WO2016116917A1 - A handheld stethoscope device for remote communication and method thereof - Google Patents

A handheld stethoscope device for remote communication and method thereof Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016116917A1
WO2016116917A1 PCT/IL2015/050919 IL2015050919W WO2016116917A1 WO 2016116917 A1 WO2016116917 A1 WO 2016116917A1 IL 2015050919 W IL2015050919 W IL 2015050919W WO 2016116917 A1 WO2016116917 A1 WO 2016116917A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
patient
stethoscope device
signals
handheld
sounds
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2015/050919
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Amir Shahar
Original Assignee
Doc@Home Ltd
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of WO2016116917A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016116917A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/08—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B7/00—Instruments for auscultation
    • A61B7/02—Stethoscopes
    • A61B7/04—Electric stethoscopes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2562/00—Details of sensors; Constructional details of sensor housings or probes; Accessories for sensors
    • A61B2562/02—Details of sensors specially adapted for in-vivo measurements
    • A61B2562/0204—Acoustic sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/0002—Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network
    • A61B5/0015—Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network characterised by features of the telemetry system
    • A61B5/0022—Monitoring a patient using a global network, e.g. telephone networks, internet
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/72—Signal processing specially adapted for physiological signals or for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/7203—Signal processing specially adapted for physiological signals or for diagnostic purposes for noise prevention, reduction or removal

Definitions

  • the present invention pertains to a device and system for collecting home -generated measurements and communicating them remotely. More particular the present invention provides a portable handheld stethoscope device configured for remote diagnosis of sensed auscultation which can then be amplified and wirelessly transmitted to at least one communication unit.
  • US Pat No. 4428381 includes a monitoring device through which it is possible to observe the functioning of a prosthetic heart valve.
  • the diagnosis of the respiration system and sounds can be carried out with the use of a device described in US Pat No. 3990435.
  • a device and method for use in the analysis of heart indication sounds is described in the PCT patent WO 92/03094.
  • US Pat No. 5025809 describes a recording digital stethoscope, which combines a series of features found in the traditional stethoscope and the registering stethoscope.
  • the chest piece of the stethoscope is connected to a tubular pipe which leads the traditional standing air to the case and ear-pieces connected to the end of the tube so that listening of the sounds is done in a traditional acoustic manner.
  • the problem concerning this invention is the fact that the chest piece and the case containing the electronic system are separate, which makes the device extremely difficult to use.
  • the field of transferring medical information via technological means comprises variety of solutions enabling measuring and collecting physical data of a known patient, either by a several steps or as automatically and further delivers the collected physical data to a computerized or human operated center.
  • a closer observation of the previous solutions presents a surprising notion that none of the inventions take the convenient use of the device into account. This applies especially in sound registering situations.
  • a housing portion operatively connected to the hollow barrel portion comprising at least one amplifier for amplifying samples of the auscultator signals; at least one filter circuit means for filtering out background noise and frequency interference; the filter is interfaced with the amplifier; a digital signal processing unit (DSP) for transmitting at least one signal; and a wireless communication means; wherein the barrel is configured to activate the microphone and amplifier by a single push on the spring operatively connected to a micro switch when urged against a body region of a patient ; the DSP is configured to transmit samples of the ausculatory signals via the wireless communication means to at least one remote communication unit.
  • DSP digital signal processing unit
  • the housing portion is fist sized and shaped for grasping by one user hand. It is within the scope of the invention to provide the device as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the housing further comprising a USB connection.
  • the home -generated measurements constitutes a physical examination by the patient or administered by non-medically trained person in physical proximity to the patient the person selected from the group consisting of a relative, a friend, a neighbor, or another non medically trained subject.
  • the DSP additionally comprises instructions for implementing a ranking mechanism for ranking patient's and data of the home -generated measurements according to at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of patient's age, gender, race, emotional condition, physical condition, health condition, known patient and a combination thereof.
  • the device as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the home generated measurements are classified and transmitted by the DSP according to a predefined emergency classification of auscultation sound characteristic;
  • the auscultation sound characteristic is selected from the group consisting of character and volume of breath sounds, presence or absence of vocal sounds, pleural friction rubs, ratio of inspiration to expiration and a combination thereof.
  • the character and volume of breath sounds is selected from the group consisting of crackles, rhonchi, wheezes, stridor, decreased breath sounds, Friction rubs or Egophony.
  • the at least one communication unit is configured for transferring, receiving, monitoring and/or processing the signals to a user-end listening and displaying the device.
  • the housing shape is selected from the group consisting of : spherical, round ,fist-shape ball, tubular, cylinder, roll, annular, arced ,arched, arci-form , bent , bowed bulbous ,circular , coiled , curled , curved , curvilinear , cylindrical , discoid , disk-shaped domical , egg-shaped , elliptical , globoid , globose , globular , looped , orbed , orbicular, orbiculate , oval , ringed , rotund , rounded , spherical , spheroid , spiral , circular , convex , globular , orbicular , oval rotund , ball-shaped and a combination thereof.
  • the body region is selected from the group consisting of chest, throat, respiratory system, skin, heart, abdomen, dorsum, hand, leg and any combination thereof.
  • the communication unit is selected from the group consisting of a tablet, a kiosk, a CPU, a smart phone, a telephone, a laptop and any combination thereof.
  • the sounds are bodily sounds selected from the group consisting of lung sound signals, cardiac sound signals, intestines, blood flow, veins, pulmonary sound, digestive sound and a combination thereof.
  • the filter circuit further reduces signal to noise ratio selected from the group consisting of ambient noises, voices, metallic sounds and any combination thereof.
  • the housing portion additionally comprising an audio codec for coding or decoding a digital data stream or analog audio as digital signals of the ausculatory signals.
  • the device as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the home -generated measurements of the patient are collectable, storable and deliverable by demand of a physician. It is within the scope of the invention to provide the device as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the home -generated measurements is collectable, storable and deliverable offline or online.
  • the filter means is configured for filtering out Direct Current (DC) frequency and high frequency interference.
  • DC Direct Current
  • the wireless means comprises a wireless network connection selected from the group consisting of: Bluetooth, antenna, wireless USB, wireless sensor networks, satellite communications, mobile data service, ibeacon, zigbee,GPS and a combination thereof.
  • the microphone is optimized to detect sound in the frequency range of 20 to 3000 Hz, 20 to 2500 Hz, 20 to 2000 Hz, 20 to 1800 Hz, 20 to 1500 Hz, 20 to 1200 Hz, 20 to 1000 Hz or 20 to 800 Hz.
  • a. providing handheld stethoscope device configured for collecting home -generated measurements and communicating them remotely comprising: a hollow barrel portion containing a spring activated microphone for sensing and recording auscultation; and a housing portion operatively connected to the hollow barrel portion, comprising at least one amplifier for amplifying samples of the ausculatory signals; at least one filter circuit means for filtering out background noise and frequency interference; the filter is interfaced with the amplifier; a digital signal processing unit (DSP) for transmitting at least one signal; and a wireless communication means; b. physically contacting the barrel portion with the body region of the patient for real time sensing and recording ausculatory signals;
  • DSP digital signal processing unit
  • the method additionally comprising step of providing the communication unit for transferring, receiving, monitoring and/or processing the signals to a user-end listening and displaying the device.
  • method as mentioned in any of the above, wherein method additionally comprising step of transferring data of the home -generated measurements by demand of a physician.
  • method as mentioned in any of the above, wherein method additionally comprising step of collecting , transferring and storing the home -generated measurements offline or online.
  • the sounds are bodily sounds selected from the group consisting of lung sound signals, cardiac sound signals, intestines, blood flow, veins, pulmonary sound, digestive sound and a combination thereof.
  • the method additionally comprising step of providing the filter circuit for reducing signal to noise ratio selected from the group consisting of ambient noises, voices, metallic sounds and any combination thereof. It is within the scope of the invention to provide the method as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the method additionally comprising step of providing a rechargeable battery.
  • the method additionally comprising step of providing the filter means for filtering out Direct Current (DC)frequency and high frequency interference. It is within the scope of the invention to provide the method as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the method additionally comprising step of providing the wireless means comprising a wireless network connection selected from the group consisting of: Bluetooth, antenna, wireless USB, wireless sensor networks, satellite communications, mobile data service, ibeacon, zigbee,GPS and a combination thereof.
  • a wireless network connection selected from the group consisting of: Bluetooth, antenna, wireless USB, wireless sensor networks, satellite communications, mobile data service, ibeacon, zigbee,GPS and a combination thereof.
  • step of transmitting comprising step of transferring the home generated measurements data to the communication unit via the wireless connection such that the physician receives the home generated measurements according to an emergency classification predefined within the DSP.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates the handheld stethoscope device of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a cross section of the handheld stethoscope device of the present invention
  • Fig. 3 presents a scheme of the remote communication system comprising handheld stethoscope device of the present invention
  • Fig. 4 presents a flow chart of the the remote communication system comprising handheld stethoscope device of the present invention
  • Fig. 5 presents a graph of the power vs. frequency of the breathing system of a healthy person.
  • Fig. 6 presents a graph of the power vs. frequency of the breathing system of a patient.
  • the present invention provides a portable handheld stethoscope device configured for remote diagnosis of sensed auscultation which can be amplified and wirelessly transmitted to at least one communication unit.
  • the present invention further provides a one touch pressable-transmitting stethoscope device, system and method for home use.
  • the features that enable home use include simplicity of activation by a one touch mechanism that can be self-administered or administered by a non-medically trained person such as a relative, friend, neighbor or carer.
  • the auscultation data is collected and transmitted via wireless means such as Bluetooth/Wi-Fi to patient smartphone and further transmits to a server cloud.
  • the physician may further retrieve the auscultation data using a smartphone, iPad or PC computer through internet access for the physician's scrutiny at the physicians sanction and demand.
  • the device facilitates a virtual patient/physician meeting in the sense that the patient can choose when to "visit” the doctor, by activating the device and carrying out a self-examination or assisted examination at home, and the physician can decide when to "attend” the patient by deciding when to view or analyze the offline data.
  • Some patients on the doctor's patient list will be patients that the physician is more concerned about than others and will be ranked and classified according to a ranking system.
  • the handheld stethoscope device further comprises a digital signal processing unit (DSP) comprising a hardware instructions for implementing a ranking system configured for ranking and prioritizing a patient according to at least one of the following: patient's age, gender, race, emotional condition, symptom, a group of symptoms, physical condition, health or medical condition and combination thereof.
