ABSTRACT

Title:

Bro-tector: A Microcontroller based Bronchitis Detector by

Coughing and Breathing Sound Frequency Analysis

Researchers:

Abanilla, Ibraham F.
Bayani, Joseph Kemuel M.
Bukas, Mark Joseph V.
Duran, Gary M.
Tuazon, Ma. Angelica I.

Degree:

Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communication

Engineering

School:

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Date:
Adviser:

Engr. Alexander S. Carrascal

Chronic Bronchitis is a COPD and it is one of the countrys leading

causes of death, which is caused by the smoking habits of the people, factory

chemicals and also the air pollution present in the country. To avoid serious
respiratory problems or heart failure, detection of this disease is desired.

The aim of this study is to investigate and identify the frequencies of

breathing and cough sound produced by persons with bronchitis and compare
it to persons without. And by using the gathered data to make a device
purposed to detect bronchitis, the Bro-tector.

Data for this study were collected from people of different types, with and
without bronchitis, male and female, and etc. Through the use of a modified
stethoscope and a customized microphone which are directly connected to a
laptop for the purpose of storing the sound samples. Fast Fourier Transform
(FFT) is used for the graphical representation of breathing and cough sounds
that will visually identify the frequencies of sound while breathing and to
visually recognize the difference between the frequencies of cough sounds, then
the gathered results are inputted to the microcontroller for determining whether
the person being tested is positive or negative to bronchitis. Experiments and
testing are made to ensure the efficiency and reliability of the device.

On the basis of the results of this research, it can be concluded that

frequencies from breathing and coughing of persons with bronchitis are higher

that to those without. This study hopes to offer contribution in the Biomedical
Engineering Research and improving the diagnosis of Bronchitis.

Keywords: Biomedical Engineering, Breathing, Bronchitis, Bro-tector, COPD,

Cough, Device, Wheezing