Patent · US Active

Breathing sound analysis for detection of sleep apnea/popnea events

US7559903B2 · kind B2 · utility

108Cited by
17References
23Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 28, 2007
Grant dateJul 14, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 1, 2027

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B5/7232
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Apparatus for use detection of apnea includes a microphone mounted in the ear of the patient for detecting breathing sounds and a second external microphone together with an oximetric sensor. A transmitter at the patient compresses and transmits the signals to a remote location where there is provided a detector module for receiving and analyzing the signals to extract data relating to the breathing. The detector uses the entropy or range of the signal to generate an estimate of air flow while extracting extraneous snoring and heart sounds and to analyze the estimate of air flow using Otsu's threshold to detect periods of apnea and/or hypopnea. A display provides data of the detected apnea/hypopnea episodes and related information for a clinician.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.