices with a time lag, even in healthy individuals. This allows for early detection and diagnosis of individuals suffering from respiratory or cardiac diseases, or so-called hidden patients, among individuals deemed healthy by conventional stationary measuring devices. In this way, the measuring device 2 can contribute not only to the early detection and diagnosis of illness, but also to the early detection and diagnosis of potential illnesses.
Here, we will explain the mechanism by which symptoms of respiratory disease can be accurately identified by attaching this measuring device 2 to the chest or back of subject P and continuously measuring various data from the start of exercise until immediately after exercise. In people with respiratory disease, even if the saturation (SpO2) value is the same, there is a biological regulation that increases the pulse rate to maintain a high value. Therefore, by comparing the saturation (SpO2) value during exercise and the way the saturation (SpO2) value returns after exercise, it is possible to distinguish between groups with and without respiratory disease, enabling early detection of respiratory disease or the discovery of potential respiratory disease.

(Description of Measuring Device 2)
The measuring device 2 constituting the medical vital sign measurement system 1 will now be described. The measuring device 2 has a case 20, as shown in FIG. 1 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the case 20 has a facing portion (facing surface) 20A that faces the chest or back of the subject P when the measuring device 2 is attached to the chest or back of the subject P. In this example, the facing portion 20A of the case 20 is attached to the chest or back of the subject P near the lungs or heart via an attachment portion 200. In this example, the attachment portion 200 is an adhesive (hereinafter also referred to as adhesive 200) that directly and detachably attaches the facing portion 20A of the case 20 to the skin of the subject P's chest. The adhesive 200 is a gel-like adhesive material that is applied to the required areas of the subject P's chest or back (areas near the lungs or heart) to adhere the facing portion 20A of the case 20 to the subject P's skin.

In this example, the case 20 is made of any material, for example, synthetic resin. The case 20 can be made lightweight, thin, and small so as not to impose a burden on the subject P when worn by the subject P.

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the measuring device 2. Inside the case 20, the measuring device 2 is provided with a digital auscultation device 21 as a first collection unit, a saturated oxygen concentration sensor 22 as a second collection unit, an electrocardiogram sensor 23 as a third collection unit, a control unit 24, and a communication unit 25. A battery (not shown) is provided inside the case 20, and each unit is powered by the battery.

(Description of the digital auscultation device 21)
Returning to FIG. 4, the digital auscultation device 21 collects heart sounds as well as lung sounds, converts them into electrical signals, and supplies them to the control unit 24 .

As shown in Figure 5, the digital auscultation device 21 has a sound collection unit 211 and a microphone 212. Figure 5 shows the positional relationship of the sound collection unit 211, microphone 212, etc. with respect to the subject P when the facing part 20A of the case 20 of the measurement device 2 is attached to the subject P via the attachment part 200.

The sound collection unit 211 is located in a position facing the body of the subject P when the facing part 20A of the case 20 is attached to the chest or back of the subject P via the attachment part 200. The sound collection unit 211 collects sounds generated inside the body of the subject P (in this example, lung sounds and heart sounds). The sound collection unit 211 has a configuration similar to that of the chest piece of a stethoscope, and eliminates noise while collecting the necessary lung sounds and heart sounds (auscultatory sounds).

The microphone 212 converts the lung sounds and heart sounds (auscultation sounds) collected by the sound collection unit 211 into electrical signals. The electrical signals converted by the microphone 212 are supplied to the control unit 24. The microphone 212 may be built into the sound collection unit 211, or the microphone 212 may be a separate device from the sound collection unit 211.

(Explanation of the saturated oxygen concentration sensor 22)
4, the saturated oxygen concentration sensor 22 measures the saturated oxygen concentration (percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation, SpO2) and the heart rate, and converts them into electrical signals. The converted electrical signals are supplied to the control unit 24.

As shown in FIG. 6, the saturated oxygen concentration sensor 22 has an attachment portion 221, as well as a light-emitting portion 222 and a light-receiving portion 223 attached to the attachment portion 221. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the attachment portion 221, light-emitting portion 222, light-receiving portion 223, etc. with respect to the subject P when the facing portion 20A of the case 20 of the measuring device 2 is attached to the subject P via the attachment portion 200. The attachment portion 221, light-emitting portion 222, and light-receiving portion 223 are located in positions facing the body of the subject P when the facing portion 20A of the case 20 is attached to the subject P's chest or back via the attachment portion 200.

