Blow2bit smartphone-based spirometry application
Blow2Bit transforms smartphones into portable spirometers using audio signal analysis to measure key respiratory parameters. It aims to provide accessible lung diagnostics globally, supporting telehealth by eliminating the need for traditional spirometers.
Overview
Blow2Bit is an innovative smartphone-based application designed to transform ordinary smartphones into portable spirometers. By using advanced audio signal analysis, Blow2Bit measures critical respiratory parameters such as Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF). This solution addresses the global need for accessible and cost-effective lung function testing, aiming to support telehealth initiatives and improve respiratory care, especially in underserved regions.
Technical specifications
Blow2Bit employs a sophisticated combination of signal processing techniques, including Hilbert transforms, Short-Time Fourier Transforms (STFT), and Linear Predictive Coding (LPC). These techniques are integrated using MATLAB, C++, and Android Studio to ensure accurate analysis of the audio signals captured during forced exhalations. The application includes a cloud-based system for storing unfiltered audio, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the data. The development roadmap includes the creation of dedicated apps for both patients and clinicians, available on Android and iOS platforms. Real-time feedback and user-friendly interfaces are integral parts of the design.
Technology readiness level
Blow2Bit is currently at Technology Readiness Level 5, indicating that the technology has been validated in a relevant environment. The next steps involve further clinical validation, FDA approval processes, and eventual commercialization. The development team is focused on mitigating risks such as device variability and regulatory delays through adaptive algorithms and proactive compliance strategies.
About University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
UNC–Chapel Hill is a comprehensive public research university and the state’s flagship, pairing broad academic depth with a major academic health system. Industry partners access co‑located core facilities, sponsored research, and an on‑campus innovation hub that connects companies to faculty and advanced instrumentation. Integration with a major hospital system and statewide clinics enables patient access, clinical trials, and real‑world evidence collaborations. Minutes from Research Triangle Park, the university works within a dense corporate R&D ecosystem. Research is supported by strong competitive federal funding, including NIH and NSF, and a dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP, licensing, MTAs, and startup formation.
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