DE19953866B4 - Mobile ergospirometry system - Google Patents

Abstract

Mobile Ergospirometriesystem, comprising a fixable on the subject, portable measuring unit with mouthpiece or mask for Atemgasabnahme, gas volume or quantity sensor and sensors for determining the Co ₂ / O ₂ concentration in the respiratory gas, a signal processing processor and a telemetry module and a computerized base station with telemetry unit for construction a wireless connection to the telemetry module, wherein via the telemetry module to the telemetry unit, a bidirectional data and command transmission link is established, and this is a respective transmitter and receiver assembly is provided so that in addition from the base station online the subject information or prompts for the operation of the measuring unit and / or can be communicated to design the course of the experiment, characterized in that the signal processing processor receives received coded commands on a speech module for the implementation and audio output of behavioral notes or An directs instructions, wherein the voice module has a digital memory with there stored words, phrases or other acoustically representable information and selected by the signal processing processor from the stored words in the digital memory or word groups each current command-oriented word connections, linked and controlled output ...

Description

The invention relates to a mobile Ergospirometriesystem comprising a fixable on the subject, portable measuring unit with mouthpiece or mask for Atemgasabnahme, gas volume or quantity sensor and sensors for determining the CO ₂ / O ₂ concentration in the respiratory gas, a signal processing processor and a telemetry module and a computerized base station with telemetry unit for establishing a wireless connection to the telemetry module according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Mobile ergospirometry devices e.g. for load tests outside The laboratory has been known for several years. With such mobile Systems can be analyzed directly on the sports or workplace under natural Perform conditions and stress situations. Be about telemetry units the measured data transferred in real time to a personal computer or notebook, with a corresponding control of the training or exercise course after evaluation of the data possible is. By such devices new fields of application in performance diagnostics, in labor, Sports and rehabilitation medicine opened up.

From PCT WO 98/53732 A1 is a portable ergospirometry system with a telemetry data transmission unit known. With the arrangement shown there are individual parameters in terms of oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide production detectable i.e. a breath analysis in connection with the determination of the heart rhythm under natural Environmental conditions may be possible.

According to the known teaching has a portable unit which is attached to the subject, in addition to a breathing mask, a gas analyzer for determining the O ₂ - and CO ₂ values of the measurement gas. In addition, a heart rate monitor is provided, the readings being supplied to a microprocessor which is part of the portable unit. The measured values are stored in an internal memory and transmitted via a telemetry link to a telemetry receiver, which in turn is connected to a personal computer system.

The volume flow of the breathing gas becomes PCT-WO 98/53732 A1 determined with a special flow meter, which rotating wing owns, whose movement over an infrared light emitting diode path is scanned.

The telemetry data link between the portable unit and the base station together with personal computers serves the takeover of measured data Ergospirometer for data display, later evaluation and processing.

An active influence on the experimental procedure on the part of a senior physician, with the aim of diagnostics to improve, is in the prior art readily not possible.

In addition, the well-known portable system in its application consuming and cumbersome, the induction time is frequently changing Subjects is too high.

From the generic U.S. Patent 5,474,090A is a monitor system with the possibility of simultaneous transmission of voice information and physiological data obtained by a subject known. The information between local operator and subject are provided directly by telephone or wireless transmission.

From the above, it is therefore Object of the invention to provide a mobile Ergospirometriesystem that on the one hand a movement of the subject in the field or relative to an operator station and on the other hand the operator who deals with control tasks at the base station, relieved, so that at Application of the ergospirometry system to be created not only the Data collection and transmission in high quality done, but about it In addition, costs are reduced in the clinical or rehabilitation area.

The solution of the object of the invention is performed by a mobile ergospirometry system according to the characterizing part of claim 1 specified characteristics, the dependent claims expedient embodiments and further developments.

According to the invention, the signal processing processor the portable measuring unit capable of receiving received coded commands on a voice module to implement, the speech module audio signals of Behavioral instructions or the like instructions, but also outputs measurement data. These signals can then for example by means of an earphone or other acoustic transducer the subject available be put.

