KR102642248B1 - Device, system and method for measuring respiratory rate using heart sound, and heart sound measurring device therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention includes an auscultating sensor for measuring the heart sound of a subject, a diaphragm whose shape changes depending on the subject's breathing, and mounting the diaphragm at a position in contact with the subject. A housing and a subject in which the auscultation sensor is mounted at an opposing position spaced apart from the diaphragm, and a sound transition room is formed between the auscultation sensor and the diaphragm with the diaphragm as one side. It may include a counting circuit that calculates the breathing rate of the subject using changes in heart sounds that occur as the sound transition space is transformed by breathing.

Description

Device, system and method for measuring respiratory rate using heart sound and heart sound measuring device for the same {DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING RESPIRATORY RATE USING HEART SOUND, AND HEART SOUND MEASURRING DEVICE THEREFOR}

The present invention relates to a technology for measuring respiratory rate using heart sounds. More specifically, in the waveform of the heart sound obtained from an auscultation sensor, the peak value above the standard value occurs as the chest expands to its maximum value and the space is transformed by the diaphragm. The present invention relates to a breathing rate measuring device, system, and method using heart sound that can count the breathing rate from changes in heart sound by considering the waveform section showing (peak value) as a breathing section, and a heart sound measuring device therefor.

Recently, as interest in health has increased, research on healthcare using electronic devices has been actively conducted. For example, sensors mounted on electronic devices can collect information related to the electronic device, the outside of the electronic device, or the user, and it is most important for the user to continuously measure biosignals in order to check his or her condition. do. In this regard, as technology that allows monitoring the user's exercise state or abnormal condition is required, electronic devices that provide the function of checking the user's biological signals are being developed.

In particular, among the biosignals collected from users, the respiratory rate is one of the vital signs that determine the most basic level of vitality of the body, and various methods are used to measure the respiratory rate, that is, the number of breaths per minute.

For example, there are two types of methods for measuring the breathing rate or respiratory rate of a subject: spirometry and capnometry.

Spirometry is a method of measuring the flow of air entering and leaving the lungs using a spirometer, and capnometry is a method of measuring CO2 according to respiration. This conventional method has relatively high accuracy, but has limitations in that it requires additional equipment and makes continuous monitoring difficult.

In addition, when measuring heart sounds and respiratory rate using a stethoscope sensor, a separate sensor for sensing breathing must be installed, which has the disadvantage of complicating the structure of the stethoscope and increasing the initial cost.

Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2019-0139127 (2019.12.17)

Therefore, the present invention was proposed to solve the above-mentioned problem, and in the waveform of the heart sound obtained from the auscultation sensor, the peak value above the reference value that occurs as the chest expands to its maximum value and the space is deformed by the diaphragm Another purpose is to provide a breathing rate measuring device, system, and method using heart sounds that can count the breathing rate from changes in heart sounds by considering the visible waveform section as a breathing section, and a heart sound measuring device therefor.

Other objects of the present invention will become clearer through the examples described below.

A breathing rate measuring device using heart sounds according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an auscultating sensor for measuring the heart sound of a subject, a diaphragm whose shape changes depending on the breathing of the subject, and a subject. The diaphragm is mounted at a position in contact with the diaphragm, the auscultation sensor is mounted at an opposing position spaced apart from the diaphragm, and a sound transition space with the diaphragm as one side is provided between the auscultation sensor and the diaphragm. It may include a housing in which a transition room is formed and a counting circuit that calculates the breathing rate of the subject using changes in the heart sound that occur as the sound transition space is transformed by the subject's breathing. You can.

The breathing rate measuring device using heart sounds according to the first aspect further includes a wearable band, and a fastening structure for the wearable band may be further formed at both ends of the housing.

The sound transition space may be formed in a dome shape with at least a portion of its bottom made up of the diaphragm.

The diaphragm may be formed to protrude in the shape of a plate or convex lens in the direction of contact with the subject.

