Abstract:
The present invention relates to an appartus used in the medical industry, in order to increase transpulmonary pressure and respiratory volumes, improve inspiratory muscle performance and re-establish the normal pulmonary hyperinflation, through the employment of electronic technology, providing audible, simulated, verbal, human sounding words, that assist, guide and prompt, increasing patient usage. In the past, lack of usage of this simple plastic, antiquated, disposable unit, by the patient, has contributed to severe problems, such as pneumonia. Without prompting, the patient, finds it hard to inhale into a tube repetitively, to improve their lungs. Previous applications of prior equipment has been poor, thus adding intelligence in the form of electronic technology, which prompts without assistance, is a tremendous advantage in helping not only the sighted, but also the blind as well, since normally only written information accompanies the incentive spirometer, thus, changing the use of this medical device as we know it today.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to enhancement of the Incentive Spirometer Medical Apparatus, through electronic technology to the medical apparatus which is normally used to help in the rehabilitation of the lungs after an operation, or similar type situations. The Incentive Spirometer consist of a plastic bell jar with a float inside the bell that rises, due to air being inhaled through a tube that is attached to the bell jar. By inhaling in the tube, the patient attempts to reach different volumes that are represented on the bell jar, where the float is used as a measuring device, but the float in the bell jar moves slowly and does not remain at it&#39;s apogee for very long, making visual accuracy for reading it&#39;s measurements on the scale, (on the bell jar), difficult The purpose of this prior art, is to bring air into the patient&#39;s lungs. The more air and use of the device, the better the patient&#39;s lungs become and thus the lungs are strengthened, however as recent studies have shown, complications such as pneumonia, are due to the lack of compliance, by the patient. Normally, the patient must utilize this medical apparatus without assistance and is expected to basically read written information on how to use the device, which is often performed improperly. Through the improvement of using electronically simulated, audible, verbal, human sounding word, words, or phrases that emanate from within the Incentive Spirometer itself, the ability of this programmed new invention, has the intelligence to detect the patient&#39;s measurements, as well as prompting the exact time, that the patient should begin therapy again accordingly. This new improved apparatus, will also give the measurement of the volume that the patient has performed during their therapy, along with encouraging phrases that continue to lead and guide the patient until the full therapy is completed. Prior art required the patient to do the therapy unsupervised and the present invention will provide verbal instruction and guidance electronically, allowing not only the sighted but the blind to benefit as well, providing a new method of technology in the medical industry.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0002]      FIG. 1  Shows Preferred Embodiment of Present Invention  
         [0003]     A Gauge  2  connects to Audible Response Unit  1  through one or more electrical connections labeled  400 .  
         [0004]     Audible Response Unit l connects to Speaker  3  through an electrical connection labeled  401 .  
         [0005]     Power is supplied from Power Supply  4  to Gauge  2  through an electrical connection labeled  402 .  
         [0006]     Power is supplied from Power Supply  4  to Audible Response Unit  1  through an electrical connection labeled  403 .  
         [0007]      FIG. 2  Shows the Preferred Embodiment of Audible Response Unit  1  of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0008]     Gauge  2  of  FIG. 1  connects to Gauge Connector  5  through one or more electrical connections labeled  400 .  
         [0009]     Gauge Connector  5  connects to Signal Input Unit  100  which is a subunit of the Microcontroller Unit  7  through one or more electrical connections labeled  202 .  
         [0010]     Microcontroller Unit  7  contains subunits Signal Input Unit  100 , Program Storage Unit  101 , Data Storage Unit  102 , Central Processor Unit  103 , Signal Output Unit  104  and Timer Unit  105 .  
         [0011]     Signal Input Unit  100  provides information to Central Processor Unit  103  through a set of signals labeled  302 .  
         [0012]     Central Processor Unit  103  receives a set of program instructions that provide the function of the Audible Response Unit  1  from Program Storage Unit  101  by providing control information through signals labeled  300   a  and receiving instructions through signals labeled  300 . Information used by the program instructions are kept in Data Storage Unit  102  by providing control information and data to be stored through a set of signals labeled  301   a  and by receiving data through a set of signals labeled  301 .  
         [0013]     Central Processor Unit  103  controls a set of timers in Timer Unit  105  through a set of signals labeled  304   a  and receives information from the timers in Timer Unit  105  through a set of signals labeled  304 . The Central Processor Unit  103  uses information from Timer Unit  105  to determine accurate time intervals.  
