Portable data collection device
First Claim
1. 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.
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Accused Products
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.
196 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A remote data collection device in communication with a central server, the data collection device comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system for remote data collection comprising:
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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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Specification