Abstract: A pulse wave monitor having a structure capable of automatically performing optimal positioning of a pulse wave probe with respect to a user's body. A plurality of transmitting piezoelectric vibrators for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to an artery are provided along with a plurality of receiving piezoelectric vibrators for receiving an ultrasonic wave from the artery. An optimal combination of a transmitting piezoelectric vibrator and a receiving piezoelectric vibrator for use in pulse wave measurement is determined based on the intensity of a received ultrasonic wave signal. Ultrasonic wave transmission and reception are made by the optimal combination so that accurate pulse wave detection measurement is made possible by automatic positioning of the pulse wave probe.

Abstract: There are provided a pulse detection device in which an ultrasound transmitting piezoelectric element and an ultrasound receiving piezoelectric element are precisely placed to limit variation in quality, and a method of manufacturing the pulse detection device. Further, the pulse detection sensitivity is improved in the pulse detection device. In the pulse detection device of the present invention, a transmitting piezoelectric element excited in accordance with a drive signal to generate ultrasound and to transmit the ultrasound into a living body, and a receiving piezoelectric element for receiving reflected waves of the ultrasound transmitted into the living body and reflected by a bloodstream in the living body are placed on a surface of a transmitting/receiving base plate. A processing computation section compares the frequency of the ultrasound generated by the transmitting piezoelectric element and the frequency of the reflected waves received by the receiving piezoelectric element to detect a pulse.

Abstract: A fitness monitoring device, comprising a wrist-based device including a receiver and a display; a separate, remote, pedometer including pedometer step sensing circuitry and wireless transmission circuitry; and wherein said pedometer step sensing circuitry senses a user's steps and said remote pedometer wirelessly transmits a signal corresponding to said sensed steps to said wrist-based device, and further wherein said wrist-based device processes the wirelessly transmitted signal received by said receiver and controls the display.

Abstract: A pulse wave sensor includes a detecting element and a sensor body. The pulse wave sensor is worn on the back side of a user's wrist corresponding to the back of the user's hand. The detecting element includes a translucent member on its top, and the translucent member has a convex surface. The detecting element is attached on the back side of the user's wrist by a dedicated belt so that the convex surface of the translucent member is in intimate contact with the surface of the user's skin. The sensor body is attached on the back side of the user's wrist by another dedicated belt so that it is arranged on the detecting element. A cushion is arranged between the sensor body and the detecting element. The pulse wave sensor can stably detect the pulse wave without being affected by the movement of the user's wrist.

Abstract: A device (1) for monitoring a vital sign of a living subject, comprising a measuring unit (2) for measuring at least one physical quantity indicative of said vital sign at an area (8) overlying an artery (7) of the subject, which measuring unit (2) is provided on a carrier (3) to be worn by the subject during operation, and a processing unit (4) for processing the measured physical quantity into a value for the vital sign, which device (1) is provided with at least one detector (5) for detecting the position of the measuring unit (2) relative to the artery (7) of the subject during operation and for actuating a feedback signal (Ufeedback) in dependence on this position. The user can move the device (1) relative to the artery (7) until the feedback signal (Ufeedback) is given, and thus a correct positioning of the measuring unit (2) relative to the artery (7) is achieved in an easy manner.

Abstract: A health watch is disclosed which has various functions such as atmospheric air thermometer, body thermometer, cardiac beat meter, displaying of beating sound waves, display of cardiac beating sounds, blood pressure meter and the like. An IC counting element is provided for each of the functions, and a plurality of display windows are provided to display the respective measured data. For this purpose, sensors are installed on the watch in contact with the wrist. Thus the various functions are combined in one wrist watch, so that a convenience would be ensured by eliminating the troubles of carrying and storing the various conventional separate health checking devices. Therefore, one's own health state can be checked at any place, thereby making it possible to prevent assault of any disease.