The counting circuit may count the respiratory rate by considering a waveform section showing a peak value higher than a reference value due to deformation of the sound transition space in the heart sound waveform acquired by the auscultation sensor as a breathing section.

It may include an adhesive patch or wearable fabric that covers at least a portion of the housing and adheres the measuring device to the diagnostic area of the subject.

The breathing rate measurement system using heart sounds according to the second aspect of the present invention includes an auscultating sensor for measuring the heart sound of a subject, a diaphragm whose shape changes depending on the subject's breathing, and contact with the subject. The diaphragm is mounted in a position, the auscultation sensor is mounted in an opposing position spaced apart from the diaphragm, and a sound transition space with the diaphragm as one side is provided between the auscultation sensor and the diaphragm. ) is formed, a sensing device including a housing (housing), a communication circuit for transmitting the heart sound signal measured by the auscultation sensor to a counting device, and receiving a heart sound signal from the measuring device, and receiving It may include a counting device that calculates the breathing rate of the subject using changes in the heart sound that occur as the sound transition space is transformed by the subject's breathing in the heart sound signal.

The measuring device further includes a wearable band, and a fastening structure for the wearable band may be further formed at both ends of the housing.

The sound transition space may be formed in a dome shape with at least a portion of its bottom made up of the diaphragm.

The diaphragm may be formed to protrude in the shape of a plate or convex lens in the direction of contact with the subject.

The counting device may regard a waveform section in the waveform of the received heart sound signal that shows a peak value greater than a reference value due to modification of the sound transition space as a breathing section and count the number of respirations.

It may include an adhesive patch or wearable fabric that covers at least a portion of the housing and adheres the measuring device to the diagnostic area of the subject.

The heart sound measuring device for counting respiratory rate according to the third aspect of the present invention includes an auscultating sensor for measuring the heart sound of a subject, a diaphragm whose shape changes according to the breathing of the subject, and blood The diaphragm is mounted at a position in contact with the specimen, the auscultation sensor is mounted at an opposing position spaced apart from the diaphragm, and a sound transition space with one side of the diaphragm is between the auscultation sensor and the diaphragm ( It may include a housing in which a sound transition room is formed and a communication circuit that transmits the heart sound signal measured by the stethoscope sensor to the outside.

The heart sound measurement device further includes a wearable band,

A fastening structure for the wearable band may be further formed at both ends of the housing.

The sound transition space may be formed in a dome shape with at least a portion of its bottom made up of the diaphragm.

The diaphragm may be formed to protrude in the shape of a plate or convex lens in the direction of contact with the subject.

It may include an adhesive patch or wearable fabric that covers at least a portion of the housing and adheres the measuring device to the diagnostic area of the subject.

According to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a diaphragm is mounted at a position in contact with the subject, an auscultation sensor is mounted at an opposing position spaced apart from the diaphragm, and the diaphragm is placed between the auscultation sensor and the diaphragm. In the method of counting the respiratory rate of a subject using a heart sound signal measured by a measuring device having a sound transition room on one side, a counting module is configured to form a waveform of the measured heart sound signal. It may include the step of considering a waveform section showing a peak value higher than the reference value by modifying the sound transition space as a breathing section and counting the number of respirations.

The measuring device further includes a wearable band, and a fastening structure for the wearable band may be formed at both ends of the housing of the measuring device.

The sound transition space may be formed in a dome shape with at least a portion of its bottom made up of the diaphragm.

The diaphragm may be formed to protrude in the shape of a plate or convex lens in the direction of contact with the subject.

It may include an adhesive patch or wearable fabric that covers at least a portion of the housing and adheres the measuring device to the diagnostic area of the subject.

