A sensor system that detects and monitors respiratory dynamics through thoracic vibration analysis.

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor system and measurement method that non-invasively detects, measures, and converts vibrational signals emanating from the thoracic region (rib cage) into digital data to aid in the diagnosis of respiratory pathologies.

Description

1 TARIFF DETERMINING RESPIRATORY DYNAMICS THROUGH THORACIC VIBRATION ANALYSIS DETECTING AND MONITORING SENSOR SYSTEM TECHNICAL AREA 5 The invention describes the non-invasive use of vibrational signals emanating from the thoracic region (rib cage). detection, measurement, and digital data through a non-invasive method transformed into a sensor system that helps diagnose respiratory pathologies and This relates to the measurement method applied with this sensor system. PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE Evaluation of mechanical vibrations originating from the lungs, clinical examination. It is one of the diagnostic approaches that has been used for a long time in practice. In the literature, it is called "vocal". These vibrations, known as "fremitus," occur in the thorax when the patient produces certain sounds. 15 It is based on the assessment of the air-fluid balance in the lung tissue. clinical signs such as consolidation, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, or ventilation disorder It can provide indirect information regarding the situations. However, in the current practice... Vocal fremitus examination is largely a subjective assessment performed by the physician through palpation. It depends on the assessment. 20 In current methods based on manual palpation, vibration intensity is quantified. not being measured, the measurement result cannot be recorded in a standard data format, and different Objective comparisons cannot be made between examinations conducted at different times. This Therefore, the findings are often categorized as qualitative, such as "increased," "decreased," or "normal." These statements are transferred to the patient's file. This record format is followed up on the patient's case. 25 Graphical representation of small changes occurring in lung-derived vibrations during the process, This makes it difficult to monitor statistically or quantitatively. Also, palpation... The sensitivity depends on the physician's experience, hand dexterity, and the force of contact applied. because it varies depending on the patient's anatomical characteristics, it is relevant to the same patient. Assessment results may vary among different physicians. 30 In the known state of the art, in addition to manual examination, with a stethoscope. Auscultation, imaging-based diagnostic methods, and vibration response imaging. There are also different approaches, such as systems. However, the method of listening with a stethoscope... It primarily focuses on the evaluation of acoustic sounds, transmitted to the thoracic wall. 2 converting mechanical vibrations into measurable and comparable numerical data. It does not provide this. However, advanced technologies such as vibration response imaging systems can improve lung function. Although these systems allow for a more detailed analysis of vibrations caused by vibrations It requires expensive hardware, has limited portability, and Their use often requires the support of specially trained personnel. These 5 The situation is that these systems are routinely monitored in clinical checks, in primary healthcare. its widespread use in services and bedside examinations It makes things more difficult. Another limitation of current methods is their inability to treat early-stage lung pathologies. Reliable 10 of the low-amplitude or localized micro-vibration variations that may occur The inability to detect it in this way. Palpation by human hand reveals no discernible vibrations. Although it allows for the perception of differences, initial level vibration sufficient sensitivity for objectively detecting changes It does not offer this. Therefore, in current clinical practice, small formations in the early stages... Missing these changes necessitates quantitative monitoring of the disease's course and treatment. 15 This limits the ability to accurately assess the response. There are also some sensor-based academic studies, however, A significant portion of the studies remain limited to laboratory settings or clinical trials. a fast, easy, repeatable and point-of-care measurement method for application It does not offer. Therefore, the known technique is for vocal fremitus and similar lung-related conditions. Vibration analysis is objective, quantitative, standardized, portable, and suitable for clinical practice. It does not provide an adequate solution for measuring it in this way. In this context, low cost, easy to implement, non-invasive, numerically quantifies measurement data. capable of recording and making comparative assessments during the patient's follow-up process. Technical solutions that enable this are needed. 25 THE PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION The purpose of the invention is to replace the subjective evaluation described in the previous technical scope, Lack of standardized measurements, inadequate documentation, low accuracy, high cost. and to address issues such as difficulty in use in clinical practice, lung-derived vocal 30 Low-cost, portable technology that enables numerical measurement of fremitus vibrations. and to offer a microcontroller-based diagnostic support system. Within the scope of the invention, the physician Vibration findings, which are qualitatively assessed through manual palpation, include frequency, amplitude, and vocal fremitus is converted into measurable parameters such as rate of change. 