Mobile Spirometer Data Collection Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting lung function data are inefficient, time-consuming, and prone to distortion by various factors, requiring multiple visits to a laboratory and lacking automated, in-situ data collection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a mobile, hand-held spirometer and a computer that communicates wirelessly to collect and store lung function data, using sensors to detect sound and vibration from inhalers to automate data collection and ensure correct usage, while also providing a computer-controlled dosage system for personalized treatment plans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple measurements of lung volume are collected to improve data quality, then the quality of lung function data is improved, but the time required to collect data increases to more than two months
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically identifying when sufficient high-quality data has been collected based on pre-set quality criteria and statistical analysis. The system proactively determines the optimal stopping point for data collection, eliminating the need for prolonged collection periods while ensuring data quality requirements are met.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms by analyzing collected data in real-time against quality criteria. The system provides feedback on data quality status and automatically adjusts collection parameters or stops collection when quality thresholds are achieved, preventing unnecessary prolonged data collection while maintaining high data quality standards.
2Ease of operation
If automated data collection is implemented to enable in-situ measurement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of data collection is worsened due to lack of supervision
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the spirometer and mobile device automatically perform data collection, quality assessment, and decision-making without requiring supervisor intervention. The system monitors its own performance, validates data quality, and manages the entire collection process autonomously while maintaining reliability through built-in quality control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical supervision system (nurse or doctor present during measurement) with an automated electronic system that uses sensors, processors, and algorithms to monitor and validate measurements. This substitution maintains measurement reliability while enabling remote and automated operation.
3Reliability
If frequent lung function measurements are performed to improve evidence-based care, then the quality of care is improved, but the energy consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic measurements with variable intervals based on patient needs, disease status, and treatment phase. Rather than fixed frequent measurements, the system dynamically adjusts measurement frequency to optimize care quality while minimizing energy consumption, performing measurements only when clinically indicated or when quality improvement is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as measurement frequency, collection duration, and data sampling rates based on real-time assessment of data quality, patient condition, and treatment requirements. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures high-quality evidence-based care while optimizing energy consumption by reducing unnecessary measurements.
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 system enables efficient, automated, and high-quality collection of lung function data in a short time, reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for laboratory visits, while ensuring accurate data collection and personalized treatment plans.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (73) measuring sound and/or vibration
Implementation Method 2
a sensor (73) measuring sound and/or vibration
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
According to at least one embodiment, a system for collecting lung function data is provided. The system may comprise a, preferably mobile and hand-held, spirometer (20) for measuring lung function and providing lung function data (24); and a mobile hand-held computer (30), for example a mobile phone, comprising a processor (35), a memory (36), a clock (37), and a screen (38), and preferably a GPS. The spirometer (20) and the mobile hand-held computer (30) are separate devices, and the spirometer (20) and the mobile hand-held computer (30) communicate electronically. The processor (35) is configured for collecting the measured lung function data (24) from the spirometer (20) via the electronic communication between the spirometer (20) and the mobile hand-held computer (30), and storing the lung function data (24) in the memory (36). The processor (35) is further configured for collecting, starting to collect, with the system lung function data (24), the measurements, from the spirometer (20) by indicating electronically on, for example on the screen (38) of, and/or through sound indications from, the mobile hand-held computer (20) to use the spirometer (20). The system indicates to start collecting lung function data only when A) and/or B), and in addition, as described further below, only when C) and/or D). The system is thus configured to indicate when to use the spirometer to take a measurement so that relevant lung function data can be collected, in an efficient manner, and in the shortest time possible. A) Is when the clock (37) reaches a predetermined time regularly within 24 hours, preferably twice a day. This may be set by the user of the system using the mobile hand-held computer. It may be regularly, recurring at intervals, within 24 hours. For example, a very effective collection is done when it is twice a day, during day time, with at least 10 hours between, such as one in the morning and once in the evening. B) Is before and after the mobile hand-held computer (30) indicates to take any medication, such as lung medication, or after the mobile hand-held computer (30) indicates that any medication has been taken. After taking a measurement, the processor (35) is further configured to calculate, by the processor (35), a variation between all collected lung function data (24) stored in the memory (36). After having calculated the variation, the processor (35) is configured to stop the system to collect measurements from the spirometer (20), or indicate on the screen (38) to stop using the spirometer (20), when the processor (35) compares the variation between all collected lung function data (24) is more than 20 percent, or after a maximum of collecting lung function data for 14 days. This ensures that relevant measurements, quality measurements, and enough measurements have been collected.