Electronic management method and management system for sleep-related information

Abstract

To electronically manages sleep-related data obtained by a diagnostic device.SOLUTION: The system and method may include collecting sleep data from a patient using a diagnostic device. The sleep data may be stored in a sleep data file and delineated as multiple sleep sessions. A user may access the stored sleep data by selecting a particular sleep session. The sleep data for the selected sleep session may then be extracted from the sleep data file and presented to the user as a combination of image tiles, JavaScript elements and an event indicator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present technology relates to the detection and diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing. In particular, the present technology relates to the detection and diagnosis of sleep-related diagnostic data. This relates to an electronic management system for sleep data such as sleep monitoring.

[0002] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application is a joint venture with Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2013 filed on 25 October 2013 Priority is claimed to US Pat. No. 904,136, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. It shall form a division. [Background technology]

[0003] The test diagnoses patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and provides treatment with home medical equipment (HME). Diagnostic testing has traditionally been performed at sleep laboratories. However, home sleep testing (HST) is rapidly gaining popularity due to its convenience and cost-effectiveness. It has quickly become the predominant method for diagnosing patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The newly emerging home-focused diagnostic tests may soon replace traditional sleep laboratory tests. It could replace most of them.

[0004] Thus, diagnostic providers may use portable, home testing devices to diagnose patients with SDB. For example, patients with sleep apnea are increasingly using ResMed's ApneaLink™ or CleveMed's SleepView home testing device The devices allow for varying degrees of testing. The testing and diagnostic devices measure respiratory flow, respiratory pressure, respiratory ventilation, respiratory effort, oxygenation, pulse, and snoring. Sleep-related data may be generated that may include one or more signal channels, such as a gait or a gait pattern.

[0005] In such cases, a sleep laboratory physician may review the data collected by the diagnostic device. If any form of SDB symptom, e.g. OSA, is diagnosed, the patient should be Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for home respiratory therapy A therapeutic device such as a cerebrospinal fluid (CEF) device may be prescribed.

[0006] Patient data related to the use of diagnostic devices is uploaded to the service provider's server. The only way for a treating physician or sleep clinician to review such data is through the server. This is done by downloading data to your own computer, which is usually remote. Such uploads can take a considerable amount of time. When you are reviewing your sleep data, it may take a few minutes to download just the sleep data file. This means that the HST software solutions currently on the market are unable to analyze any part of the data. The entire sleep study file (e.g., EDF+ type file) must be deleted before it can be viewed. The files are downloaded to the user's computer after a few nights of sleep. It often contains related data, and each night's sleep data may itself have several sleep sessions. As a result, the data files associated with an entire sleep study can be very large. As a result, data files can be downloaded to a personal computer. This resulted in a waiting period of 3 hours before the sleep physician could begin reviewing and analyzing the study. It often exceeds 10 minutes. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The above issues may require some manual modifications to be introduced into the diagnostic evaluation of sleep data. As will be discussed later, sleep physicians should Choose to reassess diagnosed SDB events scored in the file Currently, such changes require the entire modified data file to be You will need to upload it to the server again to reassess your sleep score. Transferring large sleep data files multiple times eliminates unnecessary confusion and time wastage may be brought about. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An aspect of the present disclosure is a method for electronically managing sleep-related information acquired by sleep-related measurement devices. The method includes receiving sleep data and dividing the sleep data into a plurality of sleep centers. storing the sleep data so as to associate it with the session; and selecting a sleep session to be performed. generating a plurality of image tiles corresponding to the sleep data of the session; and transmitting the tiles.

[0009] Furthermore, the receiving computer must download multiple image tiles before all of them have been downloaded. At least the first image tile from the number of image tiles can be downloaded. The method may transmit multiple image tiles based on the received sleep data. The method may also include automatically scoring diagnostic events based on the image tiles. The step of determining a scored diagnostic event associated with the selected sleep session. and transmitting an event indicator representing each of the transmitted tiles. corresponds to the period included in the event indicator.

[0010] According to another aspect, the method further comprises: generating a report based on the scored diagnostic events; One or more script elements may also be sent. The elements can be manually adjusted by the user. When displayed to the user, multiple image types are One or more script elements can be layered on top of each one of the rules.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the method includes: and receiving data indicating the one or more script elements. Recalculate the automated scoring based on the received data indicating the user's adjustments to the It is possible.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the methods described herein may include one or more computing One or more computing devices may be implemented by a system of the device. The device may include one or more processors configured to perform the disclosed methods. Ugh.

[0013] The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of various embodiments of the present technology. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagnostic device in accordance with aspects of the disclosed technology. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagnostic device in accordance with aspects of the disclosed technology. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic system that facilitates a method for electronic management of sleep-related data in accordance with one aspect of the disclosed technology. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a visual representation of a patient's sleep-related data provided to a user on a screen of the user's electronic device in accordance with one aspect of the disclosed technology. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of selected features of a method for electronic management of sleep-related data in accordance with one aspect of the disclosed technology; [Figure 6] FIG. 5 illustrates a diagnostic report provided as a result of automated scoring of sleep-related events as shown in FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the disclosed technology. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 shows a visual representation of FIG. 4, where the automatically generated markings of some sleep-related events have been edited by a user. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 illustrates a diagnostic report provided as a result of scoring the compiled sleep-related events as shown in FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the disclosed technology. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram that can be performed in accordance with aspects of the disclosed technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The proposed technology combines tiling technology on the streaming server side with optimized user interface. Utilizing a unique combination of interface design, sleep-related data files are organized into a series of images. Streaming server-side tiling allows the content to be loaded onto electronic devices. For more details on some aspects of the technology, see published patent application U.S. Pat. No. 8,560,600. and 8,260,006. In particular, U.S. Pat. Issue 00 uses server data to generate visual map elements such as image tiles to display the map. It describes in detail the server's mechanism for rendering the image. No. 0,006 is a mapping tile to form a single display within the user's browser. It describes how these can be seamlessly linked together.

