A wearable otoscope may be capable of wireless or wired communication with a second device, such as a smart phone. Some dual-ear otoscope implementations may be provided in a headphone-like configuration, which may include a headband attachable to earbuds of the dual-ear otoscope. However, some alternative implementations do not include a headband. At least a portion of the dual-ear otoscope may be a disposable component in some examples. In some implementations, functionality of the dual-ear otoscope (such as an illumination angle of light, imaging functionality, etc.) may be controlled according to commands received from the second device. Some examples may include one or more additional sensors, such as temperature sensors.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to mobile health devices, methods and systems.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNOLOGY

Ear infections are the most common reason for pediatrician visits, accounting for approximately 30 million doctor visits per year in the United States. Some types of healthcare are now being provided in homes or pharmacy kiosks, in addition to hospitals and doctors' offices. Therefore, it would be desirable to have an otoscope that is easier to use by technicians, parents or patients in a home or a pharmacy setting.

SUMMARY

One innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in an apparatus that may include a first earbud, a second earbud and a light source system that includes at least one light source. The apparatus may include a light-conveying system capable of conveying light from the light source system to a user's first ear and to the user's second ear, via the first earbud and the second earbud. In some examples, the apparatus may include an image sensor system capable of forming images based, at least in part, on light reflected from the user's first ear and the user's second ear. According to some implementations, the apparatus may include a control system capable of controlling the light source system and the image sensor system.

In some implementations, the apparatus may include an interface system. According to some such implementations, the interface system may be capable of wireless communication with a second device. In some examples, the interface system may include one or more types of user interface. According to some examples, the control system may be capable of receiving instructions from the second device, via the interface system and of controlling the apparatus according to the instructions.

According to some examples, the control system may be capable of providing image data to the second device. According to some such examples, the control system may be capable of compressing the image data prior to transmitting the image data to the second device. In some implementations, the control system may be capable of encrypting the image data prior to transmitting the image data to the second device.

In some examples, the light-conveying system may include optical fibers. According to some implementations, the light-conveying system may be capable of conveying the light reflected from the user's first ear and the user's second ear to the image sensor system.

According to some examples, the apparatus may include first optical elements capable of coupling light from the light source system into the light-conveying system. The apparatus also may include second optical elements capable of directing light from the light-conveying system into the user's first ear and the user's second ear. According to some examples, the second optical elements may include micromechanical systems (MEMS) devices. According to some such implementations, the control system may be capable of controlling illumination angles of light provided by the second optical elements. In some implementations, the apparatus may include third optical elements capable of coupling light reflected from the user's first ear and the user's second ear into the light-conveying system.

In some implementations, the apparatus may include a headband attachable to the first earbud and the second earbud. The headband may be capable of holding the first earbud in a user's first ear and of holding the second earbud in the user's second ear. According to some such implementations, at least a portion of the light-conveying system may be attached to the headband.

According to some examples, the first earbud, the second earbud, or both the first and second earbuds, may include at least a portion of the image sensor system. In some implementations, at least a portion of the control system may be disposed within the first earbud, the second earbud, or both the first and the second earbud.

In some implementations, the first earbud and the second earbud may include deformable material. According to some such implementations, the deformable material may include actively deformable material. In some examples, the actively deformable material may include an electroactive polymer. In some such implementations, the control system may be capable of controlling deformation of the actively deformable material.

According to some examples, the apparatus may include a temperature sensor capable of measuring the user's body temperature. In some implementations, the apparatus may include a biometric sensor system capable of obtaining biometric information from the user. For example, the biometric sensor system may include a speaker and a microphone. According to some such examples, the control system may be capable of controlling the speaker to generate input acoustic signals while controlling the microphone to obtain output acoustic signals corresponding to the reflections of the input acoustic signals from a user's ear canal. In some such examples, the control system may be capable of determining a transfer function based, at least in part, on the input acoustic signals and the output acoustic signals. In some implementations, the biometric sensor system may include a fingerprint sensor system.

