System and method for realizing portable respiratory metabolism measurement

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for realizing portable respiratory metabolism measurement, which comprises a host and a ventilation assembly, the ventilation assembly is connected with the host, the host comprises a gas concentration analyzer and a data processing and analysis module, the ventilation assembly comprises a sampling tube, a mask and a flow meter, the mask is worn on the face of a subject, and the flow meter is connected with the gas concentration analyzer. The gas concentration analyzer is connected to the mask through the sampling pipe, the flow meter is connected with the mask, the data processing and analyzing module is connected with the flow meter, and the data processing and analyzing module is further connected with the gas concentration analyzer. By adopting the system and the method for realizing the portable respiratory metabolism measurement, the portability of equipment is remarkably improved through the miniaturized gas concentration analyzer and the highly integrated data processing module, so that the measurement is flexibly carried out under resting, sports or outdoor conditions. A wired or wireless connection mode is adopted, the problem that the data storage and analysis capacity of portable equipment is limited is solved, remote real-time data transmission and computer end software analysis are supported, and the application range is expanded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of outdoor exercise status measurement, and more particularly to the field of respiratory metabolism measurement, specifically to a system and method for portable respiratory metabolism measurement. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional respiratory metabolism measurement devices are typically bulky and inconvenient, often limited to resting state measurements in laboratory environments, making them unsuitable for use during exercise or outdoors. These devices often lack integrated data processing capabilities, with limited data storage and analysis functions, and cannot achieve real-time remote data transmission. Furthermore, traditional methods may rely on complex sensor calibration procedures, and the measurement parameters are relatively limited, such as the inability to simultaneously provide comprehensive indicators like oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, and respiratory rate, thus restricting their application value in field or mobile scenarios. Existing technologies cannot effectively solve the problems of device portability and multi-scenario adaptability, resulting in low measurement efficiency and a narrow range of applications. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a system and method for portable respiratory metabolism measurement that is portable, easy to operate, and has a wide range of applications.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a system and method for portable respiratory metabolism measurement as follows: This portable respiratory metabolism measurement system is characterized by comprising a main unit and a ventilation assembly connected to the main unit. The main unit includes a gas concentration analyzer and a data processing and analysis module. The ventilation assembly includes a sampling tube, a mask, and a flow meter. The mask is worn on the subject's face. The gas concentration analyzer is connected to the mask via the sampling tube. The flow meter is connected to the mask. The data processing and analysis module is connected to the flow meter and also to the gas concentration analyzer. The sampling tube guides the exhaled gas from the mask to the gas concentration analyzer for real-time concentration analysis. The gas concentration analyzer analyzes the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in the exhaled gas in real time. The flow meter detects respiratory flow data and transmits it to the data processing and analysis module. The flow meter is electrically connected to the data processing and analysis module to transmit respiratory flow data. The data processing and analysis module receives the flow data from the flow meter and the gas concentration data from the gas concentration analyzer, calculates, and outputs respiratory metabolic parameters.

[0005] Preferably, the gas concentration analyzer includes an oxygen concentration sensor, a carbon dioxide concentration sensor, and a temperature, humidity, and pressure sensor module. The oxygen concentration sensor, carbon dioxide concentration sensor, and temperature, humidity, and pressure sensor module are all integrated inside the gas concentration analyzer. The oxygen concentration sensor is an electrochemical oxygen concentration sensor, and the carbon dioxide concentration sensor is a non-diffuse infrared carbon dioxide sensor.

[0006] Preferably, the flow meter is a bidirectional flow meter used to measure expiratory flow and inspiratory flow separately; the data processing and analysis module plots respiratory waveforms based on the data from the bidirectional flow meter and calculates expiratory flow, tidal volume and respiratory rate.

[0007] Preferably, the gas concentration analyzer supports automatic calibration, automatically performing preheating, automatic calibration, and environmental sampling after power-on.

