An electroacoustic stethoscope provided with a dual-channel compatible and acquisition switch

Abstract

An electric sound stethoscope with double-channel compatible and collection switch relates to the field of medical auscultation, which is configured with double-channel compatible and convenient collection switch, analyzes and compares sound and sound wave pattern functions, and outputs two high-definition loudspeaker work of audio amplifier modules in two ways to connect two audio boxes, which is a new innovation for diagnosing heart and lung diseases. The excellent electric sound quality presents the extremely distinctive creative color of the system. The system includes electronic or traditional auscultation head to collect sound signals, and the sound signals are converted into electric sound signals by a microphone. The auscultation includes collecting heart and lung sound, and independently setting a microphone channel or a microphone wired socket interface with a convenient switch, forming the electric sound signal of the heart and lung auscultation collected by the convenient switch and the auscultation method to suppress howling. The electric sound signal enters the functional module circuit for processing through the appropriate transmission mode, amplifies the electric sound signal to drive the loudspeaker to broadcast and listen to the auscultation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electroacoustic system for a loudspeaker used in medical diagnostic auscultation and its manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] Since the use of stethoscopes in medical diagnosis, they have always been instruments that transmit sound waves directly to the ear via a rubber tube through the stethoscope head. A traditional stethoscope head is a hollow bowl with a sealed diaphragm at the larger end. It collects sound signals from organs by contacting the body; the signals are compressed and output to the smaller end, which connects to a rubber sound tube and then to the earpiece via an ear loop. There is also a dual-purpose stethoscope head, where one end can be open without a diaphragm. Traditional stethoscopes are only suitable for diagnosing general illnesses. For diagnosing infectious diseases, such as pneumonia, medical personnel wearing protective gear cannot use traditional stethoscopes properly and may even risk infection. To achieve effective and safe use of stethoscopes, the equipment needs improvement. It is necessary to abandon conventional electronic amplification equipment and combine modern electroacoustic loudspeaker systems with traditional stethoscopes to create an electroacoustic stethoscope that can still be conveniently and safely used while wearing protective gear to prevent infectious diseases. Diagnosis often requires CT scans of the heart and lungs and routine stethoscope examinations, but CT scans carry the risk of nuclear radiation. Therefore, at a critical time when patients rely on their immune system to suppress the virus, multiple CT scans can directly affect and damage their immunity. This necessitates minimizing the need for multiple CT scans. Stethoscope examinations, on the other hand, allow doctors to monitor changes in the patient's condition in real time, offering a simple, effective method without harming the patient's immune system. To ensure doctors are not infected and can efficiently and clearly hear changes in the patient's lung infection, the electroacoustic stethoscope of this invention is an extremely suitable device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Given the high-velocity diaphragm of high-definition loudspeakers, employing "Resonant Damping (RAD)" diaphragm technology (patent application number 2012103756914), its distortion is generally less than 1% / 1m1w. The diaphragm, made entirely of high-velocity materials, has extremely high sound transmission velocity, and the resonant damping technology eliminates the inertia of resonance tails, resulting in extremely high transient fidelity. It also possesses an ultra-wide frequency response. For example, a 6.5-inch high-definition loudspeaker can achieve a full-range response of 55–17000Hz without the need for crossover / combination in a sound system, eliminating distortion caused by crossover / combination in the mid-frequency sensitive area around 1000Hz. During amplification, it reproduces sound realistically and also suppresses system feedback. The sound quality of high-definition loudspeakers is particularly suitable for amplification using medical diagnostic stethoscopes. More importantly, it is also particularly suitable for use by doctors wearing protective gear in diagnosing patients with infectious diseases.

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to utilize the new acoustic technology of "resonance damping (RAD)" to manufacture high-velocity sound material diaphragms of various specifications based on the ancient and traditional stethoscope, and to combine them as needed to manufacture various types of high-definition electroacoustic stethoscopes to meet the needs of medical development, especially to meet the current needs of auscultation for infectious pneumonia.

