Electronic stethoscope

Abstract

In an electronic stethoscope that emits light-emitting elements to notify the user of predetermined information, the device uses a smaller number of light-emitting elements to more reliably notify the user of the predetermined information. [Solution] The electronic stethoscope comprises a casing, a sound sensor provided in the casing that acquires biological sounds and converts them into electrical signals, light-emitting elements 36A to 36C provided inside the casing and having a light-emitting surface 36a that emits light L, and a light guide member 38 that guides the light from the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C to the outside of the casing. The light guide member 38 comprises an inner surface 38b on which a light-receiving section 38c is provided, facing the light-emitting surface 36a, into which the light L from the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C is incident, and an outer surface 38a that extends along the outer circumferential surface of the casing, is exposed to the outside of the casing, and radiates the light L incident via the light-receiving section 38c to the outside of the casing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic stethoscope.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an electronic stethoscope that emits light to notify a user of predetermined information. In the case of the electronic stethoscope described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged on the same circumference are provided in the electronic stethoscope. When any one of the plurality of light-emitting elements emits light, the user is notified of the direction of the sound source (e.g., the heart) with respect to the electronic stethoscope.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when notifying a user of predetermined information using the light emission of a plurality of light-emitting elements as in the electronic stethoscope described in Patent Document 1, the plurality of light-emitting elements consume a large amount of power, and the long-time operation of the electronic stethoscope may be hindered.

[0005] As a countermeasure, it is conceivable to reduce the number of light-emitting elements. However, in that case, there is a risk that the transmission of information to the user may decrease. For example, when a light-emitting element covered by the user's finger emits light, the user may not notice the light emission, and the user may not be able to obtain the information corresponding to the light emission.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to surely notify a user of predetermined information with a small number of light-emitting elements in an electronic stethoscope that causes a light-emitting element to emit light in order to notify the user of the predetermined information.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above technical problems, according to one aspect of this disclosure, A casing comprising a first end face that faces the living body during use, a second end face opposite to the first end face, and an outer peripheral surface connecting the first end face and the second end face, The casing includes a sound sensor that acquires biological sounds and converts them into electrical signals, A light-emitting element provided within the casing and having a light-emitting surface that emits light, The device includes a light guide member that guides the light from the light-emitting element to the outside of the casing, The light guide member, An inner surface of the light-emitting element is provided with a light-receiving portion that is directed towards the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element, An electronic stethoscope is provided, comprising: an outer surface that extends along the outer circumferential surface of the casing when viewed in the opposing direction of the first and second end faces, is exposed to the outside of the casing, and radiates light incident via the light receiving portion to the outside of the casing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, in an electronic stethoscope that emits light from light-emitting elements to notify a user of predetermined information, the predetermined information can be reliably notified to the user with a small number of light-emitting elements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Perspective view of an electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure [Figure 2] Side view of an electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 3] Exploded perspective view of an electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 4] Block diagram of an electronic stethoscope including the electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 5] A perspective view showing a light-emitting element and a light-guiding member provided on a circuit board in an electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6]Cross-sectional view of a light-emitting element and a light guide member in the electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 7] Diagram showing the relationship between the tilt angle of the light-emitting element and the range of the radiation angle of light from the outer peripheral surface of the light guide member [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view of a light-emitting element and a light guide member in the electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 2 [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of a light-emitting element and a light guide member in the electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 3 [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of a light-emitting element and a light guide member in the electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 4 [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view of a light-emitting element and a light guide member in the electronic stethoscope according to another embodiment [Figure 12] Perspective view of the electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 1 with the light-shielding cover attached [Figure 13] Top view of the electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 1 with the light-shielding cover attached

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Further, FIG. 2 is a side view of the electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 1. Furthermore, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 1. And FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the electronic stethoscope including the electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 1.

[0012] The X-Y-Z orthogonal coordinate system shown in the drawings is for facilitating the understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and does not limit the embodiments. The X-axis direction indicates the width direction of the electronic stethoscope, the Y-axis direction indicates the depth direction, and the Z-axis direction indicates the thickness direction. Also, the Z-axis direction is the direction in which the electronic stethoscope contacts the living body.

[0013] The electronic stethoscope 10 according to Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an electronic device that collects biological sounds emitted by a living body, for example, in a state of being in contact with a living body such as a human. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the electronic stethoscope 10 includes a casing 12, a diaphragm 14 that contacts and faces the living body, a sound sensor 16 that receives vibrations propagated from the diaphragm 14 and converts them into electrical signals, and a circuit board 18. Note that the components provided inside the casing 12 are not limited to these, and for example, a charging unit (not shown) and the like are provided inside the casing 12.

