Digital respiration measurement with temperature-dependent resistors and microcontroller; device for non-invasive measurement of respiratory processes at the mouth and / or nose
A non-invasive respiratory measurement device using temperature-dependent resistors and a microcontroller with ADC at low voltage addresses the limitations of invasive and costly devices by enabling precise, wireless, and movement-friendly respiratory analysis.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202025000194
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-08
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing respiratory measurement devices often require invasive methods, restrict movement, and are costly due to high power consumption and complex calibration requirements, while pneumatic sensors provide insufficient accuracy and comfort.
A non-invasive device using two temperature-dependent resistors and a microcontroller with an analog-digital converter operates at low voltage, enabling precise digital signal processing and wireless data transmission, allowing for robust respiratory rate and depth analysis without calibration or contact with the respiratory tract.
The device provides precise respiratory measurements with minimal power consumption, comfort, and compatibility with other medical devices, while allowing freedom of movement and reducing costs through simplified hardware and digital signal processing.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
[0001] Digital respiration measurement with temperature-dependent resistors and microcontroller; device for non-invasive measurement of breathing processes in the mouth and / or nose.
[0002] The present invention relates to a device for measuring respiratory rate and depth of breathing by means of two temperature-dependent resistors (NTC - Negative Temperature Coefficient or PTC - Positive Temperature Coefficient), a battery and a microcontroller with analog-digital converter. Areas of invention
[0003] Medicine (e.g. inpatient monitoring of patient breathing)
[0004] Sports (e.g. coordination of breathing movements during movement sequences)
[0005] Health and wellness industry (e.g. for monitoring breathing problems in patients with chronic diseases, as a sleep aid or for stress management through visual / acoustic feedback)
[0006] Education and training (e.g. to support breathing exercises in physiotherapy or yoga practice)
[0007] Research (e.g. for the analysis of respiratory parameters in various diseases or in the study of respiratory mechanisms) State of the art
[0008] In contrast to conventional approaches, which often work with pneumatic sensors (differential pressure or similar) and analog signal output, this invention relates to digital measurement without additional system components, such as signal output.
[0009] In contrast to conventional approaches that use only one temperature-dependent resistor for absolute measurement, this invention uses two temperature-dependent resistors relative to the supply voltage (+ / -) connected to a single analog-to-digital converter (ADC).
[0010] In contrast to conventional approaches to determining resistance variables, which rely on high supply voltages to achieve sufficiently high resolution, this invention uses the microcontroller's integrated analog-to-digital converter and operates at low voltages (1.8 to 3.6 VDC). The resolution (10-bit, 12-bit, etc.) of the ADC is irrelevant for this invention.
[0011] In contrast to conventional approaches, which often require calibration for absolute measurements, this invention works dynamically through the relative detection of breaths (inspiration-to-expiration)
[0012] Unlike conventional devices that often attach tubes to the airway channels and restrict freedom of movement and comfort, the sensors of this invention only affect the respective airway channel, so that there is no obstacle to regular breathing.
[0013] The invention is characterized by its simple hardware and efficient digital signal processing. The use of two temperature-dependent resistors and a microcontroller with ADC minimizes the device's cost and power consumption. Digital signal processing enables robust and accurate analysis of the measurement data, even with noisy input signals and without calibration. This enables more differentiated recording of respiratory airflow in terms of direction and change due to temperature, allowing precise determination of respiratory rate and other parameters. The measurement data can be stored in the microcontroller or sent to an additional wireless system for further processing. Special features of the invention
[0014] Non-invasive: The system does not require direct contact with airways or body openings, which increases comfort and minimizes the risk of irritation or infection.
[0015] Freedom of movement: The device is designed to not restrict the user's movements in any way. It can be used during everyday activities or physical activity.
[0016] Compatibility with other medical devices: The invention does not hinder the functionality or attachment of other medical devices such as pulse oximeters or ECG sensors.
[0017] No ads: This makes the invention economical and ecologically minimalist in its structure, design and usability.
[0018] Expandability: Display or recording devices can be connected wirelessly depending on the application. Identifier list 1 Device - Nose [1.1] and [ Fig. 2] - mouth [1.2] and [ Fig. 3] 2 batteries (e.g. 1.8V) [2.1] [3.1] [4.1] 3 microcontrollers [2.2] [3.2] [4.2] 4 Temperature-dependent resistors (e.g. NTC) [2.3] [3.3] [4.3] 5 analog-digital converters (e.g. 12-bit) [4.4] 6 Wireless transmission device (e.g. Bluetooth Low Energy) [4.5] 7 dynamic maximum [5.1] 8 dynamic minimum [5.2] 9 Duration of a breathing cycle [5.3] 10 Zero crossing determination [5.4] 11 Number of respiratory cycles per minute
Claims
[1] Device (1) for measuring respiratory rate and depth of breathing, characterized by that it comprises two temperature-dependent resistors (4), an analog-digital converter (5) within a signal processing unit (3), wherein the temperature-dependent resistors are connected to the ADC of the signal processing unit and a minimum voltage supply (2). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the signal processing unit (3) implements an algorithm for smoothing the measurement data, for continuously identifying minima (8), maxima (7) and zero crossings (10) and for calculating the period of the respiratory cycle (9) and the resulting respiratory rate and respiratory depth (11). [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that it has a wireless interface (6) for transmitting the processed measurement data. [4] Device according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, characterized bythat the breathing rate and breathing depth (11) are measured and evaluated to signal the user's breathing status. [5] Use of the device according to claim 2 or 3 or 4, characterized by that enables monitoring of breathing in the medical field, for controlling ventilators, for breathing analysis in sports or to support relaxation techniques and stress management.