WO2016071884A1

WO2016071884A1 - Digital stethoscope for real-time electronic transfer of acoustic medical data

Info

Publication number: WO2016071884A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/058597
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shariq KHOJA; Saad ABDULLAH; Saad Ahmed KHAN; Hafiz Imtiaz AHMED
Original assignee: Tech4Life Enterprises Canada, Inc.
Priority date: 2014-11-07
Filing date: 2015-11-06
Publication date: 2016-05-12

Abstract

Embodiments are generally directed to a Digital Stethoscope for real-time electronic transfer of acoustic medical data. An embodiment of a digital stethoscope includes a chest piece including a diaphragm; a microphone; and one or more chassis units coupled with the chest piece to receive an analog audio input signal from the microphone. The one or more chassis units include an input for the audio input signal, one or more amplifiers to amplify the audio input signal and generate one or more analog output signals, a potentiometer to control gain of signal output for the digital stethoscope, a first output for a headphone connection, and a second output for connection to an external device or system.

Description

DIGITAL STETHOSCOPE FOR REAL-TIME ELECTRONIC

TRANSFER OF ACOUSTIC MEDICAL DATA

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0002] This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/076,905, filed November 7, 2014, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Embodiments relate to medical instruments. More particularly, embodiments relate to a digital stethoscope for real-time electronic transfer of acoustic medical data.

BACKGROUND

[0004] The stethoscope remains an extremely important tool for medical care, allowing medical personnel immediate access to internal sounds of the bodies of human and animal patients, which is essential the diagnosis of number conditions related to the heart, lungs, and other organs. A stethoscope is utilized by physicians and other healthcare providers for auscultation, or listening to sounds produced by the body. A stethoscope is used primarily to listen to the lungs, heart, and intestinal tract. It is further used to listen to blood flow in peripheral vessels and the heart sounds of developing fetuses in pregnant women. Stethoscopes include electronic stethoscopes.

[0005] However, access to the acoustic information generated by a stethoscope is generally only available to the present treating medical personnel, and thus this information is not fully utilized for medical care.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The following description includes discussion of figures having illustrations given by way of example of implementations of embodiments of the invention. The drawings should be understood by way of example, and not by way of limitation. As used herein, references to one or more "embodiments" are to be understood as describing a particular feature, structure, or characteristic included in at least one implementation of the invention. Thus, phrases such as "in one embodiment" or "in an alternate embodiment" appearing herein describe various embodiments and implementations of the invention, and do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. However, they are also not necessarily mutually exclusive.

[0007] Figure 1 illustrates a Digital Stethoscope according to embodiment;

[0008] Figure 2 illustrates signal transmission use a Digital Stethoscope according to an embodiment;

[0009] Figure 3 is a flowchart to illustrate a process for operation of a Digital Stethoscope;

[0010] Figures 4A-4D illustrate elements of a Digital Stethoscope according to an embodiment;

[0011] Figures 5A-5D illustrate connections for a Digital Stethoscope according to an embodiment; and

[0012] Figure 6 illustrates an apparatus or system, which may be referred to as a local system or device, to operate cooperatively with a Digital Stethoscope according to an embodiment.

[0013] Descriptions of certain details and implementations follow, including a description of the figures, which may depict some or all of the embodiments described below, as well as discussing other potential embodiments or implementations of the inventive concepts presented herein. An overview of embodiments of the invention is provided below, followed by a more detailed description with reference to the drawings.

DESCRIPTION

[0014] Embodiments provide for a Digital Stethoscope for real-time electronic transfer of acoustic medical data.

[0015] As used herein, "stethoscope" refers to an instrument for a user to hear internal sounds, which commonly are for use by medical personnel for hearing internal sounds in medical diagnosis.

[0016] Medical care is often scarce in remote areas, particularly in emergency situations, and there may be very few physicians to assist in diagnosis of patients. In some embodiments, a Digital Stethoscope (which may also be referred to as an eSteth™) is operable to provide real-time electronic transfer of acoustic medical data, including providing data for telemedicine activity through the electronic transfer of the data. [0017] In some embodiments, a Digital Stethoscope may be utilized in the examination of a during a Telemedicine consultation between a local attending healthcare provider (such as a physician, physician assistant, nurse, emergency medical technician, or other healthcare provider) and a remote healthcare provider (including a cardio or pulmonary specialist). In some embodiments, the Digital Stethoscope serves as an electronic platform for a computer aided diagnostic tool for the detection of pulmonary or cardiac illnesses by the remote healthcare provider at a remote end of a communication link between the attending healthcare provider and the remote healthcare provider. In some embodiments, a Digital Stethoscope amplifies, plays, and records acoustic signals such as heart signals in real time. This can be used to assist physicians in analyzing cardiac signals and record those during auscultation to reduce the risk of missing certain conditions.