  • DSP digital signal processing unit
  • the ranking mechanism further allows the physician to select and prioritized a patient in the system and further perform a medical analysis following patients measurements data stored in the system.
  • the ranking mechanism is further based upon pulmonary auscultation patterns or cardiac auscultation pattern. Abnormal breathing sounds (such as wheezing, crackles, rales, rhonchi, crepitations etc.) or changes of sounds' quality - such as bronchial breathing, might be detected in different medical conditions.
  • the handheld statoscope device is operated by a single action comprising the step of adjusting the diaphragm against the patient's skin, located above the relevant organ and whilst pressing it, the handheld statoscope records and collects the sounds of the measured organ and transmits to a smart phone.
  • the handheld statoscope device enables collecting the self-generated measurements of at least one health or medical characteristic of the patient or patient's medical history data and transferring the data online or offline optionally. Thereby, the physician does not have to be online when the physical measurements are conducted.
  • the offline state may be performed via digital audio technology or via a web browser which instructed to be in either online or offline states.
  • the measurements taking by the user or a patient may be further viewed and heard online and real time by the patient or any other subject upon the screen of the handheld statoscope device or a processor such as a smart phone or the computer screen.
  • the device may further conduct an online conversation of patient-physician. By performing an additional patient- physician conversation the physician gathers additional information about the patient and health just by watching and talking to the patient . For example the physician may further ask questions relating to patient's condition, health and other symptoms.
  • the home-generated measurements may be conducted by the user either autonomously according to predetermined protocols offline or online, guided by a physician, nurse or any other medical trained personal, via in-app video encounter.
  • the device comprises predetermined medical values of auscultation classified in an urgency level to be transfer to a physician or other qualified personnel. This device further ranks measurements that are classified in advance as urgent and then brought to the attention of the medical staff, while all other patient related data is stored.
  • Auscultation is known as the most important component of the physical examination. All fields of the chest should be listened to, including the lateral / axilla and the anterior chest, to detect abnormalities associated with each lobe of the lung. Auscultation sound characteristics include: 1) Character and volume of breath sounds, 2) Presence or absence of vocal sounds , 3) Pleural friction rubs and/or 4) Ratio of inspiration to expiration (I : E ratio).
  • breath sounds are the normal sounds heard over most lung fields. Bronchial breath sounds are slightly louder, harsher, and higher pitched; they normally can be heard over the trachea and over areas of lung consolidation, such as occur with pneumonia
  • Rhonchi are low-pitched respiratory sounds that can be heard during inspiration or expiration. They occur in various conditions, including chronic bronchitis. The mechanism may relate to variations in obstruction as airways distend with inhalation and narrow with exhalation.
  • Wheezes are whistling, musical breath sounds that are worse during expiration than inspiration. Wheezing can be a physical finding or a symptom and is usually associated with dyspnea. Stridor is a high-pitched, predominantly inspiratory sound formed by extrathoracic upper airway obstruction. It usually can be heard without a stethoscope. Stridor is usually louder than wheezing, is predominantly inspiratory, and is heard loudly over the larynx. It should trigger a concern for life-threatening upper airway obstruction. Decreased breath sounds signify poor air movement in airways, as occurs with asthma and COPD where bronchospasm or other mechanisms limit airflow. Breath sounds may also be decreased in the presence of a pleural effusion, pneumothorax, or obstructing endobronchial lesion.
  • Bronchophony and whispered pectoriloquy occur when the patient's spoken or whispered voice is clearly transmitted through the chest wall.
  • Voice transmission results from alveolar consolidation, as occurs with pneumonia.
  • Egophony (E to A change) is the to occur when, during auscultation, a patient says the letter “E” and the examiner hears the letter "A,” again as occurs with pneumonia.
  • Friction rubs are grating or creaking sounds that fluctuate with the respiratory cycle and sound like skin rubbing against wet leather. They are a sign of pleural inflammation and are heard in patients with pleuritis or empyema and after thoracotomy.
  • Inspiration to Expiration (I:E) ratio is normally 1:2 but is prolonged to > 1:3 when airflow is limited, such as in asthma and COPD, even in the absence of wheezing.
  • the handheld stethoscope device is sized as a human fist for grasping the device whilst measuring and collecting the self-generated measurements and communicating them remotely.
  • the device further collects and transmits samples of ausculatory signals having noise reduction and signal enhancement.
  • the present invention provides a device, a system and method for remotely examining patient healthcare characteristics and conditions.
  • the present invention further provides a virtual appointment check-up device and system , allowing a patient or another subject which is not a physician to perform a primary self -physical examination and further a remote diagnosis according to instructions and guidance provided by a user interface platform (UIP) such as graphic user interface (GUI) in a smart phone.
  • UIP user interface platform
  • GUI graphic user interface
  • the self-physical examination comprises variety of physical measurements, photo images, video images, medical measurements and results graphs, tables and schemes, voice records, patient's medical history data, written messages and a combination thereof.
  • the physician does not have to be online when the physical measurements are conducted and further sent via the UIP.
  • the system may comprise a plurality of sensors which further allow the patient to perform a personalized and accurate medical measurement at home, at work or on the go such that the physician can provide an accurate diagnosis respectively.
  • the results of the examination may be sent to a server cloud.
  • an alert, SMS or email request is sent automatically to the patient's physician, selected from a predefined physician and specialist list.
  • the physician receiving the input is able to review, download and further examine incoming data using a user interface.
  • the user interface may further allow the physician to examine and analyze incoming measurements data and medical results such as stethoscope recorded sounds of the patient bodily sounds selected from the group consisting of lung sound signals, cardiac sound signals, intestines, blood flow, veins, pulmonary sound, digestive sound and a combination thereof.
  • medical results such as stethoscope recorded sounds of the patient bodily sounds selected from the group consisting of lung sound signals, cardiac sound signals, intestines, blood flow, veins, pulmonary sound, digestive sound and a combination thereof.
  • the handheld device may further measure the Doppler effect of ultrasound waves reflected from organs within the body thereby, measures and analyses auscultation of valvular movements and blood flow sounds.
  • the handheld device may further measure heart auscultation.
  • Heart sounds are generated by the beating heart and the resultant flow of blood through it. Specifically, the sounds reflect the turbulence created when the heart valves snap shut.
  • cardiac auscultation an examiner may use a stethoscope to listen for these unique and distinct sounds that provide important auditory data regarding the condition of the heart. There are two normal heart sounds often described as a lub and a dub (or dup), that occur in sequence with each heartbeat.
  • first heart sound Si
  • second heart sound S 2
  • AV valves AV valves
  • semilunar valves respectively.
  • other sounds including heart murmurs, adventitious sounds, and gallop rhythms S 3 and S 4 .
  • Heart murmurs are generated by turbulent flow of blood, which may occur inside or outside the heart.
  • Murmurs may be physiological (benign) or pathological (abnormal).
  • Abnormal murmurs can be caused by stenosis restricting the opening of a heart valve, resulting in turbulence as blood flows through it.
  • Abnormal murmurs may also occur with valvular insufficiency (regurgitation), which allows backflow of blood when the incompetent valve closes with only partial effectiveness.
  • Different murmurs are audible in different parts of the cardiac cycle, depending on the cause of the murmur.
  • the first heart tone, or Si forms the "lub" of "lub-dub" and is composed of components Mi and TV Normally Mi precedes Ti slightly.
  • atrioventricular valves i.e. tricuspid and mitral (bicuspid)
  • tricuspid tricuspid
  • mitral bicuspid
  • systole atrioventricular valves
  • the papillary muscles are attached to the tricuspid and mitral valves via chordae tendineae, which bring the cusps or leaflets of the valve closed; the chordae tendineae also prevent the valves from blowing into the atria as ventricular pressure rises due to contraction.
  • the closing of the inlet valves prevents regurgitation of blood from the ventricles back into the atria.
  • the second heart tone forms the "dub" of "lub-dub” and is composed of components A 2 and P 2 .
  • a 2 precedes P 2 especially during inspiration where a split of S 2 can be heard. It is caused by the sudden block of reversing blood flow due to closure of the semilunar valves (the aortic valve and pulmonary valve) at the end of ventricular systole and the beginning of ventricular diastole.
  • the semilunar valves the aortic valve and pulmonary valve
  • Aortic blood flow quickly reverses back toward the left ventricle, catching the pocket-like cusps of the aortic valve, and is stopped by aortic valve closure.
  • splitting of S2 normally occurs during inspiration because the decrease in intrathoracic pressure increases the time needed for pulmonary pressure to exceed that of the right ventricular pressure.
  • a widely split S2 can be associated with several different cardiovascular conditions, including right bundle branch block, pulmonary stenosis, and atrial septal defect.
  • "lub-dub-ta” or “slosh-ing-in” If new, indicates heart failure or volume overload. It occurs at the beginning of diastole after S2 and is lower in pitch than S I or S2 as it is not of valvular origin.
  • the third heart sound is benign in youth, some trained athletes, and sometimes in pregnancy but if it re-emerges later in life it may signal cardiac problems, such as a failing left ventricle as in dilated congestive heart failure (CHF).
  • CHF congestive heart failure
  • S3 is thought to be caused by the oscillation of blood back and forth between the walls of the ventricles initiated by blood rushing in from the atria. The reason the third heart sound does not occur until the middle third of diastole is probably that during the early part of diastole, the ventricles are not filled sufficiently to create enough tension for reverberation.
  • an S3 heart sound indicates increased volume of blood within the ventricle.
  • An S3 heart sound is best heard with the bell- side of the stethoscope (used for lower frequency sounds).
  • a left-sided S3 is best heard in the left lateral decubitus position and at the apex of the heart, which is normally located in the 5th left intercostal space at the midclavicular line.
  • a right- sided S3 is best heard at the lower-left sternal border. The way to distinguish between a left and right-sided S3 is to observe whether it increases in intensity with inspiration or expiration. A right-sided S3 will increase on inspiration, while a left-sided S3 will increase on expiration.
  • a presystolic gallop when audible in an adult is called a presystolic gallop or atrial gallop.
  • This gallop is produced by the sound of blood being forced into a stiff or hypertrophic ventricle, "ta-lub-dub” or "a-stiff-wall"
  • Atrial contraction must be present for production of an S4. It is absent in atrial fibrillation and in other rhythms in which atrial contraction does not precede ventricular contraction
  • Heart murmurs are produced as a result of turbulent flow of blood strong enough to produce audible noise. They are usually heard as a whooshing sound.
