The content of the invention
It is an object of the invention to provide a kind of stethography method and apparatus, they are it is determined that the sound of heart of fetus function
Aspect provides improved sensitivity, reliability and the degree of accuracy, and thus makes heart of fetus functional test simpler, there is provided
Implementing the possibility of such test compared with the precocity stage.
Our other purpose is to provide a kind of method, its allow from the case where not being subjected to supervision, at home or
The test implemented in tele-medicine obtains the result that can clearly understand.It is related to this, it is yet another object of the invention to provide
A kind of improved sonic transducer, it also allows for real in the case where Medical Supervision is not received, at home or in tele-medicine
Heart of fetus sound is most preferably detected in the test applied, for further evaluation.
The present invention is based on the recognition that, i.e. the not main application of autocorrelation --- it reduces aperiodicity noise ---
In the signal that enhancing is produced from periodic heart sound, but for further noise filtering so that by further place
Manage to increase the amplitude of the low amplitude signal produced by auto-correlation, the time location of signal is then determined with high accuracy.
Further understanding of the invention is that such improved sensor is adapted for carrying out our purpose, i.e., except energy
Outside enough all easily being operated by anyone, the sensor can also provide optimal acoustical coupling to the lower abdomen skin of mother.
Therefore, in scheme of the invention, it is determined as follows the determination of heart of fetus sound:Will be by passive sound
The stethography signal that sensor is obtained from mother's stomach wall carries out pre-filtering, amplification, digitlization, digital filtering,
Storage performs auto-correlation, it is then determined that as autocorrelative in intermediate store with the time window of predefined size
The local maximum of the signal for being obtained of result, determines the time location of local maximum and the time location of local maximum
Change,
And it is the |input paramete or signal of fuzzy expert system by result application, using decision-making of the storage in knowledge base
The fuzzy rule set of logic and in biologically they to be categorized into expectable data probability group, and be estimated,
The numerical result that will be assessed is stored in input and output storage and control memory for further treatment.
In the preferred embodiment for implementing the method according to the invention, apply storage in the value in control memory and put to adjust
The gain of big device and the parameter of digital filter, to realize the amplitude peak of fetal heart rate signal and the minimum value of interference signal.
In another preferred embodiment for implementing the method according to the invention, knowledge base and reasoning using fuzzy expert system
System and select to be applied to the rule for making deduction based on data of the storage in knowledge base, and based on selected rule
Then, the time gap (time difference) between signal is determined by fuzzy set and the value of fetal heart frequency (FHR) is thereby determined that.
In the preferred embodiment for implementing the method according to the invention, the digital acoustic message that will be drawn from heart of fetus sound
Number frequency higher is transformed to, and audibly show transformed sound.
In another preferred embodiment for implementing the method according to the invention, display is previously stored the fetus heart in memory
Rate signal, data are distributed to the heart rate signal for being stored, mainly personal and medical data, and are being stored locally or remotely
Data are for assessing and file.
The equipment for constituting another object of the present invention is characterized basically by following:
The equipment includes sonic transducer, and the sonic transducer is adapted for placement on mother's stomach wall and is suitable to heart of fetus work(
Can acoustical signal be converted to electric signal, and also including:
Programmable amplifier and filter cell, it includes:
The programmable analog amplifier of sonic transducer is connected to, the analog filtering of the output end of analogue amplifier is connected to
Device, is connected to the A/D converter of the output end of analog filter, is connected to the digital filter of the output end of A/D converter, with
And the intermediate store of the output end of digital filter is connected to, and
Autocorrelation unit, the autocorrelation unit has delay circuit, multiplier circuit and integrator circuit, wherein deferred telegram
The first input end interconnection of the input and multiplier circuit on road and the input of composition autocorrelation unit, and be connected to and can compile
The output end of journey amplifier and filter cell, the output end of delay circuit is connected to the second input of multiplier circuit, and
And the output end of multiplier circuit is connected to the input of integrator circuit, wherein the output end of autocorrelation unit is by integrator
Output end is constituted, and the equipment also includes:
Fuzzy expert system, the fuzzy expert system includes:Parameter normalization unit, the parameter normalization unit is suitable to connect
Receive data-signal and the data-signal of reception is converted into input signal;Fuzzier unit, the fuzzier unit is connected to parameter
The output end of normalization unit and it is suitable to input signal is converted to the input signal for meeting fuzzy rule;Fuzzy reasoning system
System, the fuzzy inference system is connected to the output end of fuzzier unit and including the decision logic corresponding to reasoning process;Know
Know library unit, the repository unit is connected via bi-directional link with fuzzy inference system, and including area definition boundary condition
Data set memory and limit decision rule logic circuit;And de-fuzzy unit, de-fuzzy unit connection
To fuzzy inference system output end and be suitable to for logical decision to be converted into data-signal, the input block of fuzzy expert system
The parameter normalization unit of the output end of autocorrelation unit is attached to,
The de-fuzzy unit of wherein described fuzzy expert system includes:
The first output end that the time gap data of fetal heart frequency (FHR) are provided and the expectation parameter that digital filter is provided
The second output end, the first output end is connected to the input of input/output MEM3 memories, and the second output end via control
MEM2 memories processed are connected to the gain control input of analogue amplifier and the filtering control signal of digital filter, wherein
The output end of programmable amplifier and filter cell is connected to sonic transducer, and the sonic transducer is suitable to turn heart of fetus sound
Change earcon into, and the modem of bi-directional data traffic is provided and be connected to input/output MEM3 memories.