         [0014]     Central Processor Unit  103  receives audio data from Audio Storage Unit  6  by providing control information through a set of signals labeled  205   a  and by receiving audio data through a set of signals labeled  205 .  
         [0015]     Central Processor Unit  103  relays the audio data received from Audio Storage Unit  6  to Signal Output Unit  104  by transferring the audio data through a set of signals labeled  303 . Signal Output Unit  104  transfers audio data to Audio Amplifier Unit  8  through a set of signals labeled  204 .  
         [0016]     Audio Amplifier Unit  8  transfers amplified audio data to Speaker Connector  9  through a set of signals labeled  203 .  
         [0017]     Speaker Connector  9  connects to Speaker  3  of  FIG. 2  through a set of signals labeled  401 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  Shows the Present invention within the housing of a Medical Apparatus  10 , that implements a Gauged Spirometer whose housing is identified as  16  and which encloses the Medical Apparatus  10 , which is comprised of the Speaker  3 , Audible Response Unit  1 , Battery Power Supply  4 , Daylight Sensor  18 , and Deactivation Key.  
         [0019]     Daylight Sensor  18 , is used by the Audible Response Unit  1 , that detects that it is nighttime by measuring the signal on  402  and comparing it to a value within the Data Storage Unit  102 .  
         [0020]     Deactivation Key  17 , deactivates the Audible Response Unit  1 , that closes a switch that relays a signal over electric conductor  403 , comparing it to a value within the Data Storage Unit  102 , it enters an operational mode called “silent mode”.  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  Detail of Gauge  2 , Film Strip  24  is attached to the inside wall of Spirometer Cylinder  21 , covered with a Conductive Pattern  25 , Float  20  moves freely up and down within the Spirometer Cylinder  21 , making contact with Conductive Pattern  25  of Film Strip  24 , which is covered with Conductive Skirt  26 , this creates a electric path from contact with Film Strip  24  and the Return Conductor  405 .  
         [0022]     Current from electric conductor  400 , through Film Strip  21 , through Conductive Pattern  25 , through Float Skirt  26 , through Return Conductor  405 , is proportional to the position of electrical contact, called “float signal”.  
         [0023]     “Float Signal” is relayed to Audible Response Unit  1 , by electric conductor  400 , interpreted in Audible Response Unit  1  and is able to measure and record performance.  
         [0024]      FIG. 5  Detail of Deactivation Key  17 , which causes switch  23  to close, thus connecting Battery Power Supply  4 , to electrical conductor  403 , causing a signal on electric conductor  403 , relayed to Audible Response Unit  1 , interpreting the signal on electrical conductor  403  as described in  FIG. 6 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0025]     When the Apparatus  10  in  FIG. 1  is used by the operator, a Gauge  2  within the Apparatus produces an electrical signal on electrical conductor  400  proportional to the physical parameter that is measured by the Gauge  2 . The electrical signal on  400  is variable over time and represents an electrical representation of the parameter measured by the Gauge  2  during the duration of time that the Apparatus  10  is used. The electrical signal on  400  is input to the Audible Response Unit  1  where the electrical signal on  400  is evaluated.  
         [0026]     The Gauge Connector  5  on  FIG. 2  relays the electrical signal on  400  to the Signal Input Unit  100  within Microcontroller Unit  7  where the electrical signal on  400  is converted repeatedly at a fixed rate of once every unit of time called the “sampling interval” for the duration of time when the electrical signal on  400  is being evaluated. The Signal Input Unit  100  converts the electrical signal on  400  into a digital numerical format and relays it through a set of digital electrical signals  302  to the Central Processor Unit  302 . This process is repeated after the transpiring of time equal to the sampling interval for the duration of time over which the electrical signal on  400  is being evaluated.  
         [0027]     The parameter being measured by Gauge  2  is thereby converted to a sequence of numerical digital values that represent the magnitude of the parameter over the time duration when the parameter is being evaluated, and each successive numerical digital value represents the magnitude of the parameter measured by Gauge  2  at the time that is one “sampling time” interval later than the preceeding numerical digital value.  