The portable measuring unit is designed so that this all Functions of an ergospirometry system including calculation and storage of measured values and for controlling the operating, measuring and communication functions Fulfills.

According to the invention, the base station's telemetry unit has an automatic frequency selector to set a telemetry frequency with expected optimum transmission quality after scanning the frequency band and / or a test data transmission procedure and evaluating the transmission result. This Test transmission can be carried out at the start of the test, wherein a repeated check on the basis of eg field strength monitoring of the incoming signals is conceivable.

In addition to the in the measuring unit integrated heart rate detector is a multi-channel ECG module present, with the detection of ergospirometric and cardiac readings under recourse synchronized to the signal processor. Synchronized by this data acquisition and representation is the immediate temporal context of Values recognizable and it increases the diagnostic relevance and meaningfulness of the data.

For caching, especially with regard to data backup is in the measuring unit Memory provided, wherein in memory records in a selectable Format either respiratory-related or over a predefinable period or a time interval are stored.

The signal processing processor allows a calculation of the ergospirometry quantities from the available data, wherein this calculated data stored in memory and / or the Test persons presented or transmitted become.

The signal processing processor is able, due to an external command or automatically considering existing Meßverläufe or measurement data considering of the planned course of the experiment to determine behavioral indications and these over to output the speech module to the subject. The language module contains this a digital memory with words stored there, word groups or other acoustically representable information.

With the help of the signal processing processor can from words or phrases stored in digital memory a respective current command-oriented word connection selected, linked and controlled be issued.

over additional Sensors in the portable measuring unit e.g. for determining the ambient temperature and / or the respiratory gas moisture a calibration and correction of the respiratory gas sensor values can be carried out.

In addition to the possibility of telemetric data transmission the portable measuring unit has a Standard interface for preferably wired transmission from data to the base station or to one with a corresponding one Evaluation software provided personal computer.

The base station has an interface for making a connection with an executable as an additional module bidirectional telemetry unit so that e.g. the base station in Form of a personal computer in the workplace of the pilot Person can be placed, with the telemetry unit of it offset at one to the construction of the high-frequency transmission path optimal position is located.

The portable measuring unit is so functional split that in two almost equally heavy, equally sized housings housed all hardware components are. Both housings are connected by a cable. About a carrying system is the two-part measuring unit in the area of the shoulders / collarbones worn by the subject so that this in its movement is almost unrestricted and the measuring unit not as an additional burden feels. The fact that the Attachment point far at the upper body chosen is, can supply lines between the mouthpiece or the mask is quite short and the antenna radiating function of the telemetry module is optimal.

Further preferred are secondary elements for Power supply in one of the housings integrated. Accordingly, another is to be borne by the subject Element with accumulators and corresponding connection cables to the actual measuring unit unnecessary.

On at least one of the housing Operating and display means, e.g. in the form of membrane keys in connection with light-emitting diodes so that the subject is able to with the measuring unit to communicate audiovisually and to operate the unit.

The signal preprocessing respectively the calculation of ergospirometry variables in the portable measuring unit itself is designed so that the Test person directly from the measuring unit can be informed. In this way, the portable measuring unit can also be operated autonomously, the measured data in the aforementioned memory are stored. An afterthought Evaluation by downloading the data is then readily possible.

The memory for data backup in the portable measuring unit is designed so that the Memory contents even after switching off the unit via a defined Period preserved. The portable measuring unit has over the Signal processing processor the possibility of detected interrupted telemetry data transmission completely to switch to an internal storage, without a repetition ergospirometrically relevant exercise is necessary. The measured data become however basically buffered in a cache.

In one embodiment of the invention can the measuring unit other interfaces for connecting additional devices or Have sensors with their help, for example, vital bodily functions on determination of blood pressure, skin temperature or the like, and considered in the experimental procedure can be.