[0008] Preferably, the data processing and analysis module includes a wireless communication unit, which is a LoRa unit, used to realize long-distance wireless data transmission with an external computer.

[0009] Preferably, the host also includes a display screen and a battery. The display screen is connected to the gas concentration analyzer and the data processing and analysis module, and the battery is connected to the gas concentration analyzer, the data processing and analysis module, and the display screen.

[0010] Preferably, the main unit has an exhaust port on its housing for discharging the gas analyzed by the gas analyzer module.

[0011] The method for portable respiratory metabolism measurement using the above system is characterized by comprising the following steps: (1) Power on and perform automatic calibration, including preheating, automatic calibration and environmental sampling; (2) Start the test, detect the breathing flow through the flow meter, and send the exhaled gas to the gas analyzer module in real time through the sampling tube for oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration analysis; (3) The data processing and analysis module receives and processes the flow rate data and gas concentration data in real time, and calculates the respiratory metabolic parameters; (4) The display screen shows respiratory metabolic parameters in real time and sends the data to an external computer for processing, analysis and report generation via wired or wireless communication.

[0012] Preferably, the preheating time, automatic calibration and environmental sampling time in step (1) are configured through the settings interface of the display screen.

[0013] This invention discloses a system and method for portable respiratory metabolism measurement. Through a miniaturized gas concentration analyzer and a highly integrated data processing module, the portability of the device is significantly improved, allowing measurements to be performed flexibly under resting, active, or outdoor conditions. The use of wired or wireless connectivity solves the problem of limited data storage and analysis capabilities in portable devices, supporting remote real-time data transmission and computer-based software analysis, thus expanding the application scope. The integrated bidirectional flowmeter provides richer parameters, such as tidal volume and respiratory rate, enhancing data comprehensiveness. Automatic sensor calibration ensures measurement accuracy, while the built-in battery provides 4-6 hours of continuous operation, guaranteeing stability for field use. The overall design simplifies the operation process and improves measurement efficiency and practicality. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the system for portable respiratory metabolism measurement according to the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the main unit and the ventilation component of the system for realizing portable respiratory metabolism measurement according to the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the gas concentration analyzer of the portable respiratory metabolism measurement system of the present invention.

[0017] Figure label: 1. Gas Concentration Analyzer 2 Display screens 3. Data Processing and Analysis Module 4 batteries 5 face masks 6 Flowmeter 7 Sampling tubes 8. Oxygen Concentration Sensor 9. Carbon dioxide concentration sensor 10 Temperature, humidity and pressure sensor modules 11 Air Inlet 12 Exhaust ports Detailed Implementation

[0018] To more clearly describe the technical content of the present invention, the following description is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0019] The present invention discloses a portable respiratory metabolic measurement system, comprising a main unit and a ventilation assembly connected to the main unit. The main unit includes a gas concentration analyzer 1 and a data processing and analysis module 3. The ventilation assembly includes a sampling tube 7, a mask 5, and a flow meter 6. The mask 5 is worn on the subject's face. The gas concentration analyzer 1 is connected to the mask 5 via the sampling tube 7. The flow meter 6 is connected to the mask 5. The data processing and analysis module 3 is connected to the flow meter 6 and also to the gas concentration analyzer 1. The sampling tube guides the exhaled gas from the mask to the gas concentration analyzer 1 for real-time concentration analysis. The gas concentration analyzer 1 analyzes the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in the exhaled gas in real time. The flow meter 6 detects respiratory flow data and transmits it to the data processing and analysis module 3. The flow meter is electrically connected to the data processing and analysis module to transmit respiratory flow data. The data processing and analysis module receives the flow data from the flow meter and the gas concentration data from the gas concentration analyzer 1, calculates and outputs respiratory metabolic parameters.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gas concentration analyzer 1 includes an oxygen concentration sensor 8, a carbon dioxide concentration sensor 9, and a temperature, humidity, and pressure sensor module 10. The oxygen concentration sensor 8, the carbon dioxide concentration sensor 9, and the temperature, humidity, and pressure sensor module 10 are all integrated inside the gas concentration analyzer 1. The oxygen concentration sensor 8 is an electrochemical oxygen concentration sensor, and the carbon dioxide concentration sensor 9 is a non-diffuse infrared carbon dioxide sensor.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flow meter is a bidirectional flow meter used to measure expiratory flow and inspiratory flow respectively; the data processing and analysis module plots respiratory waveforms based on the data from the bidirectional flow meter and calculates expiratory flow, tidal volume and respiratory rate.

