Fuzzy logic method for an indirect measure of a physical signal to be monitored, and corresponding measuring device

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for an indirect measure, by the application of fuzzy logic rules, of a physical signal (G1) to be monitored which would be difficult to measure by a direct method and which has at least first (PD) and second (PS) significant values, these significant values (PD,PS) splitting said physical signal (G1) to be monitored time-wise into a first operational zone (Z1) corresponding to values below the first significant value (PD), a second operational zone (Z2) corresponding to values between the first (PD) and second (PS) significant values, and a third operational zone (Z3) corresponding to values above the second significant value (PS), only said second operational zone (Z2) being involved by the presence of a periodic index signal related to the physical signal (G1) to be monitored. The measuring method of this invention comprises the steps of: obtaining a derived physical signal (G2) from the physical signal (G1) to be monitored, this derived physical signal (G2) having a similar behavior as said physical signal (G1) to be monitored but trivial influence thereon and being related to said periodic index signal; measuring the value (P) of the derived physical signal (G2) and its variations over time at suitably selected check points (CP1,CP2,CP3,...,CPn); deriving the presence or absence of the periodic index signal by means of a first set (FUZZY1) of fuzzy rules; measuring the second (PS) and first (PD) significant values of the physical signal (G1) to be monitored as start and end values, respectively, of the second operational zone (Z2), namely as values which correspond to the start and end of the detection of the periodic index signal presence. The invention also relates to an apparatus for an indirect measure, by the application of fuzzy logic rules, of a physical signal (G1) to be monitored which would be difficult to measure by a direct method, of a type which comprises a compressor block (2) having a first input (3) connected to an input actuator block (5), a first output (4) connected to an output transducer block (7), and a second output (14) connected to a detector block (12), the input actuator block (5), output transducer block (7) and detector block (12) being connected to a fuzzy controller (24). The measuring apparatus of this invention further comprises a secondary exhaust block (9) connected to the compressor block (2) and effective to produce a derived physical signal (G2) behaving similar as the physical signal to be monitored (G1) but having a trivial influence thereon, and being related to the periodic index signal. The fuzzy controller (24) of the measuring apparatus according to the invention ultimately measures the first and second significant values (PD,PS) of the physical signal (G1) to be monitored by acting on the derived physical signal (G2). The indirect measuring method and apparatus of this invention can be applied in particular to the non-invasive reading of blood pressure and heart beat frequency.

Description: Field of the Invention The invention relates to a method for an indirect measure, by the application of fuzzy logic rules, of a physical signal to be monitored which would be difficult to measure by a direct method. More particularly, the invention relates to a method for an indirect measure, by the application of fuzzy logic rules, of a physical signal to be monitored which would be difficult to measure by a direct method and which has at least first and second significant values, these significant values splitting said physical signal to be monitored time-wise into a first operational zone corresponding to values below the first significant value, a second operational zone corresponding to values between the first and second significant values, and a third operational zone corresponding to values above the second significant value, only said second operational zone being involved by the presence of a periodic index signal related to the physical signal to be monitored. The invention also relates to an apparatus for an indirect measure, by the application of fuzzy logic rules, of a physical signal to be monitored which would be difficult to measure by a direct method and which has at least first and second significant values, these significant values splitting said physical signal to be monitored time-wise into a first operational zone corresponding to values below the first significant value, a second operational zone corresponding to values between the first and second significant values, and a third operational zone corresponding to values above the second significant value, only said second operational zone being involved by the presence of a periodic index signal related to the physical signal to be monitored, said indirect measuring apparatus comprising a compressor block having a first input connected to an input actuator block, a first output connected to an output transducer block, and a second output connected to a detector block, said input actuator block, output transducer block and detector block being connected to a fuzzy controller. The invention specifically relates to a method of measuring blood pressure and the frequency of heart beat, as well as to a corresponding measuring apparatus, and the following description will be given in connection with this field of application for convenience of illustration. Background Art The use of measuring apparatus incorporating microprocessors is gaining increased acceptance, with their fields of application enjoying enormous expansion. This extensive recourse to microprocessors in measuring apparatus is to be ascribed essentially to their low cost and highly versatile features. There are, however, contexts for which the skill of the operator taking the readings -- especially facing "vague" decisions that the operator is expected to make -- is still regarded as an irreplaceable contribution. Medical applications show several examples where such "vague" decisions are to be made which restrict the usability of fully automated measuring apparatus. Specifically the measuring of arterial blood pressure and heart beat frequency will be considered in the following description by way of example. As is well known, the