Abstract: A system for noninvasively continuously monitoring arterial blood pressure includes a tissue stress sensor that has a continuous diaphragm for sensing stress within tissue adjacent a preselected artery caused by arterial pulsations within that artery. The stress sensitive diaphragm is coupled with electromechanical means for producing electrical signals that represent the stress within the tissue that is communicated to the sensor. These signals are then processed electronically in order to yield an output that is indicative of the arterial blood pressure of the preselected artery. The disclosed system includes methods of operation for determining blood pressure while maintaining a preselected artery in an optimum applanation state and an off-optimum applanation state.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for measuring a biosignal from the surface of the skin of a living human body. The arrangement comprises a casing (5) on which a measuring sensor (300) rests which is to be arranged against a measurement target (1) on the body, and a fastener (6) for fastening the casing (5) to the measurement target (1). The arrangement is characterized by comprising an element (7), such as a spring element, which rests on the casing (5) and the fastener (6) such that the element (7) is arranged to turn the casing (5) substantially towards the measurement target (1) with respect to the fastener (6).

Abstract: 9A blood pressure measuring device has a pressure cuff the inflation of which is automatically effected and controlled by an evaluation and control unit to allow a continuous monitoring of a patient's blood pressure, especially during the night without infringing on the patient's comfort and sleep. The device also includes an EKG device and a sensor for sensing the pressure in the cuff. In a first mode of operation, the control and evaluation unit calculates an estimated blood pressure value from pulse wave transmission times with each calculated pulse wave transmission time being the time elapsing between a heart beat as detected by the EKG device and a corresponding cuff pressure change detected by the pressure sensor. In the event of the appearance of blood pressure spikes while operating in the first mode, the device switches to a second operating mode during which absolute blood pressure values are determined.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the early detection of increased performance impairment, incapacitation or drowsiness of a person, particularly of a person gripping an object such as a steering wheel. A wrist band is worn by the person and an electrical sensor is pressed against the person's skin by the band to sense physiological conditions by detecting various parameters at the wrist and analyzing them to provide an indication of the onset of drowsiness in the person. Some of the parameters analyzed include EMG, temperature, response to stimulation and muscular activity at the wrist. A description of a shock-absorbing wrist monitor is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diagnosis apparatus for analyzing arterial pulse waves comprising a database 26 in which is stored data showing the relationship between data representing a pulse wave of a living body and teaching data representing conditions of the living body; and a micro-computer 21 for outputting teaching data corresponding to the pulse wave detected from the living body in the teaching data on the basis of the pulse wave detected from the living body and the stored data inside database 26. As a result, it becomes possible to perform diagnoses equivalent to a skilled doctor.

Abstract: A device is provided, which is capable of determining the maximum oxygen uptake quantity without the restriction of a large device or requiring troublesome operations to be carried out. The device displays the upper and lower limit values for the pulse rate corresponding to an appropriate exercise intensity, and realizes in a wireless manner by means of optical communications the sending and receiving of information such as pulse wave signals to and from an information processing device which processes pulse wave information.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a cardiovascular information measurement system capable of performing an accurate blood pressure measurement and calculating an accurate cardiovascular index in consideration of the pulsation of a blood vessel wall.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for non-invasively monitoring a subject's blood pressure, in which a pressure sensor assembly that includes a pressure transducer is compressed against tissue overlying an artery, with sufficient force to compress the artery. A motor first servo control system optimizes the amount of artery compression, which occurs at a mean transmural pressure of about zero, by modulating one side of a lever arm compressing the assembly against the tissue, creating a pressure signal indicative of transmural pressure. Since different pressure effects are realized according to the amount of artery compression, an appropriate control signal can be produced that provides for a second motor to adjust the other side of the lever arm to provide the optimum compression of the assembly into the tissue overlying the artery. The apparatus is optimally positioned over an artery by including an ultrasonic blood flow sensor configured to sense the flow of blood under the pressure transducer.