[0005] The key features of this invention are: external acquisition of acoustic signals while retaining the stethoscope head and acoustic conduction components of a traditional stethoscope; electroacoustic signals can be acquired at the earplug at the end of the stethoscope's sound-conducting tube, or a microphone can be directly placed at the small output port of the stethoscope head to acquire electroacoustic signals; after being processed by a suitable transmission method, the signals are adjusted and amplified by the functional module circuit, driving a high-definition speaker to produce sound, which can be heard by all doctors present, or by using headphones with speakers. Doctors on site wearing protective gear can clearly hear the sounds emitted by the patient's heart and lungs; and see the corresponding sound wave graphic information, storing the acquired information (including graphics); and facilitating network connection, consultation comparison, and diagnostic evaluation.

[0006] Compared with existing technologies, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0007] 1. The sound signal amplified by the high-definition electroacoustic system has a high sound pressure level, a wide volume adjustment range, and clear, reliable playback sound: ensuring that doctors wearing infectious disease protective equipment can safely and clearly hear the patient's heartbeat and the sound of lung breathing.

[0008] 2. Fully digital storage, backward compatible with MP3 format, and preferably WAV format digital signal for high-fidelity recording, sampling, playback and comparison. It also allows for comparison of corresponding sound wave graphic information, which is beneficial for diagnosis.

[0009] 3. Compared with traditional electronic amplification systems, high-definition loudspeaker broadcasting systems have significantly better transient response and higher sound clarity due to the use of resonant damped high-velocity diaphragms; and there is no distortion caused by mid-frequency crossover / combination, and there are no distortion problems (including phase distortion) across the entire frequency range.

[0010] 4. It retains the characteristics of a traditional stethoscope, including the acoustic features of a traditional stethoscope, and even the acoustic characteristics of a doctor's own commonly used stethoscope, making it easier for doctors to accept the changes brought about by electroacoustic equipment. The manufacturing and use of the equipment are convenient and simple.

[0011] 5. Traditional stethoscopes, used close to the patient's body, contain no electrical components and emit no electromagnetic radiation. The electrical signal transmission method can be selected via wired or infrared, safely eliminating the potential for interference with the patient and other medical electronic equipment (such as electromagnetic interference with pacemakers).

[0012] 6. The electroacoustic stethoscope is equipped with a convenient acquisition switch and uses a 6.5-inch high-definition speaker. It can provide clear sound in a space of 1,000 square meters without distortion, and has a low-frequency effect of less than 56Hz in a 100-square-meter cinema. In small spaces (such as a ward of about 20 square meters), it can still maintain the ability to suppress the feedback of the electroacoustic system and ensure the normal use of the electroacoustic stethoscope.

[0013] 7. It allows all doctors, both on-site and remotely connected, to listen to, analyze, and compare sound and sound wave graphic information, facilitating consultations and collective evaluation and judgment.

[0014] 8. The electroacoustic stethoscope is equipped with dual auscultation acquisition channels and functions for analyzing and comparing sound and sound wave graphic information. The power amplifier module has two outputs connected to two speakers for playback. It is an innovative method for diagnosing diseases, especially an excellent medical device for auscultating the heart and lungs. Compared with CT, it has no nuclear radiation, protects the patient's immunity, is available at any time, and is simple, efficient and fast. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 The exterior of the chassis B of the first scheme, which combines a traditional stethoscope with an electroacoustic system, is shown in a diagram where two speakers C, arranged side by side and connected directly via two audio cables Bc, are positioned to play audio.

[0016] Figure 2 The first scheme includes a microphone Bm installed in each of the earpiece sockets Ba on both sides to pick up the sound signal from the stethoscope and convert it into two electrical signals, which are then input into the "preamplifier module" of the chassis; and a power amplifier module that outputs two signals (overlapping). Figure 1 The working principle and functional module diagram of the audio cable Bc connecting the two speakers.

[0017] Figure 3 Diagram showing the connection between the stethoscope earpiece head and the stethoscope earpiece socket. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The specific implementation plan is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 Option 1: The traditional stethoscope A is retained entirely. Its earpiece Ab is directly inserted into the earpiece socket Ba of chassis B. The auscultation sound signal is processed by the circuitry within chassis B, and the amplified electrical signal is directly played back to the speaker of speaker C via audio cable Bc. To avoid electromagnetic interference affecting other equipment, the basic option uses wired connections for amplification. Furthermore, for infectious disease diagnosis, the traditional stethoscope can be used, facilitating disinfection and reuse or low-cost disposable use.