[0014] The casing 12 is the chest piece of the electronic stethoscope 10, and includes a first end face 12a that contacts the living body during use, a second end face 12b opposite to the first end face 12a, and an outer peripheral surface 12c that connects the first end face 12a and the second end face 12b. Further, the casing 12 is circular in shape when viewed in the direction of the Z-axis, which is the facing direction of the first end face 12a and the second end face 12b. In the case of Embodiment 1, the casing 12 has a shape in which the outer diameter becomes smaller as it moves away from the first end face 12a and the second end face 12b, that is, a shape having a constricted portion.

[0015] Also, in the case of Embodiment 1, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the casing 12 includes a top case 20 including the first end face 12a, a middle case 22 including a part of the outer peripheral surface 12c, a bottom case 24 including a part of the outer peripheral surface 12c, and a fixing ring 26 that includes the second end face 12b and fixes the diaphragm 14 to the bottom case 24.

[0016] Furthermore, in the case of Embodiment 1, as shown in FIG. 1, a display 28 and a plurality of buttons 30A to 30D are provided on the second end face 12b of the casing 12.

[0017] The diaphragm 14 is a flexible sheet-like member made from an elastic material. The diaphragm 14 is also provided on the first end face 12a of the casing 12 so that it is positioned facing the body when the electronic stethoscope 10 is in use. In this embodiment 1, the outer edge of the diaphragm 14 is fixed to the bottom case 24 via a fixing ring 26.

[0018] Furthermore, when the first end face 12a of the casing 12 comes into contact with a living body, the diaphragm 14 vibrates at a frequency and amplitude corresponding to the biological sounds (e.g., heart sounds) emitted by that living body.

[0019] As shown in Figure 3, the sound sensor 16 is installed inside the bottom case 24 of the casing 12 and receives vibrations (i.e., biological sound) propagated from the diaphragm 14 and converts them into electrical signals (biological sound data). The sound sensor 16 is, for example, a microphone.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, the circuit board 18 is located inside the middle 22 of the casing 12. As shown in Figure 4, the circuit board 18 includes a processor 30, a storage device 32, and a wireless communication module 34. The processor 30 is, for example, a CPU or MPU mounted on the circuit board 18. The storage device 32 is a memory mounted on the circuit board 18, a memory card that is detachably inserted into the electronic stethoscope 10, and so on. The wireless communication module 34 is mounted on the circuit board 18 and is a device that performs wireless communication with an external device (not shown) using a wireless communication method compliant with a predetermined wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth®.

[0021] The processor 30 of the electronic stethoscope 10 operates in various ways according to the program stored in the memory device 32. For example, the processor 30 displays the operating status of the electronic stethoscope 10 on the display 28. Alternatively, the processor 30 converts the electrical signal output from the sound sensor 16 into biosound data. The processor 30 stores this biosound data in the memory device 32. This biosound data is then transmitted to an external device (not shown) via, for example, the wireless communication module 34. However, the operation of the processor 30 is not limited to these.

[0022] In this first embodiment, the processor 30 of the electronic stethoscope 10 is configured to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio (S / N ratio) of the biological sound acquired by the sound sensor 16 via the diaphragm 14. The processor 30 is also configured to determine the sound quality of the acquired biological sound based on the calculated S / N ratio and to notify the user of the determination result.

[0023] Specifically, the electronic stethoscope 10 is configured to notify the user of the result of the judgment of the sound quality of biological sounds using light. To this end, as shown in Figure 3, the electronic stethoscope 10 has a plurality of light-emitting elements 36A to 36C and a light-guiding member 38.

[0024] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a light-emitting element and a light-guiding member provided on a circuit board in the electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 1. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the light-emitting element and the light-guiding member in the electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 1. In Figure 6, the hatching of the light-emitting element and the light-guiding member has been omitted for the sake of readability.

[0025] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment 1, the multiple light-emitting elements 36A to 36C are, for example, LEDs, and are provided on the circuit board 18, thereby being provided inside the casing 12. In this embodiment 1, the multiple light-emitting elements 36A to 36C are identical light-emitting elements.

[0026] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, each of the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C is a so-called side-emitting type light-emitting element that emits light L along the surface of the circuit board 18, and has a planar light-emitting surface 36a. As shown in Figure 6, the light-emitting surfaces 36a of each of the multiple light-emitting elements 36A to 36C are oriented outwards from the casing 12 when viewed in the opposing direction (Z-axis direction) of the first end face 12a and the second end face 12b of the casing 12.