Abstract: A blood pressure measurement device with a sensor locator for placing a non-invasive blood pressure measurement device over an underlying artery, the sensor locator having a plurality of extending fingers spaced from each other coupled to the non-invasive blood pressure measurement device.

Abstract: A method and a pulse pressure sensor for sensing an arterial pulse pressure waveform. In one embodiment, the pulse pressure sensor includes a housing, a diaphragm, a piezoelectric device, and a self-contained amplifier. The skin-contact diaphragm is attached across a recess or opening in the housing. The piezoelectric device has a first portion mounted in a fixed relationship to the housing and a second portion displacementally coupled to the diaphragm. The solid-state amplifier has a signal input coupled to the piezoelectric device, wherein the piezoelectric device and amplifier together have a frequency response at least including a range from below approximately 0.1 hertz to above approximately 250 hertz. In one such embodiment, the housing and the skin-contact diaphragm of the sensor are stainless steel. In one such embodiment, the diaphragm has a skin-contact surface with a skin-contact dimension of between approximately 0.4 inch and 0.6 inch.

Abstract: A sensor holding and positioning device. In one embodiment, the device includes a sensor base having two feet, the base forming a raised bridge between the two feet. The bridge has one or more cross members spanning all or part of the space between the two feet. A sensor suspension including a sensor holder and sensor-height-adjustment mechanism is coupled by a pivot-arm axle to the sensor base, such that the sensor suspension is able to rotate in an arc about the long axis of the axle. In one such embodiment, the device further includes a pressure sensor attached to the sensor holder of the sensor suspension. In another such embodiment, the sensor suspension is able to slide back and forth along a line parallel to the long axis of the axle. Another aspect is for positioning the sensor over the radial artery, for example in a human's wrist. Yet another aspect is a pulse-waveform acquisition system.

Abstract: A non-invasive blood pressure sensor includes a first fluid filled sensing chamber having a diaphragm. A first transducer is fluidly coupled to the first sensing chamber to sense fluid pressure within the first chamber. A flexible body conformable wall surrounds the sensing chamber. The wall applies force to the artery while preventing pressure in a direction generally parallel to the artery from being applied to the sensing chamber. The flexible body conformable wall includes a second fluid filled chamber. A second transducer fluidly coupled to the second chamber sensing fluid pressure within the second chamber. As varying pressure is applied to the artery pressure waveforms are sensed by the first transducer. Using output signals of the first and second transducers, the sensed pressure waveform data is analyzed to derive waveform parameters from which blood pressure values are derived. The effects of motion artifacts are reduced by the use of signals from both the first and second transducers.

Abstract: A movement rate monitor comprises extraction circuitry for extracting a selected movement frequency component from a power spectrum output of a movement sensor, and a movement rate calculation circuit for calculating movement rate in accordance with the extracted frequency component. A display device may be included to display the calculated movement rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for diagnosing physiological state based on blood pulse waves detected in the body. It is the objective of the present invention to provide a device which correctly diagnoses the current physiological state based on changes in physiological state measured over a specified period of time in the past while taking into consideration the cyclical variation exhibited in physiological state.

Abstract: A heartbeat monitor for wearing during exercise and receiving audio heartbeat information includes a pulse rate detector having an infrared source and an infrared sensor on a flexible cup-shaped ear piece which fits into the ear canal.

Abstract: A signal transmitting and receiving bracelet system for notifying a user wearing a receiving bracelet that a user wearing a transmitting bracelet is in danger. The signal transmitting and receiving bracelet system includes a transmitting bracelet that has sensing and transmitting circuitry having a pressure transducer adapted for contacting a pulse point of a wrist of a user for sensing a pulse of a user. The sensing and transmitting circuitry also has a transmitter that is electrically connected to the pressure transducer to emit a first signal when a user's pulse rate is higher than a predetermined rate. A receiving bracelet has receiving circuitry with a receiver adapted for receiving signals emitted from the transmitting bracelet. The receiving circuitry has a sound emitting device that is electrically connected to the receiver for emitting a sound when a signal is received from the transmitting bracelet.