  • murmur only refers to a sound believed to originate within blood flow through or near the heart; rapid blood velocity is necessary to produce a murmur. It should be noted that most heart problems do not produce any murmur and most valve problems also do not produce an audible murmur.
  • Murmurs can be heard in many situations in adults without major congenital heart abnormalities:
  • Stenosis of the aortic valve is typically the next most common heart murmur, a systolic ejection murmur. This is more common in older adults or in those individuals having a two, not a three leaflet aortic valve.
  • Regurgitation through the aortic valve is sometimes audible to a practiced ear with a high quality, especially electronically amplified, stethoscope. Generally, this is a very rarely heard murmur, even though aortic valve regurgitation is not so rare. Aortic regurgitation, though obvious using echocardiography visualization, usually does not produce an audible murmur.
  • Stenosis of the mitral valve if severe, also rarely produces an audible, low frequency soft rumbling murmur, best recognized by a practiced ear using a high quality, especially electronically amplified, stethoscope.
  • audible murmurs are associated with abnormal openings between the left ventricle and right heart or from the aortic or pulmonary arteries back into a lower pressure heart chamber.
  • the handheld device may further measure stomach rumble, also known as a bowel sound or peristaltic sound.
  • Peristaltic sound is known as rumbling, growling or gurgling noise produced by movement of the contents of the gastro-intestinal tract as they are propelled through the small intestine by a series of muscle contractions called peristalsis
  • stomach rumble also known as a bowel sound or peristaltic sound.
  • peristaltic sound is known as rumbling, growling or gurgling noise produced by movement of the contents of the gastro-intestinal tract as they are propelled through the small intestine by a series of muscle contractions called peristalsis
  • the system provides a physician located remotely from a patient to analysis and to follow-up patient's current medical condition and further delivering diagnosis and further treatment accordingly.
  • the system provides a patient located remotely from medical services, a quality of care equal to patients living near medical services.
  • the portable handheld device may comprise additional sensors based upon touch sensitive technology.
  • the sensor type is selected from the group consisting of temperature sensor, touch sensor, voice sensor, pulse sensor ,motion sensor and a combination thereof .
  • the portable handheld device is activated by the spring activated microphone by a single action selected from the group consisting of: pressing, pushing, pulling, positioning, turning, sliding, triggering, scanning sensing and any combination thereof.
  • the single activation element is selected from the group consisting of spring switch, pressing button, finger press, biometric scanning pushing button, pulling button, positioning button, turning button, sliding button, triggering button, sensing button, RFID barcode and any combination thereof.
  • the spring activated microphone can further be detached from the device and replaced with another element or probe attached to perform an additional examination.
  • the portable handheld device transfers an electronic signal to at least one communication unit via the wireless communication means selected from the group consisting of a Bluetooth connection, antenna, wireless USB, wireless sensor networks, satellite communications, mobile data service, ibeacon, zigbee, GPS and a combination thereof for receiving the medical measurement data examined by the portable device according to instructions provided by the UIP.
  • the wireless communication means selected from the group consisting of a Bluetooth connection, antenna, wireless USB, wireless sensor networks, satellite communications, mobile data service, ibeacon, zigbee, GPS and a combination thereof for receiving the medical measurement data examined by the portable device according to instructions provided by the UIP.
  • the UIP may be based upon a step- by-step procedure such as an algorithm and/or a cloud service.
  • the portable device is configured for physical examination of at least one body part selected from the group consisting of respiratory system, lungs, heart, abdomen and any combination thereof.
  • the measurements taking by the patient or another subject can be further viewed and heard online and real time by the patient or any other subject upon the screen of the portable device or a processor such as a smart phone or the computer screen.
  • the system may further provide an approval or verification such as OK' message that the measurements data was transferred successfully to the physician and/or the medical heath institute.
  • the verification may be provided by a message format, an image format or an alert such as a designated sound sent by the UIP.
  • the device may include a system for encryption of data, voice identity verification and audit trailing of accesses, and other security means, to protect access to patient records and other information and services.
  • the portable device for conducting remote physical measurements may comprise a touchpad, or can further be controlled using "voice actions”.
  • the user may say “O.K.”
  • the user can say an action, such as "Take a picture”, “Record a video”, and the like.
  • the system for conducting a full patient-physician medical encounter initiated by a patient or a physician is based upon at least one of the following processes verification, certification, authentication and validation. Each of these processes may be a sub process of the other or a independent process of the present invention system. The level of verification, or number of times the producer's data is verified against is not limited and relay upon the user's actions and inputs. In another embodiment of the present invention, the system may be based upon intuitive physical examination of the patient or another subject which is not a physician.
  • the term 'self examination' or 'self administration ' herein refers to physical examination conducted or/and administered by a patient itself or by a non-medically trained person such as a relative, friend, neighbor, carer or by another subject which is not a physician.
  • the term 'self generated measurements' or 'home generated measurements' herein refers to physical measurements or medical check -up conducted or administered by a patient itself or by a non-medically trained person such as a relative, friend, neighbour, carer or by another subject which is not a physician.
  • the term 'medical examination' herein refers to a physical examination, medical analysis or clinical examination (more popularly known as a check-up or medical) according to a predetermined protocol comprising a plurality of medical characteristics and/or conditions such that a patient may select a relevant characteristic and/or condition from a list according to patient's current physical condition. Therefore, the process by which a medical professional investigates the body of a patient for signs of disease. It generally follows the taking of the medical history— an account of the symptoms as experienced by the patient. Together with the medical history, the physical examination aids in determining the correct diagnosis and devising the treatment plan. This data then becomes part of the medical record.
  • FIG. 1 illustrating a handheld stethoscope device configured for collecting home -generated measurements and communicating them remotely comprising: a hollow barrel portion 1 containing a spring activated microphone for real time sensing and recording auscultation and a housing portion 2 comprising at least one amplifier 3 for amplifying samples of the ausculatory signals; at least one filter circuit means 3 for filtering out background noise and frequency interference.
  • the filter is interfaced with the amplifier, a digital signal processing unit (DSP) 15 for transmitting at least one signal and a wireless communication means.
  • DSP digital signal processing unit
  • the barrel is operatively connected to the housing portion.
  • the barrel 1 is configured to activate the microphone and amplifier by a single push on the spring operatively connected to a micro switch when urged against a body region of a user.
  • the amplifier configured to transmit samples of the ausculatory signals via the wireless communication means 2 to at least one remote communication unit; further wherein the housing portion is fist sized and shaped for grasping by one user hand.
  • the amplifier further provides an improved auscultation without noises in a predefined wavelength range and further conversion of acoustic sound waves to at least one electrical signal which is amplified and transmitted to at least one communication unit.
  • the portable handheld device is configured for measuring and indicating patient's current medical condition.
  • the patient may further provide a written or voice description, photo or any image of his medical condition and symptoms to the patient interface platform (UIP) for receiving a self-medical examination procedure accordingly and further to be sent to the physician.
  • UIP patient interface platform
  • the wireless network connection communicates with the UIP which comprises a predetermined protocol comprising a plurality of medical characteristics and/or conditions such that a patient may select a relevant characteristic and/or condition from a list according to patient's current physical condition. Thereby, the patient performs a self-generated measurements using the input means respectively.
  • the portable handheld stethoscope device comprising a hollow barrel portion 12 containing a spring 13 activated microphone 11 for real time sensing recording and streaming the auscultations, at least one amplifier 10 for amplifying samples of the sounds sensed signal, an audio filter circuit means 10 for filtering out noises and frequency interference.
  • the audio filter is interfaced with the amplifier in a housing portion fist shaped and wireless communication means 14.
  • the device may further comprise connection pins for device engagement, spring switch trigger for activating the device and further recording and storing the measurements results.
  • the housing portion further comprises an audio codec 18 for coding or decoding a digital data stream or analog audio as digital signals of received signals, a power circuit 17, a DSP memory comprising a processor 15 and a USB connection 16.
  • the hollow barrel is having a tubular like or cylinder like shape allowing pressing the barrel against patient's chest or other body part.
  • the shape of the housing is selected from the group consisting of : spherical, round , ball, fist- shaped, tubular, cylinder, roll, annular, arced ,arched, arci-form , bent , bowed bulbous ,circular , coiled , curled , curved , curvilinear , cylindrical , discoid , disk-shaped domical , egg-shaped , elliptical , globoid , globose , globular , looped , orbed , orbicular, orbiculate , oval , ringed , rotund , rounded , spherical , spheroid , spiral , circular , convex , globular , orbicular , oval , rotund , ball- shaped and a combination thereof.
  • the spring activated microphone 13, 11, the amplifier 10 and the a filter circuit means 10 function together as a stethoscope probe end for self-generated measurements of at least one health or medical characteristic of the patient.
  • the spring may be attached to at least one diaphragm like pad.
  • the handheld stethoscope device is used for auscultation of the internal sounds of patient's lung and heart sounds. It is also may be used for auscultation intestines and blood flow in arteries and veins.
  • handheld stethoscope device measures the respiratory rate (RR), e.g the rate of ventilation, that is, the number of breaths (inhalation-exhalation cycles) taken within a set amount of time (typically 60 seconds).
  • RR respiratory rate
  • the handheld stethoscope device comprises an audio signal processing unit.
  • the spring activated microphone receives quasiperiodic signal or quasiharmonic signal, as a waveform that is virtually periodic microscopically, but not necessarily periodic macroscopically.
  • the Auscultation is performed for examining the circulatory system and respiratory system (heart sounds and breath sounds), as well as the gastrointestinal system (bowel sounds).
  • FIG. 3 presenting a scheme of the remote communication system comprising handheld stethoscope device 20 a remote communication unit 22, a central processing unit(CPU), processor or/and server 24a, 24b for data receiving, processing and/or storing the ausculatory signals.
  • the signal are further transferred to a remote communication unit 22, 23 such as tablet, smartphone or/and laptop via the wireless means 21.
  • a remote communication unit 22, 23 such as tablet, smartphone or/and laptop via the wireless means 21.
  • the communication unit is capable of receiving a wireless signal from one or more wireless means.
  • the spring activated microphone may function as a receiver unit for receiving radio frequency communication signals (e.g., a FM radio signals) from the wireless means.