[0022] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gas concentration analyzer 1 supports automatic calibration function, and automatically performs preheating, automatic calibration and environmental sampling after power-on.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the data processing and analysis module includes a wireless communication unit, which is a LoRa unit, used to realize long-distance wireless data transmission with an external computer.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the host further includes a display screen 2 and a battery 4. The display screen 2 is connected to the gas concentration analyzer 1 and the data processing and analysis module 3, and the battery 4 is connected to the gas concentration analyzer 1, the data processing and analysis module 3 and the display screen 2.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing of the main unit is provided with an exhaust port for discharging the gas analyzed by the gas analyzer module.

[0026] The method for portable respiratory metabolism measurement using the above-described system according to the present invention includes the following steps: (1) Power on and perform automatic calibration, including preheating, automatic calibration and environmental sampling; (2) Start the test, detect the breathing flow through the flow meter 6, and send the exhaled gas to the gas analyzer module in real time through the sampling tube for oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration analysis; (3) The data processing and analysis module receives and processes the flow rate data and gas concentration data in real time, and calculates the respiratory metabolic parameters; (4) The display screen shows respiratory metabolic parameters in real time and sends the data to an external computer for processing, analysis and report generation via wired or wireless communication.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the preheating time, automatic calibration and environmental sampling time in step (1) are configured through the setting interface of the display screen.

[0028] The gas concentration analyzer 1 of this invention is installed inside the main unit and integrates oxygen concentration, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature, humidity, and pressure sensor modules 10. This invention employs an integrated LoRa module, which is integrated into the data processing and analysis module 3, enabling stable long-distance data transmission. This invention integrates all functional components into the main unit's data processing and analysis module 3 and operates via a display screen 2.

[0029] This invention miniaturizes and highly integrates the gas concentration analyzer 1 and the data processing and analysis module 3 into a portable respiratory metabolism measurement instrument. It is used for respiratory metabolism measurement under resting, exercise, or outdoor exercise conditions.

[0030] The portable respiratory metabolism measurement device mainly consists of a main unit and a ventilation assembly. The main unit primarily comprises a display screen (2), a battery (4), a data processing and analysis module (3), and a gas concentration analyzer (1). The ventilation assembly mainly consists of a face mask (5), a sampling tube (7), and a flow meter (6). The gas analyzer consists of an oxygen concentration sensor (8), a carbon dioxide concentration sensor (9), and a temperature, humidity, and pressure sensor module (10). During measurement, the subject wears the main unit on their back and the ventilation assembly on their face. The flow meter (6) detects respiratory flow data, which is transmitted to the main unit for analysis. The sampling tube (7) connects to the gas concentration analyzer (1) within the main unit, analyzing the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in exhaled gas in real time, recording the data, and automatically analyzing the results. Exhaust gas from the gas concentration analyzer (1) is discharged through its exhaust port. Data acquisition and analysis can be performed locally on the portable respiratory metabolism measurement device or connected to a computer (PC) for data acquisition and analysis via computer software. A miniature vacuum pump inside the portable device drives the gas to the gas concentration analyzer.

[0031] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the power-on and automatic calibration are as follows: (1) Press and hold the power button to turn on the device. After powering on, the device will automatically enter the preheating, automatic calibration and environmental sampling stages.

[0032] (2) Automatic calibration, warm-up time (generally recommended 20 min) and environmental sampling time (generally recommended 10 min) can be set in the settings interface.