Essence of the invention can be summarized as being processed by signals below and realize purpose:Such signal transacting is should
Implemented with the programmable amplifier and filter cell, autocorrelation unit and fuzzy expert system that are connected in series, and by control
System is amplified and filtering is optimised.
The preferred embodiment of the equipment includes microcontroller circuit, and the microcontroller circuit includes input a/d converter,
The circuit includes A/D converter, digital filter and the centre MEM1 memories of programmable amplifier and filter cell, and
Also include autocorrelation unit, fuzzy expert system and control MEM2 memories and input/output MEM3 memories.Can also set
Find out preferred embodiment, wherein microprocessor is implemented and is programmed for mobile phone, iPOD or other computing devices
Microprocessor.
In another preferred embodiment of the equipment, input/output MEM3 memories are input into including external data.
In another preferred embodiment of the equipment, sonic transducer includes:Housing, the inner space of the housing is divided
It is the first Room opened wide and the 3rd Room of the second Room of closing and closing;Sound conduction opening, the sound conduction opening is set
In spaced walls between the first Room and second Room;Electromechanic acoustic transducer, the electromechanic acoustic transducer is arranged in the 3rd Room, the machine
The sensor membrane of electroacoustic transducer is arranged in the wall between second Room and the 3rd Room, the first Room have be suitable to be close to
The edge of (fit against) mother's stomach wall, wherein the first Room is closing in it is close to the position of mother's stomach wall, and its
In, in the first Room with that the corresponding minor diameter pressure that leads to extraneous air is provided with the side wall of each in the 3rd Room is balanced
Opening.
It is characterised by heart of fetus functional check system nature of the invention, it includes one or more bases
Fetal heart frequency of the invention checks equipment, is connected to the corresponding docking that fetal heart frequency checks the output end of equipment
(interface) modem, is suitable to the central computer of medical assessment and filing, is suitable to one used by treating physician
Or multiple computers and/or the mobile phone of row data communication and display can be entered, said units are by internet via carrying
The data cube computation interconnection of bi-directional data traffic.
Specific embodiment
Fig. 1 shows noiseless sound (stethography) signal of heart of fetus sound.In the figure, it is readily visible
Two characteristic signals S1 and S2 of opening (S1) and closure (S2) corresponding to heart of fetus valve;Instantaneous heart rate (instantaneous FHR)
It is to be determined based on the time difference between follow-up signal S1 or S2.
In fig. 2 exemplified with the key step of the method according to the invention.During the method, to by passive biography
The stethography signal that sensor is obtained from mother's stomach wall is amplified, digitizes, filters, and using the time window of predefined size
It is subjected to auto-correlation processing, and the signal sequence for being obtained as autocorrelative result is processed by fuzzy expert system.
During processing, (regular collection is included in biology to the regular collection of the decision logic using storage in knowledge base
Expected range of signal and corresponding probability of happening on) using as the signal for being obtained of autocorrelative result --- as mould
Paste the |input paramete of expert system --- it is categorized into probability group, then signal is estimated.It is determined as the result for the treatment of
The local maximum of the signal for being obtained, the time location of local maximum and local maximum time location change.
By the first output signal of fuzzy expert system, adjust gain amplifier to realize optimum gain, the second of fuzzy expert system
Output signal is applied to adjust filter parameter so that realize minimal noise, and including the frequency of heart of fetus sound
The 3rd output signal be stored for further assessment and process.