The attachment portion 221 has a concave shape (concave spherical or dome-shaped) that is recessed toward the subject P. The edge of the opening of the attachment portion 221 comes into close contact with the skin of the subject P. The light-emitting portion 222 and the light-receiving portion 223 are attached to the portion of the attachment portion 221 that faces the subject P, i.e., the portion opposite the opening, in the recessed portion (bottom) of the recess.

The light-emitting unit 222 emits red light L1 and infrared light L2 toward the subject P, as shown by the solid arrows in Figure 6. The light-receiving unit 223, also as shown by the solid arrows in Figure 6, receives the red light L10 and infrared light L20 emitted from the light-emitting unit 222 and reflected from the subject P, and converts the saturated oxygen concentration in the arterial blood and the heart rate into electrical signals based on the red light L10 and infrared light L20.

The light-emitting unit 222 and the light-receiving unit 223 are attached to the portion of the attachment unit 221 facing the subject P, i.e., the portion opposite the opening, in the recessed portion (bottom portion) of the attachment unit 221, and are therefore able to block external light L3 (see the dashed arrow in Figure 6), particularly from the light-receiving unit 223. In other words, even if external light L3 passes through the gap between the subject P's skin and the case 20, passes through the opening of the attachment unit 221, and enters the recessed space in the attachment unit 221, it can be prevented from entering the light-receiving unit 223.

(Explanation of electrocardiogram sensor 23)
Returning to FIG. 4 , the electrocardiogram sensor 23 in this example is a multi-function sensor. The electrocardiogram sensor 23 of the multi-function sensor measures electrocardiograms as well as electromyograms and converts them into electrical signals. That is, the electromyogram sensor of the multi-function sensor measures, as a vital sign, the action potential (myogenic potential) generated when the muscle cells (muscle fibers) of the subject P contract. The converted electrical signal is supplied to the control unit 24. The electrocardiogram sensor 23 in this example uses one channel that can obtain a representative value. Note that the electrocardiogram sensor 23 may use ten channels in addition to the one channel in this example.

As shown in FIG. 7, the electrocardiogram sensor 23 has an attachment portion 231 and multiple electrodes 232 (three in this example) attached to the attachment portion 231. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the attachment portion 231, three electrodes 232, etc. with respect to the subject P when the facing portion 20A of the case 20 of the measurement device 2 is attached to the subject P via the attachment portion 200. The attachment portion 231 and three electrodes 232 are positioned to face the body side of the subject P when the facing portion 20A of the case 20 is attached to the chest or back of the subject P via the attachment portion 200.

The attachment portion 231 has a concave shape that is recessed toward the subject P. The edge of the opening of the attachment portion 231 comes into close contact with the skin of the subject P. The three electrodes 232 are attached to the portion of the attachment portion 231 that faces the subject P, i.e., the portion opposite the opening, in the recessed portion (bottom) of the recess.

The three electrodes 232 are attached to the subject P's skin with adhesive (not shown), and collect and measure the subject P's cardiac activity and the contractile activity of the subject P's muscle cells, converting them into electrical signals. These electrical signals are output to the control unit 24.

(Explanation of the control unit 24)
4, the control unit 24 is composed of other elements including hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory unit (ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), non-volatile memory, etc.). The control unit 24 executes a control application program (not shown) stored in the memory unit to control the entire measurement device 2 and also functions as a time stamp unit 241, an audio processing unit 242, a saturated oxygen concentration processing unit 243, and a synchronization unit 245 to perform measurement processing.

The timestamp unit 241 issues a timestamp indicating the timing of the start of measurement based on a clock (not shown).

The audio processing unit 242 converts the electrical signals of lung sounds and heart sounds input from the digital auscultation device 21 into digital data, in this example, MP3 data, adds a timestamp issued by the timestamp unit 241, and supplies it to the synchronization unit 245.

The saturated oxygen concentration processing unit 243 performs moving average processing on the saturated oxygen concentration and heart rate values input from the saturated oxygen concentration sensor 22, and adds the timestamp issued by the timestamp unit 241 to the text data indicating the resulting saturated oxygen concentration and heart rate values, and supplies the text data to the synchronization unit 245.

The electrocardiogram processing unit 244 performs moving average processing on the values of cardiac activity and muscle cell contractile activity input from the electrocardiogram sensor 23, and then adds the timestamp issued by the timestamp unit 241 to the text data indicating the resulting values of cardiac activity and muscle cell contractile activity, and supplies the text data to the synchronization unit 245.