Abstract: A wrist alarm apparatus for use by a heart attack patient is provided that includes a maximum button and a minimum button laterally disposed on a housing part to respectively enter a maximum pulse rate limit and minimum pulse rate limit of a patient in a pre-set circuit for comparison with a patient's detected pulse rate in a comparator. An alarm device will produce a warning alarm, if the patient's pulse is equal to or higher than the maximum pulse rate limit or lower than the minimum pulse rate limit, to warn the patient or a nurse to take whatever actions are necessary.

Abstract: A portable alarm apparatus for use by a sudden heart attack patient is provided that is characterized by a housing part connected to a suspension member for hanging around a patient's neck. Sensors are disposed on the suspension member and connected to an extending lead, enabling the sensors to contact respective pulse spots on the patient's neck, due to the downward force resulting from gravity acting on the housing part. The sensors detect the pulse signals in an artery in the user's neck corresponding to heartbeats and output an electrical signal for input to a control circuit disposed in the housing part for storage, display and generation of a warning alarm.

Abstract: An exercise intensity and exercise quantity measuring device is disclosed, which is capable of measuring the exercise intensity, irrespective of the type, of exercise, and measuring the exercise quantity only when the user is carrying out exercise of suitable intensity. The user first estimates his Vo.sub.2max in advance by the conventional direct method, and inputs this value into the device. The device determines upper and lower limit values of pulse rate corresponding to this Vo.sub.2max. During the time of exercise when pulse rate is between the upper and lower limit values, CPU 308 increments the accumulated time stored in RAM 309, at intervals based on a clock pulse supplied by oscillation circuit 311 and frequency dividing circuit 312. At the same time, CPU 308 compares the pulse waveform during exercise and the pulse waveform at rest, and estimates the exercise intensity.

Abstract: In order to obtain calorie expenditure with good accuracy, the device is provided with a basal metabolic state specifying element (142) which specifies the subject's basal metabolic state from his body temperature; a correlation storing element (151) which stores respective regression formulas showing the correlation between the pulse rate and the calorie expenditure when the subject is at rest or active; a correlation correcting element (152) which correcting the stored regression formulas using the basal metabolic state; a body motion determining element (104) which determines whether or not the subject is at rest; and a regression formula selecting element (153) which selects the regression formula which should be used in accordance with the results of this determination. The subject's pulse rate is applied in the selected regression formula, and the calorie expenditure corresponding to this pulse rate is calculated by calorie expenditure calculator (162).

Abstract: In a measurement device and a measurement method for determining output values by analyzing the frequency of cyclically changing detection data, such as pulse count, the output value indicating a peak in the analysis result is corrected using side lobe values that appear on both sides of said peak, and an output value having higher precision than the output value indicating the peak value is derived, such that a value closer to the original output value of the detection data can be obtained. Because the measurement device and measurement method according to the invention can improve the precision of the output value without increasing the sampling count, highly precise output values such as pulse counts can be obtained at high speeds without extending the data fetch time.

Abstract: A system for monitoring blood pressure within a blood vessel of a living being. The system includes an implantable sensor unit and an associated externally located energy application transceiver. The sensor unit is in the form of a housing including a movable deflection member and a tuned circuit including an inductor coil and a capacitor. The housing surrounds the wall of the blood vessel and includes a wall portion arranged to flatten a portion of the periphery of the blood vessel. The deflection member extends through a slot in the wall portion of the housing for engagement with only the flattened portion of the blood vessel to move in response to the pressure applied to the flattened portion of the blood vessel by the blood. The deflection member includes a ferrite core. The ferrite core is arranged to move with respect to the coil in response to the movement of the deflection member, thereby changing the inductance of the tuned circuit.

