Patent ID: 12251204

It should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a blood pressure measurement device that uses a liquid filled pressure sensing chamber to measure blood pressure of a user. The blood pressure measurement device can include a compression system that is separate from the liquid filled pressure sensing chamber and is used to compress the liquid filled pressure sensing chamber against the skin of the user to measure the user's blood pressure. The liquid filled pressure sensing chamber may be more sensitive to pressure changes in the blood vessel as compared to conventional air filled pressure sensing chambers due to the incompressible nature of liquid. Further, having the pressure sensing system separated from the inflation system may help reduce noise and/or increase accuracy of blood pressure measurements as compared to typical blood pressure measurement systems in which a single inflatable cuff is used to both compress a user's arm and measure air pressure in the cuff to estimate blood pressure.

In some embodiments, the blood pressure measurement device is implemented as a pressure sensing stack that includes a liquid filled pressure sensing chamber positioned on an inflatable chamber. A strap can secure the stack against a skin surface of a user such that the pressure sensing chamber is positioned between the inflatable chamber and the user. The inflatable chamber can be inflated to expand towards the user thereby pressing the pressure sensing chamber against the user's skin surface. The pressure sensing chamber can measure blood pressure of the user during the inflation and/or deflation of the inflatable chamber. The pressure sensor can include a flexible housing that contains a volume of liquid, and a pressure sensor that is configured to detect a pressure of the liquid volume. In some cases, the stack structure of the pressure sensing device can help decrease the size of the blood pressure measurement device such that it can be integrated into smaller devices while achieving desirable accuracy and reliability.

The blood pressure measurement device can also include an air pump that is configured to inflate the inflatable chamber. The air pump can be integrated into the pressure sensing stack structure of the pressure sensing device. For example, the inflatable chamber can be positioned on an upper surface of the air pump such that when the blood pressure measurement device is worn by the user the stack includes the air pump positioned furthers from the user, the inflatable chamber positioned between the air pump and the user, and the pressure sensing chamber positioned between the inflatable chamber and the user. The strap can secure the pressure sensing stack to the user such that as the inflatable chamber is inflated it expands primarily towards the user.

In some implementations, the blood pressure measurement device includes a support plate that is positioned between the expansion chamber and the pressure sensing chamber. The support plate can be a rigid or semi-rigid structure that helps distribute the force generated by the inflatable chamber across the pressure sensing chamber and can prevent blood pressure pulse signal loss that may occur between the pressure sensing chamber and the inflatable chamber. In some cases, the expansion chamber, the support plate and the pressure sensing chamber can all have similar profiles such that the support plate and/or expansion chamber extend across substantially the entire bottom surface of the pressure sensing chamber.

The blood pressure measurement device can be an independent device that includes a display, dedicated processor, battery, and so on, which can be mounted to or otherwise integrated into the strap. In other cases, the blood pressure measurement device can be integrated to function with a wearable device such as a smartwatch. For example, the pressure sensing stack can be mounted to a smartwatch band and be electrically coupled with the smartwatch. In these cases, the pressure sensing stack could send pressure measurements to the smartwatch and the smartwatch can analyze, display or combine the pressure data with other data that was collected by the smartwatch, which could include ambient pressure, other physiological measurements of a user such as electrocardiograms, temperatures, oxygen saturation, and so on. In some cases, the blood pressure measurement device could utilize components of the smartwatch such as a power sources.

The example of a smartwatch is given as one example of a device that the blood pressure measurement device can be integrated with. However, the blood pressure measurement device can also be configured to detect blood pressure at locations other than the wrist and/or integrated with other devices such as a dedicated display and processing system, a smartphone, other wearable health monitors, portable music players, and the like. For example, the blood pressure measurement device could be mounted to a strap that is configured to wrap around the upper arm, the wrist, and/or other portions of a user to estimate a blood pressure using measurements from one or more of these locations.

In some cases, the blood pressure measurement device can wirelessly communicate with one or more other devices. For example the pressure sensing device could send blood pressure measurement data to a smartphone, tablet, computer, or other connected devices where it can be viewed, analyzed, stored or otherwise accessed by the user or other authorized party.

