Sputum image processing assembly and system, method of processing sputum contained in a sputum sample container, and method of processing a plurality of sputum samples over time

A subject-controlled sputum image processing system comprising:

• a sputum sample container for receiving a bulk sputum sample expectorated from the subject into the sputum sample container;
• a tray having a receptacle to define a first location to non-fixedly receive the sputum sample container containing the bulk sputum sample expectorated from the subject into the sputum sample container;
• a mobile electronic device comprising:
• a light source to illuminate the bulk sputum sample held by the sputum sample container with an illuminate light;
• a light sensor to acquire a reflected light from the illuminated bulk sputum sample;
• a processor;
• and
• a memory in communication with the processor, the memory including instructions executable by the processor to generate an image of the bulk sputum sample with the acquired light;
• and
• a lab test chamber comprising an imaging tray removably receiving the mobile electronic device and an imaging hood enclosure removably coupled to the tray, to enclose the sputum sample container, and to help enclose the light source and the light sensor for limiting a light between the light source and the light sensor, the limited light including the illuminate light emanating from the light source and the reflected light reflecting from the illuminated bulk sputum sample and substantially occluding ambient light.

A subject-controlled sputum image processing system comprising:

• a sputum sample container for receiving a bulk sputum sample expectorated from the subject into the sputum sample container;
• a fixture having a stand and a receptacle to define a first location to receive the sputum sample container containing the bulk sputum sample expectorated from the subject into the sputum sample container;
• a mobile electronic device removably coupled to the stand, the mobile electronic device comprising:
• a light source to illuminate the bulk sputum sample held by the sputum sample container with an illuminate light;
• a light sensor to acquire a reflected light from the illuminated bulk sputum sample;
• a processor;
• a memory in communication with the processor, the memory including instructions executable by the processor to generate an image of the illuminated bulk sputum sample with the acquired light;
• and
• a lab test chamber comprising an imaging tray removably receiving the mobile electronic device and an imaging hood enclosure removably coupled to the imaging tray, to enclose the sputum sample container, and to help enclose the light source and the light sensor limiting a light between the light source and the light sensor, the limited light including the illuminate light emanating from the light source and the reflected light reflecting from the illuminated bulk sputum sample and substantially occluding ambient light.