XR-Guided Multimode Stethoscope Positioning for Telemedicine
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Solution Overview
Problem
In telemedicine settings, accurately positioning a stethoscope chest piece at specific auscultation positions on a patient's body is challenging due to the lack of trained personnel, making it difficult to diagnose bodily functions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multimode stethoscope system that includes a signal converter, acoustic channel, and wireless interfaces, coupled with an extended reality (XR) device, enables accurate positioning of the chest piece by displaying auscultation positions on the patient's body and transmitting auscultatory signals to both local and remote clinicians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional stethoscope is used in telemedicine settings, then the device structure remains simple, but the accuracy of auscultation positioning deteriorates due to lack of trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of an XR device with image processing capabilities and a multimode stethoscope with guidance features. The XR device processes patient body images to identify and display auscultation positions, serving as a mediator between the simple stethoscope and the complex task of accurate positioning. This allows untrained personnel to achieve expert-level positioning accuracy without requiring extensive training.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical reliance on human expertise for positioning with an automated image processing and display system. Instead of depending on trained personnel's knowledge to manually locate auscultation points, the system uses computational image analysis to automatically identify and guide positioning, substituting mechanical human skill with automated technological assistance.
2Ease of operation
If telemedicine examination is performed without trained personnel, then the accessibility and convenience improve, but the diagnostic quality deteriorates due to incorrect stethoscope placement
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables untrained personnel to perform accurate auscultation through self-service guidance provided by the XR device. The device automatically processes images, identifies auscultation positions, and displays guidance information, allowing the operator to independently achieve correct positioning without requiring external expert intervention or extensive training.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the XR device continuously monitors the positioning status by processing real-time images and provides visual feedback through displayed guidance information. This closed-loop feedback system allows untrained operators to adjust their positioning based on real-time guidance, ensuring diagnostic quality is maintained even without trained personnel.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple auscultation positions need to be identified for different body functions, then the comprehensiveness of examination improves, but the time required for positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal image processing system that can identify multiple types of auscultation positions (cardiac, pulmonary, abdominal, etc.) using the same technological platform. The XR device's image processing capabilities are not limited to a single body region or function but can adaptively identify various auscultation points across different body areas, providing comprehensive examination coverage through a single multi-functional system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification and display of multiple auscultation positions before the actual examination begins. By pre-processing the patient's body image and displaying all relevant auscultation positions in advance, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming sequential searching during the examination, allowing rapid transition between different auscultation points.
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
Facilitates accurate auscultation by guiding untrained individuals to place the stethoscope correctly, ensuring high-quality signal acquisition and transmission to clinicians, thereby enhancing diagnostic capabilities in telemedicine.
Implementation Method 1
a signal converter configured to convert the auscultatory signal to an electric signal that carries the auscultatory signal
Implementation Method 2
a first wireless interface configured to wirelessly connect the multimode stethoscope to the XR device and to transmit the electric signal to the XR device
Data Source
AI summary
A multimode stethoscope may provide an auscultatory signal from a patient to a local playback device and to an extended reality (XR) device. The multimode stethoscope may include a signal converter that converts the auscultatory signal to an electric signal carrying the auscultatory signal; an acoustic channel passing the auscultatory signal to an auscultation output port; a chest piece passing the auscultatory signal from the patient to the acoustic channel and to the signal converter; and a first wireless interface wirelessly transmitting the electric signal to the XR device. The auscultation output port may removably attach a stethoscope tube to the acoustic channel. The XR device may display an auscultation position on the patient's body wherein the multimode stethoscope may obtain the auscultatory signal when the chest piece is at the auscultation position. The XR device may store auscultation position data indicating the auscultation position in the patient's profile.