[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, each of the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C is configured to emit light of multiple colors. For example, each of the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C is equipped with red, green, and blue LEDs. This allows the user to be notified of the sound quality of biological sounds by the difference in color. When the sound quality of biological sounds is good, such as when there is little noise, the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C emit green light. Also, for example, when the sound quality of biological sounds is not good, such as when there is a lot of noise, the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C emit yellow light. Furthermore, for example, when the volume level of biological sounds is low, the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C emit orange light.

[0028] The light guide member 38 is a member that guides the light L from each of the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C, which are provided inside the casing 12, to the outside of the casing 12. The light guide member 38 is made of a light-transmitting resin material such as polycarbonate or acrylic.

[0029] In this first embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the light guide member 38 is an annular member having an outer peripheral surface (outer surface) 38a facing outwards from the casing 12 and an inner peripheral surface (inner surface) 38b facing inwards from the casing 12, when viewed in the direction (Z-axis direction) opposite the first end face 12a and the second end face 12b of the casing 12. In particular, in this first embodiment, the light guide member 38 is substantially annular. The light guide member 38 is also provided on the circuit board 18 so as to surround a plurality of light-emitting elements 36A to 36C on the circuit board 18.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the outer peripheral surface 38a of the light guide member 38 is an exposed portion that is exposed to the outside of the casing 12. The outer peripheral surface 38a of the light guide member 38 extends along the outer peripheral surface 12c of the casing 12 when viewed in the direction opposite to the first end face 12a and the second end face 12b of the casing 12 (in the Z-axis direction).

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the light guide member 38 has multiple light-receiving portions 38c that protrude from its inner circumferential surface 38b toward the light-emitting surfaces 36a of each of the multiple light-emitting elements 36A to 36C, and that face these light-emitting surfaces 36a. That is, light L from the corresponding light-emitting elements 36A to 36C is incident on each of the multiple light-receiving portions 38c. Therefore, each of the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C does not face the outer circumferential surface 38a of the light guide member 38, and their light L does not enter the light guide member 38 via the outer circumferential surface 38a.

[0032] In this embodiment 1, each light-receiving unit 38c is provided with an incident surface 38d parallel to the light-emitting surface 36a. In this embodiment 1, since the light-emitting surfaces 36a of each light-emitting element 36A to 36C are planar, the incident surface 38d is also planar. However, the embodiments of this disclosure do not limit the shape of the incident surface 38d. For example, if each light-emitting element has a hemispherical convex light-emitting surface, the incident surface of the light guide member may be hemispherical concave.

[0033] In this first embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, when viewed in the opposing direction (Z-axis direction) of the first end face 12a and the second end face 12b of the casing 12, the multiple light-emitting elements 36A to 36C are arranged on the circuit board 18 at approximately constant intervals (angle intervals of about 120 degrees) in the circumferential direction R of the annular light guide member 38. Therefore, the corresponding multiple light-receiving elements 38c are also arranged at approximately constant intervals in the circumferential direction R.

[0034] When the light-emitting surfaces 36a of each of the multiple light-emitting elements 36A to 36C emit light L, the light L spreads out and enters the incident surface 38d of the corresponding light-receiving section 38c. From the incident surface 38d, the light L begins to propagate within the light guide member 38. The light L is reflected several times within the light guide member 38 and finally exits the light guide member 38 via its outer peripheral surface 38a. As a result, the light L is radiated from the entire outer peripheral surface 38a of the light guide member 38 toward the outside of the casing 12. Consequently, the entire outer peripheral surface 38a of the light guide member 38 emits light, and this light emission is visible to the user.

[0035] The orientation in which the corresponding light-emitting elements 36A to 36C are arranged relative to the multiple light-receiving portions 38c of the light-guide member 38 is determined such that the entire outer surface 38a of the light-guide member 38 emits light with substantially uniform brightness, that is, so that the intensity of the light L emitted to the outside is substantially uniform across the entire outer surface 38a of the light-guide member 38.

