Patent Application
20150126877
The invention relates to a bio-measurement data recording device having a seat, an ergometer unit and an evaluation unit.
The bio-measurement data recording device refers especially to an ECG, which is designed to interact with a number of bio-measurement data recording devices such that, in addition to an electrocardiogram (ECG), a variety of bio-measurement data of a person can be recorded without the person having to change seats.
A bio-measurement data recording device according to the preamble is known from DE 10 2010 025 038 A1 as part of a so-called diagnostic garden. The disadvantage of this bio-measurement data recording device is that is not possible to obtain reliable statements concerning the health of the test person's heart.
WO 98/25520 describes a safety device for vehicle drivers, wherein the vehicle control elements are fitted with electrodes. Two of these electrodes are dynamically selected and the driver's heartbeat is recorded from the potential difference of the two electrodes. This is then used to ascertain the driver's emotions. This type of system enables only qualitative statements concerning the change that occurs in the driver.
DE 10 2009 050755 A1 describes how electrodes can be built into a car for the determination of an ECG, so that the driver's pulse can be recorded during the journey. The disadvantage of this type of system is that the quality of the data that can be obtained is not sufficient for making diagnostically reliable statements. As a general rule, it is accepted that the driver is sufficiently healthy to continue driving the vehicle. It also describes how to insert electrodes into the steering wheel: however, this leads to the same problems, as diagnostically reliable data, such as ECG data, cannot be derived from only two measurement data.
Bio-measurement data recording devices in the form of ergometers are a standard component in gyms, many households and in some medical applications, such as electrocardiogram (ECG) exercise test. To these ends, a huge variety of ergometer systems are used.
The disadvantage of known bio-measurement data recording devices is that their use is not very popular. This means that medically useful examinations are conducted either too late or not at all.
The invention aims to reduce the disadvantages of the prior art.
The invention solves the problems by means of a bio-measurement data recording device with the features described in claim 1.
This type of bio-measurement data recording device is designed to record an electrocardiogram while the person concerned sits on the seat and holds one of the two hand grips in each hand. This has the advantage that the person barely notices that an electrocardiogram is being recorded. The inhibition threshold with regards to the use of such equipment is thereby reduced, as it is perceived as more of fun gadget, rather than a medical examination device.
The bio-measurement data recording device, which may also be referred to as a prevention ergometer, may also be configured so that sensors automatically record the vital statistics of the user when they start using the device and the device automatically calculates an individual ergometer programme. The user can then only choose between a sports-related, fitness, weight-loss or medical use. The sequence of the prevention ergometer programme is designed to be interesting, exciting and adventurous for the user so that it leads to increased motivation, but is relaxing at the same time. For the recording of their essential bio-measurement data during their workout, the person in the machine can be integrated into the projected image of a film that plays on the integrated hemispherical screen.
The bio-measurement data recording device is advantageous in that it is easy to use and entertaining: this can influence a change in attitude. In this way, the willingness to use it for precautionary examinations may increase.
In addition to this, the modular structure is also an advantage. The evaluation unit in particular is configured to communicate with a variety of bio-measurement data recording devices. As a result, the bio-measurement data recording device can be extended and adjusted.
Within the scope of the present description, the term foam material should be understood especially to mean a foam material which adapts to the person's back. In particular, the foam material refers to viscoelastic foam material. The seat is preferably inclined backwards at a positive angle from the vertical, such that the person's back lies constantly on the back surface.
The term electrocardiogram should be understood particularly to mean an electrocardiogram with at least four channels, especially with at least five channels. An electrocardiogram can be defined as the recording of voltages which occur due to the curves of stimulation of the human heart. In principle, an individual voltage-time-curve may also be understood to be an electrocardiogram. However, this is not what is meant with regards to the present application. The therapeutic value of electrocardiograms with less than three channels is generally too low.
The back surface sensors are embedded in the foam material in such a way that they enable at least five standard leads of an electrocardiogram. In order for the bio-measurement data recording device to be able to measure people of different heights, there are preferably so many back surfaces available that for every height between, for example, 1.5 and 2 m, it is always possible to select back surface sensors by means of which a standard lead is feasible. In particular, eight back surface sensors are available.
