Acoustic collection system for handheld electronic devices
AssigneeStratoScientific, Inc.
InventorsSuman K. Mulumudi, Mahesh S. Mulumudi
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A mounting system is provided to allow the attachment of an acoustic collector to a handheld electronic device such that sound is conducted directly to the device's microphone. A fitted case or band encloses part of the device and includes a tube running from the collector to the device's microphone. In certain embodiments, the tube may be embedded in the case, and a detachable mount may be provided to connect the collector to the case. The collector may be a stethoscope chestpiece, or an open air collector, such as a parabolic collector.
Claims14
A stethoscope for use with a microphone-equipped handheld electronic device, said stethoscope comprising:
- (a) a detachable fitted casing for attaching to at least a portion of said handheld electronic device, said casing having a broad surface;
- (b) a stethoscope chestpiece incorporated with said casing and located on said broad surface of said casing;
- (c) a tube configured to carry sound waves through air from said stethoscope chestpiece to a microphone on said handheld electronic device, wherein the entire length of said tube is physically incorporated as a channel within said casing;
- and
- (d) wherein said tube has a microphone end opening configured to be located over the microphone of said handheld electronic device.
A method for using a stethoscope, said method comprising:
- (a) providing a microphone-equipped handheld electronic device;
- (b) providing a detachable fitted casing for attaching to at least a portion of said handheld electronic device, said casing having a broad surface;
- (c) providing a stethoscope chestpiece as incorporated with said casing and located on said broad surface of said casing;
- (d) providing a tube configured to carry sound waves through air from said stethoscope chestpiece to a microphone on said handheld electronic device, wherein the entire length of said tube is physically incorporated as a channel within said casing;
- and wherein said tube has a microphone end opening configured to be located over the microphone of said handheld electronic device;
- (e) attaching said casing to said handheld electronic device;
- (f) contacting said stethoscope chestpiece to an object;
- and
- (g) allowing said handheld electronic device's microphone to detect sounds transmitted through said stethoscope chestpiece from said object.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.