The blood pressure measurement device can be secured to a user in variety of ways. For example, the blood pressure measurement device can removably couple to a variety of different straps, which can be configured to attach to different body parts of the user. In other cases, the blood pressure measurement device could be integrated into clothing, belts, hats or other items worn by a user. In some cases, the blood pressure measurement device could be placed on a surface and the user could check their blood pressure by pressing a portion of their body against the device to measure their blood pressure.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference toFIGS.1-7. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

FIG.1shows an example of a blood pressure measurement device100being worn on a limb of a user101. The blood pressure measurement device100can include a pressure sensing stack102, a strap104that secures the sensing strap to the user101, and an electronic device106.

The blood pressure measurement device100can worn around a limb of the user101such as around the wrist, upper arm or other portions of the user's arm, around a user's leg, or any other suitable location for measuring a blood pressure of the user101. When worn by the user101, the pressure sensing stack102can be operated to measure the user's blood pressure.

In some cases, the pressure sensing stack102can include an expansion mechanism108and a pressure sensing mechanism110. The expansion mechanism108can press the pressure sensing mechanism110against a skin surface of a user101in the region of a blood vessel to begin collapsing the blood vessel. As the pressure sensing mechanism110is pressed against the user101it can measure changes in blood pressure of the user. The expansion mechanism108can continue to press the pressure sensing mechanism110against the user101until the blood vessel has become substantially collapsed and blood flow through the blood vessel has been stopped. The expansion mechanism108, can then release the pressure applied to the user101until the blood vessel is no longer collapsed. The blood pressure measurements taken during the expansion and release of the expansion mechanism can be used to determine one or more blood pressure parameters of the a user such as a diastolic blood pressure, a systolic blood pressure, a mean arterial pressure, or combination thereof. In some cases, the blood pressure measurements can be used to determine other blood pressure parameters such as tracking a pulse pressure wave, identifying one or more cardiac conditions such as abnormal heart rhythms, valve defects such as fibrillation, or the like.

In some cases, the strap104can be configured to apply a compressive force to the limb of the user to collapse a blood vessel of the user101during a blood pressure measurement. For example, the strap104can be configured to tighten around the limb to press the pressure sensing mechanism110into the skin surface of a user. Pressure from the strap104can be in addition to the expansion mechanism108or as an alternative to the expansion mechanism108.

In some cases, the strap104can be a passive structure that secures the pressure sensing stack102to the user101. The strap104can be formed from polymer materials such as rubbers, silicone materials, thermoset materials, thermoplastic materials, fabrics, metals, ceramics, or any other suitable material or combination of different materials. In some embodiments, the pressure sensing stack102can include components such as a battery, a processor, and a wireless communication module that are used to gather and transmit data related to blood pressure measurements taken by the pressure sensing mechanism110. In these cases, the blood pressure measurement device100may not include the electronic device106, and instead include the pressure sensing stack102and the strap104.

In some cases, the strap104can include one or more functional components used by the blood pressure sensing stack102. For example, the strap104can house or couple to a battery, a processor, a wireless communication module, or the like. In these cases, the blood pressure measurement device100may not include the separate electronic device106, and instead include the pressure sensing stack102and strap104.

In other cases, the blood pressure measurement device100can include the electronic device106. The electronic device106can be coupled to the user by the strap104. The electronic device106can include a housing112and a display114that contain components such as a battery, processor(s) and memory, and wireless communication modules that are used to operate the pressure sensing stack102and analyze and display blood pressure measurement data for the user101. In some embodiments, the strap104can include one or more electrical connections that electrically couple the pressure sensing stack102to the electronic device106. In some embodiments, the electronic device106can be a wearable smart device such as a smartwatch.

The display114can be positioned under the cover and at least partially within the housing112. The display114may define an output region in which graphical outputs are displayed. Graphical outputs may include graphical user interfaces, user interface elements (e.g., buttons, sliders, etc.), text, lists, photographs, videos, or the like. The display114may include a liquid-crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode display (OLED), or any other suitable components or display technology. In some cases, the display114may output a graphical user interface with one or more graphical objects that display information collected from or derived from the pressure-sensing system. For example, the display114may output one or more blood pressure measurement parameters to the user101.

