Disposable Spirometry Volume Measurement via Optical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional spirometry devices are cumbersome, prone to errors, and require costly sterilization and calibration, with potential for disease transmission due to non-disposable components coming into contact with patient exhalations, and flow-measurement devices are less accurate and sensitive to drift.
Innovation Solution
A disposable volume spirometry apparatus using remote non-contact sensors, such as digital cameras or range sensors, to capture images and determine volume through image analysis, eliminating the need for direct pressure measurements and reducing contact with patient exhalations, thereby enhancing portability and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional volume spirometry devices are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device portability and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome design and calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pressure-based volume measurement systems with an optical imaging system. A camera captures images of the disposable balloon, and image processing algorithms calculate volume based on the balloon's visual appearance, eliminating the need for mechanical pressure sensors and complex calibration procedures while maintaining measurement accuracy and improving portability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable balloon that is discarded after each use, eliminating the need for sterilization and recalibration of the measurement chamber. The permanent component (camera and processing system) remains calibrated, while the disposable element ensures hygiene and consistent measurement conditions without requiring field calibration
2Measurement precision
If traditional spirometry devices are used, then volume measurements can be obtained, but operational costs increase due to sterilization and calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable balloon that is discarded after single use, eliminating costly sterilization processes and recalibration procedures. The low cost of the disposable balloon compared to sterilization and calibration services significantly reduces operational expenses while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable balloon is discarded after each measurement, eliminating the need for expensive sterilization and recalibration of the measurement system. The permanent camera system does not require recalibration, and only the cheap disposable element is replaced, recovering the expensive calibration state
3Productivity
If non-disposable spirometry components are used, then device reusability is improved, but disease transmission risk increases due to contact with patient exhalations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable balloon that contacts the patient's exhalation and is then discarded, creating a barrier that prevents disease transmission while allowing the expensive permanent components to be reused. This maintains productivity through device reusability while eliminating contamination risks
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable balloon acts as an intermediary between the patient and the permanent spirometry system. It contacts the patient's breath and is discarded, while the permanent camera-based system remains contamination-free and reusable, solving both productivity and safety concerns
4Device complexity
If flow-measurement devices are used, then device simplicity is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to drift sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces flow-measurement approaches with optical image-based volume measurement. By capturing images of the balloon's expansion and using image processing to calculate volume directly, the system achieves higher accuracy without the drift sensitivity inherent in flow sensors, while maintaining relative simplicity
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 solution provides accurate, portable, and hygienic volume measurements that meet clinical standards while reducing operational costs and ensuring a sterile environment, as the disposable nature of the apparatus minimizes disease transmission risks.
Implementation Method 1
a remote non-contact sensor captures a plurality of images associated with the expandable disposable volume spirometry apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable volume spirometry apparatus and non-contact measurement system is described. The spirometry system includes an expandable disposable volume spirometry apparatus, a remote non-contact sensor, memory, and a processor. The remote non-contact sensor captures images associated with the expandable disposable volume spirometry apparatus. The memory stores the captured images. The processor is operatively coupled to the memory and determines a volume for the expandable disposable volume spirometry apparatus by analyzing the captured images.