[0016] Figures 1 and 2 show examples of devices that patients can use to collect sleep-related diagnostic data. The diagnostic device 101 is shown as a patient wearing a belt 1002 around his or her chest. The diagnostic device 101 can be worn by wearing it. One or more of the patient's airways, such as the nostrils, are probed to measure parameters related to respiration. The diagnostic device 101 can also be configured to: It also includes an oximeter sensor 1006 that can measure the patient's pulse and oxygen level. The patient can wear the oximeter sensor 1006 as a finger clip. Additionally, the diagnostic device 101 includes an effort sensor 100 that measures the patient's respiratory effort during sleep. 8. Effort sensor 1008 is attached to belt 1002 in close proximity to the patient's rib cage and lungs. It can be installed.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the diagnostic device 101 includes a cannula 1004 , oximeter sensor 1006 and effort sensor 1008 are suitably connected to each other. For example, the diagnostic device may include indicator lights 1010, 1011, and 1012 that indicate whether If 101 determines that one of the sensors is not properly connected, the indicator light 101 0-1012 can operate, flash or change color. Inspection Light 101 4 indicates whether the diagnostic test was completed properly or if an error occurred during the diagnostic test. The diagnostic device 101 may include a user interface such as a power button 1016. The user interface may also include an interactive interface for displaying diagnostic data and receiving user input. As will be described later, the diagnostic device 101 may be configured to Sleep study data can be collected from a patient in a sleep state. This data can be transmitted to the diagnostic device 10. 1 and can be transmitted to a remote computing device.

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates an electronic system that may be implemented in connection with the present technology. The system 100 includes a patient diagnostic device 101, a diagnostic provider (e.g., sleep lab) A computer 104, a treatment device 105 (e.g., an RPT device), a treatment provider computer computer 102 and server 201, all of which are connected to a network 150 ("cloud"). "). The diagnostic device 101, the computing device 104 (also called the user's computer) and server 201 (also called the service provider's server) ) can be located remotely relative to each other. The diagnostic device 101 is The device may be any home sleep testing device used by a patient in a medical diagnostic device 1. When using the diagnostic device 110, diagnostic data 111 may be recorded on a storage medium, also referred to as memory 112. Diagnostic data 111 may include information related to the patient's sleep study, such as the date, time, and duration of the study. Along with any data recorded, respiratory flow data, respiratory effort data, oximetry and It may contain biometric clinical information such as pulse data. The memory 112 may include a hard drive, memory Cards, ROM, RAM, DVDs or other optical discs as well as other writable memory and read-only memory, or other computer-readable medium or electronic device. and other media for storing data that can be accessed by a processor. The ion exchanger may be of any non-transient type that can be used.

[0019] The server 201 may include a processor 210 and a memory 220. The memory 220 The processor 210 can access data 230, as well as executable data 230. It is used to store instructions 234 that may be made available in some way or another. The memory 220 may be a hard drive, a memory card, a ROM, a RAM, a DVD, or Other optical disks, as well as other writable and read-only memories, A readable medium or other medium that stores data that can be read using an electronic device Any non-transitory type capable of storing processor-accessible information, including The systems and methods may include different combinations of the above, whereby Different parts of the instructions and data are stored on different types of media.

[0020] Instructions 234 are instructions (such as machine code) that the processor executes directly or indirectly. It can be any collection of instructions (such as a script). For example, the instructions can be It can be stored as computer code in a readable medium. The terms "command" and "program" may be used interchangeably herein. The instructions may be provided in object code format for direct processing by a processor or in a Script, or separate source that is interpreted on demand or pre-compiled It can be stored in any other computer language, including a collection of code modules. The function, method and routine of the instructions are described in more detail below. Instruction 234: Communication (Comm) Server 240, Easy Care Online ne(ECO) Server 250 and Communication Abstraction and instructions to run one or more virtual servers, such as a Layer (CAL) server 260. It may include.

[0021] Communication Abstraction Layer (CAL) The basic role of CAL is to provide active patients with to obtain daily aggregate data, obtain and change the settings of the therapy device, and and converting the therapeutic device data into a format that can be easily summarized.

[0022] The Communication Server (Comm) first communicates with the wireless therapy device. The basic role of the communication server is to check the output of the In other words, it communicates with the airflow generator via a communication module or built-in communication device. , to check the incoming radio data and generate a format that the CAL server can read. and converting wireless data into a signal.

[0023] The ECO Server is responsible for the application functions within the system. The primary role of the server is to present patient and device information within the user interface. and writing and managing patient health information. This is an example of the application related to the proposed tiling technique. It is the server that directly plays the role of executing applications.

[0024] Processor 210 retrieves, stores, and / or processes data 230 according to instructions 234. For example, the system and method may be modified according to any particular data structure. Data may be stored in a computer register in multiple different fields, including but not limited to: Relations as tables with records, XML documents or flat files The data can also be stored in any computer readable format. Data can be formatted as numbers, descriptive text, properties, Prioritized code, same memory or different memory (other network locations) by reference to data stored in other areas of the The data 230 may include any information sufficient to identify the relevant information, such as the information used. Comm database 231, CAL database 232, ECO database 23 3 and HST database 235.

[0025] Processor 210 may be any conventional processor, including commercially available processors. Alternatively, the processor may be, for example, an application specific integrated chip (ASIC) or a field processor. It can be a dedicated device such as a programmable gate array (FPGA). The processor, memory, and other elements of the server 201 are functionally organized as if they were in the same block. Although illustrated, the processor and memory may actually be housed within the same physical housing. It may contain multiple processors and memory that may or may not be stored. For example, the memory may be a different host than the server 201. It may be a hard drive or other storage medium located within the housing. References to processors or computers may or may not operate in parallel. may or may not even be co-located, This is understood to include any reference to a processor or computer or collection of memories. Rather than using a single processor to perform the steps described in the specification, Some of the components, such as the speed reducing component and the speed reducing component, their own processors that perform only the calculations related to the specific function of the component Therefore, the server 201 can be referred to as both a system and a device. can be done.

[0026] The computers 102, 103 and 104 include a central processing unit (CPU), a data processor 120 and and 121, memory (e.g., RAM and internal hard drive), a web browser and instructions 130 and 131, electronic displays 110 and 116 (e.g., having screens monitor, small LCD touchscreen, or any other device operable to display information electrical devices), and user inputs 160 and 161 (e.g., mouse, keyboard, touch screen and / or microphone) typically used in connection with computers It may include all of the components listed above.

[0027] The memory 112 can be internal to the diagnostic device 101 and can be connected to a USB data cable. can be accessed by connecting to a separate computer. The term "diagnostic device" in such cases refers to a medical device such as a home sleep testing device. A desktop or mobile computer or the like having diagnostic data 111 collected from the This can be broadly interpreted to include personal computers. The server 201 and the devices 101 to 104 are connected via a common network 150. Although shown as one network, each of the two or more devices in the system 100 may be a separate network. It can be connected via a network.

[0028] In one example, the ECO server 250 and the ECO database 233 are connected to the Comm server 24 0, Comm database 231, CAL server 260 and CAL database 232 The communication server 240 may be located on a device at a remote location. The CAL database 231, the CAL server 260, and the CAL database 232 are a single device. It may be present in the chair.

