Classifying tensive states using photoacoustic signals

A method of using a photoacoustic signal to classify a tensive state of a user, the method comprising:

• detecting an acoustic wave corresponding to a photoacoustic response of a blood vessel to light emitted by a light source system;
• and
• determining a wave characteristic from the acoustic wave and estimating a tensive state classification based on the determined wave characteristic, wherein the tensive state classification is one of a plurality of tensive state classifications that each include different ranges of diastolic and systolic values.

An apparatus comprising:

• a means for detecting an acoustic wave corresponding to a photoacoustic response of a blood vessel to light emitted by a light source system;
• and
• a means for determining a wave characteristic from the acoustic wave and estimating a tensive state classification based on the determined wave characteristic, wherein the tensive state classification is one of a plurality of tensive state classifications that each include different ranges of diastolic and systolic values.

A computer-readable medium storing computer executable code for classifying a tensive state of a user, the computer executable code being configured to:

• detect an acoustic wave corresponding to a photoacoustic response of a blood vessel to light emitted by a light source system;
• and
• determine a wave characteristic from the acoustic wave and estimate a tensive state classification based on the determined wave characteristic, wherein the tensive state classification is one of a plurality of tensive state classifications that each include different ranges of diastolic and systolic values.