Real-time detection of ventilatory maneuvers by a microcomputer

The SYTER software system was built around an Apple II microcomputer to automatically process the data yielded by three ventilatory tests: analysis of lung elasticity during an expiratory maneuver, plethysmographic measurement of airway resistance during a panting maneuver, and similar measurements of lung volumes. A volume signal is displayed to the operator throughout each test to help control the maneuver. The various stages of the test are recognized in real time by routines written in assembling language, so that significant data are displayed and stored during the maneuver. This paper describes the algorithms used to perform waveform analysis, and presents illustrative displays obtained in the Lung Function Laboratory.