[0033] Portable respiratory metabolism analyzers can be used independently to analyze and display data locally.

[0034] The local testing and analysis process of this invention is as follows: (1) Click the “Test” module on the main interface to enter the test interface.

[0035] (2) Enter the subject ID as the unique identifier of the subject, which is usually a mobile phone number.

[0036] (3) Connect the headband, mask 5, sampling tube 7 and flow meter 6 of the ventilation assembly in sequence.

[0037] (4) Wear a mask 5. It is recommended to sit quietly for 10-30 minutes and maintain a resting state.

[0038] (5) Click the “Start Test” button in the upper left corner of the test interface to conduct the test.

[0039] (6) The interface allows real-time viewing of oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), respiratory quotient (RQ), and energy expenditure (EE) data. Clicking on any parameter will display the dynamic curve of that indicator.

[0040] (7) Click the page-turning button to view more detailed data, including respiratory rate (RF), tidal volume (VT), expiratory flow rate (VE), exhaled dilution oxygen concentration (FeO2), ambient oxygen concentration (FiO2), exhaled dilution carbon dioxide concentration (FeCO2), and ambient carbon dioxide concentration (FiCO2). Among them, expiratory flow rate (VE) is an important indicator that directly participates in the calculation of metabolic data.

[0041] (8) After the test is completed, you can click the page turning button to view the analysis results.

[0042] This invention can also record and analyze data in real time via wired or wireless (LoRa) connection to PC software.

[0043] The PC connection software testing and analysis process of this invention is as follows: (1) Click the “Energy Test” module on the main interface to enter the test interface.

[0044] (2) Enter the subject ID to filter subjects and import them into the test interface, or right-click to import subjects in the "Information Management" interface.

[0045] (3) Select the measurement mode, prediction type, and input the preset time to start the test.

[0046] (4) The preset time is generally 15-20 minutes.

[0047] (5) After the test is completed, drag the indicator on the trend graph of VO2 and VCO2 to select the appropriate segment, and then analyze the segment and generate a test report.

[0048] This invention features a separate mask 5 from the main unit, connected via a sampling tube 7 and a data cable, while integrating the sensors to reduce size. The added battery 4 provides 4-6 hours of continuous use, broadening its application scenarios.

[0049] This invention employs a bidirectional flow meter 6, which measures both expiratory and inspiratory flow rates. Respiratory waveforms are plotted. More comprehensive parameters are provided, including tidal volume (VT) and respiratory rate (RF).

[0050] This invention employs an electrochemical oxygen concentration sensor 8 and a diffusion-free infrared carbon dioxide sensor. This invention provides automatic sensor calibration and simultaneous measurement of ambient oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations.

[0051] This invention solves the problem of device portability by miniaturizing the gas concentration analyzer 1 and integrating the data processing and analysis module 3.

[0052] This invention solves the problem of limited data storage and analysis capabilities of portable devices by using wired or wireless connections to a computer, thus expanding the scope of applications.

[0053] The LoRa wireless connection to a computer in this invention solves the problem of long-distance data transmission, enabling portable respiratory metabolism measurement instruments to be tested and analyzed in real time in the field.

[0054] For the specific implementation scheme of this embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0055] It is understood that the same or similar parts in the above embodiments can be referred to each other, and the contents not described in detail in some embodiments can be referred to the same or similar contents in other embodiments.

[0056] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means at least two.

[0057] Any process or method description in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing a particular logical function or process, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of the invention includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the functions involved, as will be understood by those skilled in the art to which embodiments of the invention pertain.

[0058] It should be understood that various parts of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented in software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution device. For example, if implemented in hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented using any one or a combination of the following techniques known in the art: discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the methods in the above embodiments can be implemented by a program instructing related hardware. The corresponding program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, it includes one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiments.

[0060] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present invention can be integrated into a processing module, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into a module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0061] The storage media mentioned above can be read-only memory, disk, or optical disk, etc.