The display114may include or be associated with touch sensors and/or force sensors that extend along the output region of the display and which may use any suitable sensing elements and/or sensing techniques. Using touch sensors, the electronic device106may detect touch inputs applied to the cover, including detecting locations of touch inputs, motions of touch inputs (e.g., the speed, direction, or other parameters a gesture applied to the cover can generate), or the like. Using force sensors, the electronic device106may detect amounts or magnitudes of force associated with touch events applied to the cover. The touch and/or force sensors may detect various types of user inputs to control or modify the operation of the electronic device106, including taps, swipes, multiple finger inputs, single- or multiple-finger touch gestures, presses, and the like.

The electronic device106may also include one or more user inputs such as a first input116having a cap, crown, protruding portion, or component(s) or feature(s) (collectively referred to herein as a “body”) positioned along a side surface of the housing112. At least a portion of the first input116(such as the body) may protrude from, or otherwise be located outside, the housing112, and may define a generally circular shape or circular exterior surface. The exterior surface of the body of the first input116may be textured, knurled, grooved, or otherwise have features that may improve the tactile feel of the first input116and/or facilitate rotation sensing.

The first input116may facilitate a variety of potential interactions. For example, the first input116may be rotated by a user (e.g., the crown may receive rotational inputs). Rotational inputs of the first input116may zoom, scroll, rotate, or otherwise manipulate a user interface or other object displayed on the display114among other possible functions. The first input116may also be translated or pressed (e.g., axially) by the user. Translational or axial inputs may select highlighted objects or icons, cause a user interface to return to a previous menu or display, or activate or deactivate functions among other possible functions. In some cases, the electronic device106may sense touch inputs or gestures applied to the first input116, such as a finger sliding along the body of the first input116(which may occur when first input116is configured to not rotate) or a finger touching the body of the first input116. In such cases, sliding gestures may cause operations similar to the rotational inputs, and touches on a cap or crown may cause operations similar to the translational inputs. As used herein, rotational inputs include both rotational movements of the first input116, as well as sliding inputs that are produced when a user slides a finger or object along the surface of a crown in a manner that resembles a rotation (e.g., where the crown is fixed and/or does not freely rotate). In some embodiments, rotating, translating, or otherwise moving the first input116initiates a blood pressure measurement by a pressure sensing stack102. In some cases, selecting an activity, requesting a location, specific movements of the user, and so on may also initiate pressure measurements by the pressures sensing stack102.

The electronic device106may also include other inputs, switches, buttons, or the like. For example, the electronic device106includes a button118. The button118may be a movable button or a touch-sensitive region of the housing112. The button118may control various aspects of the electronic device106. For example, the button118may be used to select icons, items, or other objects displayed on the display114, to activate or deactivate functions (e.g., to silence an alarm or alert), or the like.

FIG.1Bshows a cross-sectional view taken along section A-A shown inFIG.1Aof an example blood pressure measurement device100being worn by a user101. The blood pressure measurement device100can be operated to measure the blood pressure in a blood vessel103of a user101. The pressure sensing stack102can be configured such that the pressure sensing mechanism110is positioned between the expansion mechanism108and the user101.

The expansion mechanism108can be configured to press the pressure sensing mechanism110against the user101to collapse the blood vessel103. In some cases, the expansion mechanism108can include an air pump120and an inflatable chamber122that is fluidly coupled to the air pump120. As used herein the term “fluidly coupled” is used to describe components that can exchange air using one or more sealed passages. The air pump120can be attached to the strap104and can form a rigid structure such that as the inflatable chamber122is filled with air, it primarily expands towards the user. Accordingly, expansion of the inflatable chamber122pushes the pressure sensing mechanism110against the user101to collapse the blood vessel103. In this regard, the strap104and air pump120can be configured to have sufficient rigidity such that as the inflatable chamber122expands, the primary motion of this expansion is toward the user101.

The expansion mechanism108can be implemented in various ways. In some cases, the expansion mechanism108can be configured to tighten the strap104around the user101thereby compressing the pressure sensing mechanism110against the skin of the user101to collapse the blood vessel. In these cases, the expansion mechanism108can tighten the strap104using a ratcheting mechanism, a screw-based mechanism, gears, friction, a magnetically-actuating element, a piezoelectric element or other suitable system that tightens the strap around the user101. In other cases, the expansion mechanism108can expand toward the user101using a piezoelectric actuator, pneumatic actuator, an electromechanical actuator or combination thereof.