[0036] Specifically, in this first embodiment, the light-emitting elements 38A to 36C are positioned relative to the light-receiving portion 38c of the light-guiding member 38 such that the light emission direction Dr of each of the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C intersects non-orthogonally with respect to the outer circumferential surface 38a of the light-guiding member 38. More specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the light emission direction Dr of each of the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C is inclined at a predetermined inclination angle θd with respect to a virtual straight line VL that connects each of the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C and the outer circumferential surface 38a of the light-guiding member 38 by the shortest distance. Note that in Figure 6, the virtual straight line VL and the predetermined inclination angle θd for light-emitting element 36A are shown, but the virtual straight line VL and inclination angle θd for light-emitting elements 36B and 36C are not shown.

[0037] In this specification, the "emission direction" of a light-emitting element refers to the direction in which the light ray with the highest brightness propagates among multiple light rays emitted from the light-emitting element in various directions within a predetermined angular range. For example, when light from a light-emitting element is projected onto a screen, the direction in which the straight line connecting the part of the projected image with the highest brightness on the screen and the light-emitting element extends corresponds to the "emission direction" of the light-emitting element. In this embodiment 1, since the light-emitting surfaces 36a of each of the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C are planar, the "emission direction" is the normal direction of the light-emitting surface 36a.

[0038] Figure 7 shows the relationship between the tilt angle of the light-emitting element and the range of light emission angles from the outer surface of the light guide member. Note that the emission angle range θp shown in Figure 7 is the range of angles starting from the angular position of the light-emitting element, as shown in Figure 6.

[0039] As shown in Figure 7, light with a luminance ratio of 0.08 is emitted from the outer surface 38a of the light guide member 38 within a radiation angle range θp of approximately 130 degrees, when the tilt angle θd of the light-emitting element is in the range of 30 to 90 degrees. Furthermore, light with a more preferable luminance ratio of 0.2 is emitted from the outer surface 38a of the light guide member 38 within a radiation angle range θp of approximately 130 degrees, when the tilt angle θd of the light-emitting element is in the range of 45 to 80 degrees. Note that the luminance ratio is the ratio of the luminance of the light-emitting element before it enters the light guide member to the luminance of the light-emitting element.

[0040] In other words, if the inclination angle θd of each of the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C is in the range of 30 to 90 degrees (more preferably in the range of 45 to 80 degrees), the light L emitted from each will be reflected more and propagated further within the light guide member 238. Furthermore, by arranging each of the three light-emitting elements 36A to 36C with such inclination angles θd at an angle of approximately 120 degrees apart, as shown in Figure 6, the entire outer surface 38a of the light guide member 38 can be made to emit light with a brightness ratio of 0.08 (preferably 0.2).

[0041] Furthermore, if the tilt angle θd of the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C is less than 30 degrees, the radiation angle range θp will be less than 120 degrees. This is because much of the light emitted from the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C is emitted directly without reflection when it first reaches the outer surface 38a of the light guide member 38. In this case, the portion of the outer surface 38a of the light guide member 38 that is close to the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C emits light with a higher brightness than other parts. Therefore, in this case, four or more light-emitting elements are required to make the entire outer surface 38a of the light guide member 38 emit light with a brightness ratio of 0.08 (preferably 0.2).

[0042] According to this embodiment 1 described above, in an electronic stethoscope that emits light from light-emitting elements to notify a user of predetermined information, the predetermined information can be reliably notified to the user with a small number of light-emitting elements.

[0043] Specifically, the light from the three light-emitting elements 36A to 36C can be emitted to the outside of the casing 12 within a 360-degree radiation angle range via the outer surface 38a of an endless light guide member 38 that extends along the entire outer surface 12c of the casing 12 when viewed in the opposing direction (Z-axis direction) of the first end face 12a and the second end face 12b of the casing 12. Therefore, even if a portion of the outer surface 38a of the light guide member 38 is covered by the user's finger, the user can still see the light emitted from the light guide member 38. As a result, the user can reliably obtain information corresponding to the light emission.

[0044] Furthermore, the incident surfaces 36d of each light-receiving portion 36c of the light guide member 38 are parallel to the corresponding light-emitting surfaces 36a of each light-emitting element 36A to 36C. As a result, the light L of each light-emitting element 36A to 36C is incident orthogonally to the incident surface 36d. Consequently, the light from each light-emitting element 36A to 36C can be efficiently captured into the light guide member 38.

[0045] As a result, it is possible to more reliably notify users of predetermined information using a smaller number of light-emitting elements.

[0046] As a secondary effect, since the light from a small number of light-emitting elements 36A to 36C is radiated to the outside of the casing 12 via the light guide member 38 within a 360-degree radiation angle range, the power consumption of the light-emitting elements can be kept low. Furthermore, because there are fewer light-emitting elements, less space is required for their placement, which in turn allows for a smaller overall size of the electronic stethoscope 10, or improves the flexibility of the placement of other components.