[0018] Conventional devices that are available may be operable capture sound for diagnosis, but such devices require specialized software and equipment to allow for telemedicine operation. In some embodiments, a digital stethoscope provides for immediate diagnosis and telemedicine operation to other devices without requiring specialized software and equipment.

[0019] In some embodiments, a Digital Stethoscope provides for transmission of digital quality sounds through any web-based telemedicine or communication software; plug and play capability without requiring any driver, software installation, or static IP (Internet Protocol) connectivity; operations in low resource setting because of low cost and low bandwidth requirements and a mobile connectivity option for ease of access to remove medical care.

[0020] In some embodiments, the digital stethoscope includes analog circuitry for signal handling, including, for example, use of a potentiometer for gain control signal strength and analog signal filtering to assist in signal transfer in a live connection for diagnosis. In some embodiments, the modified audio signal can be transferred in live operation without requiring specialized software or dependence on a particular platform. The digital stethoscope may be connected to a remote medical provider through any mobile phone, satellite phone, computer phone link (such as Skype™ or other provider), without significant knowledge of computer devices being required for the stethoscope operator.

[0021] In some embodiments, the digital stethoscope detects an analog audio signal, and utilizes analog circuitry and gain to transmit a modified sound through the system without requiring operation of a microcontroller or digital signal processing. Further, the simplified electronics and controls allow for a tough and durable structure for harsh environments, with normal maintenance being limited to battery replacement. [0022] In this manner, digital stethoscope may be utilized by medical personal in remote locations to provide access to sophisticated medical diagnosis without requiring any further specialized equipment or advanced facilities at the treatment location. Further, such operation may be provided at low cost with simple operational processes that require minimal additional training. At the same time, the digital stethoscope operates as a stand-alone device for healthcare providers to provide on location diagnosis in the same manner as a traditional stethoscope, while providing improved sound quality for diagnosis purposes.

[0023] In some embodiments, a digital stethoscope may be constructed in varying model, such as simpler model that includes reduced features and controls at a reduced cost (such as for use by health care providers without significant training, who may be required to rely on telemedicine consultation for diagnosis) and a more advanced model (which may be referred to as a professional model) that includes additional features and controls (such as for use by a physician who can made use of additional data to assist in immediate diagnosis).

[0024] In some embodiments, a digital stethoscope allows for real time transmission of audio medical data without requiring storage, or providing the data output for storage on any recording device utilizing an analog (microphone) input. In certain implementations, the digital stethoscope may further provide for recording of data to an optional internal storage within the device (such as storage to a common memory card or other medium), or the output of the data may be externally stored for later transmission.

[0025] In some embodiments, a digital stethoscope may be operated with minimal controls, which may be limited to an on/off switch and potentiometer (which may include a digital potentiometer that includes, for example, one or more volume control buttons, such as capacitive touch buttons, to control a volume level). In some implementations, the digital stethoscope may include an optional output display to provide device status. In some implementation, the digital stethoscope may further include one or more controls for an optional internal storage for recording of audio signals.

[0026] In some embodiments, a Digital Stethoscope includes, but is not limited to, the following main components:

(a) Chest piece; and

(b) One or more chassis units, which in some implementations may include a single circuit box.

[0027] In some embodiments, a Digital Stethoscope system further includes the following components:

(c) Audio leads; (d) Headphone; and

(e) Local communication system or device, which may include a computing device.

[0028] In some embodiments, the components of a Digital Stethoscope and related system include, but are not limited to, the following:

[0029] Audio Leads - Stereo audio leads (or cables) transmit sound in stereo format, provide a natural surround sound experience for a listener. In some embodiments, the audio leads are ready to use once each end is connected to its respective audio port on a compatible device.

[0030] Chest Piece - A chest piece is an element that is operable to acquire sounds in an operational environment, transfer the acquired sounds to a microphone, and convert sound waves of the acquired sound with the microphone into an input signal voltage. In some embodiments, the microphone may be contained in the chassis, with sound provided to the microphone by an acoustic tube. In some embodiments, the chest piece includes, but is not limited, a stethoscope head, and in certain implementations may further include an encapsulated microphone. In some embodiments:

[0031] (a) Stethoscope Head: In some embodiments, the stethoscope head (which may be referred to simply as the head) includes a diaphragm in a front portion and a base for holding by a user in a back portion. In some implementations, the head is primarily made of plastic, but embodiments are not limited to this material. In an embodiment in which the head includes a microphone, the head includes a small aperture (or hole) of a certain diameter, such as six millimeters, in the back portion designed to fit the microphone.