The pressure sensing mechanism110can include a sealed chamber that contains a volume of liquid and a pressure sensing device that is configured to detect pressure changes of the liquid volume. In this regard, as the pressure sensing mechanism110is pressed against the user101, blood pressures within the blood vessel103can be transferred to the liquid volume and detected by the pressure sensing device.

The pressure sensing mechanism110can output a signal that indicates the pressures sensed by the pressure sensing device. The signal can be transmitted via one or more electrical connections124, which can include one or more wires, cables or other suitable structure. In some cases, the electrical connection124can carry other signals such as control signals to and from the expansion mechanism108, signals for other sensors located on the pressure sensing stack102, or any other electrical communication that occurs between the pressure sensing stack102and one or more external components such as the electronic device106or components coupled to the strap104.

FIG.2Ashows an example pressure sensing stack200. The pressure sensing stack200can include an air pump202, which can be an example of the air pumps described herein such as air pump120; an inflatable chamber204, which can be an example of the inflatable chambers described herein such as inflatable chamber122; and a pressure sensing chamber208, which can be an example of the pressure sensing mechanism described herein such as pressure sensing mechanism110. The pressure sensing stack200can include a support plate206positioned between the inflatable chamber204and the pressure sensing chamber208. The pressure sensing stack200can also include a first electrical connector210coupled to the pressure sensing chamber208, and a second electrical connector212coupled to the air pump202.

FIG.2Bshows a cross-sectional view of the pressure sensing stack200taken along line B-B shown inFIG.2A. The air pump202can be a piezoelectric air pump, diaphragm air pump, bellow air pump, reciprocating air pump, vane pump, or other suitable pump, or combination thereof. The air pump202can have a rigid housing that is attached to a strap of another structure used to secure the sensing stack200against a user. In this regard, the air pump202can form a rigid base structure that directs expansion of the inflatable chamber204toward the user.

In some cases, the air pump202can define one or more openings214for exchanging air with the external environment, one of which is labeled for simplicity. The openings214can be located on a first surface of the air pump202, which may be referred to as a bottom surface. The air pump202can also include one or more membranes216that are coupled to the openings214. The membrane(s)216can be configured to prevent water from entering the opening while allowing air to pass into and out of the air pump202. In some cases, the membrane(s)216can be formed from a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material such as an expanded (ePTFE) material, or other suitable material.

The inflatable chamber204can be positioned on a second surface of the air pump202, which may be referred to as a top surface. The inflatable chamber can be formed from an expandable material such as rubber, silicone elastomer, or polymer compound that can expand at air pressures that are used to collapse a blood vessel of a user. In some cases, a bottom surface of the inflatable chamber204can be coupled to the top surface of the air pump202. The inflatable chamber204can be coupled to the air pump202in a variety of ways including the use of adhesives, welding, laminating, molding and/or over molding, using mechanical fasteners or other suitable technique, or combinations thereof. The pressure sensor stack200can be assembled to define an air passage218between the air pump202and the inflatable chamber204. In some cases, the air passage218can be on opening, and in other cases the air passage218can include a valve, membrane or other structure that controls the direction of air flow between the air pump202and the inflatable chamber204.

The positioning of the bottom surface of the inflatable chamber204on the top surface of the air pump202, can direct the expansion of the inflatable chamber toward a user. For example, a rigidity of the air pump202and a strap coupled to the air pump can be configured such that the inflatable chamber204primarily compresses the tissue of the user to collapse the blood vessel with little movement of the air pump202away from a user.

The support plate206can be configured to help distribute the force of the inflatable chamber204across the pressure sensing chamber208as the inflatable chamber204is expanded. Additionally or alternatively, the support plate206can prevent blood pressure pulse signal loss between the pressure sensing chamber and the inflatable chamber. The support plate206can be formed from a rigid or semi-rigid material that has low deformation at the pressures that are used to compress a blood vessel. For example, the support plate206can be formed from a metal, plastic, ceramic, or other suitable material. In some cases, the support plate206can be sized to distribute a force created by the inflatable chamber204across a bottom surface of the pressure sensing chamber208. For example, a profile of the top surface of the support plate206can be sized to equal or encompass a profile of the bottom surface of the pressure sensing chamber208. The support plate206can be coupled to the inflatable chamber204and/or the pressure sensing chamber208in a variety of ways including the use of adhesives, welding, molding and/or over-molding, using mechanical fasteners, or combinations thereof.