Fig. 3 shows the block diagram of equipment of the invention.
The equipment has sonic transducer 10 and programmable amplifier and filter cell 20, and wherein sonic transducer 10 is defeated
Go out the input that end is connected to programmable amplifier and filter cell 20.Programmable amplifier and filter cell 20 have can
Control gain analog amplifier 22, analog filter 23, A/D converter 24, programmable digital-filter 25 and centre MEM1 storages
Device 26, all these parts are connected in series.Analogue amplifier 22 and digital filter 25 have and are suitable to adjust analogue amplifier
22 gain and the phase of one or more parameters (frequency range, slope, damping etc.) of programmable digital-filter 25
The control signal answered.
The equipment also includes autocorrelation unit 30, and the autocorrelation unit has delay circuit 31, multiplier circuit 33 and product
Divide device 35.The output end of programmable amplifier and filter cell 20 is made up of the output end of middle MEM1 memories 26, in this
Between the output end of MEM1 memories be on the one hand connected to the input of delay circuit 31, be on the other hand connected to multiplier circuit 33
First input end, the output end of wherein delay circuit 31 is connected to the second input of multiplier circuit 33.Multiplier circuit
33 output end is connected to the input of integrator 35, and the output end of wherein integrator 35 is connected to the defeated of fuzzy expert system 40
Enter end.
The input block of fuzzy expert system 40 is parameter normalization unit 41, and the output end of the parameter normalization unit connects
The input of fuzzier unit 43 is connected to, the output end of fuzzier unit 43 is connected to the first input of fuzzy inference system 45
End.Fuzzy expert system 40 also includes base module 47, the base module by provide the connection of bidirectional data transfers with
Fuzzy inference system 45 is connected.
The output end of fuzzy inference system 45 is connected to de-fuzzy interface 49, and wherein the one of de-fuzzy interface 49 is defeated
Go out analogue amplifier 22 and digital filtering that end is connected to programmable amplifier and filter cell 20 via control memory 60
The corresponding control signal of device 25, and another output end of de-fuzzy interface is connected to input/output MEM3 memories
50 input.Memory 50 has external data input 90, and docks modem 80 and be connected to memory 50.
Be suitable to by the sound display unit 70 that heart of fetus sound is converted to earcon be also connected to programmable amplifier and
The output end of filter cell 20.
The equipment is operated in the following manner:The tire that acoustically will be detected in mother's stomach wall by sonic transducer 10
Youngster's heart sounds are converted to electric signal, are amplified to the converted signal in a controlled manner by analogue amplifier 22 desired
Level, and application simulation wave filter 23 filters higher frequency components from the signal for detecting, because they fall in fetus
Outside the frequency range of heart sound signals.Amplified and filtered signal is converted into data signal by A/D converter 24, and
Further filtered using 25 pairs of digitized signals of programmable digital-filter, so as to filter the frequency in useful signal
Component outside rate scope, while the build at age, mother in view of fetus and the position of fetus, will fall into useful scope
Signal Regulation to optimum range.On the one hand filtering reduce low frequency component, mother's heart sounds and other interference signals, and
On the other hand the higher frequency components of external disturbance are decreased.Amplifier gain and filtering parameter are programmed for obtaining maximum
Heart of fetus voice signal and least interference signal.Thus obtained digital signal sequences are stored in middle MEM1 memories 26
In.
Correlation function is generated by autocorrelation unit 30 according to following formula:
Wherein
T represents the time
τ represents time delay (time gap between clock signal pulse)
R (τ) represents auto-correlation function
V (t) represents original function
V (t- τ) represents the original function for postponing
The time delay of delay circuit 31 is selected as small to so that the resolution ratio of the heart of fetus voice signal applied
The autocorrelation signal with enough degrees of accuracy can be produced.
Used as autocorrelative result, cyclical signal keeps their periodicity, and non-periodic signals (i.e. major part is made an uproar
Sound) significantly reduced in amplitude.
The middle MEM1 memories 26 of programmable amplifier and filter cell 20 are connected to the input of autocorrelation unit 30
End, and is also connected to the input of input/output MEM3 memories 50, and is connected to and is suitable to show heart of fetus sound
Sound display unit 70.