[0020] like Figure 2 The modules shown in chassis B have their own functions. Each earpiece socket Ba on both sides contains a microphone Bm to pick up the sound signal from the stethoscope. Figure 2The two microphones Bm built into the functional module are connected as shown, and are converted into two electrical signals that are input to the "preamplifier module" of the chassis. The amplified electrical signals are transmitted through the default path of the "display touch screen" Bb, and are directly connected to the built-in "EQ equalizer" by the module's CPU processor. After being adjusted by the "EQ", the electrical signals are sent to the "power amplifier module" and then transmitted to drive the speakers. Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the earpiece socket Ba shows that earpiece sockets Ba are installed on both sides of the empty casing B. The microphone (condenser microphone) Bm faces the earpiece opening, and the earpiece jack is inlaid with a soft rubber sleeve Baa to ensure a tight seal with the inserted earpiece Ab. This is the most basic operating state of the electroacoustic stethoscope. Note that EQ adjustment mainly corrects the electroacoustic signal based on the frequency response characteristics of the compensation speaker. Specific compensation for the stethoscope head and microphone will be refined in actual experiments to achieve the most realistic listening effect. This is the most basic function; this type of electronic system is very common, and all other functional modules described below are based on well-known technologies. Only the functions will be discussed; specific details will not be elaborated upon in this article.

[0021] Figure 2 The "power module" consists of an external power adapter and a battery, allowing the device to be easily used as a mobile device. The "display touchscreen" can function as a keyboard for selecting various modules and can also display sound waves and other graphics. The "encoding / decoding module" of this electroacoustic system is used to convert acquired analog signals to digital signals or to perform digital-to-analog conversion of stored signals. Combined with the "memory and flash memory SD card storage module," it enables information storage and retrieval. Adhering to high medical device standards, WAV format encoding and decoding are preferred, using a 192kHz / 24bit master standard to ensure signal clarity and accuracy, while also being backward compatible with MP3. It allows for playback of stored information, and when combined with the "sound wave graphics" function module, repeated playback displays sound wave graphics, enhancing diagnostic capabilities through intuitive sound wave graphic comparison. In the initial testing phase, a CPU processor and memory combination can be used to test the applicability of various acoustic software programs. A sound wave graphics program can be developed to differentiate the sound wave characteristics of various types of pneumonia. Experience will be accumulated in practice, and a hardware-based "encoding / decoding and sound wave graphics" module can be adopted to improve reliability. This device preferably uses memory cards, flash memory cards, SD cards, etc., and does not have an internal hard drive. Given the reliability requirements of medical data storage, easily replaceable read-only memory cards are used to store important data. The motherboard has two USB data ports and a network cable socket, with optional wireless channels including WiFi, Bluetooth output / receive modules, and infrared output modules. A microphone is located at a small outlet inside the stethoscope head; the battery and wireless signal transmission circuitry are also integrated into the stethoscope head, outputting the collected sound signals via wireless circuitry; thus forming an electroacoustic stethoscope system that can be paired with the chassis or wireless headphone speakers.

[0022] Figure 2The preamplifier module also features two wired external dedicated "microphone sockets Bn". These dedicated microphones have a switch for the doctor operating the stethoscope head, allowing them to switch between "speech recording / start recording" before auscultation signal acquisition, to mark the signal sequence number and acquisition site. The stethoscope head acquires acoustic signals, which are then converted into electroacoustic signals by the microphone. Auscultation includes, in addition to acquiring heart and lung sounds, a dedicated recording microphone channel or wired microphone socket interface with a convenient switch, forming the electroacoustic signal acquisition of heart and lung sounds via the convenient switch and auscultation method. The acquired electroacoustic signal, after passing through a suitable transmission method, enters the functional module circuit for adjustment and processing.

