Computer methods and programs in biomedicine
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The use of a microcomputer in lung sound-analysis is described. The system was used experimentally in order to evaluate automated auscultation as a mean for improving the sensitivity of pulmonary health mass screening. The sound signals from four custom-made piezoelectric transducers, affixed at specific locations on the chest wall, and the breathing flow signal produced by a pneumotachograph were amplified, filtered and digitized simultaneously at 4000 Hz per channel for 512 ms. ⋯ The operator could assess the convergence of the spectral pattern using the on-line graphics and calculated parameters, and store the data once the noise level had reached a preset level. This procedure was repeated during expiration, inspiration and on breath arrest. The results of the off-line analysis of the lung sounds, combined with pulmonary function tests and a questionnaire, were used to identify lung pathology.