The back surface sensors and/or the seat surface sensors preferably refer to capacitive sensors. These have proven to be especially well-suited for determining an ECG.
The sensors, including the hand grip sensors, are arranged such that, along with the back surface sensors and the seat surface sensors, seven standard leads are available for the electrocardiogram. It has been proven that these seven leads are normally sufficient for detecting any heart diseases. If an anomaly occurs upon the evaluation of the seven leads, a warning can be issued, according to a preferred embodiment. A complete electrocardiogram can then be conducted on the person using a conventional exercise ECG device.
According to a preferred embodiment, there are so many sensors available and they are arranged in such a way that at least a 7-channel-ECG can be ascertained. In particular, there are so many sensors available and they are arranged in such a way that at least seven leads can be taken from the person for the creation of the ECG. ECGs with less channels do not generally deliver measurement data that has a sufficient diagnostic value. It is still possible to detect changes in heart rate, for example, and/or record serious disruptions in cardiac activity, but further diagnostic statements are almost impossible.
According to a preferred embodiment, the bio-measurement data recording device comprises an ergometer unit. For example, the ergometer unit may be a pedal ergometer unit which can be locked in different positions relative to the seat. In this way, the ergometer unit can be adjusted to the length of the person's leg. The person can sit in the seat, independent of their height. This ensures that an ECG can always be recorded.
An ergometer unit should be understood to mean a device by means of which a physical output produced by the person can be measured. In particular, the ergometer unit is connected to the evaluation unit, the evaluation unit being configured to automatically record whether the ergometer unit is activated and/or which outputs produced by the person or the ergometer unit are measured.
The bio-measurement data recording device preferably has a display unit which comprises a projection unit with a projection surface, especially a curved projection surface, and a projector that is designed to project images onto the projection surface. It is especially advantageous if the projection surface is at least essentially spherically curved, particularly hemispherically. The projector is configured such that that image of the person projected into the projection surface is perceived to be undistorted. It is possible, but not necessary, that the projection unit is configured to project three dimensional images.
The projection surface is preferably arranged on a projection body. The projection body preferably has a concave inner contour, for example curved on two levels, which preferably follows the surface of a sphere, at least in essence and/or at least in sections. This facilitates the projection of the image. However, it is also possible to use a projection body with a different inner contour, such as an elliptical inner contour.
According to a preferred embodiment, the projection unit has a projection body that comprises at least three segments that are connected to one another. The projection body preferably comprises a plurality of segments, especially at least 3, preferably at least 7 segments.
It is especially beneficial if the segments are designed to lock positively with each other. In this way, the segments have at least one protruding structure which engages with at least one retreating structure of the segment that is arranged next to it. This creates a particularly stable projection body.
The segments may be made of dimensionally stable foam material, for example foamed polystyrene. The segments are preferably designed such that surfaces located next to each other are positively connected, or fit closely with respective lateral surfaces such that they support each other. In order to disturb the projection as little as possible, the inward-facing concave side of the projection body preferably has a film that lies on the segments.
It is preferable if an extensive elastic material, especially a textile, covers and/or stretches over the segments, at least on the convex side. The textile may refer to an elastic fabric or an elastic mesh, which is often more beneficial. It is particularly favourable if the segments are too stretched over each other through the textile. It is then possible to connect the segments to each other using the textile, which makes them easier to disassemble and assemble, thus rendering transport easier. In other words, the projection unit has at least one elastic textile clamping element, which is at least partially arranged around the segments such that these are fixed to one another. For example, the clamping element comprises a Velcro fastener by means of which it can be fixed on or relative to the elements.