The length and size of auto-correlation function correspond to the possible heart rate of minimum biology and sampled value, i.e. in our case
In example, comprising at least four times heart of fetus voice signals of fetal heartbeat.Using the parameter normalization list of fuzzy expert system 40
Unit 41, the output signal to being obtained from auto-correlation performs parameter normalization, and this is comprised the following steps:
Peak value (at least four Amplitude maximas of detection) in-detection signal,
- peak value for detecting is ranked up by their amplitude,
- selection at least four has the signal of amplitude peak.
Selected signal most probable constitutes fetal cardiac signals sequence.Because heart sound signals may be covered by noise
Cover, thus must test the peak value (maximum) that detects whether be really cardiac function feature.For example, it may occur however that
The situation of heart of fetus voice signal can not be found due to noise, but still can utilize heart of fetus voice signal sequence
To detect or determine heart of fetus voice signal.In these cases, it is not necessarily intended to abandon the signal sequence of measurement, but should
The position of heart of fetus voice signal is determined using other acceptable values.
The signal obtained from parameter normalization operation is fed to the input of fuzzier unit 43.
During obfuscation, the information content of signal is converted to by Indistinct Input signal according to fuzzy rule.
By Indistinct Input signal and based on reasoning limited with fuzzy language and that storage is in base module 47
Rule and data (the regular and previous measurement data of such as physiology), using fuzzy inference system 45, with by fuzzy and logic
Reasoning is made in operation, during this period, it is determined that each signal with maximum fall into it is given can be in process signal group it is general
Rate, and specify to store the new strategy in base module 47 using obtained result, in this process, with result
Accordingly change fuzzy inference rule and inference data.
The de-fuzzy performed using de-fuzzy interface 49 includes that the output signal of inference system is converted into numerical value believes
Number, may determine whether to have been found that useful heart sound signals based on the numerical signal.Once it is it has been found that most
Useful heart signal, will store in input/output as the value of the result of de-fuzzy (time location of peak amplitude)
In MEM3 memories 50.If based on the assessment provided by fuzzy inference system fail to find heart of fetus voice signal (and it
Reproduction), then the measurement result is considered as to understand, and restart search.
In evaluation process, the second output signal is generated by fuzzy inference system 45, second output signal and the fetus heart
The amplitude of dirty voice signal is proportional, and with by terms of measurement be considered as interference signal other signal generated noises
Level is proportional.Secondary signal storage is in control MEM2 memories 60, and it is additionally operable to control amplifier 22 and filtering
Device 25, in some sense as control loop, the gain of its regulation amplifier is realizing the maximum of heart of fetus voice signal
Probable value, and filter parameter (bandwidth, slope) is set so that obtaining minimum possible noise level.
The equipment can be connected to outside system via the modem 80 for being connected to input/output MEM3 memories 50
System, meanwhile, other data (for example, describing the data of fetal movements) can via external data input 90 with measurement simultaneously
Input.
Block diagrams of the Fig. 4 exemplified with the embodiment for example realized in part with microprocessor of the equipment according to Fig. 3.
Alternatively, the microprocessor can be implemented as mobile phone, for example, being embodied as entering the so-called of row data communication and display
Smart phone.The structure of microprocessor includes providing A/D conversions, programmable digital filtering, intermediate data storage, auto-correlation and mould
Paste expert system part programmable realization and write data into unit and from memory cell obtain data and
Any such circuit block and program capability being connected with modem.
The equipment has a sonic transducer 10, the amplifier 22 of programmable amplifier and filter cell 20 and with the amplifier
The wave filter 23 of series connection is connected to the sonic transducer.The output end of wave filter 23 is connected to the defeated of the A/D converter of microprocessor
Enter end.
Microprocessor also includes digital filter, is adapted for carrying out the mould of autocorrelative programmable unit and fuzzy expert system
Block, and intermediate store and control memory and the memory for being suitable to store measurement result and other data.It is related to measurement
Other data can be input into by external data and 90 be input to memory, and microprocessor can be by modem 80
Docked with data service system.Sound display unit 70 is also connected to microprocessor.
