Patent ID: 7841987
Filing Date: 2010-11-30
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for transforming sound information into a visual representation of the breathing of a patient comprising: identifying a first set of physiological data values derived from respiratory sound information collected from the patient during a time interval associated with a sleep period of the patient; using a computer, obtaining from the first set of physiological data values an envelope signal, the envelope signal being indicative of a loudness, level, or intensity of the respiratory sound; outputting within a spatial region having a first axis and a second axis an envelope trace derived from the envelope signal, with the time interval associated with the sleep period represented on the first axis and the magnitude of the envelope signal represented on the second axis; and outputting within the spatial region provided by the first axis and the second axis a first plurality of graphical components, each of the first plurality of graphical components being associated with a different time period provided on the first axis, at least one of the first plurality of graphical components representing a degree of snoring during the time period associated with the graphical component by the use of a color or texture pattern of the graphical component, wherein at least three different degrees of snoring, one of which degrees of snoring may be the absence of snoring, are represented among the first plurality of graphical components; and each of the first plurality of graphical components having a top border conforming to the envelope trace.