The synchronization unit 245 temporally synchronizes the lung sound and heart sound data (MP3 data) output from the audio processing unit 242, the saturated oxygen concentration and heart rate data (text data) output from the saturated oxygen concentration processing unit 243, and the cardiac activity and muscle cell contractile activity data (text data) output from the electrocardiogram processing unit 244 based on the timestamps assigned to each, and outputs them to the data processing and storage device 3 via the communication unit 25. Hereinafter, the synchronized MP3 data and text data will be referred to as synchronized data, as appropriate.

The measuring device 2 may be provided with a memory (not shown) that stores the data output from the processing units 242, 243, and 244, and the synchronization data output from the synchronization unit 245.

(Explanation of communication unit 25)
The communication unit 25 constitutes a communication line together with a communication unit 31 (described later) of the data processing storage device 3. In this example, the communication line is wireless communication including short-range communication. Note that the communication line may be a communication technology other than wireless communication, such as wired communication.

(Description of Data Processing Storage Device 3)
The data processing storage device 3 will now be described. The data processing storage device 3 is a smart device (information device, terminal device, external medium, external media). As shown in FIG. 8 , the data processing storage device 3 includes a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, a storage unit 33, an output unit 34, and an operation unit 35 within a case 30. In this example, the data processing storage device 3 is a handheld type, and an operator (not shown), such as a doctor, can hold it in one hand and operate the operation unit 35, or the operator can hold it in one hand and operate the operation unit 35 with the other hand. The data processing storage device 3 may also be a tablet type or a personal computer type.

In this example, the case 30 is made of any material, such as synthetic resin. The case 30 can be made lightweight, thin, and small so as not to be a burden to the operator when using it. The case 30 is hollow and houses a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, a storage unit 33, an output unit 34, and an operation unit 35 inside.

The communication unit 31 forms a communication line together with the communication unit 25 of the measuring device 2. The communication unit 31 receives digital data transmitted from the communication unit 25 of the measuring device 2, i.e., synchronized MP3 data and text data.

The control unit 32 is composed of other elements, including hardware such as a CPU and storage units (ROM, RAM, non-volatile memory, etc.). The control unit 32 executes a control application program (not shown) stored in the storage unit to control the entire data processing and storage device 3 and also functions as the processing unit 321, performing storage processing.

The processing unit 321 performs predetermined processing on the synchronization data received by the communication unit 31 and stores it in the storage unit 33. For example, the processing unit 321 performs white noise removal processing, specific frequency extraction processing, specific frequency attenuation processing, and frequency intensity extraction processing on the MP3 data of lung sounds and heart sounds.

The storage unit 33 stores (stores) the synchronization data that has undergone predetermined processing by the processing unit 321. The storage unit 33 is, for example, a memory such as RAM, ROM, or non-volatile memory.

The output unit 34 outputs the synchronization data stored in the storage unit 33. The output unit 34 outputs the data in at least one of the following ways: display, printing, or transmission.

The output unit 34 is a display device (display) and speaker that outputs the synchronized MP3 data stored in the storage unit 33 as audio and displays the text data. The output unit 34 is a communication device (communication module) that can also transfer multiple synchronized digital data items (MP3 data and text data).

The operation unit 35 performs operations to start, pause, and end the medical vital sign measurement system 1, and to start, pause, and end the output unit 34. The measurement device 2 may also be provided with an operation unit that performs some of the operations performed by the operation unit 35 of the data processing and storage device 3, for example, the operations to start, pause, and end the measurement device 2.

(Operation of measuring device 2)
The operation of the medical vital signs measurement system 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the facing portion 20A of the case 20 is adhered to the chest skin of the subject P via the adhesive 200 and the power of the measuring device 2 is turned on, in step S1, the timestamp unit 241 issues a timestamp.

In step S2, the digital auscultation device 21 begins processing to collect lung sounds and heart sounds emitted from the subject P's chest and output them as electrical signals. The saturated oxygen concentration sensor 22 also begins processing to measure the saturated oxygen concentration and heart rate from within the subject P's blood vessels and output them as electrical signals. The electrocardiogram sensor 23 also begins processing to collect and measure the activity of the subject P's heart and the contractile activity of the subject P's muscle cells and output them as electrical signals.