According to the present invention, in the waveform of the heart sound obtained from the auscultation sensor, the waveform section showing a peak value above the standard value, which occurs as the chest expands to the maximum and the space is transformed by the diaphragm, is regarded as the breathing section, and the heart sound is Because the respiratory rate can be counted based on changes, the respiratory rate can be counted using only heart sounds even without a separate sensor for measuring respiratory sounds.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a breathing rate measuring device using heart sounds according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the measuring device illustrated in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the measuring device illustrated in Figure 1.
Figures 4 and 5 are diagrams showing examples of the diaphragm shape shown in Figure 3.
Figure 6 is a diagram showing the waveform of a heart sound measured with an auscultation sensor provided in the measuring device of this embodiment.
Figure 7 is a diagram showing a modified example of the sound transfer hole shown in Figure 3.
Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the measuring device and the adhesive patch of the second embodiment are separated.
Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which a measuring device and an adhesive patch are attached.
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the measuring device and the adhesive patch attached.
Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a breathing rate measurement system using heart sounds according to a third embodiment.
Figure 12 is a flowchart showing a method for counting the respiratory rate of a subject according to the fourth embodiment.

Since the present invention can be modified in various ways and can have various embodiments, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include all transformations, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

The terms used in this application are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features. It should be understood that this does not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of elements, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related technology, and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or excessively formal meaning unless explicitly defined in the present application. No.

The term MODULE as used herein refers to a unit that processes a specific function or operation, and may mean hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

Additionally, terms such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, identical or corresponding components will be assigned the same reference numbers regardless of the reference numerals, and duplicates thereof will be provided. Any necessary explanation will be omitted.

[First Example]

Hereinafter, the breathing rate measuring device 10 using heart sounds according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a breathing rate measuring device 10 using heart sounds according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the measurement device 10 of this embodiment measures the heart sound of the subject using an auscultation sensor 102 worn and mounted on the subject's body by a wearable band 101. . And the measuring device 10 counts the respiratory rate of the subject using changes in heart sounds that occur as the chest circumference deforms during breathing.

In particular, the measurement device 10 is a waveform showing a peak value higher than the reference value that occurs as the chest expands to its maximum value and the space is deformed by the diaphragm 124 in the waveform of the heart sound obtained from the auscultation sensor 102. The section is considered a breathing section and the respiratory rate is counted from the change in heart sound.

Since the measuring device 10 of this embodiment can determine the peak value of the waveform due to the deformation of the diaphragm 124 from the change (waveform) of the heart sound measured by the auscultation sensor 102, it is used to measure separate breathing sounds. Even if a sensor is not provided, the respiratory rate can be counted from changes in heart sounds.

For example, the subject's breathing is divided into inspiration and exhalation.

During the inspiration process, the intercostal muscles contract and the ribs are lifted, and the diaphragm also contracts and goes down, increasing the volume of the thoracic cage. Conversely, during expiration, the intercostal muscles relax and the ribs go down, and the diaphragm also relaxes and goes up, reducing the volume of the thoracic cavity.

In the present invention, breathing can be defined in a broad sense to detect inspiration and exhalation. Or, in a narrower sense, it can mean the expansion and contraction of the ribcage, and in a narrower sense it can mean the expansion and contraction of the lungs. In other words, the definition of breathing in the present invention is interpreted to encompass not only inspiration and exhalation, but also expansion and contraction of the chest or lungs.

In this embodiment, the subject may include both humans and animals and is not limited to either one.

In this embodiment, the wearable band 101 connected to the measurement device 10 may be implemented in the form of a band so that it can be worn on a subject. Members such as buckles (not shown), snap buttons (not shown), or Velcro (not shown) are provided at both ends of the wearable band 101 to facilitate putting on and taking off the wearable band 101. The wearable band 101 is implemented to have elasticity or an adjustable length, so that it can provide a comfortable fit according to the body shape of the subject.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the measuring device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 , and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the measuring device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 .

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the measuring device 10 of this embodiment includes a housing 100 that forms the outer shape of the measuring device 10, and an auscultating sensor mounted inside the housing 100. ) 102, a counting circuit 103, and a diaphragm 124 provided on the outside of the measuring device 10.