[0029] Patients should be prescribed a sleep medication by their primary care physician / general practitioner or by a sleep physician. The medical diagnostic device 101 can be used in conjunction with a diagnostic prescription provided by a patient. When used, the diagnostic device 101 records physiological clinical information, the time and date of use, and Data can be collected, including any other relevant data. In this regard, FIG. Although the term refers to a dedicated diagnostic device that does not provide any diagnostic or treatment, in some cases the diagnostic device may also An example of such a diagnostic device may be one that is provided with a diagnostic function. The device may be a respiratory pressure therapy device such as a CPAP device.

[0030] A user of the system 100, such as a user of a computer 104, may access a medical diagnostic device 101. Alternatively, the user can directly access the memory 112 using a USB cable. The diagnostic device 101 can be connected to a local computer via, for example, The local computer can upload data to the server 201, or The user may enable the computer 104 to access data in the internal memory 112. Then, the web browser 131 of the computer 104 can be used to access the server. 201 and uploads the diagnostic data 111 to one or more of the server's databases. Alternatively, the diagnostic device 101 may be connected to a Bluetooth The diagnostic data may include a Wi-Fi transmission capability, and the diagnostic data may be transmitted to the diagnostic device 10. 1 to the server 201 wirelessly.

[0031] The diagnostic data 111 provided from the diagnostic device 101 to the server 201 is HST data. For example, each diagnostic device 101 may have a device ID. The device ID can be provided to the server 201 along with the diagnostic data. The diagnostic data can then be stored in a database by the server 201. The database uses the device ID to match the received data to the appropriate patient diagnostic device 10. Associate with 1.

[0032] In some cases, patients may be required to use medical diagnostic devices and undergo treatment for a set duration. Some clinical signs must be present to qualify for treatment. For example, a home sleep study may be indicated. Patients must use the diagnostic device for at least four hours and be prescribed CPAP therapy by a physician. Often, an Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) greater than 5 is required to write a prescription. And, using the system 100, the patient can have control over the use of the diagnostic device. Compliance can be tracked and the system 100 can can help you do this.

[0033] The sleep data files covering one or more sleep sessions are stored on the server 20 shown in FIG. Remotely from the diagnostic device 101, for example by uploading the data to the HST database on The sleep data file can be uploaded to the sleep server in EDF+ format. It can be a sleep file with built-in delineators that indicate the start and end of a sleep session in the file. Each sleep session may be for a predetermined period of time or for a predetermined test. In particular, a sleep session is defined by a set of conditions. This can correspond to periods of continuous or nearly continuous sleep. If you sleep continuously from 12:15 to 7:30 AM, that period is considered a single sleep session. A sleep session can be defined as any period during which sleep data is collected. It can also be based on a predetermined period of time. For example, a sleep session can be based on the number of days over which sleep data was collected. It can be defined by a period of time.

[0034] Delineators in the sleep data file allow for the identification of separate sleep sessions, You can select and filter specific sessions to download. Sleep data is stored in the diagnostic data. a plurality of separate data corresponding to various diagnostic sensor data collected by the device 101; For example, a sleep data file may include a patient's airflow, respiratory effort, oxygen Contains data from five separate data channels corresponding to measurements of saturation, pulse rate, and snoring Ugh.

[0035] When the sleep data is uploaded to the server 201, the software analyzer In this study, SDB events (e.g., apnea, hypopnea), oxygen desaturation events, etc. were predefined. Automatic scoring of defined events can be performed. The sleep monitoring system can analyze specific sleep data, such as flow data or oxygen desaturation data, and identify specific sleep events, such as apneas and hypopneas. The scoring involves correlating the sleep events with the sleep data. The analyzer is based on a predetermined algorithm, such as that described later in the text in connection with FIG. Reports can be generated for the data itself and / or for the uploaded data. This may include statistical aggregation of events scored based on the data of a particular sleep session. A report of the session can be displayed to the user when a session is selected. The report for the maximum sleep session indicates that the user is most interested in this session. You can also display the default report for each date, assuming that the date is correct.

[0036] The sleep session can be selected in many ways. In one example, the user (e.g. For example, a sleep lab physician can select a date and view the available sleep sessions for that date. The user can then choose one or more of the available session durations, etc. can select sleep sessions for that date based on multiple criteria. For example, a user can select the longest session for a particular period. At the sleep lab physician's computer 104, a specific session is created for downloading. When an option is selected, the server 201 retrieves the data for the selected session from the sleep study file. The data is read and the user's browser downloads it from five signal channels. The original data can be converted into a series of bitmap image files (tiles) that are The tiles can be in EDF+ format, but these tiles can also be in GIF, BMP, PNG, etc. , which can be any one of a variety of image formats. are usually in chronological order from left to right. However, this does not have to be the case. In the general case, images can be downloaded in any order. Each image recorded contains the identified SDB events (as described in this document) along with data from the sleep file. The server's data analyzer is based on additional markers in the Other events that were configured to automatically score based on your sleep data Markers for the objects can also be included in the displayed images. Each image is displayed for a predetermined length of time. The corresponding, combined images together represent the entire selected session.

[0037] The user selects a sleep session in the file, say 5 hours long, for review. When you select a session, it renders the session into 30 10-minute images, also known as image tiles. Each image represents a successive portion of the session. The time period over which images are taken may vary; for example, images may vary from less than a minute to more than an hour. For some forms of data review, the default image time is 5 to 30 minutes. The time period can be set by a user electronic device such as the computing device 104 of FIG. A web browser on the device receives a plurality of image components downloaded from the server 201. From there, users can edit what is displayed on their electronic device interface. One or more HTML files corresponding to at least some of the image tiles are also , can be generated at the server 201 based on the original sleep data. The HTML file contains any SDB events that need to be highlighted in the signal channel. This includes scripts such as JavaScript (registered trademark).

[0038] Based on the information for the entire session, a special signal bitmap is generated in the server 201. This tile can be used to create a new image tile. You can visualize the timeline corresponding to the period spanned by the remaining time. One or more of the tiles may correspond to the period covered by this tile. A specific image tile is displayed for each session, along with the visualization of one or more channels of signal data. The tiles may contain displays of various SDB events through event indicators. The event indicator is coordinated with the data channel image tile. The event indicators can be downloaded to the computing device 104. The data can be the first tile downloaded, so that the user can Click on the indicator to view / move to a particular point of interest within the displayed session. The display can be adjusted, allowing the user to view specific parts of the data at different resolutions. They can be raised and viewed, effectively providing a magnified view of each section.