3 The evaluation is removed from being based on personal perception and becomes objective, comparable, and It is being transformed into a standardized data structure. Another purpose of the invention is to prevent any invasive intervention on the patient. without application, lung-derived vibrations via contact over the thoracic surface The aim is to enable the detection and analysis of radiation. In this respect, the invention, radiation 5 an assessment that does not involve physical risk, does not pose a physical risk, and is suitable for repeated measurements. This provides an opportunity for pregnant women, children, elderly patients, and those with chronic lung diseases. safely in individuals who need frequent monitoring due to their illness A monitoring infrastructure that can be used is provided. One of the aims of the invention is to detect differences during palpation performed by human hand. sensitive low-amplitude or low-frequency vibration variations that are difficult to detect It is detected through a sensor structure. In this way, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, vibration due to consolidation, ventilation disorders, or similar lung pathologies This helps in detecting changes at an earlier stage. The invention, not only the evaluation of obvious clinical findings but also those that emerge over time 15 It also allows for the quantitative monitoring of small changes that occur. Another aim of the invention is to provide high-volume and costly imaging. will reduce reliance on systems and enable rapid bedside measurements. The aim is to provide a compact device structure that will enable portable microcontroller-based architecture. Thanks to this system, emergency services, ambulances, clinics, and family health centers are all accessible. in centers, intensive care settings, and home care services The aim is to enable its use. This structure allows physicians or healthcare personnel to make quick decisions. a practical measurement and preliminary assessment tool to support the giving process It provides. Among the aims of the invention is to improve existing advanced imaging and vibration response analysis. to offer a more cost-effective and scalable solution compared to existing systems This is because the production and application costs of the invention are kept low. not only in fully equipped hospitals, but also in healthcare facilities with limited resources. An accessible diagnostic support system is obtained that can also be used in organizations. This situation makes vocal fremitus assessment easier to incorporate into routine clinical practice. 30 It contributes to its integration. The invention also enables the recording of the obtained measurement data in digital format, for the patient. its association with the past and a comparative analysis of changes over time The aim is to monitor the patient's response to treatment. This allows for the assessment of the patient's current response. 4 the trend of improvement or worsening of the condition and vibration changes during the follow-up process It can be evaluated graphically or statistically. Digital documentation. its infrastructure, remote monitoring systems for measurement results, and electronic patient records. or it can be used in conjunction with clinical decision support software. It provides. 5 In this context, the invention describes a subjective palpation-based method for examining vocal fremitus. By moving away from being an assessment tool; it's non-invasive, portable, low-cost, and provides numerical data. a diagnostic support mechanism that produces, is reproducible and compatible with clinical follow-up processes It aims to transform. LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. The corresponding numbers in the figures are: 1. Main Control Unit (Microcontroller) 15 2. Vibration Sensor (Vibration Detection Section) 3. Visual Data Interface (Screen) 4. Data Transmission Line (Cable) 5. Power Supply DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention subject to this application concerns the application for the application of vocal fremitus vibrations originating from the lungs to the skin surface. the detection of these vibrations and the electronic transmission of signals related to these vibrations. processing and presentation of the obtained measurement results as numerical data to the user 25 a portable, microcontroller-based diagnostic support system that enables its presentation It is related. The invention consists of a main control unit, in other words a microcontroller (1), and a vibration sensor. In other words, the vibration sensor part (2), the visual data interface, in other words screen (3), data transmission line, in other words cable (4) and power supply (5) equipment 30 It includes. Within the scope of the invention, micro-vibrations generated on the chest wall are used to create vibrations. is detected via sensor (2), analog signals obtained from the sensor are main The data is processed by the control unit (1) and the processed data is processed by the visual data interface (3) This information is transmitted to the user via this method. Thanks to this structure, qualitative results can be obtained through classical palpation. The vocal fremitus finding, evaluated as frequency, amplitude, and proportional vibration. These are converted into measurable parameters such as change. In the system described in the invention, the vibration sensor (2) transmits low vibrations to the thoracic wall. It is configured to detect mechanical vibrations of amplitude. Vibration sensor (2), 5 The test is performed through the skin at designated thoracic measurement points on the patient's chest or back. lung tissue, bronchial structures and thorax are brought into contact and during speech vocal fremitus-induced vibrations propagating along the wall are converted into electrical signals. It converts these signals to the main control unit (1) via the data transmission line (4). Data transmission line (4) is transmitted between vibration sensor (2) and main control unit (1) 10 It functions as a wired connector that provides reliable signal transmission. The main control unit (1) receives the analog signals from the vibration sensor (2), It processes these signals in real time via embedded software and vocals It produces numerical outputs that will form the basis of the fremitus assessment. Main control. As part of the process carried out by unit (1), the signal from the sensor is 15 Its presence or absence is determined, and the frequency value of the vibration signal is given in hertz. The vibration magnitude is calculated and evaluated as an amplitude value. Furthermore... The measured vibration magnitude can be based on predetermined reference values ​​or patient-specific data. Expressed as a percentage change compared to baseline measurement values. This allows the system to not only detect vibrations, but also 20 quantitative classification and tracking of vibration It provides. The visual data interface (3) processes the measurement by the main control unit (1). It is a screen structure that enables the results to be conveyed to the user. Visual data Whether a vibration signal is present on the interface (3), the measured frequency value, 25 Vibration magnitude and proportional change information calculated according to reference values. This can be demonstrated. Thus, the user can only subjectively observe the situation during manual palpation. palpable vocal fremitus finding expressed through numerical values. can be evaluated and measurements taken in different measurement areas or at different times. It is possible to make comparisons between them. 30 Power supply (5), main control unit (1), vibration sensor (2) and visual data electrical energy required for the operation of electronic components such as interface (3) The power supply (5) is designed to be suitable for portable use of the system. It can be configured as a battery, power supply, or a suitable external power source. 6 Thanks to its structure, the system provides emergency services, outpatient clinics, ambulances, bedside examinations, and home services. It is intended to be usable in care environments. The invention works on the principle of interaction between lung tissue and air during speech. the transmission of resonance occurring in the pathways to the thoracic wall and the transmission of this resonance to the skin It is based on the principle of detecting vibrations from the surface via a vibration sensor (2). 5 During the measurement, the patient is positioned in an upright sitting position or, depending on the clinical situation, in a supine position. That is, it can be positioned in a supine position. Vibration sensor (2), right and left determined in a way that will allow comparative measurements to be made in the hemithorax to thoracic regions, for example, around the level of the second rib on the anterior chest wall, or The skin is applied to the appropriate measurement points on the back. Measurement 10 Basal vibration data are obtained beforehand while the patient is at rest, then... repeating certain phrases with a distinct resonance, for example, sounds like "forty forty-one" It is requested. Vocal fremitus vibrations transmitted to the thoracic wall during the patient's voice production. The vibration is detected by the vibration sensor (2) and sent to the main control unit (1) 15 It is transmitted. Main control unit (1), peak vibration generated during sound production capturing values, vibration data obtained within a specific time interval It processes and calculates the average vibration values. As a result of this calculation, Frequency, amplitude, and proportional vibration variation data are obtained for the relevant measurement point. The obtained data are displayed on the visual data interface (3) and 20 when necessary, with the patient's previous measurements or between the right and left thoracic regions They can be evaluated comparatively. The numerical data obtained within the scope of the invention relate to different clinical cases originating from the lung. It can be used to support the preliminary assessment of situations. 25 in conditions such as pneumothorax or pleural effusion where vibration transmitted to the thoracic wall is reduced In these situations, a decrease in measured vocal fremitus values ​​may occur. conversely, transmission in lung tissue such as pneumonia, consolidation or atelectasis. In some pathological conditions that alter its characteristics, there is an increase in vibration values ​​or Regional differences may occur. The invention addresses these variations subjectively perceived by the user. Instead of being felt as such, it allows for evaluation in the form of numerical data. 30 This system provides an independent imaging method that provides a definitive diagnosis. instead, it supports clinical examination, produces objective data, and is used in follow-up processes. as a diagnostic support tool that enables comparative evaluation He is working. 7 The system's low energy consumption and compact design make it practical in various clinical settings. It contributes to its use in this way. High-precision vibration detection. Its structure enables the detection of low-amplitude changes that are difficult to perceive by the human hand. The aim is to measure using a microcontroller-based data processing architecture. The results are quickly converted into digital output. In this respect, the invention, vocal 5 Fremitus examination is a manual, subjective assessment that is difficult to record. by transforming it from a simple process into a portable, non-invasive, digitally data-generating and clinically monitorable system. This makes it a system that can be adapted to their processes. 15 25