[0023] Based on Solution 1, an improved Solution 2 is further developed, which outputs wirelessly to active speakers or wireless headphones via channels such as WiFi, Bluetooth, and infrared. The EQ equalizer module in this solution sets frequency correction frequency response curves for each audio system individually. The active speakers and headphone speakers also use high-velocity material diaphragms made with resonant damping technology to maintain excellent acoustic characteristics.

[0024] The third scheme, an improvement to an "electronic stethoscope head," increased the cost of the stethoscope head by moving the microphone to a small internal outlet. The microphone is connected to the preamplifier module via shielded wires. This scheme maintains the same basic performance as the first scheme, except the microphone's signal acquisition environment is moved earlier. This includes replacing the microphones Bm, which were originally located in the earpiece sockets Ba on both sides of the stethoscope head in the first scheme, with each microphone positioned at a small internal outlet to collect sound signals. The two microphones, each located at a small internal outlet, form two electronic stethoscope heads with electroacoustic signal outputs. These outputs are then converted into two separate electrical signals input to the preamplifier module of the chassis, which is connected to the chassis circuitry via a wired connection.

[0025] Option 4 involves replacing the stethoscope head with a wireless output. A microphone, electronic amplification and transmission circuit, and a battery are installed inside the stethoscope head. A radio signal (such as a Bluetooth signal) is generated in the stethoscope head and transmitted. The signal is received by the wireless channel of chassis B in Option 1 (with the wired earpiece closed) through the Bluetooth input module as configured. All other functions remain unchanged in Option 1.

[0026] Option 5 eliminates the speaker from Option 4, and instead uses a wireless headphone speaker to receive Bluetooth signals from the receiver or wireless signals from the electronic stethoscope head.

[0027] The electroacoustic stethoscope features a convenient recording switch, dual auscultation acquisition channels, sound analysis and comparison functions, and a dual-output amplifier module connecting two speakers – a completely new innovation. The use of high-definition loudspeakers adds a novel touch to the system's advanced features, showcasing its excellent acoustic quality and creativity. For a long time, the distortion caused by the crossover / combination method used in traditional loudspeakers around 1000Hz has been the most stubborn problem in the audio industry for over a century. While coaxial loudspeakers emerged to address this, they did not solve the problems of frequency response and phase distortion, nor the fidelity of diaphragm transient performance. Given that audio equipment is primarily for music appreciation, national standards for high-fidelity loudspeaker systems reluctantly stipulate that distortion less than 1 / 3 octave band is negligible, and because phase distortion cannot be resolved, no evaluation standard is set. However, for medical diagnostic applications, no negligence is permissible. The high-definition requirement of standard sound source loudspeakers—"no crossover / combination within the 100–10000Hz range"—meets the high standards required for medical diagnosis and highlights the advantages of high-definition loudspeakers. This is the fundamental reason why we need to use resonant damped diaphragms. High-definition electroacoustic stethoscopes further enable doctors, while wearing protective gear, to safely and clearly hear the pulse of a patient's heart and the sound of airflow in their lungs, with the ability to analyze and compare this information for accurate assessment and sampling.

[0028] In actual products, the speakers can be placed inside the chassis as needed, and the chassis can be used as a speaker enclosure.

Claims

1. An electroacoustic stethoscope with a data acquisition switch, characterized in that: The amplified electroacoustic signal drives the speaker in the chassis, speaker enclosure, or headphones to emit sound. A separate, hollow stethoscope head collects the auscultatory sound signal, which is then converted into an electroacoustic signal by a microphone. This includes an electronic stethoscope head with a condenser microphone (Bm) inside the stethoscope head to collect the sound signal and generate an electroacoustic signal output. This is connected to the chassis circuitry via wired or wireless means; or via other pathways, including the auscultatory sound signal being transmitted from the stethoscope's ear loop tube to the microphone (Bm) located within the earplug seat sealed to the inserted earplug, where it is converted into an electroacoustic signal and transmitted. The chassis circuitry includes a stethoscope that, in addition to collecting heart and lung sounds, features a convenient switch at the microphone channel and wired microphone socket. This forms a system where electroacoustic signals are collected via the convenient switch and auscultation method, transmitted through a suitable transmission method, and then processed by the "functional module" circuitry within the chassis. The amplified electroacoustic signals from the power amplifier module drive the speaker for playback. This electroacoustic stethoscope also suppresses system feedback and ensures that doctors, while wearing protective gear, can safely and clearly hear the patient's heartbeat and lung breathing sounds played in real time by the speaker.

