Abstract: An intelligenet stethoscope for performing auscultation and for automatically diagnosing abnormalities based on body sounds is described in which the body sounds are received, digitized and stored in memory. The body sounds are recorded from a plurality of locations on the body, and all of the sounds are categorized according to specific characteristics to form a matrix of information. The generated matrix is then compared against a plurality of stored matrices using a technique similar to signature analysis. Each of the stored matrices contain information indicative of known abnormalities such as specific heart murmurs, lung abnormalities, etc. When a matrix match is found, the diagnosis is displayed on an LCD display formed in the body of the stethoscope. The LCD display is also capable of displaying a visual representation of the recorded body sounds. The present invention is applicable to heart sounds, lung sounds, and bruits.

Abstract: An visual display stethoscope for use in the auscultation of body sounds is disclosed. The stethoscope is adapted for display, manipulation and analysis of the received body sounds. The present invention includes a stethoscope electronically coupled to a display module. The display module has the ability to display an analog representation of the received body sounds and includes menu keys for selecting among the various functions provided by the stethoscope for manipulation and analysis of the waveform data. These functions include real time analog filtering of displayed waveforms, digital filtering of stored waveforms, and interval timing between strategic positions in the body sound waveforms. The visual display stethoscope therefore is of significant aid to physicians in the analysis, recognition, and diagnosis of abnormalities which can be examined via auscultation methods.