The pressure sensing chamber208can include a flexible outer housing that contains a liquid222. The pressure sensing chamber208can include a pressure sensing device220that is configured to detect the pressure of the liquid222. In some cases, the pressure sensing device220contains liquid that is fluidly connected with the liquid222in the pressure sensing chamber208such that fluid can move between these components to measure the pressure inside the pressure sensing chamber208. In some cases, the pressure sensing device220can be completely or partially contained within the pressure sensing chamber208. In either case, the first electrical connector210can be configured to communicably couple the pressure sensing device220to one or more other components of the system such as a processor. The liquid222can be any suitable liquid such as water or water-based liquids, oil-based liquids such as a hydraulic liquid, or combinations thereof. The pressure sensing chamber208can have a liquid plug223to fill liquid and seal the pressure sensing chamber208. In some cases, the plug and/or filling process can be configured to prohibit or remove any air bubbles or gaseous voids inside the pressure sensing chamber208.

FIG.2Cshows detailed view A-A of the pressure sensing device220shown inFIG.2B. The pressure sensing device220can include a pressure transducer224that is configured to output an electrical signal that is indicative of a pressure of the liquid222contained in the pressure sensing chamber208. The pressure sensing device220can also include a cover226that defines one or more openings228. The cover226can surround the pressure transducer224and can be configured to help prevent air bubbles from forming around the pressure transducer224, which may occur when the pressure sensing chamber is being filled with the liquid222.

FIG.3shows a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B shown inFIG.2Aof an alternative example of a pressure sensing stack300. The pressure sensing stack300can be an example of the pressure sensing stacks described herein such as pressure sensing stack102, and200. The pressure sensing stack300shows an alternative example of a pressure sensing chamber302. The pressure sensing chamber302can include a sidewall304and a diaphragm306. The sidewall304can be formed from a rigid wall that defines a side structure of the pressure sensing chamber302. The diaphragm306can be formed from a flexible material and positioned over the sidewall to define a top surface of the pressure sensing chamber302. The diaphragm306can contact the skin of a user when the pressure sensing device is worn by a user as described herein. The diaphragm306can be attached to the sidewall to form a chamber that contains the liquid.

FIG.4shows a cross sectional view taken along line B-B shown inFIG.2Aof an example pressure sensing stack400. The pressure sensing stack400can be an example of the pressure sensing stacks described herein such as pressure sensing stack102,200, and300. The pressure sensing stack400shows an example of a differential pressure sensing system that includes two pressure sensing devices. For example, a first pressure sensing device404can be configured to measure the liquid pressure in a pressure sensing chamber402, and a second pressure sensing device408can be configured to measure a pressure in an inflatable chamber406. In some cases, the second pressure sensing device408can be used to measure a pressure of the ambient environment401, such as before and/or after activating an air pump to expand the inflatable chamber406. In other examples the second pressure sensing device408can be located in the air pump, on an external surface of the pressure sensing stack, in the strap, on the electronic device (e.g., electronic device106), or any other suitable location. Measuring the pressure of the ambient air can be used to determine a blood pressure of the user relative to the ambient air pressure. For example, this can help compensate for elevation changes, or other environmental factors.

In some cases, the second pressure sensing device408can measure the pressure in the inflatable chamber406during a blood pressure measurement. These air pressures can be used along with the liquid pressures in determining one or more blood pressures of a user. In other cases, pressures measured by the second pressure sensing device408can be used to control inflation and deflation of the inflatable chamber406.

FIG.5Ais a cross-sectional view of an example blood pressure measurement device500. The cross-sectional view ofFIG.5Ais similar to the view ofFIG.1B. The blood pressure measurement device500can include any or all of: a strap502, which may be any of the straps described herein; an inflatable chamber504, which may be any of the inflatable chambers described herein; a support plate506, which may be any of the support plates described herein; a pressure sensing chamber508, which may be any of the pressure sensing chambers described herein; and a pressure sensing device510, which may be any of the pressure sensing devices described herein. The blood pressure measurement device500can also incorporate any or all of: a control system512including an air pump514, which may be any of the air pumps described herein; an integrated chip516(optionally mounted on a circuit board518and configured to control operation of the blood pressure measurement device500); and a battery520or other power source.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.5A, the inflatable chamber504, the support plate506and the pressure sensing chamber508extend along the strap502such that, when the device is worn by a user, these components substantially encircle an entirety of the user's limb. The strap502can be coupled together at opposite ends to secure the blood pressure measurement device500to the user. In these examples, the pressure sensing chamber508can fully or substantially encircle the limb of the user, thereby permitting pressure sensing around all (or mostly all) of the limb's circumference. This may increase a sensitivity and/or accuracy of blood pressure measurements taken by the blood pressure measurement device500. In some cases, having the pressure sensing chamber508substantially encircle the limb of a user can allow the device to be positioned in a variety of orientations with respect to the user's limb while performing blood pressure measurements on the user. For example, the blood pressure measurement device500can be positioned at different angular orientations around a body part such as by rotating the device while it is being worn by the user. Embodiments of the blood pressure measurement device500can be configured to wrap around and/or contact various body parts of a user such as a head, torso, leg, bicep, and so on.