The housing 100 has an empty interior and is divided into upper and lower parts by a partition wall 121. Various modules, sensors, and circuits, such as an auscultating sensor 102 and a counting circuit 103, are mounted on the upper part of the housing 100. A cover 111 is coupled to the upper part of the housing 100 to seal the upper space.

A diaphragm 124 and a sound transition space 125 that contact the skin of the subject are formed in the lower part of the housing 100. The diaphragm 124 is formed on the outer surface of the housing 100, and a sound transition room 125 is formed between the diaphragm 124 and the partition wall 121 that partitions the inside of the housing 100. It is formed to have a diaphragm 124 on one side.

A sound transfer hole 122 is formed at the center of the partition wall 121. The sound transition hole 122 is a hole through which the sound generated by deformation of the diaphragm 124 in the sound transition space 125 passes through the upper part, that is, the auscultation sensor 102. The partition wall 121 is formed to be inclined upward so that the center where the sound transfer hole 122 is formed faces the upper part of the housing 100, that is, the surface opposite to the diaphragm 124. Since the center of the partition wall 121 is inclined upward, the sound generated in the sound transfer space 125 can be concentrated in the sound transfer hole 122.

The auscultation sensor 102 detects various biological sounds of the subject depending on the measurement location. Biological sounds include heart and lung sounds, and may also include sounds from other organs or ambient noise. In this embodiment, the auscultation sensor 102 is attached to the heart area of the subject and measures heart sounds.

The auscultation sensor 102 includes a microphone (not shown) that converts sound into an electrical signal, a signal amplifier (not shown) that amplifies the electrical signal converted through the microphone, and an output that outputs the amplified signal from the signal amplifier. It may be configured to include a terminal (not shown).

A collecting hole 123 is formed in the substrate of the auscultation sensor 102 at a position corresponding to the sound transfer hole 122 formed at the center of the partition wall 121. The collecting hole 123 is formed with a smaller diameter than the sound transfer hole 122.

The microphone of the auscultation sensor 102 may be located in either the collecting hole 123 or the sound transfer hole 122, but is collected in order to easily capture changes in peak value in the heart sound waveform, which will be described below. It may be desirable to be provided in the hole 123.

For example, the sound caused by the deformation of the diaphragm 124 at the moment when the chest is expanded to the maximum during the subject's breathing, that is, the sound caused by the deformation of the sound transition space 125 is captured by the auscultation sensor 102, and the sound is captured by the auscultation sensor 102. The sound caused by the deformation of the transition space 125 generates a deformation (peak value) of the waveform corresponding to the deformation of the sound transition space 125 in the waveform of the heart sound acquired by the auscultation sensor 102.

At this time, the sound transfer hole 122 and the collection hole 123 having different diameters amplify the sound by deforming the sound transfer space 125 to change the waveform (peak value) in the auscultation sensor 102. Makes it easy to measure.

In this embodiment, the collecting hole 123 may not be formed, and if the collecting hole 123 is not formed, the microphone may be provided in the sound transfer hole 122 or the auscultation sensor 102 may be installed in the sound transfer hole 122. It can be placed adjacent to .

The diaphragm 124 is provided on the outer surface of the housing 100, that is, the bottom surface of the sound transition space 125, which is in contact with the body of the subject. The diaphragm 124 is formed in the form of an elastic thin film.

The diaphragm 124 is formed to protrude in a convex lens shape (see FIG. 4) or a plate shape (see FIG. 5) in the direction of contact with the subject. When the diaphragm 124 is formed in the shape of a convex lens, a portion of the bottom of the sound transition space 125 is formed in a dome shape.

That is, when the measuring device 10 is mounted on the subject's ribcage and the chest expands to the maximum due to the subject's breathing, the diaphragm 124 is deformed so that it faces the sound transition space 125, thereby causing sound. Transform the transition space 125 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). In this embodiment, the diaphragm 124 of the measuring device 10 may adopt a convex shape that is easy to change its appearance.

