A stethoscope

Abstract

The application discloses a stethoscope, comprising: a sound pickup probe, a camera and a control unit; the control unit is in communication connection with the sound pickup probe, and is used for controlling the sound pickup probe to collect sound information at a preset auscultation position when the stethoscope is placed at the preset auscultation position on the surface of a patient according to a preset auscultation sequence, and obtaining auscultation area information corresponding to the preset auscultation position; the sound pickup probe is further used for converting the sound information into an electric signal and transmitting the electric signal to the control unit; the control unit is further in communication connection with the camera, and is used for controlling the camera to collect image information of the preset auscultation position when the stethoscope is placed at a preset position on the surface of the patient after completing sound collection, and obtaining the image information. The specification can realize digital calibration of the surface position of the stethoscope, and is favorable for improving the reliability of auscultation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a stethoscope. Background Technology

[0002] Before the advent of large medical devices such as CT scans, diagnosing diseases through changes in human voice was the primary method of medical examination. Stethoscopes became widely used due to their low cost and portability, but the accuracy of auscultation heavily relied on the doctor's experience. The arrival of the electronic age brought new life to the stethoscope. Electronic stethoscopes use electronic technology to convert sound waves into high-precision digital electrical signals, which, through amplification and processing, can produce clearer sounds than those from traditional stethoscopes.

[0003] However, existing electronic stethoscopes cannot mark and record location information on the patient's body surface. Recording the location of lesions on the body surface is crucial when auscultating a patient. Incorrect location on the body surface can lead to misleading heart sounds and consequently, incorrect diagnoses.

[0004] The uncertainty of the auscultation location on the body surface can lead to a systematic regression in the clinical application of auscultation. There are already cases where the uncertainty of the auscultation location of the stethoscope on the body surface has resulted in unreliable auscultation data, and consequently, diagnoses made through electronic auscultation are not clinically recognized.

[0005] Therefore, digital calibration of the auscultation position of the stethoscope on the body surface is crucial to improving the reliability of auscultation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides a stethoscope to solve the problem of low reliability of auscultation caused by the inability of existing stethoscopes to achieve digital calibration of the auscultation position on the body surface.

[0007] This invention provides a stethoscope, including: a pickup probe, a camera, and a control unit; The control unit is communicatively connected to the pickup probe and is used to control the pickup probe to collect sound information at the preset auscultation position and obtain auscultation area information corresponding to the preset auscultation position when the stethoscope is placed on the patient's body surface at a preset auscultation position according to a preset auscultation order; the pickup probe is also used to convert the sound information into an electrical signal and transmit the electrical signal to the control unit; The control unit is also communicatively connected to the camera, and is used to control the camera to acquire image information of the preset auscultation position and obtain the image information when the stethoscope is placed at a preset position on the patient's body surface after completing sound acquisition.

[0008] Optionally, a projector may also be included; The control unit is also communicatively connected to the projector and is used to control the projector to project the preset auscultation position onto the patient's body surface according to the image information when the sound information is abnormal, the image information fails the review, and the stethoscope is placed at the preset position.

[0009] Optionally, the preset location is the sternal manubrium region on the patient's body surface.

[0010] Optionally, it may also include: a signal processing unit; The signal processing unit is communicatively connected to both the microphone probe and the control unit, and is used to amplify the electrical signal before transmitting it to the control unit.

[0011] Optionally, it may also include: a first housing, a second housing connected to the first housing, and a cover plate disposed on the second housing; The second housing is a transparent housing; The camera and the projector are embedded in the cover plate.

[0012] Optionally, the camera may include a structured light camera.

[0013] Optionally, the projector may include an infrared projector.

[0014] The technical solution of this invention, by setting a camera on the stethoscope to acquire auscultation position information during auscultation, enables the stethoscope to have the function of recording the auscultation position on the body surface, thus solving the problem of low reliability of auscultation due to the inability to digitally calibrate the auscultation position on the body surface of the stethoscope.