In step S3, the audio processing unit 242 of the control unit 24 converts the electrical signals of lung sounds and heart sounds output from the digital auscultation device 21 into digital data (MP3 data), appends a timestamp issued by the timestamp unit 241, and starts processing to output the data to the synchronization unit 245. The saturated oxygen concentration processing unit 243 converts the electrical signals of the saturated oxygen concentration and heart rate output from the saturated oxygen concentration sensor 22 into digital data, appends a timestamp issued by the timestamp unit 241, and starts processing to output the data to the synchronization unit 245. The electrocardiogram processing unit 244 converts the electrical signals of cardiac activity and muscle cell contraction activity output from the electrocardiogram sensor 23 into digital data, appends a timestamp issued by the timestamp unit 241, and starts processing to output the data to the synchronization unit 245.

In step S4, the synchronization unit 245 synchronizes the MP3 data output from the audio processing unit 242, the text data indicating the saturated oxygen concentration and heart rate output from the saturated oxygen concentration processing unit 243, and the text data indicating the cardiac activity and muscle cell contraction activity output from the electrocardiogram processing unit 244 based on the timestamps assigned to each data, and begins processing to output them to the data processing storage device 3 via the communication unit 25.

The data processing and storage device 3 is powered on before the above-mentioned processing of the measurement device 2 is executed, and the synchronization data transmitted by the synchronization unit 245 of the measurement device 2 is processed by the processing unit 321 and stored in the storage unit 33.

The above process continues until, for example, the power to the measuring device 2 is turned off.

(Description of Modifications of Digital Auscultation Device 210)
Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the digital auscultation device 210 of the wearable vital sign measuring device. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing signal processing by the digital auscultation device 210 shown in Fig. 10. In Fig. 10, the same reference numerals as in Fig. 3 indicate the same components.

The digital auscultation device 21 shown in Figure 4 has a sound collection unit 211 and a microphone 212, and collects heart sounds as well as lung sounds via the sound collection unit 211 and microphone 212, converts them into electrical signals, and supplies them to the control unit 24.

The digital auscultation device 210 shown in FIG. 10 has a sound collection unit (not shown), a microphone 213 for collecting lung sounds and heart sounds, a microphone 214 for collecting external environmental sounds, and a signal processing unit 215. The sound collection unit and the microphone 213 for collecting lung sounds and heart sounds are provided with the opposing part 20A of the case 20 of the measuring device 2 facing the wearing part 200. The microphone 214 for collecting external environmental sounds is provided with the opposing part 20A of the case 20 of the measuring device 2 facing the opposite side from the wearing part 200. The signal processing unit 215 is provided at any location on the case 20 of the measuring device 2.

The signal processing performed by the digital auscultation device 210 will be explained below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 11. In step S2 of the flowchart shown in Figure 9, the digital auscultation device 210 performs the following signal processing, which is the same as the signal processing performed by the digital auscultation device 21.

When the power of the measurement device 2 is turned on, in step S21, the lung sound and heart sound collecting microphone 213 collects lung sounds and heart sounds. At this time, the lung sound and heart sound collecting microphone 213 also collects external environmental sounds.

In step S22, the external environmental sound collection microphone 214 collects only external environmental sounds.

In step S23, the signal processing unit 215 adjusts the level of the external environmental sound collected by the external environmental sound collecting microphone 214 to the levels of the lung sounds, heart sounds, and external environmental sound collected by the lung sound and heart sound collecting microphone 213.

In step S24, the signal processing unit 215 subtracts the external environmental sound collected by the external environmental sound collecting microphone 214 from the lung sounds, heart sounds and external environmental sounds collected by the lung sound and heart sound collecting microphone 213, leaving only lung sounds and heart sounds without external environmental sounds.

In step S25, the signal processing unit 215 converts only lung sounds and heart sounds into electrical signals and supplies them to the control unit 24. This completes signal processing by the digital auscultation device 210.

The digital auscultation device 210 may be configured with a selector switch (not shown) to switch between a mode in which external environmental sounds are muted and a mode in which external environmental sounds are not muted.

Furthermore, the digital auscultation device 210 collects lung and heart sounds using a lung and heart sound collection microphone 213, but it may also be configured to collect at least lung sounds using a lung sound collection microphone.

Furthermore, it is optional whether the measurement device 2 uses the digital auscultation device 21 shown in FIG. 4 or the digital auscultation device 210 shown in FIG. 10.