2. An electroacoustic stethoscope configured in a dual-channel acquisition and amplification system chassis, characterized in that: This includes two earplugs inserted through the stethoscope ear hook tube into earplug sockets located on the left and right sides of the chassis, with a microphone condenser microphone Bm installed in each earplug socket Ba to pick up the sound signal from the stethoscope, as shown in Figure 2, and convert it into two electrical signals that are connected to the "preamplifier module"; and the "preamplifier module" is equipped with two wired external "microphone sockets Bn"; and the two outputs are connected to two speakers through the power amplifier module inside the chassis. The above features form a chassis compatible with a dual-channel acquisition and amplification audio electroacoustic system. The chassis of the aforementioned dual-channel acquisition and amplification electroacoustic system is connected to an "electronic stethoscope" that includes a microphone inside the stethoscope to acquire sound signals and generate electroacoustic signal output. Two "electronic stethoscopes" are directly connected by shielded wires and are respectively connected to a "preamplifier module," or respectively connected to two wired channels of the "preamplifier module" via external dedicated "microphone sockets Bn." These features constitute an electroacoustic stethoscope with a complete dual-channel acquisition and dual-channel amplification and broadcasting system. It includes two external speakers as shown in Figure 1, arranged for left and right broadcasting.

3. The electroacoustic stethoscope according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The default connection path to the chassis includes the path set by the CPU processor and determined by the "multi-function display Bb". This connects to the built-in "EQ equalizer". The electroacoustic signal, after being adjusted by the "EQ", is transmitted via a wired connection to the "power amplifier module" to drive the speaker, thus achieving the auscultation function of the speaker playback in the first embodiment. Furthermore, based on embodiment 1, embodiment 2 is added, with a wireless channel set up in the chassis, including a WiFi channel, Bluetooth output module, and infrared module, outputting to the speaker playback of the active speaker. A microphone condenser (Bm), electronic amplification and transmission circuit, and battery are installed inside the stethoscope head. Radio signals, including infrared and Bluetooth signals, are generated in the stethoscope head and transmitted via the chassis's wireless channel, including the set infrared channel and Bluetooth input. The module receives and connects to the CPU, and the settings are the same as described in Scheme 1 and Scheme 2. The speaker in the speaker box plays the auscultation in real time. Alternatively, the third and fourth schemes, which are improvements on Scheme 1, form an "electronic stethoscope head" that is separated from the chassis. The environment for the microphone condenser microphone to collect signals is moved forward. The microphone condenser microphone Bm is moved forward from the headphone jack position and placed at a small outlet inside the stethoscope head to collect sound signals. This includes the "electronic stethoscope head" having a shielded wire connected to the "preamplifier module" inside the chassis, or connecting the "preamplifier module" to an external dedicated "microphone socket Bn" with two wired channels. Alternatively, the fifth scheme, which cancels the speaker based on the fourth scheme, uses a wireless headphone speaker to receive the Bluetooth signal emitted by the chassis and directly receive the wireless signal from the electronic stethoscope head.

4. The electroacoustic stethoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that: The earbud socket of the earbud holder is equipped with an inlaid soft rubber sleeve to ensure a sealed connection with the inserted earbud; the functional module circuit of the CPU processor of the chassis connection module includes a "power module" which includes an external power adapter and a battery; preferably, a "memory, flash memory, and SD card storage module" is provided, with a USB data interface or a read-only memory card slot for easy replacement, so as to realize the storage and retrieval of information.