Abstract: A pressure or temperature sensor array utilizing a combination of liquid crystal material and charge coupled device (CCD) sensor array. The device generally comprises a liquid crystal material enclosed in a planar capsule, one side of which has a flexible outer membrane which is placed on the surface whose pressure and/or temperature is to be measured; a light source used to illuminate the liquid crystal material; and a charge coupled device (CCD) array which detects the variations in the optical signature of the liquid crystal material due to changes in pressure or temperature. The device may further include an optical waveguide for controlling transmission of light from the light source to the liquid crystal material.

Abstract: A health management device is provided, which enables the user himself to make a determination of the quality of his state of health, without the presence of a physician or nurse specialist. However, this device may of course be employed to receive measurement directives from, or provide notification to, a third party. Pulse sensor 4 measures the user's fingertip pulse wave. Acceleration sensor calculates an acceleration value from the user's body. These outputs are converted to digital signals at sensor interface 6. CPU1 determines whether or not the user is exercising based on the acceleration value read out from sensor interface 6. Based on this result, CPU1 takes up the user's pulse waves before and after exercise, and determines the acceleration pulse wave.

Abstract: In order to be able to accurately measure pitch both during running and walking, the invention focuses on the fact that the second harmonic of the body movement can be detected at a high level during running and that the third harmonic of the body movement can be detected at a high level during walking, and is designed to be able to calculate pitch regardless of whether or not the user is running or walking, by using a high-level line spectrum appearing in the area that is at or above 100 times/minute, for example, as the reference wave, and by determining whether this reference wave is the second or third harmonic. Whether the reference wave is the second or third harmonic can be determined based on whether or not a high-level signal is present near a frequency that is 1/3 or 2/3 of the frequency of the reference wave, for example; and pitch can be calculated by determining that the reference wave is the second harmonic if no high-level signal is present in the above frequency band.

Abstract: An organism information measuring method and an arm wear type pulse-wave measuring method having a sensor unit having a size that does not cause any inconvenience to a user when the user is doing an exercise, such as jogging, so that information about an organism, such as the pulse rate, is measured. The arm wear type pulse-wave measuring apparatus has a wrist band for putting the body of the apparatus on the arm; and a sensor unit that is put on the root of a finger by a sensor securing band. If the finger is irradiated with light by a LED in the foregoing state, light reaches the blood vessel and is reflected. The reflected light is received by a phototransistor in such a manner that the quantity of received light corresponds to change in the quantity of blood occurring due to pulse waves of the blood. The LED is of a type capable of emitting blue light and has a light emission wavelength peak of 450 nm. The phototransistor has a light receiving wavelength region in a range from 300 nm to 600 nm.

Abstract: A wrist wearable device for the detection and monitoring of possible allergy symptoms and relation to specific triggering conditions. The device has a visual display and is operatively attached to a human pulse point. It also has a clock/calendar timer, pulse measurement mechanism and alarm, an addressable memory with an input control, preinstalled icons and user controlled identification symbols and a logic circuit system. The device is adapted to be worn constantly with pulse measurements, related to time and date, being stored in memory. Average pulse rates are determined, based on time and day of week and stored in memory. Excessively elevated pulse rate spikes (relative to determined average pulse rates) are monitored and the wearer is warned of the elevated level. Absent ostensible physical and emotional causes, elevated pulse rates are attributable to allergic reactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artery locating device (10) which comprises a housing (18) comprising a housing power means access (18A), a housing bottom (18B), a housing front (18F), and a housing rear (18R). The artery locating device (10) further comprises a microchip (22) contained within the housing (18). The artery locating device (10) further comprises a power means (24) electronically connected to the microchip (22). The artery locating device (10) further comprises a heart rate monitor (12) is contained within the housing (18). The heart rate monitor (12) comprises a heart rate monitor LCD display (12B) which is electronically connected to the microchip (22). The heart rate monitor (12) further comprises a heart rate monitor visual display (12C) having a heart rate monitor visual display indicator light (12CA) which is electronically connected to the microchip (22). The artery locating device (10) further comprises a pulse intensity monitor (14) contained within the housing (18).