[0047] (Embodiment 2) This second embodiment is an improved version of the first embodiment described above, specifically an embodiment that improves the brightness of the light emitted from the outer surface of the light guide member. Therefore, the light guide member in this second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment described above. Components of this second embodiment that are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0048] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the light-emitting element and light-guiding member in the electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 2. In Figure 8, hatching of the light-emitting element and light-guiding member has been omitted for the sake of readability.

[0049] As shown in Figure 8, in the electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 2, a plurality of diffusers 140 are dispersed within the light guide member 138 to diffuse the light L emitted from the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C. The diffusers 140 cause the light L to be diffusely reflected within the light guide member 138. Due to this diffuse reflection of the light L, the light L can propagate within the light guide member 138 to locations far away from each of the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C. As a result, the entire outer surface 138a of the light guide member 138 emits light with a more substantially uniform brightness. In other words, unevenness in light emission on the outer surface 138a is further suppressed.

[0050] As described above, this second embodiment, like the first embodiment described above, is an electronic stethoscope that emits light from light-emitting elements to notify the user of predetermined information, and it is possible to more reliably notify the user of predetermined information with a smaller number of light-emitting elements.

[0051] (Embodiment 3) This third embodiment is an improved version of the first embodiment described above, specifically an embodiment that improves the brightness of the light emitted from the outer surface of the light guide member. Therefore, the light guide member in this third embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment described above. Components of this third embodiment that are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0052] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the light-emitting element and light-guiding member in the electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 3. In Figure 9, hatching of the light-emitting element and light-guiding member has been omitted for the sake of readability.

[0053] As shown in Figure 9, in the electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 3, a reflective layer 240, such as silver plating or an aluminum film, is provided on at least a portion of the surface of the light guide member 238, excluding the outer peripheral surface 238a, which is an exposed portion exposed to the outside of the casing, for example, on the inner peripheral surface 238b, which reflects light. The material of the reflective layer 240 can be any material with high reflectivity, such as silver, gold, aluminum, or stainless steel. The light L emitted from each of the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C and propagating within the light guide member 238 is reflected by the reflective layer 240 and finally emitted through the outer peripheral surface 238a. In other words, the emission of light L from the surface portion where the reflective layer 240 is provided is suppressed when light L propagates through the light guide member 238. As a result, the amount of light L emitted from the outer peripheral surface 138a of the light guide member 138 increases further, and the outer peripheral surface 238a emits light with higher brightness.

[0054] As described above, Embodiment 3, like Embodiment 1 described above, is an electronic stethoscope that emits light-emitting elements to notify the user of predetermined information, and it is possible to notify the user of predetermined information more reliably with a smaller number of light-emitting elements.

[0055] (Embodiment 4) This fourth embodiment is an improved version of the first embodiment described above, specifically an embodiment that improves the brightness of the light emitted from the outer surface of the light guide member. Therefore, the light guide member in this fourth embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment described above. Components of this fourth embodiment that are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0056] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the light-emitting element and light-guiding member in the electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 4. In Figure 10, hatching of the light-emitting element and light-guiding member has been omitted for the sake of readability.

[0057] As shown in Figure 10, in the electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 4, the outer peripheral surface 338a of the light guide member 338, which is an exposed portion exposed to the outside of the casing, is rougher than other surface portions. For example, the outer peripheral surface 338a has a periodic or non-periodic uneven surface. With such a roughened outer peripheral surface 338a, the light L emitted from each of the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C and propagating within the light guide member 238 is less likely to be reflected by the outer peripheral surface 338a, while being more likely to be emitted from the outer peripheral surface 338a. As a result, the amount of light L emitted from the outer peripheral surface 338a of the light guide member 338 is further increased.

[0058] Furthermore, when roughening the outer surface 338a, it is preferable to mirror-finish the surface portion of the light guide member 338 excluding the outer surface 338a (for example, by providing a reflective layer as in Embodiment 3 described above). As a result, the light L propagating within the light guide member 338, for which the opportunity for reflection at the outer surface 338a is reduced, is reflected by surfaces other than the outer surface 338a, allowing it to propagate further within the light guide member 338.

