Ear ailment diagnostic device and method
AssigneeZipline Health, Inc.
InventorsOlabisi Oyadiran, Windell Roach
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An ear ailment diagnostic device includes an ear piece, a light source, a magnification lens, an air conduction channel and a miniature digital camera, which is capable of taking still or digital images. The earpieces may optionally comprise a thermometer and/or tympanometer. Each earpiece is coupled to an air conduction tube, an insufflator and an electrical wiring/data tube which is coupled to a computer. The insufflator may be manually, electronically, or battery powered. In the preferred embodiment the computer comprises a smart phone with data processing capability and wireless communication capability. Any data sent from the device can then be interpreted and diagnosed in a remote location so that an accurate treatment is prescribed.
Claims19
A diagnostic device for optical examination of the outer and middle ear of a patient, the diagnostic device comprising:
- an earpiece shaped to fit in an outer ear of a patient, the earpiece comprising a tip having a length, the length of the tip adjustable, the tip configured to fit into an ear canal of the patient;
- a digital camera included in the earpiece;
- and
- a light source included in the earpiece.
A system for remote ear examination and diagnosis, comprising:
- a diagnostic device;
- and
- a remote server in communication with the diagnostic device;
- the diagnostic device comprising:
- an earpiece shaped to fit in an outer ear of a user, the earpiece having a shape configured to contact the outer ear to assist the user in positioning the diagnostic device;
- a digital camera to capture images of the patient's ear canal and middle ear;
- a light source;
- a tip having a length configured to fit into the ear canal of a patient;
- and
- a processor;
- a memory element storing captured images of the patient's ear canal;
- and
- a communication interface transmitting the stored images to the remote server;
- the remote server receiving the transmitted images from a base unit, analyzing the received images to identify potential ear ailments, generating a diagnostic report based on the analysis;
- and
- transmitting the diagnostic report to one of the user, the patient, or a healthcare provider for review.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.