(Another example of the attachment part)
The attachment unit 200 in the example of Fig. 1 is used to attach the measuring device 2 to the chest or back of the subject P using adhesive 200. The attachment unit 200 for attaching the measuring device 2 is not limited to this adhesive 200. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, a fixing tape 201 can be used as the attachment unit 201. This fixing tape 201 adheres to the case 20 of the measuring device 2 and the skin of the subject P with the opposing portion of the case 20 in contact with the skin of the subject P, thereby fixing the case 20 to the subject P.

As shown in FIG. 11, a fixing belt 202 can be used as the attachment unit 202. This fixing belt 202 is attached to the case 20 of the measurement device 2, and is fastened tightly to the subject P with the opposing part of the case 20 in contact with the skin of the subject P, thereby fixing the case 20 to the subject P.

(Explanation of the extended functions of the measuring device 2)
The following describes the extended functions of the measurement device 2 and the medical vital sign measurement system 1.

The electrocardiogram sensor 23 (multi-function electromyogram sensor) of the measuring device 2 can take electromyograms, making it one of the diagnostic tools for sleep apnea syndrome (SAS), and the assessment of daily living activities can also be applied to the healthcare of elderly people. In other words, because there is a correlation between decreased cardiac function and decreased muscle strength, by measuring the subject P's electromyogram, it is possible to evaluate the subject P's (elderly person) daily living activities, which can be applied to the healthcare of subject P (elderly person).

In addition, the electrocardiogram sensor 23 of the measuring device 2 can take electrocardiograms, so if paroxysmal atrial fibrillation can be recorded, it can also be used to prevent cardiogenic embolism.

A thermometer can be provided in the measurement device 2. The thermometer measures the subject P's body temperature as a vital sign. By measuring the subject P's body temperature with this thermometer, the subject P's temperature can be obtained, making it possible to confirm the subject P's safety.

The measuring device 2 can be equipped with an acceleration sensor, gyro sensor, etc., which measures the subject P's body movements as vital signs. By temporally synchronizing the subject P's body movements or respiratory rate measured by the acceleration sensor, gyro sensor, etc. with the subject P's lung sounds and heart sounds measured by the digital auscultation device 21 and the subject P's saturated oxygen concentration and heart rate measured by the saturated oxygen concentration sensor 22, the effects of body movements (exercise) can be evaluated.

Electromyographic potentials measured by an electromyographic sensor, electrical cardiac signals measured by an electrocardiograph, body temperature measured by a thermometer, and body movement or respiratory rate measured by an acceleration sensor or gyro sensor can be output as digital data by displaying, printing, transmitting, or other means.

(Explanation of the use of the medical vital signs measurement system 1)
The medical vital sign measurement system 1 can be used not only for the preventive health care described above, but also for telemedicine and home medical care and treatment.

The medical vital sign measurement system 1 can obtain digital data of subject P's lung sounds, heart sounds, saturated oxygen concentration, heart rate, electrocardiogram, and electromyogram, which are synchronized in time, at any time from a remote location. This allows for accurate and precise prediction and diagnosis of airway diseases and interstitial diseases, which will continue to be important.

It is possible to analyze the correlation between respiratory sounds, heart sounds, electrocardiograms, electromyograms, and saturated oxygen levels. In other words, by combining multiple indicators and developing a system that can perform analysis using artificial intelligence in the future, it will be possible to detect early pathological conditions that were previously indistinguishable. Furthermore, because the medical vital signs measurement system 1 is capable of collecting respiratory sounds, it is also possible to calculate the respiratory rate, if necessary, from information on respiratory sounds collected separately from the acceleration sensor and gyro sensor mentioned above. The unit of respiratory rate can be selected arbitrarily, for example, the number of times per minute or the number of times per 30 seconds.

In everyday life, it is now possible to detect early pathological conditions and detect pathological changes (especially acute changes) in patients with respiratory diseases. In other words, while such detection was previously only possible after a patient visited a medical institution and began testing, the measuring device 2 and medical vital sign measurement system 1 make it possible to detect changes in situations involving a lot of body movement in everyday life.

The oxygen saturation level can be measured while the device is attached to the subject P, which is an advantage as it allows for nocturnal findings such as sleep apnea syndrome to be obtained.

In addition, electrocardiograms and electromyograms provide important information when predicting and assessing the symptoms of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, by simultaneously measuring electrocardiograms and electromyograms along with blood oxygen (saturated oxygen concentration) and auscultatory sounds (lung sounds), it is possible to accurately and precisely predict and assess the symptoms of sleep apnea syndrome. Furthermore, health checkups of the respiratory system and cardiovascular system can be performed simultaneously.

