Abstract

An apparatus and method of recording and processing acoustics, such as body sounds, for assessment of the sound and possible diagnosis of any abnormalities associated with the sound. The apparatus includes an electronic stethoscope for acoustic pick-up and a convertor section for converting the acoustic analog signal into a digital signal. The operator can track the acoustic signal on an acoustic headset. The digital signal is continuously stored in computer memory and the operator can selectably retain a portion of the digital signal in volatile memory. The apparatus further includes a signal editing function for selectably altering the retained digital signal to isolate the waveform of interest. To this end, the retained signal is fed through the conversion section for conversion to an output analog signal for display on the monitor and play on the acoustic headset. The retained signal can be further edited as desired and stored in nonvolatile memory. The edited waveform is not only useful in diagnosing abnormalities but is also easily preserved for historical interest.

Other References

• Chu et al.; "A Noninvasive Electroacoustical Evaluation Technique of Cartilage Damage in Pathological Knee Joints"; Med and Biol. Eng. and Comput 1978, 16, pp. 437-442
• Siemens' brochure "Mingograf 7"
• Siemens' brochure "Heart sound Amplifier 858