[0032] In an embodiment in which the head includes an encapsulated microphone, the microphone may be kept in place by, for example, a layer of silicone gel or other similar material, but embodiments are not limited to this structure. The diaphragm may be particularly chosen for the functions of amplifying heart and lung sounds electronically using a microphone input.

[0033] In a particular implementation, a simple film such as a shrink film (e.g., Duck Crystal Clear Shrink Film) may be placed over the open side of the head and shrunk until the film is tight, thus producing similar effects on an electronic stethoscope as would be produced by a conventional diaphragm in a standard stethoscope. In some embodiments, in order to further increase the amplification and filtering through the head, a seal, such as a layer of silicone gel, is installed on the rim of the head on top of the new diaphragm. The purpose of silicon seal is to create a type of seal against the patient' s skin to avoid the escape of sounds and to reduce external acoustic interference. However, embodiments are not limited to this implementation, and may include other construction and materials.

[0034] (b) Microphone: In some embodiments, a Digital Stethoscope includes an electronic condenser microphone, wherein the microphone may contained in the chassis of the apparatus or may be contained in the stethoscope head. The microphone works as a capacitor (the diaphragm acting as one plate of the capacitor) to convert acoustic energy into an electrical signal by variation of the distance between the plates of the capacitor. Condenser microphones require an external power source, which is provided through the circuit box of the Digital Stethoscope. The external power source allows the microphone to produce a higher output. Due to the relatively small size of the aperture (diameter of six millimeters), the microphone can produce high quality sounds in the stethoscope head. In some embodiments, the microphone is situated in the stethoscope head, with wires connecting microphone to the circuit box. In other embodiments, the microphone is alternatively situated in the chassis of the stethoscope. The microphone is, for example, able to detect sound frequency as low as 20 Hz and as high as 10 kHz. Due to their sensitivity to sound and good frequency response, the condenser microphone is well suited for a digital stethoscope.

[0035] Headphones - Headphones (which are intended to include earphones or other similar audio systems) feed the sound from the Digital Stethoscope directly to the ears of a user of the Digital Stethoscope. Any good quality headphone may be used with the Digital Stethoscope.

[0036] One or more Chassis Units (Circuit Box) - One or more chassis units may in some implementations be a single circuit box (which may also be referred to as the chassis or main unit) of the Digital Stethoscope, where the circuit box includes, but is not limited to, the following components:

[0037] (a) Input jack: In an embodiment in which the microphone is contained in the stethoscope head, an input jack provides an input for the input signal received from the chest piece as generated by the microphone. In other embodiments in which the microphone is contained in the circuit box, the chassis may instead include an acoustic connection to a stethoscope tube connected to the stethoscope head.

[0038] (b) Audio jack: The audio jack provides an output for headphones for use by a user, such as an attending healthcare provider. The audio jack provides a high level abstraction for programmers by removing the audio interface hardware from the programing of their software. It also allows applications to send and receive audio data among each other and with the audio interface. [0039] (c) Output jack: The output jack provides a second output to be directed to a local computing device for transmission to a remote computing system for access by a remote healthcare provider.

[0040] (d) Data port: The chassis may include an additional port for data transfer and charging, such as a micro USB™ (Universal Serial Bus) port.

[0041] (e) Capacitor: A capacitor to separate the AC and DC components of a signal, which is commonly referred to as AC coupling.

[0042] (f) Circuitry: The circuitry may include the following components as separate integrated circuits (IC's) or as portions of a larger circuit (including a system on chip or other combined circuit):

[0043] (i) Pre-Amplifier: The circuitry may include one or more preamplifiers, such as, for example, a TL072 pre-amplifier, a dual low-noise pre-amplifier that operates on low input bias that amplifies and filters the signals. The JFET-input operational amplifiers in the TL072 series offset currents and fast slew rate. The low harmonic distortion and low noise make the TL072 series suited for high fidelity and audio pre-amplifier applications, including the use in the Digital Stethoscope. In some embodiments, the pre-amplifier features JFET inputs for high input impedance.

[0044] (ii) Power Amplifier (s): The circuitry may include one or more power amplifiers such as, for example, a LM386 power amplifier, a power amplifier designed for use in low voltage consumer applications. In a particular implementation, the gain of the amplifier may be internally set to 20, but the overall setting allows the gain of anywhere from 20 to 200.

[0045] In some embodiments, a Class AB amplifier is used to amplify and boost the low frequency sounds detected by the pre-amplifier, as opposed to a Class A power amplifier (utilizing substantially all of an input signal) or B power amplifier (using half of the input signal), which is commonly used in electronic stethoscopes. A downside of a class A amplifier is high power consumption because the active element of the amplifier is always conducting in operation. In comparison with a class A amplifier, a class B amplifier saves power by conducting only half of a cycle, but generally does not do maintain high signal quality. Class AB utilizing two active elements that conduct more than half the time helps dramatically with crossover distortion and saves power as well.