[0039] Figure 4 shows an example screenshot of a diagnostic session that can be displayed to the user. Screenshot 400 can be seen. Screenshot 400 shows a single image tile 10, The combination of the event indicator 20 and various overlapping JavaScript elements 30 is shown. Image tile 10 shows the patient's airflow, patient's respiratory effort, oxygen saturation, pulse and snoring. The data channels contain descriptions 12 for five separate data channels corresponding to the measurements made. The rule description 12 is based on the underlying diagnostic data collected by the diagnostic device 101 . The JavaScript element 30 receives sleep data from one or more diagnostic channels. Based on the processing of the data, the SDBs that may have been automatically identified in the server 201 This display of SDB events is also called scoring. Element 30 is an HTML file downloaded along with the image tile. The browser on the user's computing device 104 is Element 30 is associated with the displayed data channel or channels. Each image is then displayed to indicate when a potentially important SDB event occurs. For example, JavaScript element 30 can be placed on top of image tile 10. The patient's airway is monitored to identify central and obstructive sleep apnea events 30. The flow and respiratory effort data are overlaid on the channel description 12. Similarly, as shown in Figure 4 So, JavaScript element 30 indicates an event of oxygen desaturation, Overlaid on top of the oximetry data. Element 30 is written as a JavaScript element. However, some variations of this technology may use JavaScript in addition to or instead of JavaScript. Note that other script or processor controlled elements may be implemented in Such alternatives include the HTML5 protocol, Cascading Style Sheets, Examples include CSS.

[0040] The top of screenshot 400 shows the event indicators related to the entire sleep session. In the example shown, the sleep session is from 10:37 PM to 10:37 AM. Event indicator 20 also occurred during the sleep session. Instances of scored SDB events can also be identified. The device can identify when SDB, such as central sleep apnea, occurs.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, screenshot 400 shows the time from 10:37 PM to 6:08 AM. The event indicator 20 for the session corresponds to the period of time. processed by the disclosed system as a single session or as part of a session The screenshot 400 that the user is viewing can be saved to a specific location within the session. A portion of the event indicator 20 can be selected to view a period of time. The user can then be presented with one or more image tiles corresponding to the selected time period. For example, screenshot 400 corresponds to the period 1:11 AM to 1:14 AM. 7 shows the corresponding image tile 10. As shown by the frame 701, above the event indicator, The relative position of the displayed tiles can be displayed. The data 20 can be used to provide an overview of the patient's sleep session, while the event indicator The indicator 20 allows the user to view detailed data in relation to one or more data channels. Users can also quickly navigate to one or more periods within a session, such as viewing a The event indicator 20 may also display data related to the patient's sleep session. For example, the event indicator 20 in FIG. When viewing a specific sleep session, the data included in the Event Indicator 20 is the only data preloaded onto the user's display so that it is always in full view. It can be a set.

[0042] FIG. 5 illustrates the disclosed system for generating the web page shown in screenshot 400. The system includes 20 event indicators, 10 image tiles, and JavaScript elements. As mentioned above, the event indicator 20 and image tile 10 correspond to the sleep session selected by the user. Thus, a specific time period within the event indicator 20 can be selected by the user, For that period, one or more corresponding image tiles 10 and corresponding JavaScript The ipt elements 30 are selected and combined to generate the displayed web page. In particular, Once the image tiles 10 are downloaded to the computing device 104, The processor of the hosting device 104 reads the associated HTML file and sends the signal Check whether there are any marked SDB events that require emphasis in the channel. Such events can be identified and sent to the web browser. If the time interval indicated by is within the time interval indicated by Relevel the JavaScript element 30 so that it appears above the image tile, as shown in As the user navigates through the images in the session, , the processor is more JavaScript elements (part of the survey is viewed accordingly) the computing device display 116 to render the to maintain efficient use of memory on your computing device. It can unload elements that are not being viewed.

[0043] The sleep-related data file is downloaded from the server 201 to the computing device 104. The way data files are downloaded allows for time and data efficiency when reviewing the data files. In particular, the disclosed system allows the entire data file to be downloaded. The sleep physician's download time is therefore substantially reduced. The proposed technology allows users to access large sleep data files at the time of their access. The sleep data can be read from the sleep data file and transferred to the ECO server 250 well in advance of the sleep data being read. A much smaller image tile based on the data from the selected sleep session. 0 can be generated on demand. Image tiles are generally larger in size than the original data. is substantially smaller and downloads are performed one tile at a time, resulting in much faster This facilitates extremely short download times (typically less than 10-30 seconds). Once the image tiles are downloaded, you can begin exploring the survey data virtually instantly. Additionally, there are events that can be sent to be the first downloaded tile. After downloading the event indicator, users can instantly select the time period of interest. The user can select a particular time period of interest and view one or more images of each. Image tiles can be downloaded immediately and prioritized, allowing users to select the image tiles they are interested in at the time of their interest. Consideration of the belt can begin virtually immediately.

[0044] As mentioned above, SDB events are automatically scored in the server 201. Based on the raw sleep data and / or scored sleep events, The analyzer on the server 201 generates a report shown by screenshot 600 in FIG. This particular report includes various metrics such as pulse, respiration, oxygen desaturation, and apnea / hypopnea index. This may include statistical compilation of measured parameters. Also displays a summary of automatically scored events such as oxygen desaturation events (6), oxygen saturation events (7), and oxygen saturation events (8). Such patient sleep diagnostic statistics can be stored on the computing device 104. In this case, the apnea-hypopnea index 602 may be displayed to the user. A total diagnostic score is automatically calculated by the analyzer for each sleep session or sessions. Automatically calculated (scoring) based on dynamically scored SDB diagnostic events The AHI602 in this case was 1.2, indicating that the patient did not have SDB. .

[0045] A sleep session can be manually recorded from a browser running on the computing device 104. Manual scoring can also be done manually using a computing device. A user of the device 104 can access JavaScript displayed within one or more image tiles 10. This can be done by adjusting the size and number of pt elements 30. For example, in FIG. A screenshot showing a user adding a JavaScript element 30' to an image tile 10. The addition of JavaScript element 30' is done when the user places the cursor selecting a particular point along one or more of the data channel descriptions 12 using , the generated JavaScript element 30' is selected to correspond to the desired period. This can be done by dragging the cursor along the selected channel description 12. The user can also reconstruct or remove existing JavaScript elements. In this way, the user can review the patient's automatic score. Once the re-evaluation is complete, the modified JavaScript element 30 is Based on the placement, the patient's diagnostic statistics can be recalculated.

[0046] For example, as mentioned above, the report shown in Figure 6 shows that the AHI automatic score of 1.2 was calculated. However, different channels Upon reviewing the raw data presented by the signal, the sleep physician user can automatically You can manually override the automatic scoring by introducing changes to the scored diagnostic events. It can be determined to validate.