(Explanation of Examples Other Than the Embodiments)
The wearable vital sign measuring device of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.
In the above embodiment, the vital sign detection unit includes three components: the digital auscultation device 21, the saturated oxygen concentration sensor 22, and the electrocardiogram sensor 23. However, in the present invention, at least two of the digital auscultation device 21, the saturated oxygen concentration sensor 22, and the electrocardiogram sensor 23 may be included.

In the above embodiment, the digital auscultation device 21 collects heart sounds in addition to lung sounds and outputs them as electrical signals. However, the digital auscultation device 21 can also collect only lung sounds and output them as electrical signals.

In addition, the processing unit 321 of the data processing and storage device 3 performs white noise removal processing, specific frequency extraction processing, specific frequency attenuation processing, and frequency intensity extraction processing on the MP3 data of lung sounds and heart sounds, but it can also be configured to perform at least one of these processes.

Furthermore, the electrocardiogram sensor 23 collects electromyograms in addition to electrocardiograms and outputs them as electrical signals. However, the electrocardiogram sensor 23 can also collect only electrocardiograms and output them as electrical signals.

(Summary of effects)
The measuring device 2 and medical vital signs measuring system 1 according to this embodiment have the above-described configuration and functions, and the effects thereof will be described below.

(1) As described above, the measuring device 2
A measurement device 2 that can be worn on the chest or back of a subject P,
a facing portion 20A that faces the chest or back of the subject P when the measurement device 2 is attached to the chest or back of the subject P;
a digital auscultation device 21 provided on the facing portion 20A, which collects lung sounds of the subject P from the chest or back of the subject P that the facing portion 20A faces and outputs the collected sounds as an electrical signal;
a saturated oxygen concentration sensor 22 provided on the facing portion 20A, which collects the saturated oxygen concentration of the subject P from the chest or back of the subject P that the facing portion 20A faces and outputs the collected saturated oxygen concentration as an electrical signal;
an electrocardiogram sensor 23 provided on the facing part 20A, which collects cardiac activity of the subject P from the chest or back of the subject P facing the facing part 20A and outputs the activity as an electrical signal;
Equipped with.

In this way, the measurement device 2 collects lung sounds and measures saturated oxygen concentration and electrocardiogram from a single location, such as the chest or back of subject P, making it possible to measure lung sounds, saturated oxygen concentration, and electrocardiogram with little time lag. As a result, it is possible to diagnose a wider range of possible explanations for the subject's condition.

In addition, the measuring device 2 can simultaneously measure blood oxygen (saturated oxygen concentration), auscultatory sounds (lung sounds), and electrocardiograms, making it possible to accurately and precisely predict and diagnose symptoms of sleep apnea syndrome, and also to simultaneously perform health checks of the respiratory system and circulatory system.

(2) The measuring device 2 can be equipped with a synchronization unit 245 that temporally synchronizes and outputs the electrical signal from the digital auscultation device 21 and the electrical signal from the saturated oxygen concentration sensor 22. By configuring the measuring device 2 in this manner, the measuring device 2 can synchronize the lung sounds and saturated oxygen concentration with greater accuracy.

(3) The measuring device 2 has a digital auscultation device 21 that can collect heart sounds in addition to lung sounds and output them as electrical signals. This configuration allows for more accurate and precise prediction and diagnosis of respiratory disease symptoms compared to when lung sounds alone are used.

(4) The measuring device 2 has a digital auscultation device 210 that can eliminate external environmental sounds and collect only lung and heart sounds, outputting them as electrical signals. This configuration makes it possible to eliminate noise such as external environmental sounds, enabling accurate and precise prediction and diagnosis of symptoms of respiratory diseases.

(5) The measuring device 2 is
The saturated oxygen concentration sensor 22 has a mounting portion 221 and
a light emitting section (222) and a light receiving section (223) attached to the attachment section (221),
The light emitting unit 222 emits red light L1 and infrared light L2 toward the subject P,
The light receiving unit 223 receives the red light L10 and the infrared light L20 emitted from the light emitting unit 222 and reflected from the subject P, and outputs the saturated oxygen concentration in the arterial blood as the electrical signal based on the red light L10 and the infrared light L20.

By configuring the measuring device 2 in this manner, even when the measuring device 2 is attached to the subject P's chest or back to measure the saturated oxygen concentration (see Figure 11(B)), it can measure the saturated oxygen concentration with the same accuracy as when the measuring device 2 is attached to the subject P's fingertip to measure the saturated oxygen concentration (see Figure 11(A)).

