Breathing pattern identification for respiratory function assessment

Abstract

What is disclosed is a system and method for identifying a patient's breathing pattern for respiratory function assessment without contact and with a depth-capable imaging system. In one embodiment, a time-varying sequence of depth maps are received of a target region of a subject of interest over a period of inspiration and expiration. Once received, the depth maps are processed to obtain a breathing signal for the subject. The subject's breathing signal comprises a temporal sequence of instantaneous volumes. One or more segments of the subject's breathing signal are then compared against one or more reference breathing signals each associated with a known pattern of breathing. As a result of the comparison, a breathing pattern for the subject is identified. The identified breathing pattern is then used to assess the subject's respiratory function. The teachings hereof find their uses in an array of diverse medical applications. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention is directed to systems and methods for identifying a patient's breathing pattern for respiratory function assessment.BACKGROUND[0002]Monitoring respiratory events is of clinical importance in the early detection of potentially fatal conditions. Current technologies involve contact sensors the individual must wear which may lead to patient discomfort, dependency, loss of dignity, and further may fail due to a variety of reasons. Elderly patients and neonatal infants are even more likely to suffer adverse effects of such monitoring by contact sensors. Unobtrusive, non-contact methods are increasingly desirable for patient respiratory function assessment.[0003]Accordingly, what is needed are systems and methods for identifying a patient's breathing pattern for respiratory function assessment without contact and with a depth-capable imaging system.INCORPORATED REFERENCES[0004]The following U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, and Publication...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about a system and method to determine a person's breathing pattern to assess their breathing function without touch or need for depth information. The system receives a sequence of depth maps of the person's breathing over time. These maps are processed to create a breathing signal with a series of instantaneous volumes during both breathing in and out. This signal is then compared to reference breathing signals to identify the person's breathing pattern. This pattern can then be used to assess the person's respiratory function. The system and method have a wide range of medical applications.

Problems solved by technology

Current technologies involve contact sensors the individual must wear which may lead to patient discomfort, dependency, loss of dignity, and further may fail due to a variety of reasons.

Elderly patients and neonatal infants are even more likely to suffer adverse effects of such monitoring by contact sensors.

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