[0047] Once satisfied with the accuracy of the identified SDB events, the user can save the modified session. The data indicating the introduced changes may be stored in the computing device 104. The server 201 can then send the JavaScript element Based on the manual corrections introduced in 30, the diagnostic statistics of the patient can be recalculated. As can be seen in Figure 8, the reporting statistics are updated according to the manually adjusted diagnostic events. The patient's manually adjusted SDB score (AHI score 802) was 29.9. This manually adjusted AHI score of 802 was calculated at this time. Therefore, a qualified clinician should not rely on any information that may affect the outcome of the diagnosis. You can choose to override the automatic scoring algorithm to Generate a new updated report based on the activity score and the recalculated total SDB score. , can be provided to the user's browser to be presented to the user.

[0048] FIG. 9 shows a flow diagram 900 of a process associated with the described technology. Part of the process is In accordance with aspects of the technology described above, various portions of the system 100 of FIG. In block 910, sleep-related physiological data is received from the diagnostic device 101. The received sleep data is the data type discussed in connection with FIGS. The diagnostic data may include one or more of the following types: For example, sleep data can be collected over a period of one or more nights. At block 920, the received sleep data may be , associated with a particular data file, and one or more sleeps delineated within the data file. The data can be stored as a sleep session on an electronic device such as the server 201. The data can be received by the HST database 235 in the memory 220 and stored in the memory. It is possible.

[0049] As mentioned above, apart from the sleep data itself, the sleep data file is As shown in block 930, the delineator may include a delineator that identifies different sessions within the delineator. automatically identify various SDB events based on the received sleep-related data. The automated data analyzer of the server 201 can be configured to perform the scoring. Thus, such events can be part of a user's SDB statistics. For example, these Patients were assigned an overall SDB score based on automatically scored events. The sleep data file or associated paired files can be used for automatic scoring. This block may contain data related to SDB event data indexes generated during the ring. At 940, a request for sleep data associated with a particular sleep session is received. For example, a user of the computing device 104 may request that the server 201 Provides sleep data associated with a specific user's sleep data file, captured on a specific date. Based on the received request, the selected session The sleep data from may generate one or more image tiles (block 95 0). As mentioned above, for a single session, one or more image tiles are generated. and each image tile may contain data from multiple data channels; and The generated image tiles are sent to the requesting computing device (block 960). Shows SDB events automatically scored within the selected session. The data may also be transferred to the receiving computer (e.g., a computing device) HTML file used by the browser on the device (device 104) to display the tile It can be sent as a script (JavaScript, etc.) within the One or more of the tiles will be downloaded by these specific tiles. The computer is started immediately after the image tiles are downloaded and before all of the image tiles are sent by the server 201. The image tiles are then displayed so that they can be viewed on the computing device 104. can be sent and displayed.

[0050] The requesting computing device (e.g., computer 104) receives the transmitted Image tiles and HTML files showing automatically scored SDB events The script may be received by the computing device 104. shows the tiles and their respective scores showing automatically scored SDB events. The Java script element can be displayed together (block 980). The Script element is used to position the image so that it corresponds to the location where the diagnostic event is thought to have occurred. The identification of diagnostic events is based on the subsampling of the underlying data within the image tile. For example, based on airflow data, the OSA The JavaScript element can be used to specify the period of each specified O The SA events are overlaid on the airflow data shown in the image tiles to indicate the period during which they occurred. It is possible.

[0051] Based on the identified diagnostic events, score the overall patient SDB statistics and / or status. For example, the server 201 may be configured to receive one or more AHI auto-score was performed based on the SDB events scored during the sleep session. As described above, the user of the computing device 104 The JavaScript element that is displayed along with the image tile can be adjusted (Block 990). This adjustment adds and removes various JavaScript elements, or other methods. And the scored SDB events The user's computing device 104 then transmits data indicating this manual change to the The JavaScript request can be transferred to the server 201 (block 995). Upon receiving the data indicating the adjustments to the element, the server 201 performs the following steps based on the received manual adjustments: The patient's SDB score can be recalculated based on the calculated SDB score (block 970).

[0052] In the above description, some of the blocks, such as 910 to 970, are executed by the server 201. The remaining steps can be performed by a user electronic device, such as computing device 104. It should be noted that the disclosed method can be implemented on a device. Each of the blocks shown in diagram 900 need not be executed, but may be executed in the order shown. It is not necessary to add additional blocks to flow diagram 900 in accordance with the disclosed method. can.

[0053] The proposed sleep-related data processing method is uniquely designed to run within the user's web browser. This is beneficial to service providers as it allows them to The software is incompatible with any one of several client-side applications. This avoids the complexities associated with having to For users of the device 104, there is no need to install and maintain dedicated software. No third-party plug-ins are required, so the app Applications can also be executed quickly and reliably. It can also run on tablets, smartphones and other mobile devices. .

[0054] A further problem with currently used data processing and visualization applications is the lack of A third-party plug-in (e.g., Java (Registered)) is required to view the data on the client side. This dependency means that the application depends on the registered trademark and applet version. , possible defects in third-party plugins and unpredictable version updates, Their performance can be unpredictable. Current applications also is only suitable for operation.

[0055] The disclosed method involves transmitting a link from a processor on a local user's computing device. The workload can be shifted to the processor of the remote server, and the local electronic device gives clients more control over the user experience and Reduced dependency on computer / browser capabilities, which allows for more efficient This provides a data management approach and a highly responsive user experience. effectively uses the service provider's substantial server computing power to process large sleep files. By managing the data, the client machine's capabilities in handling high-resolution browser data and It is difficult to control because it is necessary to consider differences in Java applet versions. Make the problem into one that can be managed efficiently, which simplifies inspection and This results in faster development and a more consistent user experience in the final product.

[0056] The increased efficiency of this technology allows for efficient processing of large amounts of sleep study data. (For example, 8 million data points for a 10-hour study can be processed in approximately 10 to 30 seconds.) can be displayed).

[0057] Furthermore, the proposed technology using processor control instructions etc. has the following potential advantages: It will be.

[0058] Within your web browser, you can save your sleep-related study data as a series of individual bitmap images. It can be displayed as yes.

[0059] Time efficiency - users can be assured that all bitmap image transmissions are completed virtually instantaneously. A review of one or more of the images can begin minutes in advance.

[0060] Diagnostic events are reported via a single-line investigation event bar (e.g., event indicator). This is conveniently displayed.

[0061] Within a large sleep data file, diagnostic records of individual sleep sessions can be recorded on request. You can select to download (e.g., if multiple nights of data are recorded). If so, the browser will display the specific selected night data that the user has chosen to view. (load only the

[0062] View sleep session summaries and use the provided summaries to identify specific sleep sessions. Being able to move quickly to different parts.

