Computers and biomedical research, an international journal
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We constructed a new phonopneumograph that provides real-time tracing of lung sounds at a high speed without the steps of memory and playback by use of a thermal printer system. Accuracy of the recorded wave form was considered adequate even at the maximum speed of 750 mm/sec for detailed wave form analysis. The device is easily connected to a recording system for respiratory flow rate or volume. ⋯ The "trained" group who had experience in using this instrument interpreted adventitious lung sounds more accurately than did the "untrained" group. Even in the "trained" group, however, the accuracy of identifying certain sounds was sometimes low. These results suggest that this device is useful for bedside interpretation of adventitious lung sounds or for training of auscultation ability.