Temperature sensor based ultra low cost respiration monitoring system

Abstract

Measurement of respiration rate is a vital parameter for adequate health monitoring. An abnormal respiration rate can indicate a variety of pathological conditions like respiratory, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. We have developed a non-invasive, portable, easy to use and economic respiratory sensor. It measures the temperature difference between inhalation and exhalation phases of respiratory cycle. The difference in temperature has been converted into a digital signal using 8 bit microcontroller (Atmega 328). By analyzing the digital signal, we can detect abnormalities like tachypnea, bradypnea and apnea. To track the unusual or sudden change in respiratory rate a buzzer system has been incorporated with the device. Graphical recordings corresponding to the calculated respiratory rate has been simultaneously obtained for the reference. This device can be used to detect sleeping disorder and abnormal respiration rate.