[0063] Manually edit sleep study markers using JavaScript elements in your web browser It is possible.

[0064] The ability to resend data representing the changes made to the edited elements to the cloud Here, the sleep study statistics (and score) are recalculated based on the changes. All updates and data transfers are much more efficient, which means that large sleep data files are no longer needed. without the need to download the modified data from the server to the user's computer. No need to upload data files from the user's computer back to the server In one example, the data indicating the change to the SDB event indicator Only the data is sent back to the server.

[0065] Convenient visualization of all SDB events for the entire session, even for single-line survey events Event indicators are provided.

[0066] The techniques disclosed are those currently believed to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. Although described in connection with the present invention, it is not intended that the present invention be limited to the disclosed embodiments. It is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements that fall within the spirit and scope of the disclosed technology. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Aspects may be combined with aspects of other embodiments to realize still other embodiments. do.

[0067] For example, to download sleep data related image tiles generated on a remote server, Instead of using the user's electronic device browser to pt embedded in an HTML file on the user's computing device. This may include playing back both the sleep data and the SDB event data in step 04. Such a method is available using third-party JavaScript tools such as "JFreeChart". Using the chart library, various signal channels and clinical trials can be accessed in the device browser. To display the marker, the user's electronic device must have HTML and JavaScript requirements. You can download the element.

[0068] Once the user selects a session to view, the server application downloads the sleep study file. Reads the selected session from the file (EDF+ format) and extracts the signal data and The automatically generated clinical markers are loaded into a JavaScript chart library. The library then converts the data points into a series of , HTML and JavaScript that are downloaded to the user's browser and displayed as images This method is therefore compatible with various download mechanisms. can be used for.

[0069] The method is also flexible with respect to the type of sleep data that can be applied. More specifically, although illustrated with respect to the particular data channel shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, other It should be understood that the sleep-related data may also be used with other sleep-related data. For example, Detected and / or generated by various non-contact sleep monitors, such as sleepMinder™ Data that is displayed on the screen can also be downloaded. , including but not limited to, detected sleep stages, patient temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, snoring, Examples include environmental parameters such as sound, temperature, light level, etc. As discussed above, the events scored are not SDB events. In some cases, other types of events may be associated with specific types of sleep data. can be done.

[0070] A portion of the disclosure of this specification contains material that is subject to copyright protection. Copyright Any person who files a patent application for a patent infringement claim may file a patent application for a patent infringement claim if the application or patent disclosure appears in a Patent and Trademark Office file file or record. There is no objection to the reproduction by anyone of this specification or the patent disclosure. Any and all other copyrights are reserved.

[0071] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, where a range of values ​​is provided, To the tenth of the limit, each value between the upper and lower limits of the range and its explicit Any other stated or intervening value in the range is intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present technology. It is understood that the upper and lower limits of any intervening range are independent of the intervening range. These may also be included within the scope of the present technology and any clearly defined Subject to any excluded limitations. If the stated range includes one or both of these limits, In this case, a range excluding one or both of the included upper and lower limits is also included in the present technology.

[0072] Furthermore, the value or values ​​may be used herein as part of the technology. Where stated, such values ​​may be approximate and may be used unless otherwise stated. values ​​such as It will be appreciated that to some extent any suitable number of significant figures may be utilized.

[0073] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein are understood to be within the meaning of the appended claims. The terms "a," "b," and "c" have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person skilled in the art. Any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described are also included in the present invention. A limited number of exemplary methods and materials may be used in the practice or testing of the art. The rules are described herein.

[0074] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "common" shall mean any element or combination of elements other than those specified unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless otherwise specified, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include their plural equivalents It must be noted that

[0075] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified. and incorporated herein by reference as if fully disclosed and described. Publications discussed herein are not to be construed as limiting the present invention and are not intended to be limiting unless expressly stated otherwise. Nothing herein is intended to imply that the present technology is based on prior invention. Nothing in this publication should be construed as an admission that no rights are in place to antedate such publication. Additionally, the publication dates provided may differ from the actual publication dates, which may be , may need to be verified separately.

[0076] Moreover, in interpreting this disclosure, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest reasonable manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "includes" should be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with the The term "comprising" refers in a non-exclusive manner to any element, component, or step. and the presence of the referenced element, component, or step is not that can be used or that other elements or components not specifically referred to This indicates that the element or step can be combined.

[0077] Although the technology herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, these embodiments It should be understood that the following are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present technology. In some cases, the terminology and symbols imply specific details not required to practice the present technology. For example, the terms "first" and "second" may be used. However, unless otherwise specified, they are not intended to imply any order. In addition, the process of the above methodology may be used to distinguish between different elements. Although the process steps may be described or illustrated in a certain order, such ordering is not required. Those skilled in the art may change such ordering and / or It will be appreciated that these aspects may occur simultaneously or even synchronously. Thus, numerous variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology. It should be understood that changes may be made to the illustrated embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised. is.

