Patent US6319199B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6319199B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Portable data collection device
Assignee: ARLINGTON INSTRUMENT COMPANY Inc
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Filing: 1999-10-22
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Granted: 2001-11-20
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Expires: 2019-10-22
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 David M. Sheehan
- 👤 Mark J. Nitzberg
- 👤 Patrick J. Fitzgerald
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 12:48
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/00002; A61B1/00043; A61B1/00055; A61B1/227; A61B1/00059
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
126 words
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.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
126 words
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.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device in communication with a central server as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises a conical light pipe.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device in communication with a central server as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises light fibers extending through the speculum.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
A device in communication with a central server as claimed in claim 1 , and further comprising a lens assembly disposed within the speculum for focusing light on the target area and for focusing the reflected light onto the image sensor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
A device in communication with a central server as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the processor performs pattern matching by comparing images obtained by the digital camera element with prerecorded eardrum images.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
A device in communication with a central server as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the communications port comprises electrical contacts configured for contact with mating contacts of an external device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
58 words
A device in communication with a central server as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the external device is a base unit configured to receive and communicate with the device, and wherein the base unit transmits images from the data collection device to the central server, and transmits instructions from the central server to the data collection device.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device in communication with a central server as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the communications port comprises an infrared or wireless communications interface.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
A device in communication with a central server as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the user interface comprises buttons or keys for user input and a display screen for displaying images or collected data.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device in communication with a central server as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the user interface further comprises audio output and input means, and LEDs for visual output.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
146 words
A system for remote data collection comprising: a remote, portable otoscope comprising 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 generating reflected images, a digital camera element for capturing the reflected images and for responding to a wide range of frequencies, a processor for processing the reflected images, a memory for storing the processed images, and a first communications port for transmitting the processed images and receiving data from an external source; a base unit having a second communications port for receiving images from the otoscope and for transmitting instructions to the otoscope; and a central server in communication with the base unit for receiving images from the base unit and transmitting instructions to the base unit, and for receiving data collection instructions from an authorized, prescribing party.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
146 words
A system for remote data collection comprising: a remote, portable otoscope comprising 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 generating reflected images, a digital camera element for capturing the reflected images and for responding to a wide range of frequencies, a processor for processing the reflected images, a memory for storing the processed images, and a first communications port for transmitting the processed images and receiving data from an external source; a base unit having a second communications port for receiving images from the otoscope and for transmitting instructions to the otoscope; and a central server in communication with the base unit for receiving images from the base unit and transmitting instructions to the base unit, and for receiving data collection instructions from an authorized, prescribing party.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-11-19 | 2005-05-21 | 2005-11-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-11-19 | 2009-05-21 | 2009-11-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-11-19 | 2013-05-21 | 2013-11-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |