REMOTE DELIVERY AND MONITORING OF HEALTH CARE

• US 20160015310A1
• Filed: 09/25/2015
• Published: 01/21/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 03/24/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: COPELAND, Michael P., FLEMING, Mark S., LARA, Christina A., SANCHEZ, Calline K.
• Granted Patent: US 9,999,385 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0045 Devices for taking samples of body liquids devices for taking blood samples A61B5/15
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/376 using X-rays, e.g. fluoroscopy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/378 using ultrasound
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0214 of power generation or supply
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0431 Portable apparatus, e.g. comprising a handle or case
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0456 Apparatus provided with a docking unit
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0475 Special features of memory means, e.g. removable memory cards
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0013 Medical image data A61B1/00011, A61B6/56, A61B8/56 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0022 Monitoring a patient using a global network, e.g. telephone networks, internet
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0059 using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence A61B5/0093, A61B5/1455, A61B5/02416 and A61B5/0261 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/445 Evaluating skin irritation or skin trauma, e.g. rash, eczema, wound, bed sore
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6812 Orthopaedic devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7207 of noise induced by motion artifacts
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/74 Details of notification to user or communication with user or patient indicating measured values G01D7/00; user input means input or output arrangements for computers G06F3/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7445 Display arrangements, e.g. multiple display units
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 30/40 for processing medical images, e.g. editing
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation

Abstract

Various embodiments for providing remote delivery and monitoring of health care are provided. In one embodiment, A portable apparatus for dermatological monitoring, comprising a housing; an imaging device integrated into the housing, wherein the imaging device is adapted for obtaining a digital, high-resolution, dermatological image of a patient; a processor device integrated into the housing and in communication with the imaging device, wherein the processor device is adapted for applying an anti-motion algorithm to the dermatological image to enhance image quality; and a wireless communications interface integrated into the housing and coupled to the processor device, wherein the wireless communications interface is adapted to upload the dermatological image to a remote server to be viewed by a medical professional.

Claims

1. A portable apparatus for dermatological monitoring, comprising:

a housing;

an imaging device integrated into the housing, wherein the imaging device is adapted for obtaining a digital, high-resolution, dermatological image of a patient;

a processor device integrated into the housing and in communication with the imaging device, wherein the processor device is adapted for applying an anti-motion algorithm to the dermatological image to enhance image quality; and

a wireless communications interface integrated into the housing and coupled to the processor device, wherein the wireless communications interface is adapted to upload the dermatological image to a remote server to be viewed by a medical professional.

2. The portable apparatus of claim 1, further including a memory device integrated into the housing and in communication with the processor device, wherein the memory device is adapted for storing the dermatological image.

3. The portable apparatus of claim 1, further including a power system integrated into the housing and in communication with the processor device, wherein the power system is adapted for providing electrical power to at least one of the imaging device, the processor device, and the wireless communications interface, wherein the power system includes a battery device, the battery device accessible through the housing, and further wherein the battery device includes an indicator light for indicating a battery status.

4. The portable apparatus of claim 1, further including an indicator light activated upon a successful capture of the dermatological image.

5. The portable apparatus of claim 1, further including an indicator light activated upon a successful upload of the dermatological image to the remote server.

6. The portable apparatus of claim 1, further including a lighting device coupled to the imaging device, wherein the lighting device is adapted for facilitating obtaining the dermatological image.

7. The portable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wireless communications interface is compatible with an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) communications protocol.