Apple Registers Patent for Blood Pressure Management and Monitoring
Enables Blood Pressure Measurement Without Cuff Blood Pressure Monitor
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Apple has filed a patent to equip the Apple Watch with a blood pressure measurement function.
On the 12th (local time), according to IT specialized media AppleInsider, Apple filed a patent related to blood pressure management and monitoring functions with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Apple explained, "The patent relates to a device worn on the wrist and sensors for measuring blood pressure."
Apple plans to enable blood pressure measurement without supplementing blood pressure data with additional devices like cuff blood pressure monitors. Samsung Electronics requires users to input blood pressure every four weeks using a cuff monitor for baseline blood pressure measurement. In contrast, Apple's patent pursues a method of arranging different sensors to measure blood pressure with the Apple Watch.
AppleInsider explained, "Apple aims to calculate accurate readings through a combination of hardware and software by arranging sensors." Apple stated, "The sensor arrangement can identify one or more pressure sensing nodes, receive pressure signals, and reduce the error correction process," adding, "This can provide a more convenient and accurate blood pressure monitoring function."
In the patent, Apple specified "a device worn on the wrist" instead of using the term "Apple Watch." However, since the patent's purpose is for general consumers' blood pressure monitoring, it is unlikely to refer to a separate product. Even though Apple has filed the patent, it remains to be seen whether the blood pressure measurement function will be applied to the Apple Watch.
Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics received approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in April for a mobile app capable of measuring blood pressure with its smartwatch and plans to launch the "Samsung Health Monitor" app in the third quarter to provide blood pressure measurement functions. Samsung's blood pressure measurement function analyzes pulse waveforms by comparing them with baseline blood pressure, so the baseline blood pressure must be calibrated every four weeks using a cuff blood pressure monitor.
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