[0059] For example, the outer circumferential surface 338a of the light guide member 338 has a surface roughness (arithmetic mean roughness) Ra of 1.6 μm or more, and the surface portion other than the outer circumferential surface 338a has a surface roughness Ra in the range of 0.8 to 1.6 μm. For example, if the light guide member 338 is a resin molded product, the entire light guide member 338 after molding has a surface roughness Ra of substantially 1.6 μm or less. By performing a roughening process such as sandblasting on the outer circumferential surface 338a of the light guide member 338 after molding, the outer circumferential surface 333a can have a surface roughness of 1.8 μm or more, for example, 3.0 μm. As for methods for measuring surface roughness Ra, there are contact-type measurement methods that use a stylus that moves along the surface while in contact with the surface to be measured, and non-contact-type measurement methods that scan the surface to be measured with a laser. This disclosure does not limit the method for measuring surface roughness Ra.

[0060] As described above, Embodiment 4, like Embodiment 1, is an electronic stethoscope that emits light from light-emitting elements to notify the user of predetermined information, and it is possible to notify the user of predetermined information more reliably with a smaller number of light-emitting elements.

[0061] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these.

[0062] For example, in the above-described embodiment 1, the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C emit light to notify the user of the quality of biological sounds acquired by the sound sensor 16, thereby causing the outer surface 38a of the light guide member 38 to emit light. However, the information that is notified to the user by the emission of light from the outer surface of the light guide member in the embodiments of this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, if an electronic stethoscope is equipped with a rechargeable battery, the outer surface of the light guide member may emit light during charging to notify the user that it is fully charged.

[0063] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the light guide member 38 is a substantially circular annular member. However, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to this. For example, the light guide member may be a polygonal annular member. Also, the light guide member provided in the electronic stethoscope is not limited to annular shape, nor is it limited to just one.

[0064] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting element and a light-guiding member in an electronic stethoscope according to another embodiment. Note that in Figure 11, hatching of the light-emitting element and the light-guiding member has been omitted for the sake of readability.

[0065] As shown in Figure 11, in an electronic stethoscope according to another embodiment, three light guide members 438, 440, and 442 are provided. Each of the light guide members 438, 440, and 442 is provided with a light-emitting element 36A, 36B, and 36C.

[0066] Each of the light guide members 438, 440, and 442 is arc-shaped and arranged on the same circumference when viewed in the opposing direction (Z-axis direction) between the first and second end faces of the casing. Each of the light guide members 438, 440, and 442 also has an outer surface 438a, 440a, and 442a which are exposed portions that are exposed to the outside of the casing, and an inner surface 438b, 440b, and 442b. Furthermore, each of the inner surface 438b, 440b, and 442b of the light guide members 438, 440, and 442b protrudes toward the light-emitting surface 36a of the corresponding light-emitting element 36A, 36B, and 36C, and has a light-receiving portion 438c, 440c, and 442c which faces the corresponding light-emitting surface 36a. Furthermore, each of the light-emitting elements 36A, 36B, and 36C is positioned relative to the light-receiving portions 438c, 440c, and 442c of the corresponding light-guiding members 430, 440, and 442, such that its emission direction Dr intersects non-orthogonally with the exposed portions (outer surfaces 438a, 440a, and 440a) of the corresponding light-guiding members 430, 440, and 442.

[0067] These multiple light guide members 438, 440, and 442, like the light guide member 38 in the first embodiment described above, can also radiate light from multiple light-emitting elements 36A to 36C to the outside of the casing within a 360-degree radiation angle range. Furthermore, one of the multiple light-emitting elements 36A to 36C can emit light L to the corresponding light guide member, causing the outer surface of that light guide member to emit light, thereby notifying the user of directional information. For example, it is possible to notify the user of the direction of the sound source of biological sounds (e.g., the direction of the heart) for use with an electronic stethoscope.

[0068] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the electronic stethoscope 10 is provided with three light-emitting elements 36A to 36C. However, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. If the light-emitting elements emit light with high directivity and / or high brightness, the number of light-emitting elements provided in the electronic stethoscope may be two or less.

[0069] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, each of the multiple light-emitting elements 36A to 36C is equipped with a red, green, and blue LED. Thus, the multiple light-emitting elements 36A to 36C notify the user of the sound quality of biological sounds using different colors. However, the emission color of the light-emitting elements may change for reasons other than notifying the sound quality of biological sounds.

[0070] For example, the light-emitting element may emit light in a specific color for a particular living organism. For instance, if the living organism being auscultated with an electronic stethoscope is an infant, the light-emitting element may emit light in warm colors such as yellow or orange, which infants prefer.

[0071] Regarding the fact that the subject is an infant, some infants may dislike light itself. In that case, it is advisable to ensure that the light from the electronic stethoscope is not directed towards the infant's face.

