Abstract: An interface apparatus connects an electronic stethoscope to a computing device and an audio listening device. The apparatus has a housing that includes an audio input port to connect the stethoscope, an audio output port to connect the listening device, and a data transfer port to communicate with the computing device. An electronic circuit within the housing receives an audio signal from the stethoscope through the audio input port, outputs the audio signal to the listening device through the audio output port, and outputs the audio signal to the computing device through the data transfer port. An operating mode switch can toggle the interface apparatus between a first operating mode, where the listening device outputs sound from the stethoscope on one channel and sound from a remote location on a second channel, and a second operating mode, where the listening device outputs sound from the stethoscope on both channels.

Abstract: A telemedicine device is implemented in an integrated housing, which includes a display, input/output ports, a videoconferencing codec, and a codec-independent hardware user interface. A processor receives inputs through the user interface, translates them into instructions understandable by the codec, and sends the translated instruction to the codec for execution. The user interface can be standardized, such that it is identical regardless of the codec in use, and can group functions logically (e.g., call control, video functions, audio functions).

Abstract: A telemedicine device is implemented in an integrated housing, which includes a display, input/output ports, a videoconferencing codec, and a codec-independent hardware user interface. A processor receives inputs through the user interface, translates them into instructions understandable by the codec, and sends the translated instruction to the codec for execution. The user interface can be standardized, such that it is identical regardless of the codec in use, and can group functions logically (e.g., call control, video functions, audio functions).