In some embodiments, the support plate506can bend around the limb of a user while still being sufficiently rigid to distribute forces along the pressure sensing chamber508that are generated by the inflatable chamber504. For example, the support plate506can be formed from a thin and rigid material such a thin metal sheet (e.g., spring steel, nitinol, or the like), plastic or plastic composites such as a woven carbon fiber material, or other suitable material or structure. In some cases, the support plate506is formed from multiple segments such as band with multiple discrete links that allow the support plate506to conform around a body part. The segments forming the support plate can be made from rigid or semi-rigid materials such as metals, plastics, or other suitable materials.

FIG.5Bshows a cross-sectional view of an example blood pressure measurement device501. The cross-sectional view shown inFIG.5Bis similar to that ofFIGS.5A and1B. Generally, the blood pressure measurement device501may include some or all of the components detailed above with respect toFIG.5A. In the example shown inFIG.5B, the inflatable chamber504, the support plate506and the pressure sensing chamber508partially surround a limb of the user when the device is worn. In these embodiments, the strap502can be longer than a length of the pressure sensing chamber508, support plate and/or the inflatable chamber, and used to attach the blood pressure measurement device501to the user. The blood pressure measurement device501may be used on body parts with large circumferences, such as a leg, a bicep, a torso, or the like, where it may be desirable to have the pressure sensing chamber508extend partially around the body part. In some cases, the pressure sensing chamber508, support plate506, and the inflatable chamber504may be positioned on the pressure sensing device500such that, when the device is worn by a user, these components are positioned proximate to one or more of the user's blood vessels. For example, the blood pressure measurement device501can include features that help position the pressure sensing chamber508in a specific orientation relative to a user's limb. For example, the blood pressure measurement device may be rotated around a limb or other body part of a user to orient the pressure sensing chamber508relative a blood vessel or other bodily feature. These can include features that interface with a user's anatomy, features that direct a user to wear the device in a specific orientation, and so on. In some cases, the blood pressure measurement device501can instruct the user to position or adjust the position of the device to achieve a desired orientation relative to a limb, such as by providing audio instructions, visual instructions such as using a display output, or a combination thereof. In some cases, measurement data from the pressure sensing chamber508or other sensors may be used to help direct positioning of the device relative to a limb of a user.

FIG.6shows an example process600for operating a blood pressure measurement device such as the blood pressure measurement devices described herein.

At602, the process600can include operating the air pump to inflate the inflatable chamber. In some cases, the air pump can inflate the chamber to a defined pressure that is above the pressure that causes collapse of a user's blood vessel. In other cases, pressure measurements from the pressure sensor can be used to control the maximum inflation pressure. In yet other cases, the blood pressure measurement device can include a separate sensor such as a sound sensor that is used to determine collapse of the user blood pressure for controlling the inflation pressure.

At604, the process600can include measuring pressure in the pressure sensing chamber during inflation of the inflatable chamber. As the air pump is operating to inflate the inflatable chamber, the pressure sensing device can be operated to measure blood pressures of a user. In some cases, pressure signal outputs from the pressure sensing device can be used to control an inflation rate, max inflation pressure, or both.

At606, the process600can include releasing the air from the inflation chamber. In some cases, the air release can be controlled by one or more valves coupled to the inflatable chamber. The release rate of air can be controlled via the valve(s). In some cases, pressure signal outputs from the pressure sensing device can be used to control a deflation rate.