A fastening structure 110 for fastening the wearable band 101 is formed at both outer ends of the housing 100. The fastening structure 110 may be formed in a fastening hole (not shown) through which the wearable band 101 can pass and be tied, or may be formed in the shape of a ring (not shown) through which the wearable band 101 can be hung. The shape of the fastening structure 110 is not limited to any one.

Hereinafter, the counting circuit 103 will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing the waveform of the heart sound measured by the auscultation sensor 102 provided in the measurement device 10 of this embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 6, a counting circuit 103 is mounted on the housing 100. The counting circuit 103 calculates the breathing rate of the subject using changes in the heart sound that occur as the sound transition space 125 is transformed by the subject's breathing.

For example, when the measuring device 10 is mounted on the subject's ribcage and the subject breathes, the chest expands. When the chest expands to its maximum, the diaphragm 124 is shaped to face the sound transition space 125. Transformation occurs, and the inside of the sound transition space 125 is also transformed by the diaphragm 124, thereby generating sound due to the transformation. Here, when the rib cage expands to its maximum, this may be the moment when breathing changes. For example, the moment when breathing changes is the moment when it changes from inhalation to exhalation.

And the sound caused by the deformation of the diaphragm 124, that is, the deformation of the sound transition space 125, is a deformation (peak value) of the waveform corresponding to the deformation of the sound transition space 125 in the waveform of the heart sound acquired by the auscultation sensor 102. (peak value)) is generated.

The counting circuit 103 considers the waveform section showing a peak value higher than the reference value due to the deformation of the sound transition space 125 in the heart sound waveform acquired by the auscultation sensor 102 as the breathing section (A), and Count the subject's respiratory rate using the cycle. Here, the breathing section (A) may refer to the moment when the ribcage is expanded to the maximum, that is, the moment when inhalation changes from inhalation to exhalation. The section of the waveform showing the peak value, excluding the breathing section (A), is considered the section of a general heart sound (B).

The measuring device 10 of the present invention configured as described above can determine the peak value of the waveform due to the deformation of the diaphragm 124 from the change (waveform) of the heart sound measured by auscultation sound, so it is possible to measure separate breathing sounds. Even if a sensor is not provided, the respiratory rate can be counted from changes in heart sounds.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a modified example of the sound transfer hole 122 shown in FIG. 3.

Referring to Figure 7, a vortex member 126 protruding toward the center is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the sound transfer hole 122. The vortex member 126 may be formed in the form of a screw thread.

The vortex member 126 is a deformation of the diaphragm 124 at the moment when the chest is expanded to the maximum during the subject's breathing, that is, when the sound due to deformation of the sound transition space 125 passes through the sound transition hole 122. The sound is amplified by the eddy current action, allowing the auscultation sensor 102 to easily measure the deformation of the waveform (peak value).

[Second Embodiment]

The second embodiment is a modification of the method of attaching the measuring device 20 to the body of the subject in the first embodiment.

In the measuring device 20 described in the second embodiment, the holder 101 is excluded from the measuring device 10 in the first embodiment, and an outer peripheral piece 201 and an adhesive patch 210 are formed. Since the measurement device 20 of the second embodiment has the same configuration except for the holder 101 of the first embodiment, redundant description will be omitted.

Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the measuring device 20 and the adhesive patch 210 in a separated state in the second embodiment, and Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the measuring device 20 and the adhesive patch 210 in an attached state. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the measuring device 20 and the adhesive patch 210 attached.

8 to 10, the adhesive patch 210 covers at least a portion of the housing 200 to adhere the measuring device 20 to the diagnostic area of the subject.

For example, the housing 200 is formed with an outer peripheral piece 201 that protrudes in a flat shape around the contact surface area of the subject.

The adhesive patch 210 is formed to have an empty interior so that the housing 200 is exposed, and is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer circumferential shape of the outer circumferential piece 201 formed in the housing 200. And the adhesive patch 210 is formed to have a larger area than the outer peripheral piece 201 of the housing 200.