  • the communication unit receives microwave or infrared (IR) communication signals from the wireless sensor.
  • the receiver unit receives short- wavelength radio transmissions, for example in the ISM band from 2400-2480 MHz (IEEE 802.15.1, or Bluetooth).
  • the wireless communication means is selected from the group consisting of a Bluetooth connection, antenna, wireless USB, wireless sensor networks, satellite communications, mobile data service, ibeacon, zigbee, GPS and a combination thereof.
  • FIG. 4 presenting a flow chart of the the remote communication system comprising handheld stethoscope device of the present invention.
  • additional probes may be combined such as thermometer, ECG and/or HD CMOS.
  • the medical information and measurements received and collected by the handheld stethoscope device are wirelessly transmitted to smart phone via a GUI , after the measurements are analyzed, processed and valid they are transferred to an external database or a medical center for further observation, storing and medical examination.
  • the measurements may further transferred to an additional smartphone of a physician for further analysis and conducting a video call with the patient.
  • the handheld stethoscope device may comprise a central processing unit (CPU) as a Computer-aided Auscultation programs to analyze the recorded heart sounds pathological or innocent heart murmurs.
  • CPU central processing unit
  • the filter allows noise attenuation by affecting the quality of the signal point such that the attenuation reduces the signal to noise ratio.
  • the handheld device may additionally comprise at least one sensor, camera, audio, microphone, voice record, voice input, visual display, thermometer, Electrocardiography (ECG), Otoscope, tongue depressor, blood pressure monitor, pulse oximetry, Spirometer, Ultrasound, medical imaging, systems and techniques such as MRI, X-ray, C.T, NMR, and a combination thereof.
  • ECG Electrocardiography
  • Otoscope Otoscope
  • tongue depressor tongue depressor
  • blood pressure monitor blood pressure monitor
  • pulse oximetry Spirometer
  • Ultrasound medical imaging, systems and techniques such as MRI, X-ray, C.T, NMR, and a combination thereof.
  • the microphone can be any microphone suitable to be fitted into a wireless sensor and to pick up a bodily sound.
  • the microphone is optimized to detect pulmonary sounds.
  • the microphone is an unidirectional microphone that is sensitive to sounds from only one direction. In other embodiments, the microphone is optimized to detect sound in the frequency range of 20 to 3000 Hz, 20 to 2500 Hz, 20 to 2000 Hz, 20 to 1800 Hz, 20 to 1500 Hz, 20 to 1200 Hz, 20 to 1000 Hz or 20 to 800 Hz.
  • the device may comprise a feedback mechanism which will alert and inform the user, physician or patient.
  • the present invention further provides a method for measuring auscultation of a patient, comprising steps of: providing handheld stethoscope device configured for collecting self-generated measurements and communicating them remotely comprising: a hollow barrel portion containing a spring activated microphone for sensing and recording auscultation; and a housing portion comprising at least one amplifier for amplifying samples of the ausculatory signals; at least one filter circuit means for filtering out background noise and frequency interference; the filter is interfaced with the amplifier; and a wireless communication means;
  • the method additionally comprising step of physically contacting the barrel portion with the body region of a patient or a subject for sensing and recording ausculatory signals;
  • the method additionally comprising step of pressing the spring operatively connected to a micro switch when urged against the body region of the patient by a single push on for activating the microphone and amplifier ;
  • the method additionally comprising step of receiving and wirelessly transmitting the ausculatory signals via the wireless communication means to at least one remote communication unit .
  • step of providing the handheld stethoscope device comprising step of providing the barrel operatively connected to the housing portion.
  • the step of providing the housing portion shaped as a fist sized for grasping by one user hand is provided.
  • the method additionally comprising step of providing the communication unit for transferring, receiving, monitoring and/or processing the signals to a user-end listening and displaying the device.
  • the method additionally comprising step of providing at least one CPU for processing data of the ausculatory signals.
  • the method additionally comprising step of providing the spring attached to at least one diaphragm like pad.
  • the sounds are bodily sounds selected from the group consisting of lung sound signals, cardiac sound signals, intestines, blood flow, veins, pulmonary sound, digestive sound and a combination thereof.
  • the method additionally comprising step of providing the filter circuit for reducing signal to noise ratio selected from the group consisting of ambient noises, voices, metallic sounds and any combination thereof.
  • the method additionally comprising step of providing a rechargeable battery.
  • the method additionally comprising step of providing the filter means for filtering out Direct Current (DC)frequency and high frequency interference.
  • DC Direct Current
  • the method additionally comprising step of providing the wireless means comprising a wireless network connection selected from the group consisting of: Bluetooth, antenna, wireless USB, wireless sensor networks, satellite communications, mobile data service, ibeacon, zigbee,GPS and a combination thereof.
  • a wireless network connection selected from the group consisting of: Bluetooth, antenna, wireless USB, wireless sensor networks, satellite communications, mobile data service, ibeacon, zigbee,GPS and a combination thereof.

Abstract

The present invention provides a handheld stethoscope device for collecting home - generated measurements and communicating them remotely comprising: a hollow barrel portion containing a spring activated microphone for real time sensing and recording auscultation; and a housing portion operatively connected to the hollow barrel portion comprising at least one amplifier for amplifying samples of the ausculatory signals; at least one filter circuit means for filtering out background noise and frequency interference; the filter is interfaced with the amplifier; a digital signal processing unit (DSP) for transmitting at least one signal; and a wireless communication means. The barrel is configured to activate the microphone and amplifier by a single push on the spring operatively connected to a micro switch when urged against a body region of a patient; the DSP is configured to transmit samples of the ausculatory signals via the wireless communication means to at least one remote communication unit.

Description

A HANDHELD STETHOSCOPE DEVICE FOR REMOTE COMMUNICATION AND METHOD THEREOF
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention pertains to a device and system for collecting home -generated measurements and communicating them remotely. More particular the present invention provides a portable handheld stethoscope device configured for remote diagnosis of sensed auscultation which can then be amplified and wirelessly transmitted to at least one communication unit.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Several electronic devices with the purpose of solving the problems dealing with the procedures of listening, registering and analysis of auscultative findings have been invented. The US No. Pat 5165417 introduces a system which automatically detects any additional sounds coming from the lung area. An electronic stethoscope system described in the US No. Pat 477030189 connects several separate stethoscopes to a central unit. A computer based stethoscope analysis sysiem is presented in the US Pat No. 4720866. This system changes the detected sounds into electronic signals and uses a frequency analysis method to analyze the registered sounds.
US Pat No. 4428381 includes a monitoring device through which it is possible to observe the functioning of a prosthetic heart valve. The diagnosis of the respiration system and sounds can be carried out with the use of a device described in US Pat No. 3990435. A device and method for use in the analysis of heart indication sounds is described in the PCT patent WO 92/03094.
US Pat No. 5025809 describes a recording digital stethoscope, which combines a series of features found in the traditional stethoscope and the registering stethoscope. According to the description the chest piece of the stethoscope is connected to a tubular pipe which leads the traditional standing air to the case and ear-pieces connected to the end of the tube so that listening of the sounds is done in a traditional acoustic manner. The problem concerning this invention is the fact that the chest piece and the case containing the electronic system are separate, which makes the device extremely difficult to use. The field of transferring medical information via technological means comprises variety of solutions enabling measuring and collecting physical data of a known patient, either by a several steps or as automatically and further delivers the collected physical data to a computerized or human operated center. A closer observation of the previous solutions presents a surprising notion that none of the inventions take the convenient use of the device into account. This applies especially in sound registering situations.
Therefore, there is a long unmet need for a device having targeted applications accessibility and applicability to all the standard population which further comprises noise attenuation and variations in the periodicity of such variable input signals and for estimating signal rates or frequencies, as well as recognizing and identifying locations of similar patterns.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is hence one object of the invention to provide a handheld stethoscope device for collecting home -generated measurements and communicating them remotely comprising:
a. a hollow barrel portion containing a spring activated microphone for real time sensing, and recording auscultation; and
b. a housing portion operatively connected to the hollow barrel portion comprising at least one amplifier for amplifying samples of the auscultator signals; at least one filter circuit means for filtering out background noise and frequency interference; the filter is interfaced with the amplifier; a digital signal processing unit (DSP) for transmitting at least one signal; and a wireless communication means; wherein the barrel is configured to activate the microphone and amplifier by a single push on the spring operatively connected to a micro switch when urged against a body region of a patient ; the DSP is configured to transmit samples of the ausculatory signals via the wireless communication means to at least one remote communication unit.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the device as mentioned in the above, wherein the housing portion is fist sized and shaped for grasping by one user hand. It is within the scope of the invention to provide the device as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the housing further comprising a USB connection.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the device as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the home -generated measurements constitutes a physical examination by the patient or administered by non-medically trained person in physical proximity to the patient the person selected from the group consisting of a relative, a friend, a neighbor, or another non medically trained subject.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the device as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the DSP additionally comprises instructions for implementing a ranking mechanism for ranking patient's and data of the home -generated measurements according to at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of patient's age, gender, race, emotional condition, physical condition, health condition, known patient and a combination thereof.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the device as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the home generated measurements are classified and transmitted by the DSP according to a predefined emergency classification of auscultation sound characteristic; the auscultation sound characteristic is selected from the group consisting of character and volume of breath sounds, presence or absence of vocal sounds, pleural friction rubs, ratio of inspiration to expiration and a combination thereof.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the device as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the character and volume of breath sounds is selected from the group consisting of crackles, rhonchi, wheezes, stridor, decreased breath sounds, Friction rubs or Egophony.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the device as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the at least one communication unit is configured for transferring, receiving, monitoring and/or processing the signals to a user-end listening and displaying the device.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the device as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the housing shape is selected from the group consisting of : spherical, round ,fist-shape ball, tubular, cylinder, roll, annular, arced ,arched, arci-form , bent , bowed bulbous ,circular , coiled , curled , curved , curvilinear , cylindrical , discoid , disk-shaped domical , egg-shaped , elliptical , globoid , globose , globular , looped , orbed , orbicular, orbiculate , oval , ringed , rotund , rounded , spherical , spheroid , spiral , circular , convex , globular , orbicular , oval , rotund , ball-shaped and a combination thereof.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the device as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the hollow barrel portion is detachable and replaceable.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the aforementioned device, wherein the body region is selected from the group consisting of chest, throat, respiratory system, skin, heart, abdomen, dorsum, hand, leg and any combination thereof.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the aforementioned device, wherein additionally comprising at least one central processing unit (CPU) for processing data of the signals.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the device as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the communication unit is selected from the group consisting of a tablet, a kiosk, a CPU, a smart phone, a telephone, a laptop and any combination thereof.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the device as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the spring is attached to at least one diaphragm like pad.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the aforementioned device, wherein the sounds are bodily sounds selected from the group consisting of lung sound signals, cardiac sound signals, intestines, blood flow, veins, pulmonary sound, digestive sound and a combination thereof.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the device as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the filter circuit further reduces signal to noise ratio selected from the group consisting of ambient noises, voices, metallic sounds and any combination thereof.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the device as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the housing portion additionally comprising a power circuit.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the device as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the housing portion additionally comprising an audio codec for coding or decoding a digital data stream or analog audio as digital signals of the ausculatory signals.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the device as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the home -generated measurements of the patient are collectable, storable and deliverable by demand of a physician. It is within the scope of the invention to provide the device as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the home -generated measurements is collectable, storable and deliverable offline or online.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the device as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the filter means is configured for filtering out Direct Current (DC) frequency and high frequency interference.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the device as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the wireless means comprises a wireless network connection selected from the group consisting of: Bluetooth, antenna, wireless USB, wireless sensor networks, satellite communications, mobile data service, ibeacon, zigbee,GPS and a combination thereof.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the device as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the microphone is optimized to detect sound in the frequency range of 20 to 3000 Hz, 20 to 2500 Hz, 20 to 2000 Hz, 20 to 1800 Hz, 20 to 1500 Hz, 20 to 1200 Hz, 20 to 1000 Hz or 20 to 800 Hz.