Abstract: A convenient low-cost heart rate monitor. In one embodiment, a digital filter structure includes a low pass filter having a notch at 60 Hz and a bandpass filter which amplifies signals in a frequency range from 10-40 Hz and has a notch at 60 Hz. This digital filter has a recursive structure and uses integer coefficients to simplify and speed up the calculations. A four bit microcontroller may implement the digital filter. The output of the digital filter is subject to enhancement signal processing to emphasize QRS complexes indicative of human heartbeats.

Abstract: Arterial blood pressure of a subject is determined by detecting the EKG for the subject and selecting a fiducial point on the EKG during a pulse. Apparatus is provided for monitoring blood volume versus time at a selected location on the subject's body such as a fingertip. A time difference between the occurrence of the selected fiducial point on the EKG and a selected change in blood in volume at the selected body location is determined. This time difference depends on the arrival time of the pulse at the distal location in addition to the shape of the blood volume versus time curve. Heart rate is determined from the EKG. The arterial pressure is computed from pulse arrival time, volumetric wave shape and instantaneous heart rate for each pulse. It is preferred that the fiducial point on the EKG be an R-wave. A suitable method for determining change in blood volume utilizes photoplethysmography. Methods are disclosed for determining diastolic pressure, systolic and mean arterial pressure.

Abstract: A pulse monitor is provided which has a pulse monitor unit supported on a wrist band over the carpal tunnel, with a infra-red optical sensor which picks up the flow of blood therein. The detected blood flow is transmitted by a radio frequency transmitter to a display unit also supported on the wrist of the user, which processes the data signal and displays a pulse. Alternate embodiments provide for separate wrist bands supporting the pulse detector and the display unit, and for a combined detector and display unit, as well as multiple optical sensors.

Abstract: The invention herein described is intended to provide the user with a reliable heart rate monitor that is a completely self contained unit and is capable of providing accurate readings while the wearer is moving about. The use of piezoelectric sensing elements eliminates the power drain caused by LEDs and similar devices. The sensing element mounting means disclosed herein is devised to greatly reduce the noise introduced into the pulse signal by body motion. The use of optical sensors in a staring mode and optical sensors in a pulsed mode is also presented. The effects of noise are further reduced by employing digital signal processing algorithms to find the heart pulse intermixed with noise signals and present the heart pulse rate in beats per minute on a display. The resulting device permits the visual monitoring of the heart pulse rate in a human body in a consistent, error-free manner.

Abstract: The invention herein described is intended to provide the user with a reliable heart rate monitor that is a completely self contained unit and is capable of providing accurate readings while the wearer is moving about. The use of piezoelectric sensing elements eliminates the power drain caused by LEDs and similar devices. The sensing element mounting means disclosed herein is devised to greatly reduce the noise introduced into the pulse signal by body motion. The use of optical sensors in a staring mode and optical sensors in a pulsed mode is also presented. The effects of noise are further reduced by employing digital signal processing algorithms to find the heart pulse intermixed with noise signals and present the heart pulse rate in beats per minute on a display. The resulting device permits the visual monitoring of the heart pulse rate in a human body in a consistent, error-free manner.

Abstract: For the purpose of realizing a display method for a portable electronic measuring device that allows the user to know his condition more easily and in greater detail by making it easy for him to read the display of measured results even if the display device is limited in size due to its portability, a bar graph is displayed in dot display area (134) of liquid crystal display device (13) of the portable pulse measuring device which extends up at each time interval according to the absolute value of the pulse rate after the measurement of time is started and until the pulse rate reaches a prescribed range, and after the pulse rate reaches the prescribed range, a bar graph is displayed that extends in the positive direction or the negative direction at each time interval according to the difference from the prescribed reference pulse rate. When temporal changes in the pitch during running are displayed in dot display area (134), they are displayed in a segmented graph.