measuring of arterial blood pressure is aimed at checking a patient's maximum or systolic pressure and minimum or diastolic pressure. Also known is that the heart beat frequency is usually expressed as beats per minute in the medical field. In the particular instance of apparatus for measuring arterial blood pressure, there are basically two measuring methods available: a direct or invasive type of measurement, and an indirect or non-invasive type of measurement. The invasive direct method involves of necessity the insertion, fairly traumatic and relatively problematical, of special catheters which are connected, usually via an electromechanical transducer, to a processor adapted to digitize and display the blood pressure reading taken through the transducer. Due to its invasive character, this measuring method is very seldom applied, and only so to specific selected cases and at specially equipped blood dynamics or intensive assistance centers. It should be emphasized, however, that this direct method does provide pressure readings which more accurately portray the real situation. The non-invasive indirect method, also referred to as "palpation", is that more widely adopted, and is applied using a so-called manual sphygmomanometer. In this method. the physician or operator directly feels (using in particular a stethoscope to intensify his own auditory perception) the pulsating brachial artery at the elbow pit, after applying an inflatable armband around a portion of the patient's arm. In some cases, the measurement can be made at the wrist on the radial artery, by suitably repositioning the inflatable armband. In particular, the blood pressure measuring operation begins with air being pumped into the inflatable armband to a pressure exceeding the systolic pressure by a safe margin. In this condition, the pulsation is subdued: the situation corresponds to having the vase choked by the compressive force of the inflated armband. The measuring operation is then continued by gradually deflating the armband: this gradual deflation enables the operator to recognize certain characteristic sounds, called Korotkoff's sounds, produced by the intermittent flow of blood through the now released vase. Korotkoff's sounds gradually attain a maximum, to then fade out as the pressure from the inflated armband approaches the diastolic pressure value, whereupon the blood through the vase will cease to flow at an intermittent rate. The pressure readings are displayed directly on a special type of pressure gauge, usually carried on the inflatable armband itself. The detection of incipient Korotkoff's sounds provides a first significant value, namely the value of the systolic pressure, while the detection of their peak value provides a second significant value, the diastolic pressure value. The measurement of said first value, the maximum pressure value, made with the manual sphygmomanometer is quite accurate and reliable. However, the sound detection performed with manual sphygmomanometers is heavily dependent on the skill and experience of the operator in charge of making the measurement, and deeply affected by ambient noise. Electronic apparatus are also available commercially for measuring these particular physical signals, which apparatus are generally known as "electronic sphygmomanometers" and effective to automate some steps of the non-invasive measuring method by manual sphygmomanometers. An electronic sphygmomanometer basically comprises an inflatable armband which can be inflated and deflated around a patient's arm, an inflation pump, and an apparatus for measuring the physical signals of medical interest, such as those mentioned above. This apparatus incorporates a display screen for displaying the readings taken of the physical signals to be monitored. With an electronic sphygmomanometer, the inflatable armband is usually deflated automatically, and inflated manually by the operator using an ordinary pump; it is only with some of these apparatus that the armband deflation is also controlled automatically by the apparatus. An example of an electronic sphygmomanometer is illustrated in US Patent No. 5,156,158, to Shirasaki of October 20, 1992. This document discloses a device as described above, which employs in particular a fuzzy control unit capable of processing cardio-vascular information by comparison to stored standard information, using a plurality of membership functions. Shirasaki's electronic sphygmomanometer can speed up the step of apprehending such cardio-vascular information from the pressure of the sphygmomanometer inflatable armband. Another prior non-invasive measuring method is the so-called ultrasonic method, wherein an ultrasound generating/detecting apparatus is used. This ultrasonic apparatus can evaluate local movements of an artery walls being measured; the blood flow is in fact related to variations in frequency of the ultrasonic reflections from the artery walls by the well-known Doppler's effect. The ultrasonic measuring method has, however, a disadvantage in that it provides readings which overestimate the pressure, especially systolic value, and the method is seldom used on this account. Automated medical equipment of this type is generally regarded as fundamentally unreliable. It is for this reason that the use of automatic measuring instruments is circumscribed in the medical field, and that such apparatus are rejected by physician and hospitals on the grounds of their alleged unreliability: physicians prefer to use well known manual sphygmomanometers, especially the mercury types, feeling surer of their results. In addition, manual sphygmomanometers allow details of the measurement to be assessed which represent important aspects to the evaluation of the reading correctness. However, a series of precautions must be taken with a fully manual apparatus such as a manual sphygmomanometer before a correct measurement can be made. This measurement, moreover, requires deep concentration and great care on the part of the operator who is performing the measuring operations manually. In the indirect measuring method using a manual sphygmomanometer, the procedure outlined herein below is to be followed exactly: with the patient in a horizontal position, the inflatable armband inflating step is commenced with the armband suitably placed around a portion