It is hence another object of the invention to provide a method for measuring auscultation of a patient, comprising steps of:
a. providing handheld stethoscope device configured for collecting home -generated measurements and communicating them remotely comprising:a hollow barrel portion containing a spring activated microphone for sensing and recording auscultation; and a housing portion operatively connected to the hollow barrel portion, comprising at least one amplifier for amplifying samples of the ausculatory signals; at least one filter circuit means for filtering out background noise and frequency interference; the filter is interfaced with the amplifier; a digital signal processing unit (DSP) for transmitting at least one signal; and a wireless communication means; b. physically contacting the barrel portion with the body region of the patient for real time sensing and recording ausculatory signals;
c. pressing the spring operatively connected to a micro switch when urged against the body region of the patient by a single push on for activating the microphone and amplifier ; and d. receiving and wirelessly transmitting the ausculatory signals via the wireless communication means to at least one remote communication unit .
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the method as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the step of providing the housing portion shaped as a fist sized for grasping by one user hand.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the method as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the method additionally comprising step of providing the communication unit for transferring, receiving, monitoring and/or processing the signals to a user-end listening and displaying the device.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the method as mentioned in any of the above, wherein method additionally comprising step of transferring data of the home -generated measurements by demand of a physician.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the method as mentioned in any of the above, wherein method additionally comprising step of collecting , transferring and storing the home -generated measurements offline or online.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the method as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the method additionally comprising step of ranking the emergency level of the patient.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the method as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the method additionally comprising step of providing at least one central processing unit (CPU) for processing data of the ausculatory signals.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the method as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the method additionally comprising step of providing the spring attached to at least one diaphragm like pad.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the method as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the sounds are bodily sounds selected from the group consisting of lung sound signals, cardiac sound signals, intestines, blood flow, veins, pulmonary sound, digestive sound and a combination thereof.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the method as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the method additionally comprising step of providing the filter circuit for reducing signal to noise ratio selected from the group consisting of ambient noises, voices, metallic sounds and any combination thereof. It is within the scope of the invention to provide the method as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the method additionally comprising step of providing a rechargeable battery.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the method as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the method additionally comprising step of providing the filter means for filtering out Direct Current (DC)frequency and high frequency interference. It is within the scope of the invention to provide the method as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the method additionally comprising step of providing the wireless means comprising a wireless network connection selected from the group consisting of: Bluetooth, antenna, wireless USB, wireless sensor networks, satellite communications, mobile data service, ibeacon, zigbee,GPS and a combination thereof.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the method as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the method additionally comprising step of determining the emergency classification of the ausculatory signals.
It is within the scope of the invention to provide the method as mentioned in any of the above, wherein the step of transmitting comprising step of transferring the home generated measurements data to the communication unit via the wireless connection such that the physician receives the home generated measurements according to an emergency classification predefined within the DSP.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be implemented in practice, a few preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to be accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates the handheld stethoscope device of the present invention;
Fig. 2 illustrates a cross section of the handheld stethoscope device of the present invention;
Fig. 3 presents a scheme of the remote communication system comprising handheld stethoscope device of the present invention; Fig. 4 presents a flow chart of the the remote communication system comprising handheld stethoscope device of the present invention;
Fig. 5 presents a graph of the power vs. frequency of the breathing system of a healthy person; and
Fig. 6 presents a graph of the power vs. frequency of the breathing system of a patient.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following description is provided so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide product and method of the invention described herein.
The present invention provides a portable handheld stethoscope device configured for remote diagnosis of sensed auscultation which can be amplified and wirelessly transmitted to at least one communication unit.
The present invention further provides a one touch pressable-transmitting stethoscope device, system and method for home use. The features that enable home use include simplicity of activation by a one touch mechanism that can be self-administered or administered by a non-medically trained person such as a relative, friend, neighbor or carer. The auscultation data is collected and transmitted via wireless means such as Bluetooth/Wi-Fi to patient smartphone and further transmits to a server cloud. The physician may further retrieve the auscultation data using a smartphone, iPad or PC computer through internet access for the physician's scrutiny at the physicians sanction and demand. This means that the device facilitates a virtual patient/physician meeting in the sense that the patient can choose when to "visit" the doctor, by activating the device and carrying out a self-examination or assisted examination at home, and the physician can decide when to "attend" the patient by deciding when to view or analyze the offline data. Some patients on the doctor's patient list will be patients that the physician is more concerned about than others and will be ranked and classified according to a ranking system. The handheld stethoscope device further comprises a digital signal processing unit (DSP) comprising a hardware instructions for implementing a ranking system configured for ranking and prioritizing a patient according to at least one of the following: patient's age, gender, race, emotional condition, symptom, a group of symptoms, physical condition, health or medical condition and combination thereof. The ranking mechanism further allows the physician to select and prioritized a patient in the system and further perform a medical analysis following patients measurements data stored in the system. The ranking mechanism is further based upon pulmonary auscultation patterns or cardiac auscultation pattern. Abnormal breathing sounds (such as wheezing, crackles, rales, rhonchi, crepitations etc.) or changes of sounds' quality - such as bronchial breathing, might be detected in different medical conditions.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the handheld statoscope device is operated by a single action comprising the step of adjusting the diaphragm against the patient's skin, located above the relevant organ and whilst pressing it, the handheld statoscope records and collects the sounds of the measured organ and transmits to a smart phone.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the handheld statoscope device enables collecting the self-generated measurements of at least one health or medical characteristic of the patient or patient's medical history data and transferring the data online or offline optionally. Thereby, the physician does not have to be online when the physical measurements are conducted. The offline state may be performed via digital audio technology or via a web browser which instructed to be in either online or offline states.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the measurements taking by the user or a patient may be further viewed and heard online and real time by the patient or any other subject upon the screen of the handheld statoscope device or a processor such as a smart phone or the computer screen. The device may further conduct an online conversation of patient-physician. By performing an additional patient- physician conversation the physician gathers additional information about the patient and health just by watching and talking to the patient . For example the physician may further ask questions relating to patient's condition, health and other symptoms.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the home-generated measurements may be conducted by the user either autonomously according to predetermined protocols offline or online, guided by a physician, nurse or any other medical trained personal, via in-app video encounter.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises predetermined medical values of auscultation classified in an urgency level to be transfer to a physician or other qualified personnel. This device further ranks measurements that are classified in advance as urgent and then brought to the attention of the medical staff, while all other patient related data is stored.
Auscultation is known as the most important component of the physical examination. All fields of the chest should be listened to, including the lateral / axilla and the anterior chest, to detect abnormalities associated with each lobe of the lung. Auscultation sound characteristics include: 1) Character and volume of breath sounds, 2) Presence or absence of vocal sounds , 3) Pleural friction rubs and/or 4) Ratio of inspiration to expiration (I : E ratio).
l)The character and volume of breath sounds are useful in identifying pulmonary disorders. Vesicular breath sounds are the normal sounds heard over most lung fields. Bronchial breath sounds are slightly louder, harsher, and higher pitched; they normally can be heard over the trachea and over areas of lung consolidation, such as occur with pneumonia
Adventitious sounds are abnormal sounds, such as crackles, rhonchi, wheezes, and stridor. Crackles are discontinuous adventitious breath sounds. Fine crackles are short high-pitched sounds; coarse crackles are longer-lasting low-pitched sounds. Crackles have been compared to the sound of crinkling plastic wrap and can be simulated by rubbing strands of hair together between 2 fingers near one's ear. They occur most commonly with atelectasis, alveolar filling processes (e.g, pulmonary edema), and interstitial lung disease (e.g, pulmonary fibrosis); they signify opening of collapsed alveoli.
Rhonchi are low-pitched respiratory sounds that can be heard during inspiration or expiration. They occur in various conditions, including chronic bronchitis. The mechanism may relate to variations in obstruction as airways distend with inhalation and narrow with exhalation.
Wheezes are whistling, musical breath sounds that are worse during expiration than inspiration. Wheezing can be a physical finding or a symptom and is usually associated with dyspnea. Stridor is a high-pitched, predominantly inspiratory sound formed by extrathoracic upper airway obstruction. It usually can be heard without a stethoscope. Stridor is usually louder than wheezing, is predominantly inspiratory, and is heard loudly over the larynx. It should trigger a concern for life-threatening upper airway obstruction. Decreased breath sounds signify poor air movement in airways, as occurs with asthma and COPD where bronchospasm or other mechanisms limit airflow. Breath sounds may also be decreased in the presence of a pleural effusion, pneumothorax, or obstructing endobronchial lesion.
2) Vocal sounds involve auscultation while patients vocalize.