For example, a portion of the adhesive patch 210 is attached to cover one side of the adhesive patch 210, and the remaining portion is attached to the body of the subject. The adhesive patch 210 can be attached directly to the skin of the subject's diagnostic area, or it can also be attached to the surface of the subject's clothing.

In this embodiment, the adhesive patch 210 may be formed of a wearable fabric material.

In this embodiment, the adhesive patch 210 may be formed in any shape as long as it can adhere the measuring device to the diagnostic area of the subject while covering a portion of the housing 200.

[Third Embodiment]

The third embodiment relates to a technology for calculating the breathing rate of a subject by receiving a heart sound signal from a heart sound measurement device 30 for counting breathing rate and analyzing the waveform for changes in heart sound in the heart sound signal.

The measuring device 30 described below includes all components other than the counting circuit 103 from the measuring devices 10 and 20 of the first and second embodiments. Redundant description of the measuring device 30 of the third embodiment except for the counting circuit 103 of the first embodiment will be omitted.

Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a breathing rate measurement system using heart sounds according to a third embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, the sensing device 30 of this embodiment further includes a communication circuit 340.

The communication circuit 340 is for transmitting the signal of the heart sound measured by the auscultation sensor 310 to the counting device 40.

The communication circuit 340 includes Bluetooth, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), infrared communication (IrDA), UWB (Ultra Wideband), ZigBee, WSN (Wireless Sensor Network), and WLAN (Wireless LAN). It can support short-range wireless communication such as (or Wifi) and UWB (Ultra Wideband), or long-distance communication such as low-power long-distance communication (LPWA, Low Power Wide Area). In particular, it can support broadcasting-type information transmission by supporting the Bluetooth-based BLE beacon protocol. Additionally, the communication circuit 340 supports mobile communication protocols such as 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G, or mobile communication protocols such as Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), and HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access). You can also apply. The communication circuit 340 may be equipped with an interface for transmitting data to a removable storage medium.

Using the above communication method, the measuring device 30 transmits the heart sound signal measured from the auscultation sensor 310 to the counting device 40.

The counting device 40 receives the heart sound signal from the measuring device 30, and uses the change in the heart sound signal that occurs as the sound transition space (125 in FIG. 3) is transformed by the breathing of the subject in the received heart sound signal. Calculate the subject's respiratory rate. In this embodiment, the counting device 40 may include any one of a PC, a laptop, a tablet PC, and a medical terminal on which a medical program or diagnostic program is installed.

For example, when the measuring device 30 is mounted on the subject's ribcage and the subject breathes, the ribcage expands. When the ribcage expands to the maximum, the diaphragm 320 creates a sound transition space (125 in FIG. 3). The external shape is transformed to face the sound, and the inside of the sound transition space (125 in FIG. 3) is also transformed by the diaphragm 320 to generate sound. Here, when the rib cage expands to its maximum, this may be the moment when breathing changes. For example, the moment when breathing changes is the moment when it changes from inhalation to exhalation.

And the sound caused by the deformation of the diaphragm 320, that is, the deformation of the sound transition space (125 in FIG. 3), is caused by the deformation of the sound transition space (125 in FIG. 3) in the waveform of the heart sound signal obtained from the auscultation sensor 310. Generates deformation (peak value) of the corresponding waveform.

The counting device 40 is a waveform showing a peak value higher than the reference value due to the deformation of the sound transition space (125 in FIG. 3) in the waveform of the heart sound signal acquired by the auscultation sensor 310 provided from the measuring device 30. The section is regarded as a breathing section and the subject's breathing rate is counted according to the period of the section. The section of the waveform showing the peak value, excluding the breathing section, is considered the section of a general heart sound.

In this embodiment, the measurement device 30 may provide the heart sound signal obtained from the stethoscope sensor 310 not only to the counting device 40 but also to a medical diagnosis server (not shown).

The respiratory rate of the subject counted by the counting device 40 may be provided to a medical diagnosis device or server and used to determine the disease or abnormal state of the subject.