The voice control of the portable meter is enabled by software intelligence to directly output digitally stored and / or synthetically generated words or phrases, but also to relate them to specific prompts or commands. These commands can be sent from the test or test lead via the tele However, the base station's metrics module can be triggered, but it can also be automatically generated by the measuring unit itself, taking into account current measurement or control values.

The invention will be described below an embodiment and with the aid of figures will be explained in more detail.

Hereby show:

1 typical functional units of an ergospirometry system;

2 a block diagram of the portable measuring unit;

3 the base station with telemetry module and

4 a representation of a mobile ergospirometry system, as it is fastened with the two housing components via a carrying system on the body of a subject.

An ergospirometry system, as in the 1 presented, goes from a face mask or a mouthpiece 1 out, which respiratory gas via a flow / volume sensor 2 and a suction line 3 the sensors for determining the CO ₂ and O ₂ concentration 4 ; 5 supplies.

In principle, with a corresponding breathing gas guide measured values in Breath-by-breath method, but also by using a gas mixing chamber to obtain. For reasons the desired optimization of an ergospirometric analysis with corresponding high signal resolution is given preference to the breath-by-breath method.

The output data of the flow or volume sensor 2 and the CO ₂ / O ₂ sensors 4 . 5 arrive at a unit for obtaining measured values 6 equipped with a processor for controlling the measuring sequence as well as for measuring signal evaluation 8th communicates. The control unit 8th is also capable of a gas pump 9 To supply with signals so that the desired flow values in the suction 3 to be maintained or achieved.

In addition, there is the possibility of the data acquisition unit 6 Signals from other sensors such as the ambient temperature 10 and / or the gas humidity 11 supply. Ultimate sensor values can be used for calibration or correction of the sensors 4 and 5 obtained respiratory gas analysis are used.

According to block diagram after 2 The portable measuring unit contains a telemetry module 12 with transmitting and receiving antenna 7 capable of establishing a bidirectional connection to the base station telemetry unit.

An interface module 13 is used for direct communication with a connectable personal computer or a computerized base station or other medical device.

A signal processing processor 14 Serves to handle all control and control operations, but also to control the calculation and storage of received measurements in the portable measuring unit. This is the signal processing processor 14 a memory module 15 connected and there is another connection to a voice module 16 for the output of operating instructions or for the acoustic representation of measured values. The ergospirometry component 17 becomes the parent of the signal processor 14 operated and is input side according to 1 with the subject or patient 22 in connection. Further measuring signals reach a multi-channel ECG 18 and it is additionally the current heart rate of the subject via a heart rate detector 19 determined.

Operating and display means 20 are able to trigger via the signal processing processor Meßabläufe or indicate current states of the measuring unit, so that the subject is sufficiently informed and, if necessary, can manually intervene in the measurement process.

A power supply module 21 contains both secondary elements and a circuit for electronic voltage stabilization with the aim of minimizing the total power consumption of the measuring unit, for example, unused modules or units can be converted into a so-called sleep mode, if their function is not required taking into account the current Meßverlaufs.

The base station after 3 consists of a personal computer 23 with an interface 24 via which connect to a telemetry unit 25 can be produced. The telemetry unit 25 may be due to an eg infrared or wired version of the transmission path 26 from the personal computer 23 arranged offset, preferably with the purpose of an optimized position for establishing the actual high-frequency telemetry connection.

By means of a processor in the measuring unit or via the personal computer 23 and there software provided there is the possibility to activate an automatic frequency selection for telemetry, for example, to select and set the frequency at which to work with expected optimum transmission quality after scanning the frequency band and / or a test data procedure.

For example, here is a frequency range from substantially 430 to 470 MHz can be painted over, which of course also other frequency ranges are provided depending on the country-specific release could be.

In one embodiment of the portable measuring unit according to 4 this is in the form of two housing components 27 and 28 executed, wherein the housing components 27 and 28 over a cable 29 are electrically connected to each other.

A special carrying strap 30 is attached to the body of the subject and serves to accommodate the housing components 27 and 28 in an area on the upper body, there preferably in shoulder / collarbone proximity.