According to a preferred embodiment, the projection unit comprises a film whose contour corresponds to an inner contour of the projection body and which is fixed radially inside the projection body. The film preferably undergoes a finishing treatment to increase the surface tension such that it has a surface tension of at least 37 mN/m (milli—Newton per meter). This can be achieved using, for example, a flame treatment and/or corona treatment. For example, the film is produced by deep-drawing. The film is preferably made of an elastomer, especially a thermoplastic. In order to obtain particularly good projection properties, it is advantageous if the film is white.
In order to increase the stability of the projection unit, the projection body preferably comprises a frame, for example made predominantly of metal, to which the segments are directly or indirectly fixed.
The advantage of the display unit is that the person can be shown a film that motivates them to use the equipment in a predetermined manner. For example, the display unit is configured to show a film that is designed to give the person the feeling that they are cycling through the countryside. The recording of the electrocardiogram is then no longer perceived as a medical activity, but rather as something fun.
The projection surface is preferably curved such that the person is sitting at least predominantly inside an imagined sphere that fits to the projection surface. This reduces the person's susceptibility to external influences.
It is especially advantageous if the ergometer unit is mechanically decoupled from the projection unit. This should be particularly understood to mean that both units are coupled with one another such that a vibration of the ergometer unit, which occurs during its use, is so greatly reduced that the naked eye cannot detect any vibration of the projected image.
For example, the display unit can be moved relative to the seat and/or the ergometer unit. This means that it can be planned for the display unit on the one side and/or the seat or the ergometer unit on the other to be situated on the ground or on top of each other. By placing the bio-measurement data recording device on a sufficiently rigid base, for example on a concrete floor, the decoupling between the display unit, especially the projection unit, on the one side and the ergometer unit on the other can be achieved.
According to a preferred embodiment, the bio-measurement data recording device comprises at least one, especially two, three, four or a plurality of bio-measurement data recording devices, which are selected from the group that comprises: a blood measurement device, a heart rate measuring device, a body fat sensor, a bone density measurement device, a spirometer, a blood oxygen measurement device, a hearing test device, a vein capacity measurement device and a weight determination device for determining the person's weight. In particular, the evaluation device is such designed that at least a plurality of the named devices can be controlled by the evaluation device and the delivered measurements can be read. The bio-measurement data recording device can then be configured in this way and adjusted to the respective requirements.
The evaluation unit preferably comprises a master programme, i.e. a superior programme, and independent sub-modules, which are called up by the master programme. The above named sub-modules operate the above named measurement devices, for example the blood measurement device of the heart rate measurement device, and deliver the measurement data that they have recorded. For example, the sub-modules run in the individual measurement devices, which are connected to the evaluation unit via an interface, such as a cable. As a result of this hierarchical structure, only a defined data record will be transferred to the sub-module. This ensures that an approval of the sub-module by a health authority shall not be influenced by the control by means of the master unit.
According to a preferred embodiment, the left hand grip and/or the right hand grip has at least one activation element and the evaluation unit is connected to the at least one activation element and designed for the automatic execution of a method with the steps: (i) control of the display unit such that the display unit shows a selection menu, and (ii) recording of a selection from the selection menu by recording an activation of at least one of the activation elements, (iii) the activation elements being arranged for activating the at least one activation elements during uninterrupted contact with the corresponding hand grip sensor. In other words, the activation element can be activated without losing contact between the hand and the hand grip sensor. This has the advantage that the ECG can be permanently recorded, even when the person is operating the activation element.
The evaluation unit is preferably configured to automatically carry out a method with the steps: recording of the leads from the sensors, creation of an electrocardiogram based on the leads, and, where appropriate, ascertainment of whether the electrocardiogram indicates a health risk and provision of a warning signal to the person, if a health risk is ascertained.
According to a preferred embodiment, the evaluation unit is configured to automatically carry out a method with the steps (i) recording of a sequence of bio-measurement data recording orders by repeatedly recording a selection from the selection menu and (ii) for every bio-measurement data recording order, control of the bio-measurement data recording device that is assigned to the bio-measurement data recording order such that the bio-measurement data recording orders are successively processed, and for every bio-measurement data recording order, saving of the recorded bio-measurement data. In other words, an individual check-up can be programmed via the user's selection.
