Depth Sensing Visualization for Non-Contact Patient Breathing Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical monitoring systems require physical attachment to patients, limiting their mobility and comfort, while non-contact methods like video-based monitoring face challenges in accurately detecting breathing parameters without direct contact.
Innovation Solution
A video-based patient monitoring system that uses depth sensing cameras to capture images of defined regions of interest, calculates changes in depth, and assigns visual indicators to display breathing parameters such as tidal volume, respiratory rate, and potential abnormalities in real-time, allowing for non-contact monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensors are attached to patients, then measurement precision is improved, but patient mobility and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based sensors with a video-based optical system. The image capture device captures visual data of the patient's chest movement, and the processor analyzes depth changes to determine breathing parameters. This substitution eliminates the need for physical sensor attachment while maintaining measurement capability through optical fields instead of mechanical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a video signal as an intermediary between the patient and the monitoring system. Instead of direct sensor contact, the system uses captured video images and processed depth information as intermediaries to infer breathing parameters. This intermediary approach enables non-contact monitoring while preserving measurement accuracy through sophisticated image processing algorithms.
2Ease of operation
If non-contact video monitoring is used, then patient mobility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image capture to three-dimensional depth analysis. By processing depth information from the captured images, the system creates a three-dimensional representation of chest movement. This dimensional enhancement enables precise measurement of breathing parameters without physical contact, as the depth data provides additional spatial information that improves measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from direct physical sensor readings to derived parameters based on depth changes in video images. The processor calculates breathing parameters by analyzing changes in depth information across multiple images, transforming visual data into quantitative physiological measurements. This parameter transformation enables accurate non-contact monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If depth sensing is added to video monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image capture device multi-functional by enabling it to perform both standard video capture and depth sensing capabilities. The same device used for general monitoring can also provide depth information for precise breathing analysis, eliminating the need for separate dedicated depth sensors. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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
Enables accurate, real-time monitoring of breathing parameters without physical contact, improving patient comfort and mobility, and providing immediate alerts for breathing abnormalities.
Implementation Method 1
at least one image capture device captures two or more images of the ROI
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of medical monitoring, and, in particular, to non-contact detecting and monitoring of patient breathing. Systems, methods, and computer readable media are described for calculating a change in depth of a region of interest (ROI) on a patient and assigning one or more visual indicators to at least a portion of a graphic based on the calculated changes in depth and/or based on a tidal volume signal generated for the patient. In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and/or computer readable media can display the visual indicators overlaid onto at least the portion in real-time and/or can display the tidal volume signal in real-time. The systems, methods, and/or computer readable media can trigger an alert and/or an alarm when a breathing abnormality is detected.