Respiratory Flow Signal Differentiation for Apnea Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for determining inspiratory flow limitation and apnea/hypopnea conditions during sleep are burdensome for both the subject and the observer, as they require visual analysis of numerous signal waveforms, leading to subjectivity in diagnosis and discomfort due to multiple sensor attachments.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that acquires a signal waveform corresponding to respiratory flow, performs differentiation and secondary differentiation to identify inspiratory flow limitation, and determines apnea/hypopnea conditions using amplitude thresholds and gradient analysis, reducing the need for visual observation and sensor attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual determination of inspiratory flow limitation is performed from overnight measurement signal waveforms, then the presence of inspiratory flow limitation can be determined, but the work constitutes a very large burden on the person performing the diagnosis and differences in determination due to subjectivity and experience of the observer cannot be eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic determination of inspiratory flow limitation using computer-based analysis of the signal waveform, eliminating the need for manual visual assessment by diagnosticians. The automated process independently analyzes the differentiated waveform to detect inspiratory flow limitation events, thereby reducing the work burden on diagnosing personnel while maintaining determination accuracy.
2Reliability
If various kinds of sensors are attached to the body for detecting apnea/hypopnea condition during sleep, then the detection capability is improved, but a large burden is imposed on the subject
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and utilizes existing respiratory flow signal waveform data that is already being collected during sleep studies, rather than requiring additional sensor attachments. By analyzing the differentiated waveform from the existing respiratory flow measurements, the system determines inspiratory flow limitation without imposing extra burden on the sleeping subject.
3Quantity of substance
If an enormous number of measurement signal waveforms are obtained from the respiration of the subject by overnight measurement, then comprehensive data for determination is acquired, but the work of visually determining the presence of inspiratory flow limitation constitutes a very large burden on the person performing the diagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical process of manual visual waveform analysis with automated computer-based signal processing. The computer automatically differentiates the respiratory flow signal waveform and identifies inspiratory flow limitation events, thereby eliminating the time-consuming manual review process while making full use of the comprehensive overnight measurement data.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for determining a respiratory condition, the apparatus includes: a signal acquirer which is configured to acquire a signal waveform corresponding to a respiratory flow of a subject; a differential calculator which is configured to acquire a differential waveform which is obtained by performing differentiation of the signal waveform; and a first determiner which is configured to determine that inspiratory flow limitation occurs in the subject, when the differential waveform satisfies a predetermined condition in a portion of the signal waveform, which corresponds to inspiration of the subject.