Bronchophony and whispered pectoriloquy occur when the patient's spoken or whispered voice is clearly transmitted through the chest wall. Voice transmission results from alveolar consolidation, as occurs with pneumonia.
Egophony (E to A change) is the to occur when, during auscultation, a patient says the letter "E" and the examiner hears the letter "A," again as occurs with pneumonia.
3) Friction rubs are grating or creaking sounds that fluctuate with the respiratory cycle and sound like skin rubbing against wet leather. They are a sign of pleural inflammation and are heard in patients with pleuritis or empyema and after thoracotomy.
4) Inspiration to Expiration (I:E) ratio is normally 1:2 but is prolonged to > 1:3 when airflow is limited, such as in asthma and COPD, even in the absence of wheezing.
In accordance of the present invention, the handheld stethoscope device is sized as a human fist for grasping the device whilst measuring and collecting the self-generated measurements and communicating them remotely. The device further collects and transmits samples of ausculatory signals having noise reduction and signal enhancement.
The present invention provides a device, a system and method for remotely examining patient healthcare characteristics and conditions. Thereby, the present invention further provides a virtual appointment check-up device and system , allowing a patient or another subject which is not a physician to perform a primary self -physical examination and further a remote diagnosis according to instructions and guidance provided by a user interface platform (UIP) such as graphic user interface (GUI) in a smart phone. The self-physical examination comprises variety of physical measurements, photo images, video images, medical measurements and results graphs, tables and schemes, voice records, patient's medical history data, written messages and a combination thereof.
The physician does not have to be online when the physical measurements are conducted and further sent via the UIP. The system may comprise a plurality of sensors which further allow the patient to perform a personalized and accurate medical measurement at home, at work or on the go such that the physician can provide an accurate diagnosis respectively. The results of the examination may be sent to a server cloud. When the server receives an input, an alert, SMS or email request is sent automatically to the patient's physician, selected from a predefined physician and specialist list. The physician receiving the input is able to review, download and further examine incoming data using a user interface. The user interface may further allow the physician to examine and analyze incoming measurements data and medical results such as stethoscope recorded sounds of the patient bodily sounds selected from the group consisting of lung sound signals, cardiac sound signals, intestines, blood flow, veins, pulmonary sound, digestive sound and a combination thereof.
In accordance to the present invention, the handheld device may further measure the Doppler effect of ultrasound waves reflected from organs within the body thereby, measures and analyses auscultation of valvular movements and blood flow sounds. In accordance to the present invention, the handheld device may further measure heart auscultation. Heart sounds are generated by the beating heart and the resultant flow of blood through it. Specifically, the sounds reflect the turbulence created when the heart valves snap shut. In cardiac auscultation, an examiner may use a stethoscope to listen for these unique and distinct sounds that provide important auditory data regarding the condition of the heart. There are two normal heart sounds often described as a lub and a dub (or dup), that occur in sequence with each heartbeat. These are the first heart sound (Si) and second heart sound (S2), produced by the closing of the AV valves and semilunar valves, respectively. In addition to these normal sounds, a variety of other sounds may be present including heart murmurs, adventitious sounds, and gallop rhythms S3 and S4.
Heart murmurs are generated by turbulent flow of blood, which may occur inside or outside the heart. Murmurs may be physiological (benign) or pathological (abnormal). Abnormal murmurs can be caused by stenosis restricting the opening of a heart valve, resulting in turbulence as blood flows through it. Abnormal murmurs may also occur with valvular insufficiency (regurgitation), which allows backflow of blood when the incompetent valve closes with only partial effectiveness. Different murmurs are audible in different parts of the cardiac cycle, depending on the cause of the murmur. The first heart tone, or Si, forms the "lub" of "lub-dub" and is composed of components Mi and TV Normally Mi precedes Ti slightly. It is caused by the sudden block of reverse blood flow due to closure of the atrioventricular valves, i.e. tricuspid and mitral (bicuspid), at the beginning of ventricular contraction, or systole. When the ventricles begin to contract, so do the papillary muscles in each ventricle. The papillary muscles are attached to the tricuspid and mitral valves via chordae tendineae, which bring the cusps or leaflets of the valve closed; the chordae tendineae also prevent the valves from blowing into the atria as ventricular pressure rises due to contraction. The closing of the inlet valves prevents regurgitation of blood from the ventricles back into the atria. The S I sound results from reverberation within the blood associated with the sudden block of flow reversal by the valves. [1] If Ml occurs slightly after Tl, then the patient likely has a dysfunction of conduction of the left side of the heart such as a left bundle branch blockage.
The second heart tone, or S2, forms the "dub" of "lub-dub" and is composed of components A2 and P2. Normally A2 precedes P2 especially during inspiration where a split of S2 can be heard. It is caused by the sudden block of reversing blood flow due to closure of the semilunar valves (the aortic valve and pulmonary valve) at the end of ventricular systole and the beginning of ventricular diastole. As the left ventricle empties, its pressure falls below the pressure in the aorta. Aortic blood flow quickly reverses back toward the left ventricle, catching the pocket-like cusps of the aortic valve, and is stopped by aortic valve closure. Similarly, as the pressure in the right ventricle falls below the pressure in the pulmonary artery, the pulmonary valve closes. The S2 sound results from reverberation within the blood associated with the sudden block of flow reversal. Splitting of S2, known as physiological split, normally occurs during inspiration because the decrease in intrathoracic pressure increases the time needed for pulmonary pressure to exceed that of the right ventricular pressure. A widely split S2 can be associated with several different cardiovascular conditions, including right bundle branch block, pulmonary stenosis, and atrial septal defect. Rarely, there may be a third heart sound also called a protodiastolic gallop, ventricular gallop, or informally the "Kentucky" gallop as an onomatopoeic reference to the rhythm and stress of S I followed by S2 and S3 together (S l=Ken; S2=tuck; S3=y). "lub-dub-ta" or "slosh-ing-in" If new, indicates heart failure or volume overload. It occurs at the beginning of diastole after S2 and is lower in pitch than S I or S2 as it is not of valvular origin. The third heart sound is benign in youth, some trained athletes, and sometimes in pregnancy but if it re-emerges later in life it may signal cardiac problems, such as a failing left ventricle as in dilated congestive heart failure (CHF). S3 is thought to be caused by the oscillation of blood back and forth between the walls of the ventricles initiated by blood rushing in from the atria. The reason the third heart sound does not occur until the middle third of diastole is probably that during the early part of diastole, the ventricles are not filled sufficiently to create enough tension for reverberation.
It may also be a result of tensing of the chordae tendineae during rapid filling and expansion of the ventricle. In other words, an S3 heart sound indicates increased volume of blood within the ventricle. An S3 heart sound is best heard with the bell- side of the stethoscope (used for lower frequency sounds). A left-sided S3 is best heard in the left lateral decubitus position and at the apex of the heart, which is normally located in the 5th left intercostal space at the midclavicular line. A right- sided S3 is best heard at the lower-left sternal border. The way to distinguish between a left and right-sided S3 is to observe whether it increases in intensity with inspiration or expiration. A right-sided S3 will increase on inspiration, while a left-sided S3 will increase on expiration.
S4 when audible in an adult is called a presystolic gallop or atrial gallop. This gallop is produced by the sound of blood being forced into a stiff or hypertrophic ventricle, "ta-lub-dub" or "a-stiff-wall"
It is a sign of a pathologic state, usually a failing or hypertrophic left ventricle, as in systemic hypertension, severe valvular aortic stenosis, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The sound occurs just after atrial contraction at the end of diastole and immediately before S I, producing a rhythm sometimes referred to as the "Tennessee" gallop where S4 represents the "Ten-" syllable. It is best heard at the cardiac apex with the patient in the left lateral decubitus position and holding his breath. The combined presence of S3 and S4 is a quadruple gallop, also known as the "Hello-Goodbye" gallop. At rapid heart rates, S3 and S4 may merge to produce a summation gallop, sometimes referred to as S7. Atrial contraction must be present for production of an S4. It is absent in atrial fibrillation and in other rhythms in which atrial contraction does not precede ventricular contraction
Heart murmurs are produced as a result of turbulent flow of blood strong enough to produce audible noise. They are usually heard as a whooshing sound. The term murmur only refers to a sound believed to originate within blood flow through or near the heart; rapid blood velocity is necessary to produce a murmur. It should be noted that most heart problems do not produce any murmur and most valve problems also do not produce an audible murmur.
Murmurs can be heard in many situations in adults without major congenital heart abnormalities:
Regurgitation through the mitral valve is by far the most commonly heard murmur, producing a pansystolic/holosystolic murmur which is sometimes fairly loud to a practiced ear, even though the volume of regurgitant blood flow may be quite small. Yet, though obvious using echocardiography visualization, probably about 20% of cases of mitral regurgitation do not produce an audible murmur.
Stenosis of the aortic valve is typically the next most common heart murmur, a systolic ejection murmur. This is more common in older adults or in those individuals having a two, not a three leaflet aortic valve.
Regurgitation through the aortic valve, if marked, is sometimes audible to a practiced ear with a high quality, especially electronically amplified, stethoscope. Generally, this is a very rarely heard murmur, even though aortic valve regurgitation is not so rare. Aortic regurgitation, though obvious using echocardiography visualization, usually does not produce an audible murmur.
Stenosis of the mitral valve, if severe, also rarely produces an audible, low frequency soft rumbling murmur, best recognized by a practiced ear using a high quality, especially electronically amplified, stethoscope.
Other audible murmurs are associated with abnormal openings between the left ventricle and right heart or from the aortic or pulmonary arteries back into a lower pressure heart chamber.
In accordance to the present invention, the handheld device may further measure stomach rumble, also known as a bowel sound or peristaltic sound. Peristaltic sound is known as rumbling, growling or gurgling noise produced by movement of the contents of the gastro-intestinal tract as they are propelled through the small intestine by a series of muscle contractions called peristalsis By using the handheld device of the presnet invention a user can listen to these intestinal noises which are known as stomach rumble or borborygmus as the fluid and gas moves forward in the intestines. The lack of bowel sounds is indicative of ileus, intestinal obstruction, or some other serious pathology.
In accordance to the present invention, the system provides a physician located remotely from a patient to analysis and to follow-up patient's current medical condition and further delivering diagnosis and further treatment accordingly.
