Electronic Stethoscope Digitizing Acoustic Data for Real-Time Analytics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stethoscopes lack the capability to communicate digitized acoustic data for real-time medical diagnosis and early warning systems, particularly for aged individuals with chronic diseases, due to limitations in technology and accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A wearable and non-wearable electronic stethoscope with an improved configuration that uses digitized acoustic data to communicate with analytics systems like IBM Watson Analytics, enabling real-time health monitoring and diagnosis through a miniaturized design with a MEMS microphone and RF chip, allowing for wireless transmission of health data for interpretation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional stethoscopes are used for auscultation, then acoustic data can be collected, but the data cannot be digitized or transmitted for real-time analytics and diagnosis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic data transmission capabilityVSAvoidstethoscope system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the acoustic collection function with digital processing and wireless transmission capabilities into an integrated electronic stethoscope system. The MEMS microphone, capacitive sensing elements, and RF communication components are merged into a single device that simultaneously performs auscultation, digitization, and data transmission without requiring separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical acoustic transmission system of conventional stethoscopes with an electronic system using MEMS microphones and capacitive sensors. This substitution enables conversion of acoustic signals into electrical signals for digital processing and wireless transmission, eliminating the limitation of analog-only data collection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If real-time health monitoring and early warning systems are implemented, then healthcare costs can be reduced, but the device complexity and technology requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehealth monitoring reliabilityVSAvoidanalytics system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where acoustic data from the body is continuously collected, analyzed by the analytics system, and used to generate real-time health assessments and early warnings. The system processes incoming acoustic signals, compares them against health parameters, and provides feedback through alerts or notifications when abnormal conditions are detected, enabling proactive health management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If miniaturized design with MEMS microphone and RF chip is used, then wireless transmission capability is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless transmission capabilityVSAvoidMEMS component fabrication precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the MEMS microphone design, specifically varying the gap distance between the diaphragm and backplate (ranging from 10-100 micrometers), to optimize both the acoustic sensitivity and manufacturability. By adjusting this critical parameter, the system achieves wireless transmission capability while maintaining feasible manufacturing tolerances for the miniaturized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides early warnings and real-time health monitoring, reducing healthcare costs and improving quality of life for aged individuals by leveraging analytics to interpret digitized body sounds, enhancing the effectiveness of periodic check-ups and preventing acute health issues.

Implementation Method 1

uses digitized acoustic data to communicate with analytics systems like IBM Watson Analytics, enabling real-time health monitoring and diagnosis through a miniaturized design with a MEMS microphone and RF chip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems): Microelectromechanical Systems

Data Source

PatentUS10098611B2Wearable and non-wearable electronic stethoscopes and use of the digitized acoustic data for data analytics and healthcare

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

In accordance with the example embodiments of the invention there is at least a method and apparatus to perform receiving, with at least one diaphragm of a device placed on a skin of a living body of a human being or animal, acoustic data of the living body; determining digitized data from the acoustic data of the living body; and sending the digitized data towards an analytics system for a medical diagnosis associated with the living body; determining a relationship between the digitized data and health conditions of the human being or animal; and applying the relationship to a diagnosis of the health conditions of the human being or animal.