[0046] (iii) Low Pass Filter: In some embodiments, a low pass filter, such as a

Butterworth Filter, may be included to filter the signal. The frequency response of

the Butterworth Filter approximation function is also often referred to as "maximally flat" (no ripples) response, because the pass band is designed to have a frequency response that is as flat as mathematically possible. A filter may be utilized to reduce noise from lower or higher frequencies to convey filtered sound to the output.

[0047] (f) Potentiometer: In some embodiments, the circuit box includes a potentiometer or other similar element to control the signal output of the Digital Stethoscope, where a potentiometer is a resistive device composed including terminals and a voltage divider, and is typically used to control electrical devices. The potentiometer enables the transfer of diagnostic quality sounds to an external device, allowing the live transfer of sound to the external using an audio jack without requiring a controlling software or the recording of sound files. The potentiometer may be, but is not limited to, a digital potentiometer that includes, for example, one or more volume control buttons to control a volume level.

[0048] (g) Internal power source: In some embodiments, the circuit box includes an internal power source to allow easy portability and use, where the power source may include a battery or rechargeable battery. In one implementation, the Digital Stethoscope may be powered by a 9 Volt lithium-ion battery.

[0049] Figure 1 illustrates a Digital Stethoscope according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, a particular implementation includes a main circuit box 100 (which may alternatively include multiple chassis units), wherein the circuit box 100 may include an input jack 130 (for stethoscope signal input) and output jacks 132 (for headphone output and external output) together with the internal circuitry components for the Digital Stethoscope and a chest piece 105, wherein the chest piece includes a microphone for capturing audio, such as sounds that are under a certain frequency. In some embodiments, the circuit box 100 may further include a data port 134, which may include, but is not limited to, a micro USB port ^USB), as illustrated in Figure 1. In some embodiments, the data port 134 may be utilized for transfer of data and device charging, if applicable.

[0050] In some embodiments, the circuit box 100 includes a display 104 for the display of operational information and provision of certain controls. In some embodiments, the operational information controls may vary depending a particular model. In a particular implementation, a simpler model may include minimal information to allow for simple operation, such as indicating on/off status, potentiometer controls, and other basic information. In contrast, a professional model may further include medical information for physician use, such as heart rate and a heart pulse wave form, as well as more detailed operational information, including, but not limited to, such as a battery level status and other operational status information. [0051] In some embodiments, the circuit box 100 receives an acoustic signal (sound) from the chest piece, which is received at a microphone 131 (included within the circuit box 100) that receives the acoustic signal and converts the acoustic signal to an electronic input signal 108. In an alternative embodiment in which the chest piece 105 includes a microphone, an electronic input signal 108 is received from the microphone of the chest piece 105 at an input jack 130. In some embodiments, the input signal 108 may be coupled with a capacitor 110 to block DC components of the signal, with the buffered signal output from the capacitor being amplified by one or more amplifiers, which may include one or more pre-amplifiers and power amplifiers. In some embodiments, the buffered signal is first amplified by a pre-amplifier 115. In some embodiments, a pre-amplified signal may be filtered by a filter 118 and then amplified by one or more power amplifiers 120. In other implementations, a filter element may be located in a different location in the circuit path, or additional filters may be present. In some embodiments, the circuit box 100 further includes an internal power source, such as a battery 125, to allow portability of the unit. While not illustrated, in some embodiments the circuit box may further include a separate power jack to accept external power, such as an input from a DC transformer, to provide an alternative power source. In some embodiments, the battery 125 may also be a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium-ion battery), which may, for example, be charged via the data port 134 or a separate power jack.

[0052] In some embodiments, the circuit box includes a power button 102 to turn on power to and initialize the Digital Stethoscope, and a potentiometer (which may be a digital potentiometer) or other similar element 126 to control the signal output of the Digital

Stethoscope. The controls for the power operation and the potentiometer may include, but are not limited to, one or more capacitive buttons as a part of the display 104. In other

implementations, the circuit box may include a separate power switch, potentiometer control, or both. In some embodiments, a basic model of a digital stethoscope may include minimal controls and operational information, while additional controls and information may be present in a professional model. The potentiometer 126 enables control of the transfer of diagnostic quality sounds to an external device, such as local device system 160, without requiring complex controls. In some embodiments, the circuit box may optionally include an internal data store 128 for the recording of audio data for later transmission or review, including, but not limited to, recording to a common memory card or similar medium. In some embodiments, the internal data store may be accessible via the data port 134 or other port connection, and may further be accessible by the physical removal of a memory card or similar medium, such as the removal of the memory card for reading by a computer. [0053] In some embodiments, the power amplifiers 120 generate a first headphone output signal 140 for headphones 145, which may be used by an attending healthcare provider, and a second output signal 150 to provide to a local system or apparatus 160, which may be, for example, a telephone (including, but not limited to, a smart phone or satellite phone), a personal computer, or a mobile computing device. In some embodiments, the local system or apparatus 160 is utilized to transfer the output signal 150 to a remote computing system 170, such as via a network (which may include the Internet or a traditional public telephone network), such as for use in telemedicine by a remote healthcare provider. In some embodiments, a telemedicine system includes the Digital Stethoscope and the local system or device, which allows for connection with a remote computing system without regard to any particular computing platform.