The housing component 27 contains, among other things, the telemetry module with antenna 31 , In detail, not shown operating and display elements and connectors are used to actuate the measuring unit respectively the connection of an earphone for voice output. Due to the fact that the housing components 27 and 28 attached to the upper body in the illustrated manner, the subject is only minimally hindered in the exercise of certain activities that are required in stress tests, and by the favorable position of the antenna 31 results in an optimal telemetry route.

All in all, it succeeds with the Invention, a novel, advanced mobile ergospirometry system with its help under largely natural conditions and stress situations Respiratory gas analysis in connection with the determination of cardiac readings carried out can be whereby the experimenter is in a position to have one bidirectional telemetry transmission link not only measurement data online to record and evaluate, but also directly by triggering from behavioral notes or by engaging in the control of the measuring unit can influence the course of the experiment.

1

Mask / mouthpiece

2

Flow / volume sensor

3

suction section

4; 5

CO ₂ / O ₂ sensor

6

Values-recovery unit

7

Transmitting / receiving antenna of the telemetry module

8th

control unit

9

pump

10

temperature sensor

11

humidity sensor

12

telemetry module

13

Interface Module

14

Signal processor

15

memory module

16

language module

17

Ergospirometriekomponente or module

18

Multichannel ECG module

19

Heart rate detector

20

Operating / display elements

21

power supply

22

Family

23

Personal computer

24

interface

25

telemetry unit

26

transmission path

27; 28

housing component

29

connection cable

30

strap

31

antenna

Claims (9)

Mobile Ergospirometriesystem, comprising a fixable on the subject, portable measuring unit with mouthpiece or mask for Atemgasabnahme, gas volume or quantity sensor and sensors for determining the Co ₂ / O ₂ concentration in the respiratory gas, a signal processing processor and a telemetry module and a computerized base station with telemetry unit for construction a wireless connection to the telemetry module, wherein via the telemetry module to the telemetry unit, a bidirectional data and command transmission link is established, and this is a respective transmitter and receiver assembly is provided so that in addition from the base station online the subject information or prompts for the operation of the measuring unit and / or can be communicated to design the course of the experiment, characterized in that the signal processing processor receives received coded instructions on a speech module for the implementation and audio output of behavioral notices or A directs instructions, wherein the voice module has a digital memory with there stored words, phrases or other acoustically representable information and by means of the signal processing processor from the digi Furthermore, the base station telemetry unit has an automatic frequency selector to set a telemetry frequency with expected optimal transmission quality after scanning the frequency band and / or a test data transmission procedure. Mobile ergospirometry system according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that measuring unit additionally has a heart rate detector and a multi-channel ECG module, the capture and storage of the ergospirometric and cardiological measurements is synchronized by means of the signal processing processor. Mobile ergospirometry system according to claim 2, characterized through a memory for data backup in the measuring unit, being in memory records in a defined format from breath-related measurement data for each breath and / or for all or selected Measured variables complete measuring data over selectable intervals to select Start times are stored. Mobile ergospirometry system according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that by means of of the signal processing processor from a calculation of Ergospirometriegrößen the data obtained, this calculated data in memory stored and / or the subject or representatively or acoustically be transmitted. Mobile ergospirometry system according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the Signal processing processor with or without external command from present measurement data and / or the course of the experiment Speech module outputs to the subjects. Mobile ergospirometry system according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the portable measuring unit Sensors for determining the ambient temperature and / or the respiratory gas moisture and / or differential pressure values, these sensor values used for calibration and correction of the respiratory gas sensor values become. Mobile ergospirometry system according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the portable measuring unit another interface for data exchange with the base station, a personal computer or a medical device. Mobile ergospirometry system according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that Base station an interface for establishing a connection with a bidirectional telemetry unit designed as an additional module having. Mobile natural gas pyrometry system according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the portable measuring unit from two housing components exists, which are connected by means of a cable, and that via a Carrying strap or a carrying frame, the housing components on the upper body of the Subjects are placed in each shoulder / collarbone proximity.