Here, the abnormal state may include an abnormal state of the lungs, and the abnormal state of the lungs may be defined in advance according to various standards. For example, the abnormal condition includes pulmonary edema, which occurs when fluid builds up in the lungs.

For example, pulmonary edema can be judged as an abnormal condition if the respiratory cycle (respiration rate) is calculated to exceed 20% of the normal state.

[Fourth Embodiment]

The fourth embodiment relates to a method of counting the breathing rate of a subject from the heart sound signal measured using the measuring device 30 of the third embodiment.

Since the measuring device of the fourth embodiment described below is the same as the measuring device 30 of the third embodiment, redundant description will be omitted.

The subjects described below may be animals including mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and fish excluding humans.

Figure 12 is a flowchart showing a method for counting the respiratory rate of a subject according to the fourth embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, the method of counting the respiratory rate of a subject according to this embodiment includes receiving a heart sound signal (S100) and counting the respiratory rate (S200).

In the step of receiving a heart sound signal (S100), a counting module receives the heart sound signal of the subject from a measuring device.

In the step of receiving a heart sound signal (S100), the measuring device measures the heart sound of the subject using an auscultation sensor worn and mounted on the subject's body by a wearable band. Then, the measuring device transmits the measured heart sound signal to the counting module using a communication circuit.

Communication circuits include Bluetooth, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), IrDA (infrared Data Association), UWB (Ultra Wideband), ZigBee, WSN (Wireless Sensor Network), and WLAN (Wireless LAN or Wifi). and short-range wireless communication such as Ultra Wideband (UWB) or long-distance communication such as Low Power Wide Area (LPWA). In particular, it can support broadcasting-type information transmission by supporting the Bluetooth-based BLE beacon protocol. Additionally, the communication circuit may support mobile communication protocols such as 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G, or mobile communication protocols such as Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), and HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access). . The communication circuit may be equipped with an interface for transferring data to a removable storage medium.

Using the above communication method, the measurement device transmits the heart sound signal measured from the auscultation sensor to the counting module.

In the step of counting the breathing rate (S200), the counting module considers the waveform section showing a peak value higher than the reference value due to the deformation of the sound transition space in the waveform of the measured heart sound signal as the breathing section and Count.

Here, the counting module can be installed in any one of medical PCs, laptops, tablet PCs, smartphones, and medical terminals.

In the step of counting the respiratory rate (S200), the counting module receives a heart sound signal from the measuring device, and uses the change in the heart sound that occurs as the sound transition space is transformed by the subject's breathing in the received heart sound signal to avoid Calculate the respiratory rate of the specimen.

For example, when the measuring device is mounted on the subject's ribcage and the subject breathes, the ribcage expands. When the ribcage expands to the maximum, the diaphragm is transformed in shape to face the sound transmission space, and the diaphragm is deformed to face the sound transmission space. As a result, the interior of the sound transfer space is also transformed and sound is generated. Here, when the rib cage expands to its maximum, this may be the moment when breathing changes. For example, the moment when breathing changes is the moment when it changes from inhalation to exhalation.

And the deformation of the diaphragm, that is, the deformation of the sound transition space, generates a deformation (peak value) of the waveform corresponding to the deformation of the sound transition space in the waveform of the heart sound acquired from the auscultation sensor.

The counting module considers the waveform section showing a peak value higher than the standard value due to deformation of the sound transition space in the waveform of the heart sound signal acquired by the auscultation sensor provided from the measuring device as a breathing section, and counts the subject through the period of that section. Count the respiratory rate.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to several embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. You will understand that it can be modified and changed in various ways.