[0072] For example, in the first embodiment described above, some of the multiple light-emitting elements 36A to 36C emit light while the remaining light-emitting elements stop emitting light. The user then uses the electronic stethoscope 10 on the infant so that the light emitted from the electronic stethoscope 10 does not hit the infant's face.

[0073] Furthermore, if all light-emitting elements 36A to 36C are emitting light, it is sufficient to block only the light directed towards the infant's face.

[0074] Figures 12 and 13 are perspective and top views of the electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 1 with a light-shielding cover attached.

[0075] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the electronic stethoscope 10 is fitted with a light-shielding cover 500 that covers a portion of the outer circumferential surface 38a of the light guide member 38. The light-shielding cover 500 is a generally semi-cylindrical member that extends in the opposing direction (Z-axis direction) of the first end face 12a and the second end face 12b of the casing 12, and runs along a portion of the outer circumferential surface 38a of the light guide member 38. The light-shielding cover 500 is opaque and is made of, for example, a resin material.

[0076] With such a light-shielding cover 500, a portion of the light emitted from a part of the outer peripheral surface 38a of the light guide member 38 covered by the light-shielding cover 500 is blocked by the light-shielding cover 500. Specifically, light emitted in directions (X-axis and Y-axis directions) that intersect the opposing direction (Z-axis direction) of the first end face 12a and the second end face 12b of the casing 12 is blocked by the light-shielding cover 500. Therefore, when a user places the electronic stethoscope 10 on the chest of an infant or the like so that the light-shielding cover 500 is close to the infant's head, the light from the electronic stethoscope 10 toward the infant's face is blocked by the light-shielding cover 500.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the outer circumferential surface 38a of the light guide member 38 of the electronic stethoscope 10 is a curved surface that is convex outward when viewed in a direction (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction) that intersects with the opposing direction (Z-axis direction) of the first end face 12a and the second end face 12b of the casing 12. Therefore, light emitted from such an outer circumferential surface 38a in the opposing direction is not blocked by the light-shielding cover 500. Consequently, a user using the electronic stethoscope 10 on an infant can see the light from a portion of the outer circumferential surface 38a of the light guide member 38 that is covered by the light-shielding cover 500.

[0078] The light-shielding cover 500 may be detachably attached to the casing 12 or the light guide member 38. Alternatively, the light-shielding cover 500 may be retractably attached to the casing 12 and stored inside the casing 12 when not in use.

[0079] As described above, if the luminescence color is changed for infants and / or some light-emitting elements are to stop emitting light, the electronic stethoscope may be equipped with an infant mode. For example, in the case of the electronic stethoscope 10 according to Embodiment 1, the infant mode is activated when the user performs a predetermined operation on one of the multiple buttons 30A to 30D, and the luminescence color of the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C changes to a warm color and / or the luminescence of one or two of the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C is stopped.

[0080] Regarding the light emission of the light-emitting element, the light-emitting element may emit light at a luminous intensity suitable for the operating environment of the electronic stethoscope. For example, if the light-emitting element emits light at a luminous intensity suitable for the illuminance of an examination room in a medical facility, the light-emitting element will emit light at a luminous intensity calculated based on the following equations 1 and 2. For example, according to the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS), the illuminance of an examination room in a medical facility is set at 300 to 750 lx (lux).

number

number

[0081] In equations 1 and 2, L is the illuminance (lx) of the environment in which the electronic stethoscope is used, R is the reflectance of the outer surface of the light guide member, and S is the area (m²) of the outer surface of the light guide member. 2 ) and B is the luminance (cd / m²) of the light emitted from the light guide member. 2 ) where I is the luminous intensity (cd) of the light-emitting element. According to Equations 1 and 2, if the illuminance L of the environment in which the electronic stethoscope is used is determined, the luminous intensity I of the light-emitting element can be uniquely determined.

[0082] Furthermore, the luminous intensity of the light-emitting elements may be adjustable by the user. For example, in the case of the electronic stethoscope 10 according to Embodiment 1 described above, the electronic stethoscope 10 may be configured so that the user can adjust the luminous intensity of the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C by performing a predetermined operation on one of the multiple buttons 30A to 30D. In this case, preferably, the adjustment range of the luminous intensity of the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C is set to a range corresponding to an illuminance range of 300 to 750 Lx.