[0015] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a stethoscope provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another stethoscope provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or devices. The terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., indicate orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only used to describe the relative positional relationships between components or constituent parts, and do not specifically limit the specific installation orientation of each component or constituent part.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a stethoscope provided in an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 1 The stethoscope in this embodiment of the invention includes: a pickup probe 10, a camera 20, and a control unit 30; the control unit 30 is communicatively connected to the pickup probe 10 and is used to control the pickup probe 10 to collect sound information at the preset auscultation position and obtain auscultation area information corresponding to the preset auscultation position when the stethoscope is placed on the patient's body surface in a preset auscultation order; the pickup probe 10 is also used to convert the sound information into an electrical signal and transmit the electrical signal to the control unit 30; the control unit 30 is also communicatively connected to the camera 20 and is used to control the camera 20 to collect image information at the preset auscultation position and obtain image information when the stethoscope is placed on the patient's body surface after completing sound collection.

[0021] It should be noted that the preset auscultation order can be the mitral valve area, pulmonary valve area, first aortic valve auscultation area, second aortic valve auscultation area, and tricuspid valve area; the preset auscultation location can be a mark made by the doctor in the above five areas, which can be matched with the stethoscope head, and each mark corresponds to a auscultation area. In use, the stethoscope can be pressed onto the patient's body surface. Only when the lower edge of the stethoscope completely matches the mark made by the doctor on the patient's body surface, and the doctor enters the name of the auscultation area (e.g., mitral valve area), will the control unit 30 control the pickup probe 10 to collect the sound information at that mark. For example, the stethoscope can first play a sound to prompt the doctor to confirm whether the stethoscope matches the mark. If the position is correct, the doctor can press the "confirm" button to transmit the "aligned" information to the control unit 30; then, it can play a sound to prompt the doctor to enter the auscultation area information corresponding to the mark. After successful input, the doctor can press the "confirm" button to transmit the "output completed" information to the control unit 30.

[0022] After completing the sound collection in each auscultation area, in order to record the auscultation position, the doctor will move the stethoscope to the preset position on the patient's body surface and send a signal of successful placement to the control unit 30 through the corresponding button. The controller can then control the camera 20 to turn on and take pictures of the five marks on the patient's body surface to clarify the positional relationship between each mark and the preset position.

[0023] It should also be noted that after the control unit 30 acquires the electrical signal and image information of this auscultation, it will store them as sound files and photo files respectively, and the electrical signal and image information will be matched one by one by labeling the file names.

[0024] Preferably, the preset location in this embodiment of the invention is the manubrium region of the sternum on the patient's body surface. The manubrium region of the sternum on the patient's body surface is where the sternum and clavicle meet. It is easy to find, unique, and does not vibrate with breathing, which helps to improve the accuracy of the acquired image information.

[0025] This invention provides a solution to the problem of low reliability of auscultation by setting a camera 20 on the stethoscope to acquire auscultation position information during auscultation, thereby enabling the stethoscope to record the auscultation position on the body surface.

[0026] Optional, see reference Figure 1 The stethoscope in this embodiment of the invention also includes a projector 40; the control unit 30 is also communicatively connected to the projector 40 and is used to control the projector 40 to project the preset auscultation position onto the patient's body surface according to the image information when the sound information is abnormal, the image information fails the review, and the stethoscope is placed at the preset position.

[0027] In one specific embodiment, the stethoscope of the present invention can be used for medical teaching and training to help interns master auscultation skills. For example, when a patient visits, a young physician makes a diagnosis and marks circular marks on the patient's body surface at auscultation locations. The intern can then use the stethoscope to sequentially record the sounds at each auscultation location and the auscultation area according to the circular marks to generate corresponding sound files. After recording the sounds at each auscultation location, the stethoscope is placed in the sternal manubrium area to capture an image containing the circular marks, generating corresponding photographic files. Finally, experts can review the recorded sound and photographic files.

[0028] Specifically, experienced physicians can review past auscultation procedures based on the sounds played back using stored electrical signals and / or by referring to images of preset auscultation locations. If an experienced physician finds abnormal heart sounds (sounds collected in the heart area), they will recheck the auscultation locations on the body surface. If the location is determined to be incorrect from the image, the patient can be retrieved, and the original auscultation location can be found and corrected based on the photograph of the marked location on the body surface. If the experienced physician has no objection to the auscultation, the stored electrical signals can be directly entered into a standardized database of heart / lung sounds or stored in the patient's medical record.

[0029] It is understandable that the markings made on the patient's body surface will disappear. In order to avoid the situation where the doctor cannot accurately find the original auscultation position for verification when the abnormal sound information is found based on the stored electrical signals during subsequent review, this embodiment of the invention sets up a projector 40 in the stethoscope. After recalling the patient, the stethoscope can be placed in a fixed and unique preset position (sternal manubrium area), and then the projector 40 on the stethoscope can display the five markings made by the doctor at the beginning in the form of a projection, so as to facilitate the doctor's verification.

[0030] This invention, by setting a projector 40 on the stethoscope, enables the stethoscope to have a retrospective function, thereby reproducing historical auscultation situations, which is of great significance for auscultation teaching and the development of auscultation technology.

[0031] refer to Figure 1 The stethoscope in this embodiment of the invention further includes a signal processing unit 50; the signal processing unit 50 is communicatively connected to the pickup probe 10 and the control unit 30 respectively, and is used to transmit the electrical signal to the control unit 30 after amplification processing.

[0032] It is understandable that the electrical signal output by the pickup probe 10 is extremely weak (at the microvolt level), and if not amplified, it is easily drowned out by noise. To avoid this situation, this embodiment of the invention provides a signal processing unit 50 capable of amplifying the electrical signal transmitted to the control unit 30. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another stethoscope provided in an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 2 The stethoscope in this embodiment of the invention also includes a first housing 60, a second housing 70 connected to the first housing 60, and a cover plate 80 covering the second housing 70; the second housing 70 is a transparent housing; the camera 20 and the projector 40 are embedded in the cover plate 80.

[0033] The light emitted by camera 20 to take a picture can pass through the second housing 70 and enter camera 20, so that camera 20 can acquire an image of the preset auscultation position. The light emitted by projector 40 can also pass through the second housing 70 and enter the patient's body surface to project the marks made during the last auscultation on the patient's body surface.

[0034] As one possible implementation, the camera 20 in this embodiment of the invention includes a structured light camera 20. The projector 40 includes an infrared projector 40.

[0035] For example, a structured light camera paired with a projector can actively project a grating to generate depth information, accurately acquiring the three-dimensional shape of an object and making up for the deficiency of ordinary two-dimensional cameras in being unable to perform stereoscopic measurements.

[0036] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A stethoscope, characterized in that, include: Sound pickup probe, camera, and control unit; The control unit is communicatively connected to the pickup probe and is used to control the pickup probe to collect sound information at the preset auscultation position and obtain auscultation area information corresponding to the preset auscultation position when the stethoscope is placed on the patient's body surface at a preset auscultation position according to a preset auscultation order; the pickup probe is also used to convert the sound information into an electrical signal and transmit the electrical signal to the control unit; The control unit is also communicatively connected to the camera, and is used to control the camera to acquire image information of the preset auscultation position and obtain the image information when the stethoscope is placed at a preset position on the patient's body surface after completing sound acquisition.

2. The stethoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes projectors; The control unit is also communicatively connected to the projector and is used to control the projector to project the preset auscultation position onto the patient's body surface according to the image information when the sound information is abnormal, the image information fails the review, and the stethoscope is placed at the preset position.

3. The stethoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset location is the sternal manubrium region on the patient's body surface.

4. The stethoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Signal processing unit; The signal processing unit is communicatively connected to both the microphone probe and the control unit, and is used to amplify the electrical signal before transmitting it to the control unit.

5. The stethoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A first housing, a second housing connected to the first housing, and a cover plate covering the second housing; The second housing is a transparent housing; The camera and the projector are embedded in the cover plate.

6. The stethoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camera includes a structured light camera.

7. The stethoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The projector includes an infrared projector.

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