of the patient's limb implicated in the measurement, using an ordinary pump associated with the armband; the inflating step should not be carried out at an excessively fast rate, and should not produce too high a compressive force, not to inflict painful sensations on the patient which would result in disturbed pressure readings (in particular, it is found that an optimum rate for this step would be a rise of about 6 mmHg/s in a mercury column suitably linked to the inflatable armband); upon choking up the vase involved in the measurement, with the patient still in the horizontal position, the inflatable armband deflating step is commenced by releasing a manual exhaust screw; just like the inflating step, the deflating step should neither be too rapid, not to incur an underestimate of the systolic pressure value (by stifling the first tones ausculted upon releasing the vase), nor be too slow, not to alter the pressure readings by inducing venous congestion; in this case, a secondary rise would occur in the diastolic pressure and the systolic pressure value would be underestimated. It is an object of this invention to propose a method for an indirect measure of physical signals which would be difficult to measure by a direct method, particularly in the medical field of application, which indirect method can provide automatic measurements of these physical signals, as well as ensure trustworthy accurate readings, thereby overcoming the problems which beset prior automatic measuring methods. Another object of this invention is to propose a measuring apparatus which can implement the measuring method of this invention. Summary of the Invention These objects are achieved by a method for an indirect measure, by the application of fuzzy rules, of a physical signal to be monitored, this method measuring the value of a physical signal derived from the physical signal to be monitored and having a similar behavior as, but a trivial influence on, the physical signal to be monitored, said method also measuring the variation over time of the derived physical signal at suitably arranged check points. In the measuring method of this invention a first set of fuzzy rules are applied to ascertain the presence or absence of an index signal adapted to mark at least first, second and third operational zones of said derived physical signal, only the second operational zone being characterized by the presence of the index signal. First and second significant values of the physical signal to be monitored are measured as start and end values, respectively, of the second operational zone, that is, values corresponding to the start and end of the detection of the index signal presence. Furthermore, in the measuring method of the invention, the values of the check points where the detection of the index signal presence or absence is to be made are calculated, based on a second set of fuzzy rules being processed from statistical information about the extent of the operational zones of the physical signal to be monitored. Based on this idea of solution, the technical problem is solved by an indirect measuring method as previously indicated and defined in the characterizing part of Claim 1. The problem is also solved by an indirect measuring apparatus as previously indicated and defined in the characterizing part of Claim 7. The features and advantages of the method and apparatus for making indirect measurements according to the invention will be apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limitative examples with reference to the accompanying drawings and in connection with a medical type of application to the measurement of blood pressure and heart beat. Brief Description of the Drawings In the drawings: Figure 1 shows schematically a measuring apparatus according to the invention; Figure 2 is a plot of a pressure signal as detected in the measuring apparatus of Figure 1; Figures 3A and 3B show membership functions for a set of fuzzy rules according to the invention; Figure 4 shows schematically a likely time division of a pressure signal detected in the measuring apparatus of Figure 1; Figures 5A and 5B show membership functions representing statistical information about the time division of Figure 4. Detailed Description This invention sets out from the traditional approach currently adopted by physicians and hospital staff for the majority of cases, that is to say, the indirect measurement using a sphygmomanometer. With specific reference to Figure 1, generally and schematically shown at 1 is a measuring apparatus according to the invention. The measuring apparatus 1 of Figure 1 comprises functional blocks as listed herein below. A compressor block 2, including in particular a conventional inflatable armband. The compressor block 2 has a first input 3 corresponding substantially to a physical opening in the armband wherethrough the armband can be inflated, and a first output 4 corresponding, same as the first input 3, to a physical opening wherethrough the armband can be deflated.The compressor block 2 is used to compress a region of a limb containing the artery, on which the measurement is to be made and around which the inflatable armband has been suitably positioned. An input actuator block 5 comprising an air pumping device, in particular a conventional pump. The input actuator block 5 has an output 6 connected to the first input 3 of the compressor block 2 and is used for deflating the inflatable armband. An output transducer block 7 including a device for exhausting air at a high rate, such as a conventional air valve. The output transducer block 7 has an input 8 connected to the first output 4 of the compressor block 2 and is used to deflate the inflatable armband. A secondary exhaust block 9 having an input 10 connected to a second output 11 of the compressor block 2. Advantageously in this invention, the secondary exhaust block 9 includes a device for bleeding out air at a near-constant rate, in particular a pin.It should be noted that the connection established by this pin is always open, but that the pressure variation induced in the inflatable armband by this permanent bleed is trivial compared to those induced by the pump or the valve included in the blocks 5 and 7, respectively. A detector block 12 comprising, in particular, an electronic device adapted for detecting and