(6) The measuring device 2 is
The attachment portion 221 has a concave shape that is recessed toward the subject P,
The light emitting unit 222 and the light receiving unit 223 can be attached to a portion of the attachment unit 221 that faces the subject P.

By configuring the measuring device 2 in this manner, it is possible to block external light L3, particularly from the light receiving unit 223, and therefore measure the saturated oxygen concentration without being affected by external light L3.

(7) In the measurement device 2, the saturated oxygen concentration sensor 22 can collect heart rate in addition to saturated oxygen concentration and output it as an electrical signal. This configuration allows the measurement device 2 to more accurately and precisely predict and diagnose symptoms of respiratory disease compared to when only saturated oxygen concentration is used.

(8) The measuring device 2 has an electrocardiogram sensor 23 that can collect not only cardiac activity but also muscle cell contraction activity and output it as an electrical signal. This configuration allows the measuring device 2 to more accurately and precisely predict and diagnose symptoms of cardiovascular disease compared to electrocardiograms alone.

(9) The measuring device 2 can be attached to the subject P's chest or back near the lungs or near the lungs or heart of the subject P via the adhesive 200 that serves as the attachment part 200. By configuring the measuring device 2 in this manner, the measuring device 2 can reduce delays in measuring the saturated oxygen concentration and heart rate using the saturated oxygen concentration sensor 22 compared to measuring lung sounds and heart sounds using the digital auscultation device 21, enabling accurate and precise prediction and diagnosis of symptoms of respiratory disease.

(10) The measuring device 2 can also be configured so that the case 20 is attached to the chest or back of the subject P via adhesive 200 as the attachment part 200. By configuring it in this way, the measuring device 2 can collect saturated oxygen concentrations without coming off during daily activities or light exercise, unlike saturated oxygen concentration meters that are attached to the subject P's fingertips, earlobes, or in some cases the tips of the subject P's toes. As a result, the measuring device 2 of this embodiment can collect lung sounds and saturated oxygen concentrations during daily activities or light exercise, whereas previously these were mainly collected while the subject was at rest.

(11) The medical vital sign measurement system 1 is equipped with the measurement device 2 described above in (1) to (9), and therefore can achieve the same effects as the measurement device 2 described above in (1) to (10).

1. Medical vital sign measurement system 2. Wearable vital sign measurement device (measurement device)
20 Case 20A Opposing part 200 Adhesive (attachment part)
201 Fixing tape (attachment part)
202 Fixed belt (attachment part)
21 Digital auscultation device (collection unit/first collection unit)
211 Sound collection unit 212 Microphone 210 Digital auscultation device (collection unit/first collection unit)
213 Microphone for collecting lung sounds and heart sounds 214 Microphone for collecting external environmental sounds 215 Signal processing unit 22 Saturated oxygen concentration sensor (collection unit/second collection unit)
221 Mounting portion 222 Light-emitting portion 223 Light-receiving portion 23 Electrocardiogram sensor 231 Mounting portion 232 Electrode 24 Control portion 241 Time stamp portion 242 Audio processing portion 243 Saturated oxygen concentration processing portion 244 Electrocardiogram processing portion 245 Synchronization portion 25 Communication portion 3 Data processing storage device 30 Case 31 Communication portion 32 Control portion 321 Processing portion 33 Storage portion 34 Output portion 35 Operation portion A Time L1 Red light (red light emitted from the light-emitting portion 222)
L2 infrared light (infrared light emitted from the light-emitting unit 222)
L10 Red light (red light reflected from subject P)
L20 Infrared light (infrared light reflected from subject P)
L3 Light from outside P Target

Claims (10)