At608, the process600can include measuring the pressure in the pressure sensing chamber during deflation of the inflatable chamber. For example, as the inflatable chamber is being deflated, the pressure sensing device can be operated to measure blood pressures of a user.

At610, the process600can include determining a blood pressure of a user using the pressures measured in the pressure sensing chamber during inflation, the pressures measured in the pressure sensing chamber during deflation or a combination thereof. The blood pressure measurements taken during the expansion and release of the expansion mechanism can be used to determine one or more blood pressure parameters of a user such as a diastolic blood pressure, a systolic blood pressure, a mean arterial pressure, or combination thereof. In some cases, the blood pressure measurements can be used to determine other blood pressure parameters such as tracking a pulse pressure wave, identifying one or more cardiac conditions such as abnormal heart rhythms, valve defects such as fibrillation, or the like.

FIG.7shows an example system diagram for a blood pressure measurement system700, which may in some cases take the form of any of the blood pressure measurement devices or components thereof described with reference toFIGS.1-6. In some cases, the blood pressure measurement system700can include a blood pressure measurement device702that is configured to detect one or more blood pressure parameters of a user. For example, the blood pressure measurement device702can include components that analyze sensor outputs and display measurement data to a user. In some embodiments, the blood pressure measurement device702can interface with a smart device720such as a smartwatch, a smartphone, tablet, wearable device such as a health monitoring device, and so on. In these cases, the blood pressure measurement device702may utilize components from the smart device720for performing blood pressure measurements. For example, the blood pressure measurement device702can send outputs from its sensors such as a pressure sensor to the smart device720, and the smart device720can analyze, and display the data to a user.

The blood pressure measurement device702can include an air pump704, a processor706, memory708, a power source710, one or more sensors712, an input/output (I/O) mechanism714, and a display716.

The air pump704can be an example of the air pumps described herein and be operable to inflate the inflatable bladder to pressures that collapse a blood vessel of a user. The air pump704can be an ultrasonic air pump, diaphragm air pump, bellow air pump, reciprocating air pump, vane pump, or other suitable pump, or combination thereof.

The processor706can control some or all of the operations of the blood pressure measurement device702. The processor706can communicate, either directly or indirectly, with some or all of the components of the blood pressure measurement device702. For example, a system bus or other communication mechanism718can provide communication between the air pump704, processor706, the memory708, the power source710, the sensor(s)712, the input/output (I/O) mechanism714, and the display716.

The processor706can be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data or instructions. For example, the processor706can be a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or combinations of such devices. As described herein, the term “processor” is meant to encompass a single processor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, or other suitable computing element or elements.

It should be noted that the components of the blood pressure measurement device702can be controlled by multiple processors. For example, select components of the blood pressure measurement device702(e.g., a sensor712) may be controlled by a first processor and other components of the blood pressure measurement device702(e.g., the I/O714) may be controlled by a second processor, where the first and second processors may or may not be in communication with each other.

The memory708can store electronic data that can be used by the blood pressure measurement device702. For example, the memory708can store electrical data or content such as, for example, audio and video files, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, timing signals, control signals, and data structures or databases. The memory708can be configured as any type of memory. By way of example only, the memory708can be implemented as random access memory, read-only memory, Flash memory, removable memory, other types of memory storage elements, or combinations of such devices.

The power source710can be implemented with any device capable of providing energy to the blood pressure measurement device702. For example, the power source710may be one or more batteries or rechargeable batteries. Additionally or alternatively, the power source710can be a power connector or power cord that connects the blood pressure measurement device702to another power source, such as a wall outlet.

The blood pressure measurement device702may also include one or more sensors712positioned almost anywhere on the blood pressure measurement device702. The sensor(s)712can be configured to sense one or more type of parameters, such as but not limited to, pressure, sound, light, touch, heat, movement, relative motion, biometric data (e.g., biological parameters), and so on. For example, the sensor(s)712may include a pressure sensor, an auditory sensor, a heat sensor, a position sensor, a light or optical sensor, an accelerometer, a pressure transducer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a health monitoring sensor, and so on. Additionally, the one or more sensors712can utilize any suitable sensing technology, including, but not limited to, capacitive, ultrasonic, resistive, optical, ultrasound, piezoelectric, and thermal sensing technology.