5. The electroacoustic stethoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that: The microphone head inside the earpiece socket of the chassis faces the earpiece opening; the multi-functional display screen of the chassis is a touch screen, which displays the functional modules of the chassis and provides touch-screen access to select various functional modules. The chassis's functional circuit includes an EQ equalizer to adjust the equalization of speakers or headphone speakers, which can save and record the changes for later retrieval; it can display changes in the equalizer adjustment amplitude, display sound waveforms, and play back stored sound waveforms for comparison and analysis; the second option also includes an EQ equalizer module to set frequency compensation frequency response curves for each audio system; the 6.5-inch high-definition speaker can maintain the ability to suppress the feedback of the electroacoustic system in a small ward space of about 20 square meters without distortion, ensuring the normal use of the electroacoustic stethoscope.

6. The electroacoustic stethoscope according to claim 5, characterized in that: The chassis's functional module circuitry includes a USB port and a network cable socket. It receives and controls input from the display touchscreen and keyboard, and receives and sets input from the display touchscreen and keyboard. It transmits auscultation signals collected by the stethoscope, electroacoustic signals stored in the chassis, and external memory cards to the chassis's USB port and network cable socket. It also supports connecting external speakers, including active speakers or wireless headphones, to the chassis's USB port and network cable socket. The actual product uses a small speaker placed inside the chassis, depending on the requirements; the above forms an electroacoustic stethoscope system that combines the sound signals collected by the stethoscope head and the electroacoustic signals stored in the chassis with the speakers of the chassis, speaker cabinet, or headphones.

7. The electroacoustic stethoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that: The system accepts control via a touchscreen display and keyboard selection. The chassis's functional modules include an "encoding / decoding module" for converting analog signals to digital signals or performing digital-to-analog conversion for stored signals. This, along with "memory, flash memory, and SD card storage modules," enables the storage and retrieval of digital information. The chassis's circuitry and touchscreen display enable digital transmission and storage of auscultatory sound signals. High-fidelity recording and sampling are configured to operate the digital-to-analog encoding or decoding conversion module. The system defaults to WAV format encoding and decoding, adopts a 192kHz / 24bit master tape standard for digital storage, and is backward compatible with MP3 format.

8. The electroacoustic stethoscope according to claim 7, characterized in that: It accepts control via a touchscreen selection keyboard, and employs a combination of CPU processor and memory, using acoustic software to display sound waveforms on the touchscreen. It also features a function to compare and analyze the waveforms with those of the stored sound. The final chassis circuitry preferably uses a hardware-fixed "encoding / decoding and acoustic waveform" module to improve reliability.

9. The electroacoustic stethoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The electroacoustic stethoscope uses a single 55-17000Hz full-range high-definition loudspeaker with a port diameter of up to 6.5mm, meeting the distortion requirement of ≤1% / 1m1w. Within the aforementioned frequency response range, it eliminates the need for a crossover / combination-based audio system, thus eliminating phase distortion caused by the mid-frequency sensitive area of ​​crossover / combination. The single high-definition loudspeaker's enclosure has a full-frequency response that fully satisfies the auscultation of mid-to-high frequency sounds, and also provides a low-frequency effect below 56Hz, covering the normal heartbeat frequency. It features fully digital storage, compatible with high and low-grade digital signal formats for high-fidelity recording, sampling, and playback, obtaining corresponding sound wave graphics, enabling information display, comparison, and analysis, thus improving accurate judgment. The first to fifth schemes in this invention application are the basic schemes for an electroacoustic stethoscope that improves electroacoustic broadcasting performance, is compatible with various grades, and facilitates convenient auscultation.

10. The electroacoustic stethoscope according to claim 9, characterized in that: A 6.5-inch speaker with a hypersonic material diaphragm made using resonant damping technology is used in high-definition stethoscopes in the medical field. The full-range hypersonic diaphragm speaker reproduces sound realistically without crossover or combination. The auscultation signal is amplified without phase distortion. The speaker diaphragm has good transient response and high sound clarity, clearly expressing auscultation of sound waves including respiratory airflow and blood pulsation in various parts of the body. The broadcast of the dual-channel electroacoustic system is a real-time auscultation broadcast with realistic three-dimensional space, coupled with sound wave graphics, which enhances diagnostic capabilities. This invention is the first to realize the overall solution of high-definition dual-channel real-time broadcast and stereo auscultation identification of diseases and patients.

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