Spirometer system and methods of data analysis

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electronic spirometer that empowers users to quantitatively track and proactively manage respiratory diseases via simple integration with mobile devices, tablets, and computers. In one aspect, patients will be able to connect with their doctors to determine medication dosage and efficacy, avoid environmental triggers, and prevent attacks and exacerbations.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A flow meter system for monitoring lung function of a user, the system comprising:
 an oscillation chamber to induce at least one oscillation in an airflow traversing the oscillation chamber, wherein the airflow is generated by the user during a respiratory test;   at least one sensor to measure a rate of oscillation in the oscillation chamber and transmit a data signal to a computing device; and   the computing device, having at least one processor, to receive the data signal and process the data signal to determine at least one of a flow rate, time duration, or a volume of the airflow in the oscillation chamber; and   a display device in communication with the computing device to display an assessment of respiratory health and a risk level to the user.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the data signal is generated continuously and in real time during the at least one oscillation. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the computing device is in communication with a data storage device to store and retrieve results of processing the data signal over two or more respiratory tests. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the results include analysis of data for both exhalation and inhalation. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the computing device transmits one or more results of the data signal processing to a user's healthcare provider. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the computing device transmits an indication to the user's healthcare provider that the user received a poor respiratory health assessment. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor communicates with the computing device through at least one of a wireless network, a Bluetooth connection, or a wired connection. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , where the at least one sensor further comprises at least one data transmission cable configured to engage a USB port or an audio jack. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the computing device is selected from a group consisting of a smartphone, a tablet, a cell phone, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, and a processing system. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor is a pressure transducer, a piezoelectric sensor, an acoustic sensor, a microphone, or a thermal sensor. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor includes multiple sensors. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the multiple sensors provide for greater accuracy during signal processing. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the multiple sensors are interchangeable to capture different characteristics of the airflow. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor is housed in a modular sensor housing. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one sensor or the modular sensor housing includes one or more membranes positioned over the at least one sensor. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the one or more membranes is configured to reduce undesired noise in the data signal. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor is detachable. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor is placed outside of the oscillation chamber. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the computing device stores the data signal locally or further transmits the data signal to a remote server or website for data analysis. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the data analysis is sent back to the computing device.