Fitbit has filed a new patent that describes a technique for measuring blood pressure in smartwatch users. The document issued by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) shows how the benchmarking technology would work in a new model of watch or smart bracelet from Google’s subsidiary brand.
The patent outlines a wearable device with a sensor integrated into the screen. To measure blood pressure, the user must press the panel specifically with the index finger — where the radial artery is located. The mechanism works in a similar way to a conventional meter, but more simplified for home users.
According to the documents, the operating system of the wearable accessory will offer instructions on the screen for the user to measure blood pressure correctly to position the index finger, apply the necessary force on the screen, among other recommendations.
a sensor of photoplethysmography (or simply “PPG”) — a technique used to detect changes in blood volume without the need to collect a sample — measures heart rate to allow for systolic (pressure in the arteries when the heart beats) and diastolic (pressure in the arteries when the heart beats) readings. heart relaxes between beats).
“The user applies varying pressure to their blood vessels [contra a tela], while a PPG sensor measures the amplitude of blood volume pulses,” explains the patent description. “The resulting signal and associated pressure data are used to calculate blood pressure with standardized approaches.”
Last August, Fitbit announced the Sense 2, Inspire 3 and Versa 4 as its new smartwatches and bracelets that benefit athletes and home users with advanced sensors for health measurement. It is possible that new models will be introduced later this year with the new capabilities described by the guaranteed patent.