[0078] Additionally, the various embodiments described above can be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, for example, aspects of one embodiment can be combined with aspects of another embodiment to implement yet another embodiment. Furthermore, while the present technology has particular application to sleep-related and diagnostic data associated with patients with OSA and other SDB, it should be understood that patients with other conditions (e.g., congestive heart failure, morbid obesity, stroke, bariatric surgery, etc.) can benefit from the above teachings. Furthermore, the above teachings are applicable to patients and non-patients alike in non-medical applications. In order to maintain the disclosure of the present application as originally filed, the contents of claims 1 to 22 as originally filed are added below. (Claim 1) 1. A method for electronically managing sleep-related information acquired by a sleep-related measurement device, comprising: receiving, by one or more processors, sleep data; storing, by the one or more processors, the sleep data so as to associate the sleep data with a plurality of sleep sessions; enabling, by the one or more processors, a user to select a sleep session for download; generating, by the one or more processors, a plurality of image tiles corresponding to the sleep data for the selected sleep session; transmitting, by the one or more processors, the plurality of image tiles. (Claim 2) 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of image tiles is transmitted such that at least a first image tile from the plurality of image tiles can be displayed by a receiving computer before all of the plurality of image tiles have been downloaded. (Claim 3) The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising automatically scoring, by the one or more processors, a diagnostic event based on the received sleep data. (Claim 4) 4. The method of claim 3, wherein transmitting the plurality of image tiles further comprises transmitting an event indicator that identifies the scored diagnostic event associated with the selected sleep session. (Claim 5) The method of claim 4 , wherein each of the transmitted image tiles corresponds to a time period included in the event indicator. (Claim 6) The method of claim 3 , further comprising generating a report based on at least one of the sleep data and the scored diagnostic events. (Claim 7) The method of any one of claims 3 to 6, further comprising the step of generating and transmitting, by the one or more processors, one or more script elements indicative of the scored diagnostic events. (Claim 8) The method of claim 7 , further comprising configuring the one or more script elements to be manually adjustable by the user. (Claim 9) 9. The method of claim 7 or 8, further comprising configuring each of the one or more script elements to overlay a respective one of the plurality of image tiles when displayed to the user. (Claim 10) 10. The method of claim 8 or 9, further comprising receiving data indicative of a user's adjustments to the one or more script elements. (Claim 11) 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: recalculating, by the one or more processors, a report based on the received data indicative of the user's adjustments to the one or more script elements. (Claim 12) An electronic management system for sleep-related information acquired by sleep-related measurement devices, comprising: a memory for storing sleep data; one or more processors associated with said memory; comprising the one or more processors: storing the sleep data in the memory and associating the stored sleep data with a plurality of sleep sessions; Allowing users to select sleep sessions to download; generating a plurality of image tiles corresponding to the sleep data for the selected sleep session; transmit the plurality of image tiles The system is configured as follows: (Claim 13) 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of image tiles are transmitted such that at least a first image tile from the plurality of image tiles can be displayed to the user before all of the plurality of image tiles are transmitted. (Claim 14) 14. The system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to automatically score a diagnostic event based on the received sleep data. (Claim 15) 15. The system of claim 14, wherein transmitting the plurality of image tiles further comprises transmitting an event indicator identifying the scored diagnostic event associated with the selected sleep session. (Claim 16) The system of claim 15 , wherein each of the transmitted tiles corresponds to a respective time period included in the event indicator. (Claim 17) 17. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to generate a report based on the sleep data and / or the scored diagnostic events. (Claim 18) 18. The system of claim 16 or 17, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to generate and transmit one or more script elements indicative of scored diagnostic events. (Claim 19) 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to configure the one or more script elements to be manually adjustable by the user. (Claim 20) 20. The system of claim 18 or 19, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to configure each of the one or more script elements to overlay a respective one of the plurality of image tiles when displayed to the user. (Claim 21) 21. The system of claim 19 or 20, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to receive data indicative of user adjustments to the one or more script elements. (Claim 22) 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to recalculate the report based on the received data indicative of the user's adjustments to the one or more script elements.

[0079] Glossary Air: Air is understood to include breathing gases, for example, air containing supplemental oxygen.

[0080] Automated Scoring: Custom algorithms analyze raw data from sleep studies and Mark up / highlight areas where the algorithm detects the occurrence of clinically significant SDB events, It is an automated process.

[0081] Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP therapy is a continuous positive airway pressure, preferably relative to the atmosphere. A breathing device that delivers a supply of air or breathable gas at a nearly constant pressure throughout the patient's breathing cycle. In some forms, the term "airway entrance" is used to refer to the entrance of the airway. The pressure at the nasal cavity varies by a few centimetres of water within a single respiratory cycle, e.g. In some forms, the pressure at the entrance to the airways increases during exhalation and decreases during exhalation. In some configurations, the pressure is adjusted to match the patient's breathing cycle. The stimuli may vary from one patient to another, for example, may be increased in response to detection of an indicator of partial upper airway obstruction, It is decreased if indicators of upper airway obstruction are not present.

[0082] European Data Format (EDF+): Medical Time Series A standard file format designed for the exchange and storage of data. This is a unique file that most diagnostic devices, including the MRI device, record to. The file can be used for multiple nights / sessions. Along with the sleep data from the session, it may also include markers for SDB events.

[0083] Interpretation: A sleep physician reviews the results from a sleep study and recommends treatment for the patient for further testing. It is the process of making a clinical diagnosis as to whether or not a procedure is necessary.

[0084] Manual Scoring: By looking at the raw data from the sleep study, the user can select the SDBs that are important to the patient. It is a process of manually marking up / highlighting the area where you believe the event is occurring.

[0085] Reanalyze / Recalculate: New input data generated from manual scoring or parameter changes The process of acquiring data and feeding it back to the analyzer to generate new clinical statistics, such as AHI. It is.

[0086] Sleep physician: A person legally qualified to diagnose various sleep-disordered breathing conditions. As a member of the American Association of Sleep Medicine, He is a doctor certified by the association.

[0087] Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): caused by events involving the closure or obstruction of the upper airway during sleep Obstructive sleep apnea is a form of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) characterized by During sleep, an abnormally small upper airway and impaired muscle tone in the area of ​​the tongue, soft palate, and posterior oropharynx wall This condition results in the sufferer experiencing nightly, sometimes Breathing stops for 200 to 300 times, usually lasting 30 to 120 seconds. Obstructive sleep apnea often causes excessive daytime sleepiness and contributes to cardiovascular disease and This syndrome is particularly prevalent among middle-aged and older overweight men. Although it is a common disorder, people who suffer from it may not be aware that they have a problem. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,310 (Sullivan).

[0088] Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR): A form of sleep-disordered breathing. Also known as CSR periods. The patient's breathing is characterized by rhythmic alternating periods of inhalation and exhalation. CSR is a disorder of the respiratory control system. It is characterized by repeated deoxygenation and reoxygenation of arterial blood. CSR can be harmful due to repeated hypoxia. In some patients, CSR This leads to repeated arousals from sleep, which can lead to severe insomnia, increased sympathetic activity, This can cause increased afterload and back pain in some people. See Berthon-Jones, No. 959.

[0089] Obesity Hyperventilation Syndrome (OHS): About Hyperventilation The association of severe obesity with conscious chronic hypercapnia in the absence of other known causes Symptoms include shortness of breath, morning headache, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

[0090] Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Certain The term "lower respiratory tract disease" includes any of a group of lower respiratory tract diseases that share the characteristics of: These include increased resistance to air movement, prolongation of the expiratory phase of breathing, and loss of normal lung elasticity. Examples of COPD are emphysema and bronchitis. COPD is caused by chronic smoking (the main risk factor). It is caused by various factors, occupational exposures, air pollution, and genetic factors. Symptoms may vary depending on exercise. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chronic cough, and sputum production.