         [0028]     The Central Processor Unit  103  executes a sequence of instructions that are retrieved from the Program Storage Unit  101 . This sequence of instructions is called the “functional program” and defines the series of steps and decisions that are made to constitute the function of the present invention. The Central Processor Unit  103  retrieves the instructions from the Program Storage Unit  101  by presenting an index called a “program address” to the Program Storage Unit  101  through the set of digital electrical signals  300   a . The “program address” is calculated by the Central Processor Unit  103  as directed by the instructions of the “functional program” that it is executing. The Program Storage Unit  101  responds to the “program address” on  300   a  by retrieving and relaying the instruction corresponding to the “program address” to the Central Processor Unit  103 .  
         [0029]     The instructions representing the “functional program” relayed to the Central Processor Unit  103  by the Program Storage Unit  101  over digital electrical signals  300   a  are executed by the hardware within the Central Processor Unit  103  to perform mathematical caculations, “program address” generation, and decision logic which together constitute the “functional program” of the present invention which in turn defines the behavior and function as defined for the Apparatus  10 .  
         [0030]     Intermediate mathematical and logical calculations that are performed by the Central Processor Unit  103  as it executes the “functional program” result in information collectively called “data” that are stored in the Data Storage Unit  102 . The Central Processor Unit  103  identifies storage locations in the Data Storage Unit  102  for storing or retrieving “data” by presenting an index called the “data address” to the Data Storage Unit  102  through a set of digital electrical signals  301   a . The Central Processor Unit  103  generates the “data address” by performing calculations that it is directed to peform by the instruction of the “functional program” that is being executed. The Central Processor Unit  103  also presents “data” to be stored through the set of digital electrical signals  301   a  to the Data Storage Unit  102 . If the Central Processor Unit is retrieving data from the Data Storage Unit  102 , the Data Storage Unit  102  presents the retrieved data associated with the “data address” on  301   a  to the Central Processor Unit  103  through a set of digital electrical signals  301 .  
         [0031]     The Central Processor Unit  103  directs the Timer Unit  105  by presenting commands that are calculated during the execution of the “functional program” to the Timer Unit  105  through a set of digital electrical signals  304   a . The commands instruction Timer Unit  105  on the time intervals that are to be generated. The Timer Unit  105  relays time interval information to the Central Processor Unit  103  through a set of digital electrical signals  304 . The Central Processor Unit  103  uses the timer interval information for purposes of indicating when one or a set of instructions of the “functional program” should execute. The provides the ability of the Central Processor Unit  103  to synchronize the execution of one or a set of instructions of the “functional program” to a precise point in time or an interval of time.  
         [0032]     When the Central Processor Unit  103  determines that an audible response is needed and which audible response is to be generated as determined by the definition of the behavior of the Apparatus  10  and the definition of the “functional program”, it is directed by the instructions within the “functional program” to calculate an index called the “audio address” that is used to retrieve the audible response data called “audio data” from the Audio Storage Unit  6 . The Central Processor Unit  103  presents the “audio address” to the Audio Storage Unit  6  through a set of digital electrical signals  205   a . The Audio Storage Unit  6  responds by relaying the “audio data” associated with the “audio address” to the Central Processor Unit  103  through a set of digital electrical signals  205 .  
         [0033]     The Central Processor Unit  103  retrieves time interval information from Timer Unit  105  to determine the appropriate time when retrieved “audio data” can be relayed to the Signal Output Unit  104 . In this way, the “audio data” is successively relayed to the Signal Output Unit at a rate appropriate for the regeneration of the audible response from the “audio data”. The Central Processor Unit  103  relays the “audio data” to the Signal Output Unit  104  through a set of digital electrical signals  303 .  
         [0034]     The Signal Output Unit  104  recieves “audio data” from the Central Processor Unit  103  at a rate that is indicated by time interval from the Timer Unit  105 . The time interval is calculated by the Timer Unit  105  as it is commanded to do by the Central Processor Unit  103  when it executes the instructions in the “functional program” that controls setting up of the Timer Unit  105 . The time interval is made to be the value required in order to regenerate the audible response correctly when “audio data” is repetitively output at a rate equal to the time interval.  