Some or all of the methods described herein may be performed by one or more devices according to instructions (e.g., software) stored on non-transitory media. Such non-transitory media may include memory devices such as those described herein, including but not limited to random access memory (RAM) devices, read-only memory (ROM) devices, etc. Accordingly, other innovative aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a non-transitory medium having software stored thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is directed to certain implementations for the purposes of describing the innovative aspects of this disclosure. However, a person having ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the teachings herein may be applied in a multitude of different ways. It is contemplated that the described implementations may be included in or associated with a variety of electronic devices such as, but not limited to: mobile telephones, multimedia Internet enabled cellular telephones, mobile television receivers, wireless devices, smartphones, Bluetooth® devices, personal data assistants (PDAs), wireless electronic mail receivers, hand-held or portable computers, netbooks, notebooks, smartbooks, tablets, global positioning system (GPS) receivers/navigators, cameras, camcorders, wrist watches, electronic reading devices (e.g., e-readers), mobile health devices, etc. The teachings herein also may be used in applications such as, but not limited to, electronic switching devices, radio frequency filters, sensors, including but not limited to biometric sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, motion-sensing devices, magnetometers, inertial components for consumer electronics, parts of consumer electronics products, varactors, liquid crystal devices, electrophoretic devices, etc. Thus, the teachings are not intended to be limited to the implementations depicted solely in the Figures, but instead have wide applicability as will be readily apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art.

Some implementations provide a wearable dual-ear otoscope. Some dual-ear otoscope implementations may be provided in a headphone-like configuration, which may include a headband attachable to earbuds of the dual-ear otoscope. However, some alternative implementations may not include a headband. In some examples, at least a portion of the dual-ear otoscope may be a disposable component. In some implementations, the dual-ear otoscope is capable of wireless or wired communication with a second device, such as a smart phone. Wireless implementations do not need to be physically connected with the second device. In some implementations, functionality of the dual-ear otoscope (such as an illumination angle of light, imaging functionality, etc.) may be controlled according to commands received from the second device. Some examples may include one or more additional sensors, such as temperature sensors.

Some dual-ear otoscopes disclosed herein may be capable of aligning with earbuds properly without user adjustment and/or holding the dual-ear otoscope firmly in place. Accordingly, some dual-ear otoscopes disclosed herein may be relatively easier to use than single-ear otoscopes that are intended for use by physicians. Therefore, some dual-ear otoscopes disclosed herein may be more suitable for use in the home or in a pharmacy setting. Some dual-ear implementations may allow both ears of a patient to be examined in less time than it would take for a doctor to examine both ears with a single-ear otoscope.

FIG. 1is a block diagram that shows examples of components of a dual-ear otoscope in which some aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented. As with other implementations disclosed herein, the numbers of elements and types of elements shown inFIG. 1are merely shown by way of example. Other implementations may have more, fewer or different elements. In the implementation shown inFIG. 1, the dual-ear otoscope system100includes earbuds105, a light source system110, a light-conveying system115, an image sensor system120and a control system125.

The earbuds105may include various materials, depending on the particular implementation. In some implementations, the earbuds105may be disposable components of the otoscope system100. In such implementations, the ear buds105may be formed of relatively inexpensive components and may, for example, be intended for a single use. In some such implementations, the earbuds105may be configured to be manually attachable to, and detachable from, a connecting element (such as a headband) without requiring the use of any tool. For example, the earbuds105may be configured to snap on and off of the headband. According to some such implementations, the earbuds105may be separate from other components of the dual-ear otoscope100such as the image sensor system120and/or the control system125. This may allow for disposability of the ear-buds105without affecting the operation of the dual-ear otoscope100.

In some examples, the earbuds105may include deformable material, such as silicone, memory foam, rubber, etc. According to some implementations, the deformable material may include actively deformable material, such as an electroactive polymer. According to some such implementations, the control system125may be capable of controlling deformation of the actively deformable material. For example, the control system125may be capable of controlling deformation of the actively deformable material in order to optimally position a portion of the light-conveying system115that is attached to an earbud105. In some examples, the control system125may be capable of controlling deformation of the actively deformable material in order to position a portion of a light-coupling system, such as a lens, that is attached to an earbud105. The light-coupling system may, for example, be a component of the light-conveying system115. Some examples are described below.

The light source system110may include at least one light source. In some examples, the light source system110may include one or more light-emitting diodes or other light sources. In some implementations, the light-conveying system115may include optical fibers. Some examples are described below. In this example, the light-conveying system115is capable of conveying light from the light source system110to a user's first ear and the user's second ear, via a first earbud105aand a second earbud105b. In some examples, at least a portion of the light source system110may be included in an earbud105. However in alternative examples, the light-conveying system115may be capable of conveying light to the earbuds105from a light source system110that is located outside of the earbuds105.

The image sensor system120may be capable of forming images based, at least in part, on light reflected from a user's ear, e.g., light reflected from the user's right ear and light reflected from the user's left ear. For example, one portion of the light-conveying system115may be capable of conveying light to a user's ear via one of the earbuds105. The earbud105may be capable of capturing at least part of the reflected light, for example via one or more lenses, and of coupling the reflected light into a second portion of the light-conveying system115. The second portion of the light-conveying system115may be capable of conveying the reflected, coupled light to the image sensor system120. The image sensor system120may, for example, include one or more arrays of semiconductor charge-coupled devices (CCD), complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) devices or N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS) devices. In some implementations, the earbuds105may include at least a portion of the image sensor system120. However, in some implementations the light-conveying system115may be capable of conveying the light reflected from the user's first ear and the user's second ear from the earbuds105to at least a portion of the image sensor system120that is located separate from and/or in another part of the otoscope system100.

According to some implementations, the image sensor system120may include and/or be a component of a sensor system that includes other types of sensors. In some such examples, the other sensors may include one or more temperature sensors. For example, some implementations may include a temperature sensor in at least one earbud of the earbuds105. The temperature sensor may be capable of determining a user's body temperature. The temperature sensor may be capable of providing an indication of the temperature of a user's ear to the control system125.

The control system125may include at least one of a general purpose single- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, or discrete hardware components. The control system125may be capable of performing some or all of the methods described herein. In some implementations, the control system125may be capable of controlling one or more components of the otoscope system100. For example, in one implementation, the control system125is capable of controlling the light source system110, the light conveying system115and the image sensor system120.

In some implementations, the control system125may be capable of controlling the otoscope system100according to instructions (e.g., software) stored on non-transitory media. Such non-transitory media may include one or more memory devices of the otoscope system100, which may include one or more random access memory (RAM) devices, one or more read-only memory (ROM) devices, etc. Accordingly, at least some aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented via a non-transitory medium having software stored thereon.

In the example shown inFIG. 1, the otoscope system100includes an optional interface system130. The interface system130includes a wireless interface system in this example. In some implementations, the interface system130may include a network interface, an interface between the control system125and a memory system and/or an external device interface (e.g., a port). In this implementation, the otoscope system100is capable of wireless communication with a second device via the interface system130. Some examples are described below.

FIG. 2shows examples of elements of an otoscope system100according to some implementations. As with other implementations disclosed herein, the numbers of elements and types of elements shown inFIG. 2are merely shown by way of example. Other implementations may have more, fewer or different elements. In this implementation, the otoscope system100includes a connecting element210that is capable of connecting the earbuds105aand105bwith the unit205. In some examples, the connecting element210may be a headband that is attachable to the earbuds105aand105band that is capable of holding the earbud105ain the user215's ear220aand of holding the earbud105ain the user215's ear220b. Some such implementations may be capable of holding the earbuds105aand105bfirmly in place and of aligning the earbuds105aand105bproperly without the need for user adjustment.

The unit205may include the light source system110, the image sensor system120, the control system125and/or the interface system130that are shown inFIG. 1. However, one or more of these elements may be included in other components of the otoscope system100, such as in one or both of the earbuds105aand105b. For example, in some implementations the unit205may include at least a portion of the light source system110The connecting element210may include at least a portion of the light-conveying system115, such as optical fibers, capable of conveying light from a light source of the unit205to the earbuds105aand105b.

In some implementations, the unit205may include at least a portion of the image sensor system120. According to some such implementations, a portion of the light-conveying system115included in, or attached to, the connecting element210may be capable of conveying light from the earbuds105aand105bto at least a portion of the image sensor system120included in the unit205. In some such implementations, at least some optical fibers of the light-conveying system115may be disposed within the connecting element210.

In this example, as shown for example inFIG. 1, the otoscope system100includes an interface system130(not shown inFIG. 2) that is capable of wireless communication with a second device, such as a wireless mobile device. According to some such implementations, the unit205may include at least a portion of the interface system130. Alternatively, or additionally, the earbud105a, the earbud105b, or both of the earbuds105aand105bmay include at least a portion of the interface system130. In the example shown inFIG. 2, the otoscope system100is in communication with a smart phone200via the interface system130.