In accordance to the present invention, the system provides a patient located remotely from medical services, a quality of care equal to patients living near medical services. In accordance to the present invention, the portable handheld device may comprise additional sensors based upon touch sensitive technology. The sensor type is selected from the group consisting of temperature sensor, touch sensor, voice sensor, pulse sensor ,motion sensor and a combination thereof .
The portable handheld device is activated by the spring activated microphone by a single action selected from the group consisting of: pressing, pushing, pulling, positioning, turning, sliding, triggering, scanning sensing and any combination thereof. The single activation element is selected from the group consisting of spring switch, pressing button, finger press, biometric scanning pushing button, pulling button, positioning button, turning button, sliding button, triggering button, sensing button, RFID barcode and any combination thereof. The spring activated microphone can further be detached from the device and replaced with another element or probe attached to perform an additional examination.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the portable handheld device transfers an electronic signal to at least one communication unit via the wireless communication means selected from the group consisting of a Bluetooth connection, antenna, wireless USB, wireless sensor networks, satellite communications, mobile data service, ibeacon, zigbee, GPS and a combination thereof for receiving the medical measurement data examined by the portable device according to instructions provided by the UIP.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the UIP may be based upon a step- by-step procedure such as an algorithm and/or a cloud service. In another embodiment of the present invention, the portable device is configured for physical examination of at least one body part selected from the group consisting of respiratory system, lungs, heart, abdomen and any combination thereof.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the measurements taking by the patient or another subject can be further viewed and heard online and real time by the patient or any other subject upon the screen of the portable device or a processor such as a smart phone or the computer screen. The system may further provide an approval or verification such as OK' message that the measurements data was transferred successfully to the physician and/or the medical heath institute. The verification may be provided by a message format, an image format or an alert such as a designated sound sent by the UIP.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the device may may include a system for encryption of data, voice identity verification and audit trailing of accesses, and other security means, to protect access to patient records and other information and services.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the portable device for conducting remote physical measurements may comprise a touchpad, or can further be controlled using "voice actions". To activate the device, the user may say "O.K." Once the device is activated, the user can say an action, such as "Take a picture", "Record a video", and the like.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the system for conducting a full patient-physician medical encounter initiated by a patient or a physician is based upon at least one of the following processes verification, certification, authentication and validation. Each of these processes may be a sub process of the other or a independent process of the present invention system. The level of verification, or number of times the producer's data is verified against is not limited and relay upon the user's actions and inputs. In another embodiment of the present invention, the system may be based upon intuitive physical examination of the patient or another subject which is not a physician.
The term 'self examination' or 'self administration ' herein refers to physical examination conducted or/and administered by a patient itself or by a non-medically trained person such as a relative, friend, neighbor, carer or by another subject which is not a physician. The term 'self generated measurements' or 'home generated measurements' herein refers to physical measurements or medical check -up conducted or administered by a patient itself or by a non-medically trained person such as a relative, friend, neighbour, carer or by another subject which is not a physician.
The term 'medical examination' herein refers to a physical examination, medical analysis or clinical examination (more popularly known as a check-up or medical) according to a predetermined protocol comprising a plurality of medical characteristics and/or conditions such that a patient may select a relevant characteristic and/or condition from a list according to patient's current physical condition. Therefore, the process by which a medical professional investigates the body of a patient for signs of disease. It generally follows the taking of the medical history— an account of the symptoms as experienced by the patient. Together with the medical history, the physical examination aids in determining the correct diagnosis and devising the treatment plan. This data then becomes part of the medical record.
Reference is now made to Figure 1 illustrating a handheld stethoscope device configured for collecting home -generated measurements and communicating them remotely comprising: a hollow barrel portion 1 containing a spring activated microphone for real time sensing and recording auscultation and a housing portion 2 comprising at least one amplifier 3 for amplifying samples of the ausculatory signals; at least one filter circuit means 3 for filtering out background noise and frequency interference. The filter is interfaced with the amplifier, a digital signal processing unit (DSP) 15 for transmitting at least one signal and a wireless communication means. The barrel is operatively connected to the housing portion. The barrel 1 is configured to activate the microphone and amplifier by a single push on the spring operatively connected to a micro switch when urged against a body region of a user. The amplifier configured to transmit samples of the ausculatory signals via the wireless communication means 2 to at least one remote communication unit; further wherein the housing portion is fist sized and shaped for grasping by one user hand.
The amplifier further provides an improved auscultation without noises in a predefined wavelength range and further conversion of acoustic sound waves to at least one electrical signal which is amplified and transmitted to at least one communication unit. The portable handheld device is configured for measuring and indicating patient's current medical condition. In another embodiment of the present invention, the patient may further provide a written or voice description, photo or any image of his medical condition and symptoms to the patient interface platform (UIP) for receiving a self-medical examination procedure accordingly and further to be sent to the physician.
The wireless network connection communicates with the UIP which comprises a predetermined protocol comprising a plurality of medical characteristics and/or conditions such that a patient may select a relevant characteristic and/or condition from a list according to patient's current physical condition. Thereby, the patient performs a self-generated measurements using the input means respectively.
Reference is now made to Figure 2 which illustrates a cross section of the portable handheld device. The portable handheld stethoscope device comprising a hollow barrel portion 12 containing a spring 13 activated microphone 11 for real time sensing recording and streaming the auscultations, at least one amplifier 10 for amplifying samples of the sounds sensed signal, an audio filter circuit means 10 for filtering out noises and frequency interference. The audio filter is interfaced with the amplifier in a housing portion fist shaped and wireless communication means 14. The device may further comprise connection pins for device engagement, spring switch trigger for activating the device and further recording and storing the measurements results. The housing portion further comprises an audio codec 18 for coding or decoding a digital data stream or analog audio as digital signals of received signals, a power circuit 17, a DSP memory comprising a processor 15 and a USB connection 16.
In accordance with the present invention, the hollow barrel is having a tubular like or cylinder like shape allowing pressing the barrel against patient's chest or other body part.
In accordance with the present invention, the shape of the housing is selected from the group consisting of : spherical, round , ball, fist- shaped, tubular, cylinder, roll, annular, arced ,arched, arci-form , bent , bowed bulbous ,circular , coiled , curled , curved , curvilinear , cylindrical , discoid , disk-shaped domical , egg-shaped , elliptical , globoid , globose , globular , looped , orbed , orbicular, orbiculate , oval , ringed , rotund , rounded , spherical , spheroid , spiral , circular , convex , globular , orbicular , oval , rotund , ball- shaped and a combination thereof.
In accordance with the present invention, the spring activated microphone 13, 11, the amplifier 10 and the a filter circuit means 10 function together as a stethoscope probe end for self-generated measurements of at least one health or medical characteristic of the patient. The spring may be attached to at least one diaphragm like pad. The handheld stethoscope device is used for auscultation of the internal sounds of patient's lung and heart sounds. It is also may be used for auscultation intestines and blood flow in arteries and veins. In accordance with the present invention, handheld stethoscope device measures the respiratory rate (RR), e.g the rate of ventilation, that is, the number of breaths (inhalation-exhalation cycles) taken within a set amount of time (typically 60 seconds).
In accordance with the present invention, the handheld stethoscope device comprises an audio signal processing unit. The spring activated microphone receives quasiperiodic signal or quasiharmonic signal, as a waveform that is virtually periodic microscopically, but not necessarily periodic macroscopically.
In accordance with the present invention, the Auscultation is performed for examining the circulatory system and respiratory system (heart sounds and breath sounds), as well as the gastrointestinal system (bowel sounds).
Reference is now made to Figure 3 presenting a scheme of the remote communication system comprising handheld stethoscope device 20 a remote communication unit 22, a central processing unit(CPU), processor or/and server 24a, 24b for data receiving, processing and/or storing the ausculatory signals. The signal are further transferred to a remote communication unit 22, 23 such as tablet, smartphone or/and laptop via the wireless means 21.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit is capable of receiving a wireless signal from one or more wireless means. In some embodiments, the spring activated microphone may function as a receiver unit for receiving radio frequency communication signals (e.g., a FM radio signals) from the wireless means. In other embodiments, the communication unit receives microwave or infrared (IR) communication signals from the wireless sensor. In still other embodiments, the receiver unit receives short- wavelength radio transmissions, for example in the ISM band from 2400-2480 MHz (IEEE 802.15.1, or Bluetooth).
The wireless communication means is selected from the group consisting of a Bluetooth connection, antenna, wireless USB, wireless sensor networks, satellite communications, mobile data service, ibeacon, zigbee, GPS and a combination thereof.
Reference is now made to Figure 4 presenting a flow chart of the the remote communication system comprising handheld stethoscope device of the present invention. As illustrated in Fig. 4, additional probes may be combined such as thermometer, ECG and/or HD CMOS. The medical information and measurements received and collected by the handheld stethoscope device are wirelessly transmitted to smart phone via a GUI , after the measurements are analyzed, processed and valid they are transferred to an external database or a medical center for further observation, storing and medical examination. The measurements may further transferred to an additional smartphone of a physician for further analysis and conducting a video call with the patient.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the handheld stethoscope device may comprise a central processing unit (CPU) as a Computer-aided Auscultation programs to analyze the recorded heart sounds pathological or innocent heart murmurs.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the filter allows noise attenuation by affecting the quality of the signal point such that the attenuation reduces the signal to noise ratio.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the handheld device may additionally comprise at least one sensor, camera, audio, microphone, voice record, voice input, visual display, thermometer, Electrocardiography (ECG), Otoscope, tongue depressor, blood pressure monitor, pulse oximetry, Spirometer, Ultrasound, medical imaging, systems and techniques such as MRI, X-ray, C.T, NMR, and a combination thereof. Reference is now made to Figure 5 presenting a graph of power vs. frequency of the breathing system of a typical inspiratory/expiratory breathing cycle of a healthy person. The microphone can be any microphone suitable to be fitted into a wireless sensor and to pick up a bodily sound. In some embodiments, the microphone is optimized to detect pulmonary sounds. In one embodiment, the microphone is an unidirectional microphone that is sensitive to sounds from only one direction. In other embodiments, the microphone is optimized to detect sound in the frequency range of 20 to 3000 Hz, 20 to 2500 Hz, 20 to 2000 Hz, 20 to 1800 Hz, 20 to 1500 Hz, 20 to 1200 Hz, 20 to 1000 Hz or 20 to 800 Hz.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the device may comprise a feedback mechanism which will alert and inform the user, physician or patient.