[0054] In some embodiments, a functional description of the Digital Stethoscope may include, but is not limited to, the following:

[0055] (a) The Digital Stethoscope utilizes the target sounds originated from the vibrations range of 20 Hz - 1 kHz of the stethoscope's thin diaphragm, and the sound waves reverberate through the hollow cavity acts as a mechanical low pass filter, assisting in imitating the original sound of a non-electronic stethoscope.

[0056] (b) Located at one of the ends of the tube/cable (either within the stethoscope head or within the apparatus chassis) is a condenser microphone, which may, for example, be housed in a plastic coupling device. A microphone converts an acoustic waveform consisting of alternating high and low air pressure travelling through the air into a voltage (an electronic signal). The analog electrical signal can be fed into a computer's sound card, where it is amplified and sampled to convert it into a digital waveform for storage or transmission.

[0057] (c) The sound is then sent through a DC blocking capacitor that allows AC to pass but blocks DC signal to protect the transmitter, the receiver, or both from destructive overload events that can happen due to poor power sequencing. The circuit allows the data to pass through pre-amplifier like TL072 dual low-noise pre amplifier which works on low input bias that amplifies the signals.

[0058] (d) The amplified signal is then send to the low-pass filter it reduces the unwanted ripples (noise) and increases the amplified low noise signals.

[0059] (e) The filtered signal is then fed into class AB power amplifier, such as the LM386, which works on low voltage gain and gives maximum output with low distortion. Such amplifier is also compatible for headphone amplification as it offers a nominal gain of 20. [0060] (f) Dual output allows the use of two headphones at a same time by aux to aux (any software) communication.

[0061] (g) By connecting with any communication software, the eSteth Digital Stethoscope allows a multi user teleconsultation with a remote healthcare provider.

[0062] (h) Sound quality may be approximately 102 dB, depending upon the type of headphone used. (Recommended units may include, but are limited to, headphones of A4Tech.)

[0063] (i) Before the signal is routed to the desired audio outputs it is subjected to voltage dampening by a potentiometer (which may be, for example, a digital potentiometer) that acts as a volume control.

[0064] (j) The output is then sent to an amplifying circuit for the headphones, from which sound can be heard. The system is powered by, for example, 9 Volt DC power.

[0065] Figure 2 illustrates signal transmission utilizing a Digital Stethoscope according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, a Digital Stethoscope 210 receives sounds in connection with the care of a patient 220 and converts such sounds to audio signals for listening via headphone by a local healthcare provider 230 and further for transfer to a local system or device 240 (such as a telephone, personal computer, or mobile computing device) in a telemedicine system. In some embodiments, the local system or device 240 is operable to transmit the signal via a network 250 (such as the Internet or a telephone network) to a remote computing device 260 for listening by a remote healthcare provider 270.

[0066] Figure 3 is a flowchart to illustrate a process for operation of a Digital Stethoscope. In some embodiments, upon the operation of the Digital Stethoscope being initiated 310, such as by powering on the device, the Digital Stethoscope receives an acoustic signal (sound) 320 such as internal sounds from the medical evaluation of a patient, and convert the sounds to an input signal utilizing a microphone 330.

[0067] In some embodiments, the Digital Stethoscope amplifies the input signal 340 (which may include, for example, pre-amplification, filtering, and power amplification) and generates a headphone output signal, such as for use by a local attending healthcare provider, and an output signal for transmission to a remote healthcare provider 350 in a telemedicine system. Generating the output signals may include controlling a gain of such signals using a

potentiometer (such as via potentiometer 126 illustrated in Figure 1).

[0068] Figures 4A-4D illustrate certain elements of a Digital Stethoscope according to an embodiment as follows:

[0069] Figure 4A provides a top view of a Digital Stethoscope 400 according to an embodiment. In this illustration, the Digital Stethoscope includes a cover 405 designed to accommodate the elements of the apparatus and provide for ease of usage, such as the illustrated curved cover 405. In some embodiments, the cover 405 includes a display window 410 for display of operational information and provision of certain controls, such as providing capacitive switches for certain controls. In a particular implementation the cover 405 may include a rounded display window 410 as illustrated in Figure 4A, but embodiments are not limited to any particular display design. In some embodiments, the Digital Stethoscope 400 includes a tube 415 for connection to a chest piece. Figure 4A provides dimensions of the cover 405 and display window 410 for illustration, but embodiments are not limited to any particular dimensions.