         [0035]     The Signal Output Unit  104  receives “audio data” in a digital numerical form from the Central Processor Unit  103  repetitively starting from the first unit of “audio data” to the last unit of “audio data”. The Signal Output Unit  104  converts the “audio data” to an electrical signal whose magnitude is proportional to the “audio data” repetitively for each “audio data” received. It relays the elecrical signal to the Audio Amplifier Unit  8  through an electrical signal  204 . The Audio Amplifier Unit  8  multiplies the magnitude of the electrical signal relayed on the electrical signal  204  such that the amount of power represented by the electrical signal  204  is increased and output to the Speaker Connector  203 . The Speaker Connector  9  relays the amplified electrical signal on  203  to electrical signal  401  which corresponds to electrical signal  401  on  FIG. 2  The amplified electrical signal  401  is presented to the Speaker  3  in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0036]     The Speaker  3  converts the amplified electrical signal  401  to sound energy that represents the audible response that the Audible Reponse Unit  1  has calculated in response to the measurement of a parameter that is determined by the Gauge  2  of the Apparatus  10  in accordance to the defined behavior of the Apparatus  10  and of the defined function of the “functional program.” 
         [0037]     The present invention describes a method of producing audible response to the measurement of a parameter by an Apparatus  10  so that the audible response is done according to a defined behavior determined by the constructor of the Apparatus  10 . Implementation of the defined behavior of the audible response to measurement of a parameter within the Apparatus  10  is realized by the defined function of the “functional program” that is coupled to the Audible Response Unit  1  by storing the “functional program” in the Program Storage Unit  101  within the Audible Response Unit  1  and by providing a means for the Central Processor Unit  103  within the Audible Response Unit  1  to execute the instructions in the “functional program” and to peform the actions as they direct the Central Processor Unit  103  and the other subunits within the Audible Response Unit  1 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 3  shows the Present Invention within the housing of a Medical Apparatus  10  that implements a Gauged Spirometer whose housing is identified as  16  and which encloses the Medical Apparatus  10  as well as the present invention which is comprised of the Speaker  3 , Audible Response Unit  1 , Battery Power Supply  4 , Daylight Sensor  18 , Deactivation Key  17 . The Medical Apparatus in this embodiment is constructed to perform Spirometry measurements of the medical patient referred herein as the “operator”. In this embodiment of the present invention, the Power Supply  4  is implemented as a Battery in order to provide a means of operating the Medical Apparatus without the need to connect to an auxiliary power source through means of wire cords. This means is referred to as using a “cordless” power supply.  
         [0039]     The present invention also includes a Daylight Sensor  18  that is used by the Audible Response Unit  1  to distinguish between daytime and nighttime. The Daylight Sensor  18  is constructed as but not limited to a photocell that relays a signal to the Audible Response Unit  1  over electrical conductor  402 . When the Audible Response Unit  1  detects that it is nighttime by measuring the signal on  402  and comparing it to a value within the Data Storage Unit  102 , it enters an operational mode called “silent mode”. In “silent mode”, the Audible Response Unit  1  activates itself at the same time intervals as it does in daytime, but does so in order to measure the daylight by means of sensing the Daylight Sensor  18 . If sufficient daylight is not detected, the Audible Response Unit  1  does not emit any audible instructions to the operator but instead sets an internal timer to reactivate itself after a prescribed time interval that is defined in the “functional program” of the Audible Response Unit  1  and then deactivates itself. With this method of daytime detection, it is possible for the Audible Response Unit  1  to permit the “operator” to rest during the nighttime and to maintain a regular programmed interval for reactivation. When the Audible Response Unit  1  is reactivated at the transpiring of the programmed time interval as defined in its “functional program” and detects sufficient daylight, the Audible Response Unit  1  enters an operational mode called “standard mode” and begins emitting audible commands to the “operator” as defined by the “functional program” within the Audible Response Unit  1 .  
         [0040]     The present invention also includes a Deactivation Key  17  that provides to the means to deactivate the Audible. Response Unit  1  for any period of time in the event that such deactivation is determined to be necessary by qualified personnel responsible for the medical care of the “operator”. The Deactivation Key  17  is a mechanically unique shape that matches the same mechanically unique cavity within the Housing of the Gauged Spirometer  16 . The Deactivation Key  17  when inserted into the housing of the Gauged Spirometer  16  closes a switch that relays a signal over electrical conductor  403  to the Audible Response Unit  1  to indicate the presence of the Deactivation Key  17 . When the Audible Response Unit  1  detects that the Deactivation Key  17  is present by measuring the signal on  403  and comparing it to a value within the Data Storage Unit  102 , it enters an operational mode called “silent mode”. In “silent mode”, the Audible Response Unit  1  activates itself at the same time intervals as it does in “standard mode”, but does so in order to measure the presence of the Deactivation Key  17  by sensing the signal on  403 . If the Deactivation Key  17  is is determined to be present, the Audible Response Unit  1  does not emit any audible instructions to the operator but instead sets an internal timer to reactivate itself after a prescribed time interval that is defined in the “functional program” of the Audible Response Unit  1  and then deactivates itself. With this method of detection of Deactivation Key  17 , it is possible for the Audible Response Unit  1  to permit the qualified personnel to deactivate the Audible Reponse Unit  1  for any period of time and to maintain a regular programmed interval for reactivation. When the Audible Response Unit  1  is reactivated at the transpiring of the programmed time interval as defined in its “functional program” and detects the absence of the Deactivation Key  17 , the Audible Response Unit  1  enters an operational mode called “standard mode” and begins emitting audible commands to the “operator” as defined by the “functional program” within the Audible Response Unit  1 .  