[0083] Alternatively, the luminous intensity of the light-emitting element may change based on the brightness of the environment in which the electronic stethoscope is used. In this case, the electronic stethoscope is equipped with an illuminance sensor that detects the brightness (illuminance) of its surroundings, and the processor changes the luminous intensity of the light-emitting element based on the detection signal from the illuminance sensor.

[0084] Finally, in the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 6, the light L from each of the light-emitting elements 36A to 36C is incident perpendicularly to the incident surface 36d of the corresponding light-receiving portion 36c of the light guide member 38. However, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to this. That is, if the light that begins to propagate from the light-receiving portion within the light guide member propagates through the light guide member in a direction that is not perpendicular to the exposed portion of the light guide member when viewed in the opposing direction (Z-axis direction) of the first and second end faces of the casing, the incident angle of the light from the light-emitting element with respect to the light guide member is irrelevant. In contrast, if the light that begins to propagate from the light-receiving portion within the light guide member propagates in a direction perpendicular to the exposed portion of the light guide member, it will be emitted directly to the outside of the light guide member through that exposed portion. In this case, the exposed portion of the light guide member cannot emit light over its entire length.

[0085] In other words, the embodiments of the present disclosure are, in a broad sense, electronic stethoscopes comprising: a casing having a first end face that faces a living body when in use, a second end face opposite to the first end face, and an outer peripheral surface connecting the first end face and the second end face; a sound sensor provided in the casing that acquires biological sounds and converts them into electrical signals; a light-emitting element provided inside the casing and having a light-emitting surface that emits light; and a light guide member that guides the light of the light-emitting element to the outside of the casing, wherein the light guide member comprises an inner surface provided with a light-receiving portion that faces the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element and into which the light of the light-emitting element is incident; and an outer surface that extends along the outer peripheral surface of the casing when viewed in the direction opposite to the first and second end faces, is exposed to the outside of the casing, and radiates the light incident via the light-receiving portion to the outside of the casing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 36A Light-emitting element 36B Light-emitting element 36C light-emitting element 36a Light-emitting surface 38 Light guide member 38a Outer surface (outer surface) 38c Light receiving part L light

Claims

1. A casing comprising a first end face that faces the living body during use, a second end face opposite to the first end face, and an outer peripheral surface connecting the first end face and the second end face, The casing includes a sound sensor that acquires biological sounds and converts them into electrical signals, A light-emitting element provided within the casing and having a light-emitting surface that emits light, The device includes a light guide member that guides the light from the light-emitting element to the outside of the casing, The light guide member, An inner surface of the light-emitting element is provided with a light-receiving portion that is directed towards the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element, An electronic stethoscope comprising: an outer surface that extends along the outer circumferential surface of the casing when viewed in the opposing direction of the first and second end faces, is exposed to the outside of the casing, and radiates light incident on the casing via the light receiving portion to the outside of the casing.

2. The electronic stethoscope according to claim 1, wherein the light guide member is an annular member when viewed in the opposing direction.

3. The light-emitting element is arranged in multiple locations, The electronic stethoscope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light guide member has a plurality of light receiving portions on its inner surface corresponding to each of the plurality of light-emitting elements.

4. The light-receiving portion of the light guide member is parallel to the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element and includes an incident surface to which the light from the light-emitting element is incident orthogonally. The electronic stethoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, in the view in the opposing direction, the angle between the virtual line connecting the light-emitting element and the exposed portion of the light-guiding member at the shortest distance and the emission direction of the light-emitting element is in the range of 30 to 90 degrees.

5. The electronic stethoscope according to claim 4, wherein, in the view in the opposing direction, the angle between the virtual straight line and the emission direction of the light-emitting element is in the range of 45 to 80 degrees.

6. The circuit board further comprises the light guide member and the light-emitting element, The electronic stethoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the light-emitting element is a side-emitting type light-emitting element.

7. The electronic stethoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the light-emitting element is capable of emitting light of multiple colors.

8. The electronic stethoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a processor that controls the emission of light from the light-emitting element based on the electrical signal output from the sound sensor.

9. The electronic stethoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a plurality of light-diffusing materials are dispersed within the light-guiding member.

10. The electronic stethoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a reflective layer is provided on at least a portion of the surface of the light guide member excluding the exposed portion.

11. The electronic stethoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the surface of the exposed portion of the light guide member is rougher than other surface portions of the light guide member.

12. The electronic stethoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a light-shielding cover that partially covers the outer surface of the light guide member.

13. The electronic stethoscope according to claim 12, wherein the light-shielding cover shields light emitted from the outer surface of the light guide member in a direction intersecting the opposing direction.

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