Electronic Stethoscope Frequency Analysis for Reproducible Heart Sounds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic stethoscopes suffer from poor reproducibility in heart sound measurements due to variations in pressure and position when applied to the body, affecting amplitude power analysis, especially in remote medical settings where non-medical personnel may use them.
Innovation Solution
A medical device and computer program that utilizes a vibration receiver to collect heart sounds in a frequency band below 20 Hz, identifying the frequency with peak power to enhance reproducibility, and includes a frequency analysis unit to trace changes over time, enabling cardiac function diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If amplitude power analysis is performed using conventional electronic stethoscope, then heart sound measurement is obtained, but reproducibility is poor due to pressure and position variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter from conventional ranges to specifically 15-25 Hz, where the first heart sound has peak power. This parameter change makes the measurement less sensitive to pressure and position variations, improving reproducibility even when operated by non-medical personnel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical stethoscope systems with an electronic stethoscope that performs digital frequency analysis. This substitution enables automated identification of peak power frequency and reduces reliance on operator skill, improving both reproducibility and ease of operation
2Ease of operation
If stethoscope application pressure varies, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to amplitude power variation
Solution Approach 1:
By shifting analysis to the 15-25 Hz frequency range where first heart sound peak power occurs, the system becomes less sensitive to pressure variations. This allows easier operation without sacrificing measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by identifying and reporting the peak power frequency, allowing verification that the measurement is being taken from the correct frequency range, thus maintaining precision even with variable application pressure
3Ease of operation
If stethoscope position varies, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to distance from heart vibration source
Solution Approach 1:
Analyzing at the specific frequency range of 15-25 Hz enhances the signal-to-noise ratio for the first heart sound, making the measurement more robust to position variations and improving detection accuracy even with flexible positioning
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 highly reproducible heart sound measurements, allowing for accurate cardiac function diagnosis and remote medical services by minimizing the impact of pressure and position variations during stethoscope application.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration receiver configured to collect heart sounds in a frequency band including less than 20 Hz
Data Source
AI summary
[Problem] To provide a medical device which can acquire measurement results with high reproducibility even when a stethoscope vibration receiver is placed against the part being inspected with an inconstant strength or position. [Solution] This medical device (100) is provided with a vibration receiver (20) which can record heart sounds in a frequency region that includes frequencies less than 20 Hz, and a frequency analyzer (11) which identifies the frequency in said frequency band at which the power is greatest. By adopting a vibration receiver (20) which can record heart sounds in a frequency band that includes frequencies less than 20 Hz and by identifying the frequency in said frequency band that has the greatest power, measurement results are less prone to being affected by the operation environment of the stethoscope vibration receiver.