[0070] Figure 4B provides an exploded side view of the Digital Stethoscope 400 according to an embodiment, including a first (top) cover portion 406 and a second (bottom) cover portion 407. In this illustration, the apparatus includes a curved display window 405 in the first cover portion 406.

[0071] In some embodiments, the internal components of the stethoscope 400 include a printed circuit board (PCB) 420 to contain electronic components, a micro-USB port (or other data port) 425 for data transfer, battery charging, or both. Also illustrated is a battery 430, which be a type of battery suitable for a mobile device, including, but not limited to, a lithium-ion battery.

[0072] Figure 4C illustrates a side view of a Digital Stethoscope 400 according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the Digital Stethoscope 400 includes an audio port 435 for the connection of headphones to the apparatus; a capacitive switch for a digital potentiometer 440; a microphone 445 to convert sounds from a chest piece to an electronic signal; a battery 450 such as a lithium-ion battery to power the operation of the Digital Stethoscope; and a data connector 455 to access data from the Digital Stethoscope 400.

[0073] Figure 4D provides an exploded side view from an alternate angle of the Digital Stethoscope 400 according to an embodiment, including a first (top) cover portion 406 and a second (bottom) cover portion 407. In this illustration, the apparatus includes a curved display window 405 in the first cover portion 406, wherein the cover 405 is shaped in a curved fashion to accommodate the elements of the apparatus. In some embodiments, the PCB 420 may be shaped as an oval as illustrated to hold components within the curved cover 405. Also illustrated are the batter 450; the microphone 445 as incorporated in the chassis of the apparatus; and a tube 415 for connection with a chest piece to provide sound to the microphone 445.

[0074] In some embodiments, the internal components of the stethoscope 400 include a printed circuit board (PCB) 420 to contain electronic components, a micro-USB port (or other data port) 425 for data transfer, battery charging, or both. Also illustrated is a battery 430, which be any type of battery suitable for a mobile device, including, but not limited to, a lithium-ion battery.

[0075] In some embodiments, a Digital Stethoscope (illustrated in Figures 5A-5D in a different physical form than the model illustrated in Figures 4A-4D) may be connected as follows:

[0076] (1) Figure 5A: Connection of the chest piece 510 to the Digital Stethoscope by inserting the cable end 515 into an input jack in the circuit box 520 of the Digital Stethoscope. This connection allows the device to capture sounds from a patient and process such sounds before transferring such sounds to a local or remote health provided. In some embodiments, the chest piece 510 contains a microphone (with an electrical connection between the chest piece 510 and the circuit 520), while in other embodiments, the circuit box 520 contains a microphone (with an acoustic connection between the chest piece 510 and the circuit 520).

[0077] (2) Figure 5B: Connection of a first end 530 of an audio lead into a communication system or device 570, such as a personal computer, mobile phone, or other system or device, and the second end 535 of the audio lead to an output jack of the circuit box 520 of the Digital Stethoscope. The connection to the communication device 570 allows sharing of acoustic data, such as the sound of a heartbeat, with a remote listener, such as a remote physician or other healthcare provider.

[0078] (3) Figure 5C: Installation of headphones 540 to enable a local user, such as an attending physician, to hear the sounds from a patient at a same time as the sounds are provided to the remote physician. Installation may be performed by connecting the headphones 540 with an audio output jack 545 provided on the Digital Stethoscope circuit box 520.

[0079] (4) Figure 5D: The Digital Stethoscope may be initialized by pressing a power button 550 in the circuit box 520. While the power switch 550 is illustrated as a physical switch in Figure 5D, embodiments are not limited to any particular type of power switch.

[0080] In some embodiments, a usage of the Digital Stethoscope may be summarized as follows:

[0081] (1) An attending healthcare provider connects the eSteth Digital Stethoscope with the local computing system and places the diaphragm of the head of the stethoscope on patient's body.

[0082] (2) The attending healthcare provider pushes the power button on the Digital Stethoscope to power the device and start transmitting the acoustic signal data to a remote healthcare provider. [0083] (3) The remote healthcare provider at the remote hub end (away from the patient) can hear the transmitted sounds by just connecting headphones to the remote system.

[0084] (4) The process allows easy consultation through communication software and thus compatible with all telemedicine consultation.