measuring a pressure, e.g. a conventional pressure sensor. The detector block 12 has an input 13 connected to a second output 14 of the compressor block 2. It should be noted that the pressure sensor in the detector block 12 is adapted for measuring the air pressure inside the inflatable armband of the compressor block 2. A controller block 18, in particular an intake/exhaust air regulator for the inflatable armband which acts on the pump in the input actuator block 5 and on the valve in the output transducer block 7. The controller block 18 has a first output 19 connected to a first enable input 15 of the input actuator block 5, a second output 20 connected to a second enable input 16 of the output transducer block 7, and an input 21 connected to a control output 17 of the detector block 12.In particular, the controller block 18 supplies on its outputs 19 and 20 respective signals to activate (and deactivate) the air pump suction/delivery and the valve included in the blocks 5 and 7. These activating signals may be simple electric on/off signals.The controller block 18 also receives a control signal on the input 21, which signal is generated by the pressure sensor of the detector block 12. A fuzzy decoder block 22, in particular for detecting the heart beat, comprising a first fuzzy processor to implement a first set of fuzzy rules, hereinafter referred to as the FUZZY1 set. The fuzzy decoder block 22 is connected bi-directionally to the controller block 18. A fuzzy calculator block 23 comprising a second processor implementing a second set of fuzzy rules, hereinafter referred to as the FUZZY2 set. The fuzzy calculator block 23 also is connected bi-directionally to the controller block 18. The measuring apparatus 1 of the invention substantially applies compression to a limb, and hence to the artery therein on which the measurement is to be made. This compressive action is provided by the compressor block 2, input actuator block 5 and output transducer block 7 (specifically, by the pump and the valve incorporated to the actuator and transducer blocks). The measuring apparatus 1 is also adapted to regulate the compressive force developed, by means of the pressure sensor in the detector block 12 and of a fuzzy controller 24 which comprises the controller block 18, the fuzzy decoder block 22, and the fuzzy calculator block 23. The fuzzy controller 24 senses, as explained hereinafter, the heart beat, thereby allowing the significant values of the blood pressure signal, that is the systolic and diastolic pressure values, to be found. The measuring method for such significant values is based on the time division of the pressure signal detected at first Z1, second Z2 and third Z3 operational zones, as shown schematically in Figure 4. In particular: the first operational zone Z1 corresponds to pressure values P below the minimum or diastolic pressure value PD; the second operational zone Z2 corresponds to pressure values P between the minimum pressure value PD and a maximum or systolic pressure value PS; the third operational zone Z3 corresponds to pressure values P above the maximum pressure value PS. In consideration of the collapse mechanics of an artery being squeezed under an inflated armband, as explained in connection with the prior art manual sphygmomanometers, it has been concluded that the first and third operational zones Z1 and Z3 are unrelated to the presence of heart beats, but the second operational zone Z2 is. Thus, the heart beat provides an index signal of a periodic type which allows the aforementioned operational zones to be discriminated. Advantageously in this invention, all the readings are taken, rather than of the physical signal G1 to be monitored (blood pressure, not measurable directly), of a derived physical signal G2 (exhaust pressure at the pin included in the secondary exhaust block 9), this derived physical signal behaving similar as the physical signal to be monitored and being of a magnitude that would not disturb the measuring operation. In particular, the first processor implementing the first rule set FUZZY1 comprises a hardware/software device based on the first set of fuzzy rules for recognizing the heart beats. The principle on which this first set of rules operates is quite simple. As air is outflowing at a near-constant rate through the pin in the secondary exhaust block 9, each heart beat will produce a variation in a pressure signal detected at the pin outlet which follows substantially the pattern shown in Figure 2. Using known methods to the skilled persons in the art of fuzzy logic systems, a generic set of fuzzy rules, created for recognizing a periodic signal variation, can be adapted to suit the particular pressure signal to be obtained by means of the pin of the secondary exhaust block 9 and the pressure sensor of the detector block 12. This adaptation involves an adjustment to the forms of fuzzy membership functions, but no modifications of the fuzzy rule set as such. In an example of this set of fuzzy rules, the last two variations of the pressure signal are taken into consideration, as follows: 1. ΔP_prec(i) = (P(t i-2 ) - P(t i-1 )) / (t i-2 - t i-1 ) 2. ΔP_act(i) = (P(t i ) - P(t i-1 )) / (t i - t i-1 ) where: P(t i ) is the pressure value at time t i ; ΔP_prec(i) is the pressure variation between time t i-2 and time t i-1 ; ΔP_act(i) is the pressure variation between time t i-1 and time t i . In a practical example, if the pin of the secondary exhaust block 9 provides a pressure variation of -0.6 mmHg/s and the pressure sensor of the detector block 12 is set for sensing pressure variations of 1 mmHg/s, then it is possible making a measurement, based on the above definitions and the use of membership functions which split up the variations of the derived physical signal G2, i.e. the pressure at the pin outlet in the secondary exhaust block 9, into a plurality of sets. In the example of Figures 3A and 3B, three membership functions have been used which are designated A-, A, A+ and related to the pressure values at the pin of the secondary exhaust block 9. A possible first set of fuzzy rules based on such membership functions A-, A, A+ is the following: IF ΔP_prec IS A- AND ΔP_act IS A+ THEN Beat IS True; IF ΔP_prec IS A- AND ΔP_act IS A THEN Beat IS True; IF ΔP_prec IS A- AND ΔP_act IS A- THEN Beat IS False; IF ΔP_prec