Fig. 5 shows the sectional view of the schematic structure arrangement of sonic transducer 10.Frequency of the configuration in heart of fetus sound
There is maximum sensitivity in the range of rate.Sonic transducer 10 has housing 11, and the inner space of the housing is divided into the first Room
13rd, the Room 19 of second Room 16 and the 3rd.Room 13 and room 16 are opened by the sound conduction being arranged in the spaced walls between them
Mouth 14 is connected.In its side relative with sound conduction opening 14, room 13 is unlimited, and room 13 has rigid sidewalls, at this
Edge 12 is formed with the wall of side.During use, the edge 12 of room 13 is supported on mother's stomach wall against ground, and room 13 is by by side
Skin surface that edge 12 is surrounded and close.Sonic transducer 10 is placed on mother's stomach wall with biasing the state of (pre-loaded), this
Pressure is planted to be produced by flexible-belt, and thus the part that is surrounded of skin surface is used as barrier film.The exterior arrangement of room 13 and room 16
Inside configuration and two rooms between acoustical coupling cause together sonic transducer 10 have desired frequency characteristic.
Electromechanic acoustic transducer 17 is arranged in room 19, wherein sensor membrane be arranged on room 16 with sound conduction opening 14
In relative wall.Room 16 has rigid sidewalls.Ensured by the size of the volume and sound conduction opening 14 of room 13 and room 16
Appropriate acoustical coupling between mother's stomach wall and electromechanic acoustic transducer 17.
It is provided with the side wall of room 13 and the side wall of room 19 and leads to the corresponding minor diameter pressure equilibrium of extraneous air and open
Mouth 15,18.These openings are suitable to reduce air mass (the air mass, sky brought during exercise by the vibration of the skin surface for surrounding
Makings amount) damping effect.Meanwhile, opening 15 also serves as the high-pass filter for being suitable to make mother's heart sounds decay.Opening 18
It is suitable to reduce the influence of the air pocket formed below in electromechanic acoustic transducer 17, and the guarantor for resisting ambient noise is provided by compensating
Shield.
Thus, sonic transducer 10 transits out of (transduce, conversion) and provides relative acoustics pre-filtering signal, with
For further treatment.
Figure 6 illustrates the configuration of the system being contemplated that out for checking heart of fetus function.The system allows master
Heart of fetus sound is performed at home using equipment 100 to check, for doctor's confirmatory measurement value, and allow to store and file
Measurement data and other information.The system includes one or more equipment 100, the docking modulation for each equipment 100
Demodulator 80, and it is suitable to the central computer 105 assessed and file, and it is suitable to one or more meters used by treating physician
Calculation machine 107 and/or the mobile phone 109 of row data communication and display can be entered, said units are double via carrying by internet
Interconnected to the data cube computation of data service.When system is in use, will be measured by equipment 100 via modem 80
Result is sent to medical assessment and filing center, data is estimated, stores and is achieved in the center.Equipped with internet
Connection, treating physician can also be assessed using his/her computer 107 or the execution measurement of mobile phone 109 and will
Information is sent to mother and central computer.Thus, detection (measurement), display and measure assessment can over time and space that
This is separated.
The most important advantage of the system of the method according to the invention, the equipment for implementing the method and application equipment realization
It is that compared with the known device including sonic transducer, it allows the earlier stage (before last three months) in pregnancy to examine
Look into and assess heart of fetus sound, and autocorrelation unit due to the appropriately configured of sensor and by being connected in series and fuzzy
The signal transacting scheme that expert system is provided, it allows the more accurate and more highly sensitive heart of fetus sound compared with known device
Sound is monitored.Another advantage related to this is that it can be in the case where Medical Supervision not be received, at home or in tele-medicine
Implement test.
Another advantage of method and apparatus according to the invention is that in addition to measuring fetal heart frequency, can also detect
The symptom related to other hearts.
Reference numerals list
10 sonic transducers
11 housings
12 edges
Rooms 13 (the first)
14 sound conduction openings (connection/coupling sound conduction opening)
15 openings (for the pressure equalisation hole decayed)
Rooms 16 (second)
17 electromechanic acoustic transducers (sonic transducer)
18 openings (equilibrium), pressure equalisation hole
Rooms 19 (the 3rd), balance
20 programmable amplifiers and filter cell
22 amplifiers (simulation, adjustable gain)
23 wave filters (simulation)
24 A/D converters
25 wave filters (programmable numeral)
26 memories (middle MEM1)
30 autocorrelation units
31 delay circuits
33 multiplier circuits
35 integrators
40 fuzzy expert systems (logic)
41 parameter normalization units
43 fuzzier units
45 fuzzy inference systems (logic)
47 base modules
49 de-fuzzy interfaces (module)
50 memories (input/output MEM3)
60 memories (control MEM2)
70 sound display units
80 modems
90 external datas are input into
100 equipment
105 central computers (medical assessment and filing)
107 computers (treating physician's)
109 mobile phones (treating physician's)