Prof Qian Zhang
PhD in Computer Science
Acting Head, Division of Integrative Systems and Design
Tencent Professor of Engineering
Chair Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Senior Fellow, HKUST Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study
Director of Digital Life Research Center (Nansha)
In this project, we plan to use ubiquitous technologies to provide cost-efficient yet reliable methods to support patients’ recovery from COVID-19 or other lung diseases. Lung function assessment and diaphragmatic breathing exercise are essential for the recovery of COVID-19 according to public health research and guidelines. However, the traditional ways of conducting the above activities are expensive and labor-intensive. Therefore, in this research, we seek to use ubiquitous mobile devices to enable the above tasks. Specifically, we use earphones to support spirometry - the widely adopted lung function assessment method, and we use smartspeakers to support diaphragmatic breath monitoring.
A traditional spirometry test requires a subject to expire and inspire forcefully during which time, a spirometer measures the speed and volume of the exchanged air. We observe that the airflow speed has a correlation with the airflow sound collected by an earphone. Therefore, we can model the relationship between these two analytically or by data-driven approach. In this way, spirometry can be fully supported by using only an earphone.
Diaphragmatic is an effective pulmonary rehabilitation method. People are required to actively pull down the diaphragm towards abdomen during diaphragmatic breathing exercises. This exercise results in unique body movement characteristics, which can be captured and distinguished by sonar radar. Therefore, we can build a smartspeaker-based monitor system to track the diaphragmatic breathing exercise.