IS A THEN Beat IS False; IF ΔP_prec IS A+ THEN Beat IS False; where: Beat is a parameter rating the certainty of a heart beat presence, and is obtained from the False (heart beat absent) and True (heart beat present) membership functions, using the first set FUZZY1 of fuzzy rules. Alternatively, this value could be represented by a logic "1" and a logic "0", respectively. Thus, the first processor implementing the first rule set FUZZY1 allows the periodic index signal, the heart beat, to be checked for presence or absence, thereby discriminating the second operational zone Z2 from the other zones. The second processor implementing the second rule set FUZZY2 also includes a hardware/software device based on a second set of fuzzy rules for calculating the check point CP, that is the next pressure value to be checked for the presence or absence of heart beats, in other words the periodic index signal, by means of the first processor and associated rule set FUZZY1. Referring to the separation into zones shown in Figure 4, starting from any check point value CP1, the choice of the next value CP2, CP3,..., CPn for that check point is made by using the knowledge of specific statistical information about the extents of the operational zones in Figure 4. In particular, if the starting check point CP1 belongs to the first zone Z1, based on its value, the next check point CP2 is calculated for the purpose of arriving in the second zone Z2. Likewise, if the starting check point CP1 belongs to the second zone Z2, based on its value, the next check point CP2 is calculated in order to arrive at a reference point RF, as shown in Figure 4. Using membership functions of the type shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the following second set FUZZY2 of fuzzy rules can be extrapolated for calculating the successive check points CP2, CP3,..., CPn: IF Beat IS False AND P IS Low THEN Jump_CP IS α1; IF Beat IS False AND P IS Normal THEN Jump_CP IS α2; IF Beat IS False AND P IS Normal_High THEN Jump_CP IS α3; IF Beat IS False AND P IS High THEN Jump_CP IS α4; IF Beat IS False AND P IS Very_High THEN Jump_CP IS α5; IF Beat IS True AND P IS Low THEN Jump_CP IS α6; IF Beat IS True AND P IS Normal THEN Jump_CP IS α7; IF Beat IS True AND P IS Normal_High THEN Jump_CP IS α8; IF Beat IS True AND P IS High THEN Jump_CP IS α9; IF Beat IS True AND P IS Very_High THEN Jump_CP IS α10; where: Beat is a parameter rating the certainty of the periodic index signal presence, and is obtained from the False and True membership functions using the first set FUZZY1 of fuzzy rules; Low, Normal, Normal_High, High, and Very_High are membership functions which separate the variations of the value P of the derived physical signal G2, namely the pressure at the pin outlet in the secondary exhaust block 9, into a plurality of fuzzy sets; Jump_CP is an additional value for calculating the next check point CP2, CP3,..., CPn after the starting check point CP1 on the basis of said second set FUZZY2 of fuzzy rules; and α1-α10 are numerical values to be assigned to the additional value Jump_CP, as calculated on the basis of specific statistical information about the extents of the operational zones Z1, Z2, Z3. For a simulation performed by the Applicant, the data listed in the following Table compiled by Y.R. Schlussel, P.L. Schnall, M. Zimbler, K. Warren and T.G. Pickering were used as specific information about the operational zones in Figure 4. Based on these statistical data and the directions given in a book "Guida alla corretta misura e interpretazione della pressione arteriosa", Roberto Agosta, published by UTET, it was possible to extrapolate optimum values for assignment to the additional value Jump_CP, thereby to obtain the following set of fuzzy rules for calculating the successive check points CP2, CP3,..., CPn: IF Beat IS False AND P IS Low THEN Jump_CP IS 20; IF Beat IS False AND P IS Normal THEN Jump_CP IS 30; IF Beat IS False AND P IS Normal_High THEN Jump_CP IS 20; IF Beat IS False AND P IS High THEN Jump_CP IS 40; IF Beat IS False AND P IS Very_High THEN Jump_CP IS 55; IF Beat IS True AND P IS Low THEN Jump_CP IS 15; IF Beat IS True AND P IS Normal THEN Jump_CP IS 30; IF Beat IS True AND P IS Normal_High THEN Jump_CP IS 35; IF Beat IS True AND P IS High THEN Jump_CP IS 40; IF Beat IS True AND P IS Very_High THEN Jump_CP IS 45. where: α1=20, α2=30, α3=20, α4=40, α5=55, α6=15, α7=30, α8=35, α9=40 and α10=45 are the optimum numerical values obtained from the above Table for assignment to the additional value Jump_CP in the second set of fuzzy rules previously discussed. It should be understood that these values, like the use of the fuzzy rules listed above for the second set FUZZY2, are purely illustrative. In particular, the number, form, and type of the fuzzy rules and of the membership functions of the sets FUZZY1 and FUZZY2 may be modified, in known manner to the skilled ones, to adapt these sets for any specific applications. The general operation of the measuring apparatus 1 according to the invention is completed by the air intake/exhaust controller block 18 comprising a hardware/software device adapted to control the pump in the input actuator block 5 and the valve in the output transducer block 7 to open and close. The air intake/exhaust controller block 18 essentially allows the necessary readings for implementing the measuring method of this invention to be taken, using the results of the processing of the rule sets FUZZY1 and FUZZY2 in the fuzzy blocks 22 and 23. In principle, the operating cycle of this controller block 18 can be viewed as comprising two discrete steps: 1. Compression Step . This first step is aimed at having the inflatable armband inflated until a pressure value slightly above the maximum pressure value is attained, such as the reference point RF shown in Figure 4, that is until a value belonging to the third operational zone Z3 is reached. During this step, the pressure in the inflatable armband is, therefore, to be raised to a value above the limiting values of the first and second operational zones Z1 and Z2, which zones are respectively characterized by the absence and the presence of heart beats. The controller block 18 will discontinue the inflatable armband pumping up at successive check points CP, calculated on the basis of the second set FUZZY2 of fuzzy rules as previously explained, during a suitable interrupt period T required for the rule set FUZZY1 to check for the presence or absence of the periodic index signal, i.e. the heart beats. 