US 6,319,199 B1 · Portable data collection device

Abstract

A portable data collection device is provided for diagnostic image and data collection at a remote location. The device is implemented as an otoscope including a speculum and light source for illumination of the ear canal. A digital camera element collects the reflected images and provides the images to a processor. The processor processes the images using pattern matching techniques and displays and/or stores suitable images. The images are transferred to a base station for subsequent transmission to a remote server or computer, where an authorized party may access and examine the images. An authorization or prescription from the remote server or computer may be required to enable data collection and transmission by the otoscope.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A remote data collection device in communication with a central server, the data collection device comprising:

a digital camera for capturing diagnostic images and for responding to a wide range of frequencies;
a processor for processing the captured images;
a memory for storing the captured images;
a communications port for transmitting the captured images to the central server and for receiving instructions from the central server;
and
a user interface to facilitate use of the data collection device by a remote party,
wherein the device is a portable otoscope having a speculum and a controllable light source having individually controllable light sources that emit light in distinct frequency ranges for illuminating a target area of an ear canal and providing reflected images to the digital camera.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Portable data collection device

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Portable data collection device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11