Abstract: A pulse rate counter that can accurately measure pulse rate regardless of whether the user is resting or exercising is disclosed. In the pulse rate counter, a pulse wave component extraction means extracts pulse wave components based on the frequency analysis results of a first calculation means and a second calculation means. During this process, an extraction method switching means determines whether the user is resting or exercising based on the amplitude level of the signal output of a body movement signal conversion means, the level (power) of the frequency spectrum of the output signal of the second calculation means, or the degree of variation in the level. If the user is determined to be resting, the extraction method switching means causes the pulse wave component extraction means to extract the pulse wave components based on the frequency analysis result of the first calculation means.

Abstract: The invention provides a wrist-worn pulse wave measuring device capable of outputting data measured by the wrist-worn pulse wave measuring device to an external data processing device without using a large device body. In the pulse information processing apparatus, a connector piece of a sensor unit is mounted to a connector of a wrist-worn pulse wave measuring device when measuring the pulse. A data transmission connector piece is mounted to the connector of the pulse wave measuring device when transmitting data with a data processor. Whether the operating mode is the pulse measurement mode or the data transmission mode is determined by a signal discriminator which discriminates the signal input from the connector of the pulse wave measuring device.

Abstract: To achieve a pulse wave measuring apparatus whereby the sensor unit can be easily and consistently worn against the skin surface, a wristwatch type pulse wave measuring apparatus is comprised as follows. Specifically, light transmittance plate 34 is disposed on the outside surface side of LED 31 and phototransistor 32 in sensor unit 30. Outside surface 341 of light transmittance plate 34, which is pressed against the finger, projects above the reference surface, which is outside surface 361 of sensor frame 36 surrounding light transmittance plate 34. Two body ground terminals 38 contacting the finger surface when light transmittance plate 34 is pressed tight to the finger are disposed around light transmittance plate 34; the body ground terminals 38 also project above the reference surface. However, the position of outside surfaces 381 of body ground terminals 38 is lower than the outside surface 341 of light transmittance plate 34.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a pressure pulse wave from a living subject, including a pressure pulse wave sensor which detects a pressure pulse wave which is produced from an artery of the subject, a pressing device which presses the sensor against the artery via a body surface of the subject, a position changing device which moves the sensor and thereby changes a position of the sensor relative to the artery in a direction of width of the artery, and a control device which determines, based on the pulse wave detected by the sensor, an optimum pressing position of the sensor where the sensor is pressed against the artery by the pressing device, and controls the position changing device to position the sensor at the optimum pressing position, the control device functioning as a moving device for controlling the position changing device to move the sensor relative to the artery while the sensor is pressed on the body surface by the pressing device, a determining device for determining the optimum pressing positio

Abstract: A period and frequency measurement device is provided having a sensor for measuring pulse waves and body movements. A window determination circuit sets a reference value in accordance with previously measured pulse waves and body movements and determines whether currently measured pulse waves and body movements is within a window defined by upper and lower margins relative to the reference value. A window correction circuit corrects the window to be used for a next pulse waves and body movement measurement by applying a specified correction to the current pulse waves and body movements measurement if a determination result of the window determination circuit indicates that the current pulse waves and body movements measurement is outside a current window.

Abstract: For the purpose of providing, by only improving the shape of the device body, at a low cost and without impairing user comfort a wrist-worn portable device and a wrist-worn pulse wave measuring device whereby the device body does not turn unnecessarily around the wrist. A wrist-worn pulse wave measuring device 1 attaches device body 10 by means of wrist band 12 to the wrist, and attaches sensor unit 30 to the base of a finger by means of a band for holding the sensor. At the end of cable 20 leading from sensor unit 30 is formed connector piece 80, which is attached by simply sliding connector 70 in the direction of twelve o'clock. Because device body 10 has a turning stop 108 forming an approximately 115.degree. angle to the back, device body 10 will not turn unnecessarily even if it is turned in the direction of six o'clock or twelve o'clock on a wristwatch.