2. Measuring Step . This second step, which starts when the reference point RF is reached, is aimed at determining systolic, diastolic, and heart beat frequency values. While air is being slowly exhausted from the inflatable armband through the pin of the secondary exhaust block 9, the controller block 18 operates the first processor implementing the first rule set FUZZY1. This first processor signals whether a heart beat has occurred. Upon the first beat, the controller block 18 records a first pressure value, corresponding to the systolic pressure value, while at the same time operating a timer (not shown because conventional) to have the heart beat frequency measured. It should be noted that for improved accuracy of the heart beat frequency measurement, this timer would be locked after a given number of beats and the heart beat frequency value taken as the arithmetic mean over several readings. Thereafter, in order to more speedily reach a point whereat the diastolic pressure value can be read, the controller block 18 will utilize "past experience" of the differential pressure (i.e. the difference between the diastolic and systolic pressure values). In particular, the controller block 18 will have acquired this experience during the initial compression step, and will allow the inflatable armband to be deflated at a faster rate by opening the valve in the output transducer block 7. Upon this valve being closed, the first processor implementing the first rule set FUZZY1 is again operated to detect the presence of heart beats. At each beat detected by the first processor implementing the first rule set FUZZY1, the controller block 18 will record a corresponding pressure value. If no beat is detected during a time period Tb corresponding to the longest possible time interval between one heart beat and the next, the last recorded pressure value is taken to be the diastolic pressure value. At this point, the second measuring step is over. At the end of the first and second steps above, the pump in the input actuator block 5 is opened to fully deflate the inflatable armband. The following are two major advantages of the measuring method and apparatus according to the invention particularly intended for measuring blood pressure and heart beat: 1. more reliable measurements provided by the inventive apparatus; 2. the measuring procedure is made less traumatic for the patient. These advantages are secured in particular by having the rise time of the armband internal pressure regulated, the armband full inflation point optimized, and the measuring time for the individual values of interest minimized.

Claims: A method for an indirect measure, by the application of fuzzy logic rules, of a physical signal (G1) to be monitored which would be difficult to measure by a direct method and which has at least first (PD) and second (PS) significant values, said significant values (PD,PS) splitting said physical signal (G1) to be monitored time-wise into a first operational zone (Z1) corresponding to values below the first significant value (PD), a second operational zone (Z2) corresponding to values between the first (PD) and second (PS) significant values, and a third operational zone (Z3) corresponding to values above the second significant value (PS), only said second operational zone (Z2) being involved by the presence of a periodic index signal related to the physical signal (G1) to be monitored, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: obtaining a derived physical signal (G2) from the physical signal (G1) to be monitored, said derived physical signal (G2) having a similar behavior as said physical signal (G1) to be monitored but trivial influence thereon and being related to said periodic index signal; measuring the value (P) of said derived physical signal (G2) and its variations over time at suitably selected check points (CP1,CP2,CP3,...,CPn); deriving the presence or absence of the periodic index signal by means of a first set (FUZZY1) of fuzzy rules; measuring said second (PS) and first (PD) significant values of the physical signal (G1) to be monitored as start and end values, respectively, of said second operational zone (Z2), namely as values which correspond to the start and end of the detection of the periodic index signal presence. An indirect measuring method according to Claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of: calculating, from a starting check point (CP1) and by a second set (FUZZY2) of fuzzy rules, the next one of the check points (CP2,CP3,...,CPn) whereat the periodic index signal is to be checked for presence or absence by means of said first set (FUZZY1) of fuzzy rules; said second set (FUZZY2) of fuzzy rules being processed from specific statistical information about the extents of said operational zones (Z1,Z2,Z3). An indirect measuring method according to Claim 2, characterized in that said next one of the check points (CP2,CP3,...,CPn) is calculated to either: reach the second operational zone (Z2), if the starting reference point (CP1) lies within the first operational zone (Z1); or reach the third operational zone (Z3), if the starting check point (CP1) lies within the second operational zone (Z2). An indirect measuring method according to Claim 2, characterized in that said second set (FUZZY2) of fuzzy rules comprises the following rules: IF Beat IS False AND P IS Low THEN Jump_CP IS α1; IF Beat IS False AND P IS Normal THEN Jump_CP IS α2; IF Beat IS False AND P IS Normal_High THEN Jump_CP IS α3; IF Beat IS False AND P IS High THEN Jump_CP IS α4; IF Beat IS False AND P IS Very_High THEN Jump_CP IS α5; IF Beat IS True AND P IS Low THEN Jump_CP IS α6; IF Beat IS True AND P IS Normal THEN Jump_CP IS α7; IF Beat IS True AND P IS Normal_High THEN Jump_CP IS α8; IF Beat IS True AND P IS High THEN Jump_CP IS α9; IF Beat IS True AND P IS Very_High THEN Jump_CP IS α10. where: Beat is a parameter rating the certainty of the periodic index signal presence, and is obtained from the False and True membership functions using the first set (FUZZY1) of fuzzy rules; Low, Normal, Normal_High, High, and Very_High are membership functions which separate