MULTI-CHANNEL VENTILATION MONITOR AND METHOD

The ventilation monitor of this invention includes a plurality of discrete sensors and a plurality of independent channels for processing the input signals from each of the discrete sensors. The principle category of sensor used in conjunction with this ventilation monitor is capable of the reception of information associated with breathing and cardiovascular movement. A second category of the sensor used in conjunction with this ventilation monitor is capable of the reception of audible sounds associated with breathing. Each of the individual input signals from these sensors is initially verified as being indicative of the sensation being monitored and, thereafter, compared in real time with one another and criteria stored within a microprocessor. The purpose of the comparison is to verify a normal breathing pattern and signal an alarm when the breathing pattern is abnormal. The ventilation monitor is also provided with means to dynamically adjust the gain and frequency response of each channel to accommodate changes in the monitored subject's position and physiological states.