[0062] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0063] This invention discloses a system and method for portable respiratory metabolism measurement. Through a miniaturized gas concentration analyzer and a highly integrated data processing module, the portability of the device is significantly improved, allowing measurements to be performed flexibly under resting, active, or outdoor conditions. The use of wired or wireless connectivity solves the problem of limited data storage and analysis capabilities in portable devices, supporting remote real-time data transmission and computer-based software analysis, thus expanding the application scope. The integrated bidirectional flowmeter provides richer parameters, such as tidal volume and respiratory rate, enhancing data comprehensiveness. Automatic sensor calibration ensures measurement accuracy, while the built-in battery provides 4-6 hours of continuous operation, guaranteeing stability for field use. The overall design simplifies the operation process and improves measurement efficiency and practicality.

[0064] In this specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. However, it will be apparent that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the specification and drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A system for portable respiratory metabolism measurement, characterized in that, The system includes a main unit and a ventilation assembly. The ventilation assembly is connected to the main unit. The main unit includes a gas concentration analyzer and a data processing and analysis module. The ventilation assembly includes a sampling tube, a mask, and a flow meter. The mask is worn on the subject's face. The gas concentration analyzer is connected to the mask via the sampling tube. The flow meter is connected to the mask. The data processing and analysis module is connected to the flow meter and also to the gas concentration analyzer. The sampling tube guides the exhaled gas from the mask to the gas concentration analyzer for real-time concentration analysis. The gas concentration analyzer analyzes the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in the exhaled gas in real time. The flow meter detects respiratory flow data and transmits it to the data processing and analysis module. The flow meter is electrically connected to the data processing and analysis module to transmit respiratory flow data. The data processing and analysis module receives the flow data from the flow meter and the gas concentration data from the gas concentration analyzer, calculates, and outputs respiratory metabolic parameters.

2. The system for portable respiratory metabolism measurement according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas concentration analyzer includes an oxygen concentration sensor, a carbon dioxide concentration sensor, and a temperature, humidity, and pressure sensor module, all of which are integrated inside the gas concentration analyzer.

3. The system for portable respiratory metabolism measurement according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow meter is a bidirectional flow meter used to measure expiratory flow and inspiratory flow separately; the data processing and analysis module plots respiratory waveforms based on the data from the bidirectional flow meter and calculates expiratory flow, tidal volume and respiratory rate.

4. The system for portable respiratory metabolism measurement according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas concentration analyzer supports automatic calibration, automatically performing preheating, automatic calibration, and environmental sampling after power-on.

5. The system for portable respiratory metabolism measurement according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data processing and analysis module includes a wireless communication unit, which is a LoRa unit used to realize long-distance wireless data transmission with an external computer.

6. The system for portable respiratory metabolism measurement according to claim 1, characterized in that, The host also includes a display screen and a battery. The display screen is connected to the gas concentration analyzer and the data processing and analysis module, and the battery is connected to the gas concentration analyzer, the data processing and analysis module, and the display screen.

7. The system for portable respiratory metabolism measurement according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main unit has an exhaust port on its casing for discharging the gas analyzed by the gas analyzer module.

8. A method for portable respiratory metabolism measurement based on the system described in claim 1, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: (1) Power on and perform automatic calibration, including preheating, automatic calibration and environmental sampling; (2) Start the test, detect the breathing flow through the flow meter, and send the exhaled gas to the gas analyzer module in real time through the sampling tube for oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration analysis; (3) The data processing and analysis module receives and processes the flow rate data and gas concentration data in real time, and calculates the respiratory metabolic parameters; (4) The display screen shows respiratory metabolic parameters in real time and sends the data to an external computer for processing, analysis and report generation via wired or wireless communication.

9. The method for portable respiratory metabolism measurement according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (1), the preheating time, automatic calibration, and environmental sampling time are configured through the settings interface on the display screen.

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