Wearable Auscultation Array for 3D Localization and Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional auscultation methods using stethoscopes provide limited spatial information and are cumbersome, restricting their application to specialized physician interpretation and single-point measurements in time.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with an array of auscultation modules positioned around the subject, equipped with gyroscopic and accelerometer information, provides 3-D spatial localization of auditory signals, and automated signal processing to enable continuous monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional stethoscope auscultation is used, then single-point auditory signal measurement is achieved, but spatial information is lost and continuous monitoring is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The auscultation device is segmented into multiple independent auscultation modules arranged in an array around the subject. Each module can independently measure auditory signals at discrete surfaces, enabling spatial mapping of sound sources while maintaining modular simplicity in each individual component
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-point (0D) or line measurement (1D) to two-dimensional array measurement (2D) by positioning multiple auscultation modules across the subject's body surface. This dimensional expansion enables 3-D spatial localization of auditory signals through triangulation algorithms
2Ease of operation
If traditional stethoscope auscultation is used, then simple device structure is maintained, but ease of operation is reduced due to need for specialized physician interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The manual interpretation process (mechanical/physical action by physician) is replaced with automated computational analysis.processors and algorithms automatically detect, classify, and interpret auditory signals, eliminating the need for specialized physician interpretation while improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-interpreation by automatically analyzing auditory signals and providing health assessments. The device serves itself by incorporating built-in processing capabilities that eliminate dependence on external expert interpretation
3Reliability
If traditional single-point auscultation is used, then measurement time is reduced to single instant, but loss of time occurs due to inability to detect early changes
Solution Approach 1:
The auscultation system enables continuous monitoring of auditory signals over time through multiple distributed sensors. This continuous data stream allows detection of gradual physiological changes and early disease states that would be missed by single-point measurements, eliminating the time loss associated with intermittent checking
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
Enables continuous, non-obtrusive monitoring of auditory signals, allowing early detection of anatomical or physiological changes associated with disease states, reducing the need for expert interpretation.
Implementation Method 1
one or more transducers coupled to the wearable housing configured to receive one or more auditory signals from a subject
Implementation Method 2
one or more pressure sources configured to induce a pressure force onto one or more regions of the subject to generate the one or more auditory signals from said subject
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are systems, devices, and methods to measure auditory signals from a subject to determine a state of a subject. The auditory signals measured may provide a tool to monitor the development of disease state(s) or abnormal physiologic conditions (e.g., wheezing, fluid accumulation, abnormal heart murmur or rhythm, etc).