[0085] Figure 6 illustrates a communication device or system, which may be referred to generally as a local device, to operate cooperatively with a Digital Stethoscope according to an embodiment. In this illustration, certain standard and well-known components that are not germane to the present description are not shown. Elements shown as separate elements may be combined, including, for example, an SoC (System on Chip) combining multiple elements on a single chip.

[0086] In some embodiments, a local device 600 may be a personal computer, mobile telephone, mobile electronic device, or other system or device that may work cooperatively with a Digital Stethoscope 670. The Digital Stethoscope 670 may be as illustrated in Figure 1. In some embodiments, the local device 600 may operate to receive data from a first output of the Digital Stethoscope 670, which also may provide a second output signal for headphone use 675. In some embodiments, the local device 600 further provide a data output to a remote computing device 680 , such as an signal output for telemedicine or other similar purpose. The local device may further include computing capability, such as the ability to provide certain processing of audio signals received from the Digital Stethoscope.

[0087] Under some embodiments, the local communication device 600 includes an interconnect or crossbar 605 or other communication means for transmission of data. The interconnect 605 is illustrated as a single interconnect for simplicity, but may represent multiple different interconnects or buses and the component connections to such interconnects may vary. The interconnect 605 shown in Figure 6 is an abstraction that represents any one or more separate physical buses, point-to-point connections, or both connected by appropriate bridges, adapters, or controllers.

[0088] The local device 600 may include a processing means such as the one or more processors 610 coupled to the interconnect 605 for processing information. The processors 610 may comprise one or more physical processors and one or more logical processors.

[0089] In some embodiments, the local device 600 includes one or more transmitters or receivers 640 coupled to the interconnect 605. In some embodiments, the local device 600 may include one or more antennas 642 for the transmission and reception of data via wireless communication. In some embodiments, the local device 600 includes one or more ports 645 for the transmission and reception of data via wired communications. In some embodiments, the data that is transmitted and received includes data transmitted to and received from a remote computing device 680, such as via a network including, but not limited to, the Internet or a traditional public telephone network.

[0090] In some embodiments, the local device 600 further comprises a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device or element as a main memory 615 for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processors 610. The local device 600 may include one or more non-volatile memory elements 625, including, for example, flash memory, for the storage of certain elements. The local computing device 600 also may comprise a read only memory (ROM) 630 or other static storage device for storing static information and instructions for the processors 670, and data storage 635, such as a solid state drive, for the storage of data. In some embodiments, memory of the local device 600, such as the non-volatile memory 635 or data storage 635, may include storage of signal data received from the Digital Stethoscope 670.

[0091] In some embodiments, the local device 600 includes one or more input devices 650 for the input of data, including hard and soft buttons, a joy stick, a mouse or other pointing device, a voice command system, or a gesture recognition system. In some

embodiments, the local device 600 includes an output display 655, where the display 655 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) or any other display technology, for displaying information or content to a user. In some environments, the display 655 may include a touchscreen that is also utilized as at least a part of an input device 650. In some embodiments, the display 655 is used in conjunction with telemedicine functions.

[0092] The local computing device 600 may also comprise a battery or other power source 660, which may include a solar cell, a fuel cell, a charged capacitor, near field inductive coupling, or other system or device for providing or generating power in an external apparatus. The power provided by the power source 660 may be distributed as required to elements of the local computing device 600.

[0093] Any of the above embodiments may be used alone or together with one another in any combination. Embodiments encompassed within this specification may also include embodiments that are only partially mentioned or alluded to or are not mentioned or alluded to at all in this brief summary or in the abstract. Although various embodiments may have been motivated by various deficiencies with the prior art, which may be discussed or alluded to in one or more places in the specification, the embodiments do not necessarily address any of these deficiencies. In other words, different embodiments may address different deficiencies that may be discussed in the specification. Some embodiments may only partially address some deficiencies or just one deficiency that may be discussed in the specification, and some embodiments may not address any of these deficiencies.

[0094] While one or more implementations have been described by way of example and in terms of the specific embodiments, it is to be understood that one or more

implementations are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements as would be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive.

[0095] In the description above, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that embodiments may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form. There may be intermediate structure between illustrated components. The components described or illustrated herein may have additional inputs or outputs that are not illustrated or described.

[0096] Various embodiments may include various processes. These processes may be performed by hardware components or may be embodied in computer program or machine- executable instructions, which may be used to cause a general-purpose or special-purpose processor or logic circuits programmed with the instructions to perform the processes.

Alternatively, the processes may be performed by a combination of hardware and software.

[0097] Portions of various embodiments may be provided as a computer program product, which may include a computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer program instructions, which may be used to program a computer (or other electronic devices) for execution by one or more processors to perform a process according to certain embodiments. The computer-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, magnetic disks, optical disks, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), and magneto-optical disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnet or optical cards, flash memory, or other type of computer-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. Moreover, embodiments may also be downloaded as a computer program product, wherein the program may be transferred from a remote computer to a requesting computer.