Alternatively or additionally to this, it is possible that the sequence of bio-measurement data recording orders is predetermined. For example, the bio-measurement data recording device has a chip card reader and the sequence is saved on a chip card, which the user inserts into the chip card reader so as to identify themselves. It is possible for the recorded bio-measurement data to be saved on the chip card in an encrypted form.
The display unit is preferably configured to project a film onto the hemispherical screen. The user then has the feeling that they are in the projected scene. Their thoughts are now within the scene. Data such as time, length and performance data can be superimposed onto the projection surface. The prevention ergometer and its applications are then preferably designed to be controlled via the touchscreen.
In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with the aid of drawings. They show
The bio-measurement data recording device 10 also has a display unit 20 which, alongside a touchscreen, not depicted in
Seat sensors 32 are arranged in the seat surface 28, but only the seat surface sensor 32.1 is schematically depicted. A total of, for example, four seat surface sensors 32 are provided, which are all connected to the non-depicted display unit, for example by cable.
The pedal ergometer unit 18 is fixed to a frame 34 onto which the seat 12 is also arranged. The frame 34 stands on the ground by means of two feet 36.1, 36.2.
In addition to this, one should note schematically depicted headphones 29a of a hearing test device 29b, which is connected to the evaluation unit 54, and a spirometer 31b with a breathing tube 31a, which is also connected to the evaluation unit 54.
The mode of operation for the bio-measurement data recording device is described in the following. After starting the device, for example by inserting the chip card into a chip card reader 58 (cf.
An instruction for how to enter the age is given via this speaker. A weighing device 60, schematically depicted in
Following this, the person may select, for example, a bone density measurement. The evaluation unit 54 then provides instructions, by means of the projector 24, of how this measurement is taken
It is particularly favourable if the evaluation unit 54 is configured to record which bio-measurement data recording devices are connected. This may occur by requesting device identifications via an electronic bus.
A blood pressure cuff is not depicted, by means of which the blood pressure can be recorded. The blood pressure cuff may also include a body fat sensor for measuring the fat content of the body.
In the field of medicine, a contactless exercise ECG is conducted with a lung test, for example, on the prevention ergometer, wherein capacitive sensors are located in the back section of the integrated seat in the posterior area and on the integrated hand grips. In medical use, a hearing test is conducted via separate headphones and, following a further request, a sight test is projected on the hemispherical screen. The bone density and the vein capacity can be called up on the prevention ergometer in the static state via a separate application.
The automatic prevention ergometer according to the invention with an integrated hemispherical projection is used to individually measure all necessary body data, such as weight, body mass index (BMI), height, heart rate and blood pressure, bone density, visual acuity and hearing. A theoretical vitality value can be transmitted via the evaluation unit. The prevention ergometer programme is then individually set to the user's physical condition. Four different programmes can be selected here: the medical programme, the fitness programme, the competitive sport programme or the weight loss programme. During the programme sequence, the prevention ergometer is regulated exclusively by the heart rate. If the heart rate goes over the threshold value, the force on the pedals is automatically reduced until the heart rate is once again at a safe level. To this end, it is especially important that the two heart rate sensors that are arranged in the upper palm area of the ergonomically shaped hand grips simultaneously function as two of the in total seven sensors for the 5 channel exercise ECG. The heart rate is permanently measures and recorded.
It should be noted that the segments 64 are connected to a frame 70, such that the projection body 62 can be moved by means of the frame 70.
A textile clamping element 72 is schematically depicted which, in the present case, comprises a stretch material. The clamping element is placed around the segments 64 from the outside and presses them together in the circumferential direction. It is thereby possible to keep the segments connected to one another using only the clamping element. It is of course possible to provide further connection elements and/or clamping element, in addition to the clamping element, or to forego the clamping element completely. However, it has been proven that a projection body with a clamping element 72 is especially simple to produce and transport.
A film which forms the projection surface 22 (cf.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2012 009 973.8 | May 2012 | DE | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2013/001456 | 5/16/2013 | WO | 00 |
