Wearable auscultation system and method
US7976480B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jul 12, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 17, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B7/04
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and system for monitoring physiological parameters is useful for remote auscultation of the heart and lungs. The system includes an acoustic sensor (105) that has a stethoscopic cup (305). A membrane (325) is positioned adjacent to a first end of the stethoscopic cup (305), and an impedance matching element (335) is positioned adjacent to the membrane (325). The element (335) provides for acoustic impedance matching with a body such as a human torso. A microphone (315) is positioned near the other end of the stethoscopic cup (305) so as to detect sounds from the body. A signal-conditioning module (110) is then operatively connected to the acoustic sensor (105), and a wireless transceiver (115) is operatively connected to the signal-conditioning module (110). Auscultation can then occur at a remote facility that receives signals sent from the transceiver (115).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.