[0098] Many of the methods are described in their most basic form, but processes can be added to or deleted from any of the methods and information can be added or subtracted from any of the described messages without departing from the basic scope of the present

embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many further modifications and adaptations can be made. The particular embodiments are not provided to limit the concept but to illustrate it. The scope of the embodiments is not to be determined by the specific examples provided above but only by the claims below.

[0099] If it is said that an element "A" is coupled to or with element "B," element A may be directly coupled to element B or be indirectly coupled through, for example, element C. When the specification or claims state that a component, feature, structure, process, or characteristic A "causes" a component, feature, structure, process, or characteristic B, it means that "A" is at least a partial cause of "B" but that there may also be at least one other component, feature, structure, process, or characteristic that assists in causing "B." If the specification indicates that a component, feature, structure, process, or characteristic "may", "might", or "could" be included, that particular component, feature, structure, process, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to "a" or "an" element, this does not mean there is only one of the described elements.

[00100] An embodiment is an implementation or example. Reference in the specification to "an embodiment," "one embodiment," "some embodiments," or "other embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments. The various appearances of "an embodiment," "one embodiment," or "some embodiments" are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments. It should be appreciated that in the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various novel aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, novel aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims are hereby expressly incorporated into this description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A digital stethoscope comprising:

a chest piece including a diaphragm;

a microphone; and

one or more chassis units coupled with the chest piece to receive an analog audio input signal from the microphone, the one or more chassis units including:

an input for the audio input signal,

one or more amplifiers to amplify the audio input signal and generate one or more analog output signals,

a potentiometer to control gain of signal output for the digital stethoscope, a first output for a headphone connection, and

a second output for connection to an external device or system.

2. The digital stethoscope of claim 1, wherein the one or more amplifiers include:

one or more pre-amplifiers to amplify the input signal; and

one or more power amplifiers to amplify a pre-amplified signal to generate one or more output signals.

3. The digital stethoscope of claim 2, comprising a filter to filter the input signal.

4. The digital stethoscope of claim 3, wherein the filter receives the input signal from the one or more pre-amplifiers and provides a filtered signal to the one or more power amplifiers.

5. The digital stethoscope of claim 1, comprising an internal storage to record an audio signal.

6. The digital stethoscope of claim 1, further comprising a battery power source and a power switch to switch power for the digital stethoscope on and off.

7. The digital stethoscope of claim 1, wherein the one or more chassis units comprise a single circuit box.

8. The digital stethoscope of claim 1, wherein the microphone is included in the one or more chassis units.

9. The digital stethoscope of claim 1, wherein the microphone is contained in the chest piece.

10. The digital stethoscope of claim 1, wherein the potentiometer is a digital potentiometer.

11. A telemedicine system comprising:

a digital stethoscope including a first output for a headphone connection and a second output for an external analog signal; and

a local device or system to receive the external analog signal, generate a signal for transmission based on the external analog signal, and transmit the generated data;

wherein the digital stethoscope further includes;

a chest piece including a diaphragm,

a microphone to convert sounds to electronic signals, and

an input to receive audio from the chest piece,

a potentiometer to control gain of signal output for the digital stethoscope, and jacks for the first output and second output.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the one or more amplifiers include:

one or more pre-amplifiers to amplify the input signal; and

13. The system of claim 11, comprising a filter to filter the input signal.

14. The system of claim 13, comprising an internal storage for the digital stethoscope to record an audio signal.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein the local device or system is one of a telephone, a personal computer, or a mobile computing device.

16. The system of claim 11, wherein the local device or system includes a network connection for a network, the local device or system to transmit the generated signal on the network connection to a remote telemedicine system.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the network is one of the Internet or a telephone network.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the local device or system is further to receive signals from the remote telemedicine computing system via the network.

19. The system of claim 11, wherein the microphone is included in one or more chassis units of the digital stethoscope.

20. The system of claim 11 , wherein the microphone is contained in the chest piece of the digital stethoscope.

21. The system of claim 11, wherein the potentiometer is a digital potentiometer.

22. A method comprising:

receiving an acoustic signal at a digital stethoscope;

converting the audio signal into an analog input signal;

amplifying the audio input signal;

generating an analog output signal

providing the output signal for a headphone connection, and

providing the output signal for connection to a local device or system.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein amplifying the analog input signal includes:

providing pre-amplification of the input signal; and

providing power amplification to generate the analog output signal.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising providing analog filtering of the input signal.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein the local device or system is one of a telephone, a personal computer, or a mobile computing device.

26. The method of claim 22, wherein the local device or system is to generate data based on the output signal and provide the data to a remote computing system via a network.