Reference is now made to Figure 6 presenting a graph of power (dB) vs. frequency (Hz) of the breathing system of a patient.
The present invention further provides a method for measuring auscultation of a patient, comprising steps of: providing handheld stethoscope device configured for collecting self-generated measurements and communicating them remotely comprising:a hollow barrel portion containing a spring activated microphone for sensing and recording auscultation; and a housing portion comprising at least one amplifier for amplifying samples of the ausculatory signals; at least one filter circuit means for filtering out background noise and frequency interference; the filter is interfaced with the amplifier; and a wireless communication means;
The method additionally comprising step of physically contacting the barrel portion with the body region of a patient or a subject for sensing and recording ausculatory signals;
The method additionally comprising step of pressing the spring operatively connected to a micro switch when urged against the body region of the patient by a single push on for activating the microphone and amplifier ; and
The method additionally comprising step of receiving and wirelessly transmitting the ausculatory signals via the wireless communication means to at least one remote communication unit .
In accordance of the present invention the step of providing the handheld stethoscope device comprising step of providing the barrel operatively connected to the housing portion.
In accordance of the present invention the step of providing the housing portion shaped as a fist sized for grasping by one user hand.
In accordance of the present invention the method additionally comprising step of providing the communication unit for transferring, receiving, monitoring and/or processing the signals to a user-end listening and displaying the device.
In accordance of the present invention the method additionally comprising step of providing at least one CPU for processing data of the ausculatory signals.
In accordance of the present invention the method additionally comprising step of providing the spring attached to at least one diaphragm like pad.
In accordance of the present invention the sounds are bodily sounds selected from the group consisting of lung sound signals, cardiac sound signals, intestines, blood flow, veins, pulmonary sound, digestive sound and a combination thereof.
In accordance of the present invention the method additionally comprising step of providing the filter circuit for reducing signal to noise ratio selected from the group consisting of ambient noises, voices, metallic sounds and any combination thereof. In accordance of the present invention the method additionally comprising step of providing a rechargeable battery.
In accordance of the present invention the method additionally comprising step of providing the filter means for filtering out Direct Current (DC)frequency and high frequency interference.
In accordance of the present invention the method additionally comprising step of providing the wireless means comprising a wireless network connection selected from the group consisting of: Bluetooth, antenna, wireless USB, wireless sensor networks, satellite communications, mobile data service, ibeacon, zigbee,GPS and a combination thereof.

Claims

1. A handheld stethoscope device for collecting home -generated measurements and communicating them remotely comprising:
a. a hollow barrel portion containing a spring activated microphone for real time sensing and recording auscultation; and
b. a housing portion operatively connected to said hollow barrel portion comprising at least one amplifier for amplifying samples of said ausculatory signals; at least one filter circuit means for filtering out background noise and frequency interference; said filter is interfaced with said amplifier; a digital signal processing unit (DSP) for transmitting at least one signal; and a wireless communication means; wherein said barrel is configured to activate said microphone and amplifier by a single push on said spring operatively connected to a micro switch when urged against a body region of a patient ; said DSP is configured to transmit samples of said ausculatory signals via said wireless communication means to at least one remote communication unit.
2. The handheld stethoscope device according to claim 1, wherein said housing portion is fist sized and shaped for grasping by one user hand.
3. The handheld stethoscope device according to claim 1, wherein said housing further comprising a USB connection.
4. The handheld stethoscope device according to claim 1, wherein said home - generated measurements constitutes a physical examination by said patient or administered by non-medically trained person in physical proximity to said patient said person selected from the group consisting of a relative, a friend, a neighbour, or another non medically trained subject.
5. The handheld stethoscope device according to claim 1, wherein said home - generated measurements is collectable, storable and deliverable offline or online.
6. The handheld stethoscope device according to claim 1, wherein said DSP additionally comprises instructions for implementing a ranking mechanism for ranking patient's and data of said home -generated measurements according to at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of patient's age, gender, race, emotional condition, physical condition, health condition, known patient and a combination thereof.
7. The handheld stethoscope device according to claim 1, wherein said home generated measurements are classified and transmitted by said DSP according to a predefined emergency classification of auscultation sound characteristic; said auscultation sound characteristic is selected from the group consisting of character and volume of breath sounds, presence or absence of vocal sounds, pleural friction rubs, ratio of inspiration to expiration and a combination thereof.
8. The handheld stethoscope device according to claim 6, wherein said character and volume of breath sounds is selected from the group consisting of crackles, rhonchi, wheezes, stridor, decreased breath sounds, Friction rubs or Egophony.
9. The handheld stethoscope device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one communication unit is configured for transferring, receiving, monitoring and/or processing said signals to a user-end listening and displaying said device.
10. The handheld stethoscope device according to claim 1, wherein said housing shape is selected from the group consisting of : spherical, round ,fist- shape ball, tubular, cylinder, roll, annular, arced , arched, arci^form , bent , bowed bulbous ,circular , coiled , curled , curved , curvilinear , cylindrical , discoid , disk-shaped domical , egg-shaped , elliptical , globoid , globose , globular , looped , orbed , orbicular, orbiculate , oval , ringed , rotund , rounded , spherical , spheroid , spiral , circular , convex , globular , orbicular , oval , rotund , ball- shaped and a combination thereof.
11. The handheld stethoscope device according to claim 1, wherein said hollow barrel portion is detachable and replaceable.
12. The handheld stethoscope device according to claim 1, wherein said body region is selected from the group consisting of chest, throat, respiratory system, skin, heart, abdomen, dorsum, hand, leg and any combination thereof.
13. The handheld stethoscope device according to claim 1, wherein additionally comprising at least one central processing unit (CPU) for processing data of said signals.
14. The handheld stethoscope device according to claim 1, wherein said communication unit is selected from the group consisting of a tablet, a kiosk, a CPU, a smart phone, a telephone, a laptop and any combination thereof.
15. The handheld stethoscope device according to claim 1, wherein said spring is attached to at least one diaphragm like pad.
16. The handheld stethoscope device according to claim 1, wherein said sounds are bodily sounds selected from the group consisting of lung sound signals, cardiac sound signals, intestines, blood flow, veins, pulmonary sound, digestive sound and a combination thereof.
17. The handheld stethoscope device according to claim 1, wherein said filter circuit further reduces signal to noise ratio selected from the group consisting of ambient noises, voices, metallic sounds and any combination thereof.
18. The handheld stethoscope device according to claim 1, wherein said housing portion additionally comprising a power circuit.
19. The handheld stethoscope device according to claim 1, wherein said housing portion additionally comprising an audio codec for coding or decoding a digital data stream or analog audio as digital signals of said ausculatory signals.
20. The handheld stethoscope device according to claim 1, wherein said home - generated measurements of said patient are collectable, storable and deliverable by demand of a physician.
21. The handheld stethoscope device according to claim 1, wherein said filter means is configured for filtering out Direct Current (DC) frequency and high frequency interference.
22. The handheld stethoscope device according to claim 1, wherein said wireless means comprises a wireless network connection selected from the group consisting of: Bluetooth, antenna, wireless USB, wireless sensor networks, satellite communications, mobile data service, ibeacon, zigbee,GPS and a combination thereof.
23. The handheld stethoscope device according to claim 1, wherein said
microphone is optimized to detect sound in the frequency range of 20 to 3000 Hz, 20 to 2500 Hz, 20 to 2000 Hz, 20 tol800 Hz, 20 tol500 Hz, 20 to 1200 Hz, 20 to 1000 Hz or 20 to 800 Hz.
24. A method for measuring auscultation of a patient, comprising steps of:
a. providing handheld stethoscope device configured for collecting home -generated measurements and communicating them remotely comprising:a hollow barrel portion containing a spring activated microphone for sensing and recording auscultation; and
a housing portion operatively connected to said hollow barrel portion, comprising at least one amplifier for amplifying samples of said ausculatory signals; at least one filter circuit means for filtering out background noise and frequency interference; said filter is interfaced with said amplifier; a digital signal processing unit (DSP) for transmitting at least one signal; and a wireless communication means; b. physically contacting said barrel portion with said body region of said patient for real time sensing and recording ausculatory signals;
c. pressing said spring operatively connected to a micro switch when urged against said body region of said patient by a single push on for activating said microphone and amplifier ; and
d. receiving and wirelessly transmitting said ausculatory signals via said wireless communication means to at least one remote communication unit .
25. The method according to claim 24, wherein said step of providing said
housing portion shaped as a fist sized for grasping by one user hand.
26. The method according to claim 24, wherein said method additionally
comprising step of providing said communication unit for transferring, receiving, monitoring and/or processing said signals to a user-end listening and displaying said device.
27. The method according to claim 23, wherein method additionally comprising step of transferring data of said home -generated measurements by demand of a physician.
28. The method according to claim 24, wherein method additionally comprising step of collecting , transferring and storing said home -generated
measurements offline or online.
29. The method according to claim 24, wherein said method additionally
comprising step of ranking the emergency level of said patient.
30. The method according to claim 24, wherein said method additionally comprising step of providing at least one central processing unit (CPU) for processing data of said ausculatory signals.
31. The method according to claim 24, wherein said method additionally
comprising step of providing said spring attached to at least one diaphragm like pad.
32. The method according to claim 24, wherein said sounds are bodily sounds selected from the group consisting of lung sound signals, cardiac sound signals, intestines, blood flow, veins, pulmonary sound, digestive sound and a combination thereof.
33. The method according to claim 24, wherein said method additionally
comprising step of providing said filter circuit for reducing signal to noise ratio selected from the group consisting of ambient noises, voices, metallic sounds and any combination thereof.
34. The method according to claim 24, wherein said method additionally
comprising step of providing a rechargeable battery.
35. The method according to claim 24, wherein said method additionally
comprising step of providing said filter means for filtering out Direct Current (DC)frequency and high frequency interference.
36. The method according to claim 24, wherein said method additionally
comprising step of providing said wireless means comprising a wireless network connection selected from the group consisting of: Bluetooth, antenna, wireless USB, wireless sensor networks, satellite communications, mobile data service, ibeacon, zigbee,GPS and a combination thereof.
37. The method according to claim 24, wherein said method additionally
comprising step of determining the emergency classification of said ausculatory signals.
38. The method according to claim 24, wherein said step of transmitting
comprising step of transferring said home generated measurements data to said communication unit via said wireless connection such that said physician receives said home generated measurements according to an emergency classification predefined within said DSP.
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