A wearable vital sign measurement device that can be worn on the chest or back of a subject,
a case in which the wearable vital sign measurement device is worn on the subject's chest or back;
a vital sign detection unit that collects vital signs of the subject from the chest or back of the subject and outputs the vital signs as electrical signals;
Equipped with
The vital sign detection unit
a digital auscultation device that collects lung sounds of the subject and outputs them as electrical signals;
a saturated oxygen concentration sensor that collects the saturated oxygen concentration of the subject and outputs it as an electrical signal;
an electrocardiogram sensor that collects cardiac activity of the subject and outputs it as an electrical signal;
At least two of the following are required:
The digital auscultation device comprises:
a first facing portion that is a predetermined area of the case including an opening portion;
a sound collecting unit configured to collect sounds generated inside the subject's body through the opening of the first opposing part;
a microphone attached to the sound collecting unit and converting the sound collected by the sound collecting unit into an electrical signal;
and
collecting lung sounds of the subject while a peripheral portion of the opening of the first opposing portion is in close contact with the skin of the subject;
The saturated oxygen concentration sensor
a second facing portion of the case, the second facing portion being a predetermined area including a portion where a predetermined part of the case is recessed with respect to the subject;
a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit attached to a second attachment portion that is the recessed portion of the second opposing portion;
and
collecting a saturated oxygen concentration of the subject while the second opposing portion is in close contact with the skin of the subject;
The electrocardiogram sensor
a third facing portion of the case in a predetermined area including a portion where a predetermined part of the case is recessed with respect to the subject;
a plurality of electrodes attached to a third attachment portion, which is the recessed portion of the third opposing portion;
and
collecting cardiac activity of the subject with the third opposing portion in close contact with the skin of the subject and the plurality of electrodes attached to the skin of the subject via an adhesive ;
A wearable vital sign measuring device characterized by the above. a synchronization unit that outputs at least two of the electrical signals from the digital auscultation device, the saturated oxygen concentration sensor, and the electrocardiogram sensor in time synchronization;
The wearable vital sign measuring device according to claim 1 . the digital auscultation device picks up heart sounds in addition to the lung sounds;
The wearable vital sign measuring device according to claim 1 . The digital auscultation device comprises:
a microphone for collecting lung sounds, said microphone collecting at least lung sounds and external environmental sounds;
an external environmental sound collecting microphone that collects only external environmental sounds;
a signal processing unit;
and
The signal processing unit
signal processing for adjusting the level of the external environmental sound collected by the external environmental sound collecting microphone to the level of at least the lung sounds and the external environmental sound collected by the lung sound collecting microphone;
signal processing to subtract the external environmental sound collected by the external environmental sound collecting microphone from at least the lung sounds and the external environmental sounds collected by the lung sound collecting microphone, thereby obtaining at least the lung sounds alone;
signal processing for converting at least only lung sounds into electrical signals and outputting the electrical signals;
To do
The wearable vital sign measuring device according to claim 1 . the light-emitting unit emits red light and infrared light toward the subject,
the light receiving unit receives the red light and the infrared light emitted from the light emitting unit and reflected from the subject, and outputs the saturated oxygen concentration in the arterial blood as the electrical signal based on the red light and the infrared light.
The wearable vital sign measuring device according to claim 1 . The vital signs collected by the saturated oxygen concentration sensor and output as the electrical signal include the saturated oxygen concentration and the heart rate.
The wearable vital sign measuring device according to claim 1 . The electrocardiogram sensor is a multi-function sensor, and the vital signs collected by the electrocardiogram sensor of the multi-function sensor and output as the electrical signals are not only the cardiac activity of the subject but also the contractile activity of muscle cells of the subject.
The wearable vital sign measuring device according to claim 1 . At least two of the first opposing portion, the second opposing portion, and the third opposing portion have an attachment portion for attaching the at least two opposing portions to the subject's chest or back near the subject's lungs or near the subject's lungs or heart.
The wearable vital sign measuring device according to claim 1 . The mounting portion is
an adhesive that adheres the at least two opposing portions to the subject's skin; or
A fixing tape that adheres to the at least two opposing portions and the subject's skin while the at least two opposing portions are placed against the subject's skin, thereby fixing the at least two opposing portions to the subject; or
a fixing belt that is attached to the at least two opposing parts and fastened to the subject with the at least two opposing parts in contact with the subject's skin, to fix the at least two opposing parts to the subject;
9. The wearable vital signs measuring device according to claim 8. The wearable vital sign measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 9;
a data processing storage device;
Equipped with
the wearable vital sign measurement device has a first communication unit that transmits at least two of the electrical signals from the digital auscultation device, the electrical signal from the saturated oxygen concentration sensor, and the electrical signal from the electrocardiogram sensor as synchronous digital data;
The data processing storage device is
a second communication unit that forms a communication line together with the first communication unit and receives and outputs the synchronous digital data transmitted from the first communication unit;
a processing unit that processes and outputs digital sound data from the synchronized digital data output from the second communication unit;
a storage unit that stores the synchronous digital data output from the processing unit;
an output unit that outputs the synchronous digital data output from the processing unit and the synchronous digital data stored in the storage unit;
Equipped with
A medical vital signs measurement system characterized by: