Artificial Neural Network

Sandor · Post by **Sandor** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 2:13 pm

Proposal: implement Artificial Neural Network technology in APAP machines to treat SA

Although I don’t know exactly how APAP machines determine the right pressure for the patient during the night sleep, I am quite sure they use rather simple „normal” algorithm. The exact algorithm must be a secret of each manufacturer I suppose.

When I realized this I was surprised because the so-called Artificial Neural Network technology has been in use for many years now with great success to solve very similar problems like APAPs are supposed to.

Without going into details on Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), I just mention that ANN has a feature of having an efficient learning phase. By this the machine could teach itself the special characteristics of the person’s temporally varying breathing pattern. This way the machine would set the pressure in a much more sophisticated way, resulting in a better adjustment for the patient’s need.

I just want to draw the attention of researchers & developers to this approach of the problem.

I am absolutely sure there will be APAP machines soon, maybe the next generation machines, working this way based on ANN.

Sandor

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 11:07 pm

Hi Sandor,

Sandor wrote:Although I don’t know exactly how APAP machines determine the right pressure for the patient during the night sleep, I am quite sure they use rather simple „normal” algorithm. The exact algorithm must be a secret of each manufacturer I suppose.

The algorithms are not a secret, you can find them in the U.S. patent office - the subject has been discussed on this board by Derek and -SWS, you will find the urls of the patents in their posts. Here's an example of the PB420e that I saved from those discussions.

Use the search option (top of screen) for algorithm AND patent - you'll find a treasure trove.

Patents are better than secrets...

O.

Janelle · Post by **Janelle** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 9:09 am

How come PB hasn't come out with that Figure 21 nasal pillow interface? Looks pretty workable to me, and the diffuser vents up!

Sandor · Post by **Sandor** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 9:20 am

Hi Ozij,

Thanks for your post, you are right, this board has a rich history worth searching. I agree patents are better than secrets (I wish I could convert my secrets to patents...). I've read through a couple of patents, from the texts I understand the algorithms used in these machines are not simple at all. But still I have not found any reference of using neural network technology in these machines. Although this technology is widely used in medical issues like pattern recognition.

Never mind, I keep searching on this. I am (almost) sure there must be a way neural networks should contribute to treating SA. Sooner or later.

Sandor

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 9:46 am

Sandor,

Sounds like a great idea. You and derek should put your heads together and invent a better apap.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 10:07 am

An auto that learns your breathing pattern, a mask that adjusts to your face (could pattern recognition be used for the fitting/customizing part?)...

Sooner or later.

O.

Sandor · Post by **Sandor** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 10:13 am

ozij,
Certainly. And the user of the new generation machine just will have to make sure to have a good glass of wine before switch on the machine. I am already very good at this (I mean the wine...). One has to start somewhere the development!
Sandor