the variations of the value (P) of the derived physical signal (G2) into a plurality of fuzzy sets; Jump_CP is an additional value for calculating the next one of the check points (CP2, CP3,..., CPn), after the starting check point (CP1), on the basis of the second set (FUZZY2) of fuzzy rules; and α1-α10 are numerical values to be assigned to the additional value Jump_CP, as calculated from specific statistical information about the extents of the operational zones (Z1, Z2, Z3). An indirect measuring method according to Claim 1, characterized in that said first set (FUZZY1) of fuzzy rules takes the last two variations of the value (P) of the derived physical signal (G2) into consideration, namely: ΔP_prec(i) = (P(t i-2 ) - P(t i-1 )) / (t i-2 - t i-1 ) ΔP_act(i) = (P(t i ) - P(t i-1 )) / (t i - t i-1 ) where: P(t i ) is the value of the derived physical signal (G2) at time t i ; ΔP_prec(i) is the variation of the value of the derived physical signal (G2) between time t i-2 and time t i-1 ; ΔP_act(i) is the variation of the value of the derived physical signal (G2) between time t i-1 and time t i ; and comprises the following set of fuzzy rules: IF ΔP_prec IS A- AND ΔP_act IS A+ THEN Beat IS True; IF ΔP_prec IS A- AND ΔP_act IS A THEN Beat IS True; IF ΔP_prec IS A- AND ΔP_act IS A- THEN Beat IS False; IF ΔP_prec IS A THEN Beat IS False; IF ΔP_prec IS A+ THEN Beat IS False; where: A, A-, A+ are membership functions splitting the variations of the derived physical signal (G2) into a plurality of sets; and Beat is a parameter rating the certainty of the periodic index signal presence, and is obtained from the False and True membership functions, using the first set (FUZZY1) of fuzzy rules. An indirect measuring method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that : said physical signal (G1) to be monitored is blood pressure; said first (PD) and second (PS) significant values correspond to diastolic and systolic pressure values, respectively; and said periodic index signal indicates presence or absence of heart beats. An apparatus for an indirect measure, by the application of fuzzy logic rules, of a physical signal (G1) to be monitored which would be difficult to measure by a direct method and which has at least first (PD) and second (PS) significant values, said significant values (PD,PS) splitting said physical signal (G1) to be monitored time-wise into a first operational zone (Z1) corresponding to values below the first significant value (PD), a second operational zone (Z2) corresponding to values between the first and second significant values (PD,PS), and a third operational zone (Z3) corresponding to values above the second significant value (PS), said second operational zone (Z2) being the only one involved by the presence of a periodic index signal related to the physical signal (G1) to be monitored, said indirect measuring apparatus comprising a compressor block (2) having a first input (3) connected to an input actuator block (5), a first output (4) connected to an output transducer block (7), and a second output (14) connected to a detector block (12), said input actuator block (5), output transducer block (7) and detector block (12) being connected to a fuzzy controller (24), characterized in that it comprises a secondary exhaust block (9) connected to said compressor block (2) and effective to produce a derived physical signal (G2) behaving similar as the physical signal to be monitored (G1) but having a trivial influence thereon, and being related to said periodic index signal, and in that said fuzzy controller (24) measures the first and second significant values (PD,PS) of the physical signal (G1) to be monitored by acting on said derived physical signal (G2). A measuring apparatus according to Claim 7, characterized in that the physical signal (G1) to be monitored and the derived physical signal (G2) are pressure signals, and that: the compressor block (2) comprises an inflatable armband, said first input (3) and said first output (4) corresponding to physical openings in the armband wherethrough the armband can be inflated and deflated; the input actuator block (5) comprises a device for pumping air into the inflatable armband and has an output (6) connected to the first input (3) of the compressor block (2) to thereby control the inflation of the inflatable armband; the output transducer block (7) comprises a device for exhausting air at a fast rate and has an input (8) connected to the first output (4) of the compressor block (2) to thereby control the deflation of the inflatable armband; the detector block (12) comprises an electronic device effective to sense and measure the internal air pressure of the inflatable armband of the compressor block (2), said internal air pressure of the inflatable armband corresponding to the pressure value of the derived physical signal (G2) and, hence, of the physical signal (G1) to be monitored; and the secondary exhaust block (9) comprises a device for exhausting air at a near-constant low rate, said air exhausting corresponding to the derived physical signal (G2) from the physical signal (G1) to be monitored. A measuring apparatus according to Claim 8, characterized in that said device for exhausting air at a near-constant low rate contained in the secondary exhaust block (9) comprises a pin establishing a communication which is always open with a permanent pressure variation which is trivial compared to the behavior of the physical signal (G1) to be monitored. A measuring apparatus according to Claim 8, characterized in that the fuzzy controller (24) comprises a controller block (18) effective to regulate the air intake and exhaust to/from the inflatable armband by acting on the input actuator block (5) and the output transducer block (7). A measuring apparatus according to Claim 10, characterized in that the fuzzy controller (24) further comprises a fuzzy decoder block (22) based upon a first set (FUZZY1) of fuzzy rules and adapted to sense, at a predetermined one of the check points (CP1,CP2,CP3,...,CPn), the presence or absence of the index signal, and a fuzzy calculation block (23) based upon a second set (FUZZY2) of fuzzy rules and adapted to calculate, from a starting check point (CP1), a next one of the check points (CP2,CP3,...,CPn) whereat to check for the presence or absence of the periodic