[0091] Neuromuscular Disease (NMD): A condition that is caused directly or by neurological factors by intrinsic muscle pathology. It is a term that encompasses many diseases and illnesses that indirectly impair muscle function through cardiac pathology. Some NMD patients are characterized by progressive muscle damage that renders them unable to walk and confined to a wheelchair. This can lead to bloating, difficulty swallowing, weakness of the respiratory muscles, and ultimately death from respiratory failure. Neuromuscular disorders are classified as rapidly progressive and slowly progressive, namely: (i) rapidly progressive disorders: Characterized by muscle damage that worsens over months and leads to death within a few years (e.g., in teenagers) Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in boys and girls and Duchesne Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), (ii) variable or is a slowly progressive disorder: muscle damage that worsens over several years and only slightly reduces life expectancy. Characterized by (e.g., limb-girdle, facioscapulohumeral, and myotonic muscular dystrophy) Symptoms of respiratory failure in NMD include general weakness, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing during exercise and at rest. Symptoms include dyspnea, fatigue, drowsiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating and shifting mood. nothing.

[0092] Apnea: By some definitions, an apnea is a period of time when flow is at a given level for a duration, e.g., 10 seconds. Obstructive apnea is said to have occurred when the patient's respiratory rate drops below a certain threshold. Regardless of the cause, it is said to occur when air cannot flow due to some obstruction in the airway. Central apnea is characterized by a decrease or absence of respiratory effort despite a patent airway. A mixed apnea is said to have occurred when an apnea caused by It occurs when reduced or absent respiratory function coincides with airway obstruction.

[0093] Respiratory rate: The patient's spontaneous breathing rate, usually measured in breaths per minute.

[0094] Duty cycle: The ratio of the inspiration time Ti to the total breathing time Ttot.

[0095] Effort (breathing): Respiratory effort is the effort made by a spontaneously breathing person trying to breathe It is said that...

[0096] Expiratory portion of the respiratory cycle: the period from the start of expiratory flow to the start of inspiratory flow.

[0097] Flow limitation: Flow limitation occurs when an increase in effort by the patient does not cause a corresponding increase in flow. If flow limitation occurs during the inspiratory portion of the respiratory cycle, This can be called inspiratory flow limitation. Flow limitation occurs during the expiratory portion of the respiratory cycle. If this is the case, this can be referred to as expiratory flow limitation.

[0098] Hyperventilation: An increase in flow to a level greater than the normal flow rate.

[0099] Flow Rate: The instantaneous volume (or mass) of air delivered per unit time. Flow Rate and Ventilation has the same aspect of volume or mass per unit time, but the flow rate is much shorter It is measured over a period of time. In some cases, the flow rate is referred to as a scalar quantity, In other cases, when we say flow rate, we mean a vector It refers to a quantity, i.e., a quantity that has both magnitude and direction. When referring to a signed quantity, it refers to a flow rate. The rate is nominally positive for the inspiratory portion of the patient's respiratory cycle, and therefore It can be negative for the expiratory portion. The flow rate is given the symbol Q. The total flow rate Qt is calculated by multiplying the total flow rate R The exhaust flow rate Qv is the flow rate of the air leaving the PT device. The leakage flow rate Ql is the rate at which air leaves the patient interface system. The respiratory flow rate, Qr, is the rate at which air is received into the patient's respiratory system. is the flow rate.

Claims

1. 1. A method for electronically managing sleep-related information acquired by a sleep-related measurement device, comprising: receiving, by one or more processors, sleep data; storing, by the one or more processors, the sleep data so as to associate the sleep data with a plurality of sleep sessions; allowing a user to select, by the one or more processors, a sleep session from among the plurality of sleep sessions, the selected sleep session corresponding to a first time slot; generating, by the one or more processors, a plurality of images by converting the sleep data of the selected sleep session into a plurality of images, wherein a first image of the plurality of images corresponds to sleep data for the first time slot and at least one second image of the plurality of images corresponds to sleep data for a time slot included in the first time slot of the selected sleep session; The method comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sleep data includes data from multiple sensors.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of transmitting, by the one or more processors, the plurality of images.

4. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating, by the one or more processors, at least one script element indicating a diagnostic event associated with the sleep data, the at least one script element configured to be overlaid onto at least one of the plurality of images over a portion of the sleep data represented in the at least one image when displayed to a user to indicate when the diagnostic event occurred in relation to the represented sleep data.

5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising transmitting, by the one or more processors, the at least one script element.

6. automatically scoring, by the one or more processors, diagnostic events based on the received sleep data, wherein the first image identifies scored diagnostic events associated with the selected sleep session; generating a report based on at least one of the sleep data and the scored diagnostic events; The method of claim 5 further comprising:

7. The method of any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising configuring said at least one script element to be manually adjustable by said user.

8. The method of claim 7 , further comprising receiving data indicative of a user adjustment to the at least one script element.

9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising recalculating, by the one or more processors, a report based on received data indicative of the user's adjustment to the at least one script element.

10. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the sleep data comprises a plurality of signal channels, each signal channel associated with a different type of sleep data, and generating the plurality of images comprises converting sleep data from the plurality of signal channels into a bitmap image.

11. An electronic management system for sleep-related information obtained by a sleep-related measurement device, comprising: a memory for storing sleep data; one or more processors coupled to the memory, the one or more processors comprising: storing the sleep data in a memory such that the stored sleep data is associated with a plurality of sleep sessions; allowing a user to select a sleep session from the plurality of sleep sessions, wherein the selected sleep session corresponds to a first time period; generating a plurality of images by converting the sleep data of the selected sleep session into a plurality of images, wherein a first image of the plurality of images corresponds to sleep data for a first time slot, and at least one second image of the plurality of images corresponds to sleep data for a time slot included in the first time slot of the selected sleep session; The system is configured as follows:

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the sleep data includes data from multiple sensors.

13. The system of claim 11 or 12, wherein the one or more processors are configured to transmit the plurality of images.

14. 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to generate at least one script element indicating a diagnostic event associated with the sleep data, the at least one script element configured to be overlaid onto at least one of the plurality of images over a portion of the sleep data represented in the at least one image when displayed to a user to indicate when the diagnostic event occurred in relation to the represented sleep data.

15. The system of claim 14 , wherein the one or more processors are further configured to transmit the at least one script element.

16. the one or more processors automatically scoring diagnostic events based on the received sleep data, wherein the first image identifies scored diagnostic events associated with the selected sleep session; generating a report based on at least one of the sleep data and the scored diagnostic events; The system of claim 15 further configured to:

17. The system of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the at least one script element is further configured to be manually adjustable by the user.

18. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the one or more processors are configured to receive data indicative of a user adjustment to the at least one script element.

19. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to recalculate a report by the one or more processors based on the received data indicative of the user's adjustment to the at least one script element.

20. 20. The system of claim 11, wherein the sleep data comprises a plurality of signal channels, each signal channel associated with a different type of sleep data, and wherein generating the plurality of images comprises converting sleep data from the plurality of signal channels into a bitmap image.

Images