Modular wireless auditory test instrument with intelligent transducers
First Claim
1. An auditory test instrument comprising:
- a connector configured to connect to at least one test probe;
a power supply for supplying power to the test instrument, wherein said power supply is portable;
a wireless networking subsystem configured to wirelessly transmit first signals via a short distance wireless network to a peripheral electronic device or system;
a diagnostic subsystem coupled to said at least one test probe, said diagnostic subsystem configured to implement at least one auditory diagnostic test;
input means configured to accept commands from a user;
a display configured to display results from said at least one auditory diagnostic test; and
at least one processor coupled to said diagnostic subsystem and to said input means;
wherein the auditory test instrument further comprises a housing containing the diagnostic subsystem, the peripheral electronic device or system is external to the housing, and the wireless network subsystem is configured to transmit the first signals to the peripheral electronic device or system that is external to the housing.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for performing various auditory tests utilizing a hand-held, portable, wireless testing device is provided. Within the device is a diagnostic subsystem used to implement and analyze selected tests. Attached to the device, either directly or via a flexible cable, are one or more probes. A processor, storage means, input means and display means are included, thus allowing the device to process and store instructions as well as process, store and display data. A wireless networking subsystem is included, enabling the device to communicate with other, similarly enabled, systems and devices within the device'"'"'s communication range. Due to the inclusion of the wireless networking subsystem, the device can be configured to allow the user to transmit and/or print data, connect to a network, obtain device configuration updates, and send and receive patient and office updates.
38 Citations
32 Claims
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1. An auditory test instrument comprising:
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a connector configured to connect to at least one test probe; a power supply for supplying power to the test instrument, wherein said power supply is portable; a wireless networking subsystem configured to wirelessly transmit first signals via a short distance wireless network to a peripheral electronic device or system; a diagnostic subsystem coupled to said at least one test probe, said diagnostic subsystem configured to implement at least one auditory diagnostic test; input means configured to accept commands from a user; a display configured to display results from said at least one auditory diagnostic test; and at least one processor coupled to said diagnostic subsystem and to said input means; wherein the auditory test instrument further comprises a housing containing the diagnostic subsystem, the peripheral electronic device or system is external to the housing, and the wireless network subsystem is configured to transmit the first signals to the peripheral electronic device or system that is external to the housing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 29)
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25. An auditory test instrument comprising:
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a connector configured to connect to at least one test probe; a power supply for supplying power to the test instrument, wherein said power supply is portable; a wireless networking subsystem adapted to wirelessly transmit first signals via a short distance wireless network to a peripheral electronic device or system; a diagnostic subsystem coupled to said at least one test probe, said diagnostic subsystem configured to implement at least one auditory diagnostic test; input means configured to accept commands from a user; a display configured to display results from said at least one auditory diagnostic test; and at least one processor coupled to said diagnostic subsystem and to said input means; wherein said at least one probe further comprises a memory, wherein calibration data is stored in said memory, said calibration data automatically communicated to said auditory test instrument upon coupling said at least one probe to said auditory test instrument and providing power to said auditory test instrument.
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26. An auditory test instrument comprising:
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a connector configured to connect to at least one test probe; a power supply for supplying power to the test instrument, wherein said power supply is portable; a wireless networking subsystem adapted to wirelessly transmit first signals via a short distance wireless network to a peripheral electronic device or system; a diagnostic subsystem coupled to said at least one test probe, said diagnostic subsystem configured to implement at least one auditory diagnostic test; input means configured to accept commands from a user; a display configured to display results from said at least one auditory diagnostic test; and at least one processor coupled to said diagnostic subsystem and to said input means; wherein said at least one probe further comprises a memory, wherein probe configuration data is stored in said memory. - View Dependent Claims (27)
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28. An auditory test instrument comprising:
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a housing having a hand-held size; a connector configured to couple to at least one test probe; a power supply for supplying power to the test instrument, wherein said power supply is portable, and wherein said power supply is rechargeable via a contactless charging unit; a wireless networking subsystem configured to wirelessly transmit first signals via a short distance wireless network to a peripheral electronic device or system, and configured to receive second signals via said short distance wireless network from said peripheral electronic device or system; a diagnostic subsystem located within said housing and coupled to said at least one test probe, said diagnostic subsystem configured to implement at least one middle-ear test; input means configured to accept commands from a user; a display integrated with said housing and configured to display results from said at least one middle-ear test; at least one processor located within said housing and coupled to said diagnostic subsystem and to said input means; and a memory located within said housing and coupled to said at least one processor, said memory storing testing profiles, patient data and office management tools; wherein the peripheral electronic device or system is external to the housing, and the wireless network subsystem is configured to transmit the first signals to the peripheral electronic device or system that is external to the housing. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32)
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Specification