index signal, said fuzzy decoder block (22) and fuzzy calculation block (23) being connected bi-directionally to the controller block (18). A measuring apparatus according to Claim 10, characterized in that said controller block (18) has a first output (19) connected to a first enable input (15) of the input actuator block (5), a second output (20) connected to a second enable input (16) of the output transducer block (7), and an input (21) connected to a control output (17) of the detector block (12), the controller block (18) supplying, on the first and second outputs (19,20), respective air intake/exhaust activation/deactivation signals to the input and output actuator blocks (5,7). A measuring apparatus according to Claim 12, characterized in that the controller block (18) receives, on an input (21), a control signal generated by the detector block (12). A measuring apparatus according to Claim 8, characterized in that : said electronic device contained in the detector block (12) is a pressure sensor; said device for pumping air into the inflatable armband, contained in the input actuator block (5), is a pump; said device for exhausting air at a fast rate, contained in the output transducer block (7), is a valve; and said device for exhausting air at a near-constant slow rate, contained in the secondary exhaust block (9), is a pin. A measuring apparatus according to one of Claims 7 to 14, characterized in that said significant physical signal (G1) is blood pressure, and that the measuring operations are performed by compressing, as by means of the inflatable armband in the compressor block (2), a portion of a limb containing an artery whereat a blood pressure reading is to be taken. An indirect measuring method according to Claim 6, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: compressing a portion of a limb containing an artery whereat the blood pressure (G1) reading is being taken, around which portion an inflatable armband has been suitably placed; regulating the air intake and exhaust into/from the inflatable armband by means of a fuzzy controller (24) connected, via a controller block (18), to an input actuator block (5) and an output transducer block (7); said regulation being provided by the fuzzy controller (24) acting on a pump contained in the input actuator block (5) and on a valve contained in the output transducer block (7) through the intermediary of respective activate/deactivate signals generated on the basis of readings taken by a detector block (12) connected with its input to said inflatable armband and with its output to said fuzzy controller (24). An indirect measuring method according to Claim 16, characterized in that it provides for the operation of the fuzzy controller block (24) to occur in two discrete steps, namely: a compression step , wherein a limiting pressure value (RF) is attained which is slightly above the maximum pressure value, that is which is carried on until a value belonging to the third operational zone (Z3) is reached, by inflating the inflatable armband; a measuring step , which starts upon reaching the limiting pressure value (RF), and wherein the systolic and diastolic pressure values are determined by gradually deflating the inflatable armband and by measuring the derived physical signal (G2) at the output of a secondary exhaust block (9) connected to said compressor block (2). An indirect measuring method according to Claim 17, characterized in that , during the compression step, the fuzzy controller (24) discontinues the inflation of the inflatable armband at successive check points (CP1,CP2,CP3,...,CPn) calculated by means of the second set (FUZZY2) of fuzzy rules, for a suitable period (T) of interruption required for the first set (FUZZY1) of fuzzy rules to check for the presence or absence of the periodic index signal, that is of heart beats. An indirect measuring method according to Claim 18, characterized in that , during the measuring step, the fuzzy controller (24) is operated to: activate a first processor implementing the first rule set (FUZZY1) and adapted to signal the presence or absence of the periodic index signal, that is of heart beats, and upon the first beat being detected, to record into a controller block (18) a first pressure reading corresponding to the second significant value (PS) of systolic pressure; control the valve in the output transducer block (7) to open, and record, for each pulsation detected by means of the first rule set (FUZZY1) at successive check points (CP1,CP2,CP3,...,CPn) calculated on the basis of the second set (FUZZY2) of fuzzy rules, a corresponding pressure reading; take, as value for the first significant value (PD) of diastolic pressure, the last recorded pressure reading at which no beat has been sensed, after a time period (Tb) corresponding to the maximum time interval splitting one heart beat from the next. An indirect measuring method according to Claim 17, characterized in that , after the measuring step, the fuzzy controller (24) opens the pump in the input actuator block (5) to fully deflate the inflatable armband. An indirect measuring method according to Claim 17, characterized in that , during the measuring step, the fuzzy controller (24) regulates, for the inflatable armband deflating step, the amount of the valve opening in the output transducer block (7) based on past experience acquired during the armband deflating step, thereby providing for a faster deflating step. An indirect measuring method according to Claim 18, characterized in that , upon detection of the first beat, the fuzzy controller (24) activates a timer to measure the heart beat frequency. An indirect measuring method according to Claim 22, characterized in that the timer activated by the fuzzy controller (24) is locked after a certain number of beats and the heart beat frequency value is obtained as the arithmetic mean of several readings. An apparatus for measuring blood pressure and/or heart beat frequency, characterized in that it implements the indirect measuring method according to one of Claims 16 to 23.

Inventors: CUCE ANTONINO, DI GUARDO MARIO, CUCE', ANTONINO, DI GUARDO, MARIO
Applicants: ST MICROELECTRONICS SRL, STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
Application year: 1997
Main classification: G06F17
IPC codes: A61B5, G01D21, G06F17, G06F9, G06N7