10: Measuring device
100: housing
101: Wearable band
102: Auscultation sensor
103: Counting circuit
121: partition wall
122: Sound transfer hall
123: collecting hole
124: diaphragm
125: Sound transition space

Claims (22)

An auscultating sensor that measures the heart sound of a subject;
A diaphragm whose shape changes depending on the subject's breathing;
The diaphragm is mounted at a position in contact with the subject, the auscultation sensor is mounted at an opposing position spaced apart from the diaphragm, and a sound transition space has the diaphragm as one side between the auscultation sensor and the diaphragm. A housing in which a (sound transition room) is formed; and
Among the heart sound waveforms obtained from the auscultation sensor, a second reference value that is greater than the first reference value for measuring the heart rate is set in advance, but as the chest of the subject expands to the maximum due to the subject's breathing, the heart sound waveform becomes the second reference value. 2 Counting circuit that calculates the subject's respiratory rate by considering the waveform section showing peak values above the standard value as the breathing section
A respiratory rate measuring device using heart sounds including a. According to paragraph 1,
It further includes a wearable band,
A breathing rate measuring device using heart sounds, wherein a fastening structure for the wearable band is further formed at both ends of the housing. According to paragraph 1,
The sound transition space is a breathing rate measuring device using heart sounds in which at least a portion of the bottom is formed in a dome shape consisting of the diaphragm. According to paragraph 1,
The diaphragm is a breathing rate measuring device using heart sounds that is formed to protrude in the shape of a plate or convex lens in the direction of contact with the subject. delete According to paragraph 1,
An adhesive patch or wearable fabric that covers at least a portion of the housing and adheres the measuring device to the diagnostic area of the subject.
A device for measuring respiratory rate using heart sounds, further comprising: An auscultating sensor that measures the heart sound of a subject,
A diaphragm whose shape changes depending on the subject's breathing,
The diaphragm is mounted at a position in contact with the subject, the auscultation sensor is mounted at an opposing position spaced apart from the diaphragm, and a sound transition space has the diaphragm as one side between the auscultation sensor and the diaphragm. A housing in which a (sound transition room) is formed,
A sensing device including a communication circuit that transmits the heart sound signal measured by the auscultation sensor to a counting device; and
Among the heart sound waveforms obtained from the auscultation sensor, a second reference value that is greater than the first reference value for measuring the heart rate is set in advance, but as the chest of the subject expands to the maximum due to the subject's breathing, the heart sound waveform becomes the second reference value. 2 A counting device that calculates the subject's respiratory rate by considering the waveform section showing a peak value above the standard value as a breathing section
A respiratory rate measurement system using heart sounds including. In clause 7,
The measuring device further includes a wearable band,
A breathing rate measurement system using heart sounds in which a fastening structure of the wearable band is further formed at both ends of the housing. In clause 7,
The sound transition space is a breathing rate measurement system using heart sounds in which at least a portion of the bottom is formed in a dome shape consisting of the diaphragm. In clause 7,
The diaphragm is a breathing rate measurement system using heart sounds that is formed to protrude in the shape of a plate or convex lens in the direction of contact with the subject. delete In clause 7,
An adhesive patch or wearable fabric that covers at least a portion of the housing and adheres the measuring device to the diagnostic area of the subject.
A respiratory rate measurement system using heart sounds, further comprising: delete delete delete delete delete A diaphragm is mounted at a position in contact with the subject, an auscultation sensor is mounted at an opposing position spaced apart from the diaphragm, and a sound transition space (sound) between the auscultation sensor and the diaphragm has the diaphragm as one side. In the method of counting the respiratory rate of a subject using the heart sound signal measured by a measuring device in which a transition room is formed,
The counting circuit of the measuring device presets a second reference value that is greater than the first reference value for measuring the heart rate among the heart sound waveforms obtained from the auscultation sensor, and the subject's rib cage is moved by the subject's breathing. Calculating the respiratory rate of the subject by considering the waveform section in which the heart sound waveform shows a peak value higher than the second reference value as the breathing section as it expands to the maximum value.
A method for counting the respiratory rate of a subject comprising: delete According to clause 18,
The sound transition space is a method of counting the respiratory rate of a subject in which at least a portion of the bottom is formed in a dome shape composed of the diaphragm. According to clause 18,
The diaphragm is formed to protrude in the shape of a plate or convex lens in the direction of contact with the subject. delete