The I/O mechanism714can transmit and/or receive data from a user or another electronic device. An I/O mechanism714can include a display, a touch sensing input surface, one or more buttons (e.g., a graphical user interface “home” button), one or more cameras, one or more microphones or speakers, one or more ports, such as a microphone port, and/or a keyboard. Additionally or alternatively, an I/O device or port can transmit electronic signals via a communications network, such as a wireless and/or wired network connection. Examples of wireless and wired network connections include, but are not limited to, cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IR, and Ethernet connections.

The blood pressure measurement device702may also include a display716. The display716may include a liquid-crystal display (LCD), organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, light-emitting diode (LED) display, or the like. If the display716is an LCD, the display716may also include a backlight component that can be controlled to provide variable levels of display brightness. If the display716is an OLED or LED type display, the brightness of the display716may be controlled by modifying the electrical signals that are provided to display elements. The display716may correspond to any of the displays shown or described herein.

The smart device720can include a processor722, memory724, a power source726, one or more sensors728, an input/output (I/O) mechanism730, and a display732.

The processor722can control some or all of the operations of the smart device720. The processor722can communicate, either directly or indirectly, with some or all of the components of the smart device720. For example, a system bus or other communication mechanism734can provide communication between the processor722, the memory724, the power source726, the sensor(s)728, the input/output (I/O) mechanism730, and the display732.

The processor722can be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data or instructions. For example, the processor722can be a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or combinations of such devices. As described herein, the term “processor” is meant to encompass a single processor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, or other suitable computing element or elements.

It should be noted that the components of the smart device720can be controlled by multiple processors. For example, select components of the smart device720(e.g., a sensor728) may be controlled by a first processor and other components of the smart device720(e.g., the I/O730) may be controlled by a second processor, where the first and second processors may or may not be in communication with each other.

The memory724can store electronic data that can be used by the smart device720. For example, the memory724can store electrical data or content such as, for example, audio and video files, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, timing signals, control signals, and data structures or databases. The memory724can be configured as any type of memory. By way of example only, the memory724can be implemented as random access memory, read-only memory, Flash memory, removable memory, other types of storage elements, or combinations of such devices.

The power source726can be implemented with any device capable of providing energy to the smart device720. For example, the power source726may be one or more batteries or rechargeable batteries. Additionally or alternatively, the power source726can be a power connector or power cord that connects the smart device720to another power source, such as a wall outlet.

The smart device720may also include one or more sensors728positioned almost anywhere on the smart device720. The sensor(s)728can be configured to sense one or more type of parameters, such as but not limited to, pressure, sound, light, touch, heat, movement, relative motion, biometric data (e.g., biological parameters), and so on. For example, the sensor(s)728may include a pressure sensor, an auditory sensor, a heat sensor, a position sensor, a light or optical sensor, an accelerometer, a pressure transducer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a health monitoring sensor, and so on. Additionally, the one or more sensors728can utilize any suitable sensing technology, including, but not limited to, capacitive, ultrasonic, resistive, optical, ultrasound, piezoelectric, and thermal sensing technology.

The I/O mechanism730can transmit and/or receive data from a user or another electronic device. An I/O mechanism730can include a display, a touch sensing input surface, one or more buttons (e.g., a graphical user interface “home” button), one or more cameras, one or more microphones or speakers, one or more ports, such as a microphone port, and/or a keyboard. Additionally or alternatively, an I/O device or port can transmit electronic signals via a communications network, such as a wireless and/or wired network connection. Examples of wireless and wired network connections include, but are not limited to, cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IR, and Ethernet connections.

The smart device720may also include a display732. The display732may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, light-emitting diode (LED) display, or the like. If the display732is an LCD, the display732may also include a backlight component that can be controlled to provide variable levels of display brightness. If the display732is an OLED or LED type display, the brightness of the display732may be controlled by modifying the electrical signals that are provided to display elements. The display732may correspond to any of the displays shown or described herein.

As described above, one aspect of the present technology is determining physiological parameters of a user such as blood pressure metrics, and the like. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter IDs (or other social media aliases or handles), home addresses, data or records relating to a user's health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information.

The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to provide haptic or audiovisual outputs that are tailored to the user. Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user's general wellness, or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals.

The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country.

Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of determining spatial parameters, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app.

Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user's privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data at a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods.

Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, haptic outputs may be provided based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, such as events or states at the device associated with a user, other non-personal information, or publicly available information.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.