Phonocardiogram Signal Processing Apparatus for Diagnostic Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phonocardiogram (PCG) based diagnostic techniques lack the ability to consider all aspects of a patient's history and physical examination for differential diagnoses, especially in complex heart diseases, and are not cost-effective for remote or rural areas where trained physicians are scarce.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing apparatus that provides an interactive interface for validating and correcting diagnostic findings, using a rule-based approach with a knowledge base that incorporates patient data and allows for user input to update predictions, and can be used with standard digital stethoscopes for cost-effective cardiac examination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated PCG analysis is used, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of comprehensive patient history consideration
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges automated PCG signal processing with manual clinical evaluation by integrating the automated analysis results into the physician's workflow, allowing both automated efficiency and human clinical judgment to work together for comprehensive diagnosis
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary tool that processes PCG signals and presents structured findings to physicians, who then integrate this information with patient history and other clinical data to make final diagnostic decisions, rather than replacing the physician entirely
2Measurement precision
If advanced diagnostic tools are deployed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases making them unsuitable for remote areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated PCG signal processing and analysis without requiring complex manual operations or specialized equipment setup, making it suitable for use in remote areas with limited medical infrastructure while maintaining diagnostic precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be universally applicable across different settings including remote and rural areas by using standard digital stethoscopes and providing comprehensive diagnostic capabilities through software-based analysis rather than requiring specialized hardware
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to a signal processing apparatus and its method of operation. The apparatus comprises a phonocardiogram interface adapted to receive a phonocardiogram signal captured according to a first set of capturing properties, a processor adapted to analyze the phonocardiogram signal to determine an analysis result for the phonocardiogram signal and a confidence value of the determined analysis result, and a flow control adapted to determine, whether a subsequent capture of the phonocardiogram signal according to a second set of capturing properties is likely to improve an accuracy of the determined analysis result. If applicable the flow control coordinates the subsequent capture of the phonocardiogram signal according to the second set of capturing properties. The invention also refers to a computer program product comprising instructions that enable a processor to carry out the method of operation of the signal processing apparatus.