Claims

8 REQUESTS 1. Lung-derived vocal fremitus vibrations transmitted through the skin surface the detection of signals relating to these vibrations electronically. processing and providing the obtained measurement results to the user as numerical data. 5 a portable, microcontroller-based diagnostic support system that enables its presentation Its feature is that it detects micro-vibrations occurring on the chest wall. a structured vibration sensor (2), analog from the vibration sensor (2) Digital outputs used for vocal fremitus assessment by processing signals. a main control unit (1) configured to produce, main control unit (1) 10 It is configured to transmit the measurement results processed by the system to the user. a visual data interface (3), vibration sensor (2) and main control unit (1) a data transmission line configured to provide signal transfer between them (4) and to provide the electrical energy necessary for the operation of the system components It is characterized by containing a structured power supply (5). 15 2. A portable, microcontroller-based diagnostic support system according to Claim 1, Its feature is that the skin is applied to thoracic measurement points on the patient's chest or back. can be made to touch the lung tissue and bronchial tissues during speech. Low amplitude vocal fremitus originating from the structure and radiating along the thoracic wall. 20 designed to convert mechanical vibrations into electrical signals It is characterized by containing a vibration sensor (2).

3. A portable, microcontroller-based diagnostic support system according to Claim 1, The feature is the main control of the electrical signals produced by the vibration sensor (2). Data transmission as a wired connection element that enables transfer to the unit (1). It is characterized by including line (4). 25 4. A portable, microcontroller-based diagnostic support system according to Claim 1, Its feature is to receive analog signals from the vibration sensor (2), processing signals in real time via embedded software and vocals structured to produce numerical outputs that form the basis of fremitus assessment It is characterized by containing the main control unit (1). 30 5. A portable, microcontroller-based diagnostic support system according to claim 1 or 4, feature; presence or absence of signal from vibration sensor (2) to determine, calculate the frequency value of the vibration signal in hertz, and 9 It is structured to evaluate vibration magnitude as an amplitude value. It is characterized by containing the main control unit (1).

6. Portable, microcontroller-based diagnostic support system according to Claim 1, 4 or 5. Its characteristic feature is that it measures the magnitude of vibration from a predetermined reference. by comparing the values ​​or the patient's baseline measurement values, the proportional 5 Main control unit structured to express change as a percentage (1) is characterized by its inclusion.

7. Portable, microcontroller-based diagnostic support for any of claims 1, 4, 5, or 6. It is a system whose characteristic is the peak vibration that occurs during the patient's voice production. capturing the values, vibration data obtained within a specific time interval 10 main structure configured to process and calculate average vibration values It is characterized by containing a control unit (1).

8. According to Claim 1, it is a portable, microcontroller-based diagnostic support system, Its feature is that it provides information about whether a vibration signal is present, based on the measured frequency. its value, vibration magnitude, and the proportional 15 calculated according to reference values. visual data, a screen structured to display change information. It is characterized by containing the interface (3).

9. According to Claim 1, it is a portable, microcontroller-based diagnostic support system, Its feature is that it is based on measurements taken from different measurement areas or at different times. Comparative evaluation of the obtained vocal fremitus data 20 to present numerical measurement results to the user in a way that will enable It is characterized by containing a visual data interface (3). 30

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