         [0041]      FIG. 4  shows a detail of Gauge  2  as constructed for the Spirometry application show in  FIG. 3  The Gauge  2  is constructed of a thin Film Strip  24  of resistive material typically consisting of but not limited to carbon or graphite. The Film Strip  24  is attached to the inside wall of the Spirometer Cylinder  21  with adhesive. The surface of the Film Strip  24  that faces the interior of the Spirometer Cylinder  21  is covered with a Conductive Pattern  25 . The Float  20  is free to move up and down within the Spirometer Cylinder  21  and makes contact with the interior facing surface&#39;s Conductive Pattern  25  of Film Strip  24  at a point that corresponds to the height position of the Float  20 . The outer edge of the Float  20  that contacts the interior facing surface of the Film Strip  24  is covered with a Conductive Skirt  26 . The Conductive Skirt  26  creates an electrical path from the position of contact with the Film Strip  24  and the Return Conductor  405 . The Float  20  rises as the “operator” inhales through the Air Tube  19  of  FIG. 6  so that the gas pressure above the float is lower than the gas pressure beneath the float which is at standard  1  atmosphere. The Float  20  ceases rising when the difference between the gas pressure above and beneath the Float  20  multiplied by the cross sectional surface area (in the direction of the axis of the Spirometer Cylinder  21 ) of the Float  20  is equal than the weight of the float  20 . The Float  20  falls when the difference between the gas pressure above and beneath the Float  20  multiplied by the cross sectional surface area (in the direction of the axis of the Spirometer Cylinder  21 ) of the Float  20  is less than the weight of the Float  20 .  
         [0042]     The amount of electrical current flowing from the electrical conductor  400  through the Film Strip  21  through Conductive Pattern  25  through the Float Skirt  26  through the Return Conductor  405  referred to as the “float signal” is proportional to the position of the electrical contact between the Conductive Pattern  25  and the Float Skirt  26  referred to as the “contact point”. The higher the “contact point” is, the more distance there is between the electrical conductor  400  and the “contact point” and hence the more resistive material that comprises the Film Strip  21  there is, and the higher the electrical resistance there is to current flow from electrical conductor  400  to the Return Conductor  405 . The position of the contact point corresponds to the height position of the Float  20 . Therefore, the amount of electrical current of the “float signal” through electrical conductor  400  is proportional to the height position of the Float  20 . The higher the position of the Float  20 , the less electrical current there is flowing through the electrical conductor  400  at the “float signal”. The lower the position of the Float  20 , the higher the electrical current there is flowing through the electrical conductor  400  at the “float signal”.  
         [0043]     The “float signal” is relayed to the Audible Response Unit  1  by electrical conductor  400  and is interpreted by the “functional program” in the Audible Response Unit  1 . The Audible Response Unit  1  takes measurements of the “float signal” and determines the level of the signal that corresponds to when the Float  20  reaches it&#39;s apogee and when it settles back down to the bottom of the Spirometer Cylinder. By making this determination, the Audible Response Unit is able to measure and record the performance of the “operator” as measured by the Spirometer.  
         [0044]      FIG. 5  shows a detail of an example of embodiment of the Deactivation Key  17 . It is comprised of a uniquely mechanically shaped device that fits precisely into a cavity within the Housing of the Gauged Spirometer  16 . When successfully inserted into this cavity, the Deactivation Key  17  causes switch  23  to close thereby-connecting the Battery Power Supply  4  to the electrical conductor  403 . The connection of the Battery Power Supply  4  through switch  23  causes a signal on electrical conductor  403  that is relayed to the Audible Reponse Unit  1 . Audible Reponse Unit  1  interprets the signal on  403  as described in the previous description of  FIG. 3