Breathing Volume Monitoring via Radio Wave Reflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for long-term monitoring of breathing volume are invasive and not suitable for patients who move, especially during sleep, as they require static conditions and cannot accurately measure fine-grained changes in breathing volume, which is crucial for diagnosing respiratory diseases and disorders.

Innovation Solution

A non-invasive apparatus using directional radio waves and a mechanical motion control system to continuously monitor breathing volume, capable of repositioning the radio wave emitter and receiver to maintain accurate measurements despite subject movement, combined with a spirometer for calibration and a computer-implemented method for demodulating breathing volume from radio signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If standard methods (pressure manometers or impedance chest belt) are used to measure breathing volume, then measurement can be obtained, but the method is obtrusive and not suitable for long-term monitoring especially during sleep

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-invasive monitoring capabilityVSAvoidbreathing volume measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems (pressure manometers, impedance belts) with a radio wave-based measurement system. The radio wave emitter and receiver detect chest wall movements through electromagnetic wave reflection, eliminating the need for physical contact with the patient while maintaining measurement capability. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing non-invasive monitoring without sacrificing measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If radio wave signal reflection measurement methods are used, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but the patient must remain static and unobstructed which limits long-term monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-contact measurement capabilityVSAvoidability to handle patient movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a navigator device that dynamically tracks patient position and automatically adjusts the radio wave emitter and receiver positions in real-time. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain accurate breathing volume measurements even when patients move during sleep or other activities, resolving the contradiction between non-contact measurement and adaptability to patient movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If existing methods are used to monitor breathing volume, then measurement is obtained, but fine-grained and continuous information is not available which is needed for disease diagnosis and progression monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefine-grained breathing volume informationVSAvoidsystem complexity for continuous monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous radio wave emission and reception to provide uninterrupted breathing volume monitoring. The system continuously tracks chest wall movements, generating fine-grained temporal data that enables detection of subtle breathing patterns and changes. This continuous measurement capability, combined with automated processing, provides high-resolution diagnostic information without requiring overly complex manual intervention systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The apparatus achieves accurate and continuous monitoring of breathing volume with high accuracy, even in the presence of body movement, allowing for effective diagnosis of respiratory diseases and disorders, with a median accuracy of 90% to 95.4% and providing fine-grained data for clinical analysis.

Implementation Method 1

the emitter emits a continuous radio wave to at least one position of the subject's chest and the receiver monitors the radio wave that is reflected by the at least one position of the subject's chest

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio wave reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11241167B2Apparatus and methods for continuous and fine-grained breathing volume monitoring

Publication Date: 2022.02.08 THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO

AI summary

The present invention provides an apparatus for the measurement and monitoring of the breathing volume of a subject. In certain embodiments, the invention further provides a method of using the apparatus to diagnose a subject as suffering from a respiratory disorder. In other embodiments, the apparatus and method can be used to monitor the breathing volume of a subject, while compensating for random body movement of the subject during the monitoring period.