AUTOMATED SOLUTIONS OF BREATHING PATTERN OPTIMIZATIONS

A numerical procedure which allows the convenient exploration of vario us optimization hypotheses of breathing pattern regulation is describe d. The method is based on the calculus of variations and uses a novel technique for the automatic evaluation of all required derivatives. Ad vantages of this approach include: exact calculation of all derivative s, parsimonious computer code, and speed of execution. By eliminating the need for hand calculation of derivatives, a major reduction was ma de in the tedium involved in exploring various optimization strategies . Examples are presented of determining the optimal breathing pattern characteristics for minimum work or force (pressure) required for brea thing, based on linear and nonlinear models of respiratory mechanics. The developed procedure can be used to predict the optimal volume-time trajectory and breathing frequency which minimizes a criterion functi on subject to constraints.