According to some examples, the control system125may be capable of providing image data, via the interface system130, to a second device. In this example, the control system125may be capable of providing image data, via the interface system130, to the smart phone200that is shown inFIG. 2. If the second device includes a display, the second device may be capable of displaying images that correspond with the received image data. For example, the smart phone200may be capable of displaying images on the display system230of the ear220a, the ear220b, or both, corresponding to image data received from the otoscope system100.

FIG. 3is a block diagram that outlines one example of a method for controlling a wearable otoscope system. The blocks of method300, like other methods described herein, are not necessarily performed in the order indicated. Moreover, such methods may include more or fewer blocks than shown and/or described. In one example, the method may be implemented by the dual-ear otoscope100described inFIGS. 1 and 2. The blocks of method300may, for example, be performed by a control system such as the control system125that is shown inFIG. 1and described above. Although the blocks of method300are described below with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, method300also may be performed by alternative otoscope systems100, such as the alternative implementations disclosed herein.

In this example, block305involves conveying light from a light source system to a user's first ear and the user's second ear, via a first earbud and a second earbud. According to some implementations described above with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, block305may involve conveying light from a light source of the unit205to the ear220aand the ear220bvia a light-conveying system115. The light-conveying system115may include optical fibers within or on the connecting element210. The light-conveying system115may include optical fibers within or on the earbuds105aand105b. In some examples, the light-conveying system115(or another part of the otoscope system100) may include optical elements within or on the earbuds105aand105b, such as lenses, mirrors, micromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, etc., as described elsewhere herein.

In this implementation, block310involves forming image data based, at least in part, on light reflected from the user's first ear and the user's second ear. Block310may, for example, be performed by an image sensor system such as the image sensor system120disclosed herein. In some examples, block310may be performed by portions of an image sensor system120that is included in the earbuds105aand105b. In alternative examples, block310may be performed by portions of an image sensor system120that is included in another part of the otoscope system100, such as the unit205. In some implementations, block310may be performed by an image sensor system120that is included in another device, such as the smart phone200that is shown inFIG. 2. The interface system130may include apparatus for coupling light to a camera of another device. In some such examples, the otoscope system100may include a light-conveying system115that is capable of conveying light to another device via the interface system130.

According to this example, optional block315involves compressing the image data. The image data that is provided by the otoscope system100may, in some examples, be video data. Transmitting uncompressed video data may require a high data rate. Likewise, storing uncompressed video data may require a significant amount of memory. Accordingly, in some implementations, the control system125may be capable of compressing image data prior to transmitting the image data to a second device. According to some such implementations, the control system125may be capable of compressing image data via a lossy compression algorithm, such as a Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) compression algorithm, (for example, according to the MPEG-4 standard). However, in alternative implementations the control system125may be capable of compressing image data via a different lossy compression method or via a lossless compression method.

In this example, optional block320involves encrypting the image data. Block320may, for example, be performed by a control system such as the control system125disclosed herein. According to some examples, the control system125may be capable of encrypting image data via symmetric-key cryptography. In some such examples, the control system125may be capable of encrypting image data via a block cipher cryptographic method, e.g., according to the Data Encryption Standard (DES) or the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). In some implementations, the control system125may be capable of encrypting image data via a cryptographic hash function, such as one of the Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA) series of functions, e.g., the SHA-1, the SHA-2 or the SHA-3 algorithm. According to some examples, the control system125may be capable of encrypting image data via asymmetric-key cryptography methods, such as public-key cryptography methods.

According to this example, block325involves providing, via a wireless interface system, the image data to a second device. In the example shown inFIG. 2, block325may involve providing, via a wireless interface system (e.g. of the unit205), the image data to the smart phone200.

In some implementations, the control system125may be capable of receiving instructions from a second device, via the interface system130, and of controlling the otoscope system100according to the instructions. According to some such examples, the instructions may be sent from a smart phone, such as the smart phone200that is shown inFIG. 2. The instructions may correspond with user input received by the smart phone200, e.g., via a user interface of the smart phone200. However, in some examples the instructions may originate from another device, which may or may not be in the vicinity of the otoscope system100. Some examples are described below.

The smart phone200ofFIG. 2(or another device) may be capable of receiving user input that is based, at least in part, a user's responses to the displayed images. For example, a user may desire to adjust the illumination provided by the light-conveying system115, the focus of a lens in the earbud105aor the earbud105b, the intensity of light provided by the light source system110, etc., in response to the displayed images and may provide corresponding user input to the smart phone200. The smart phone200may be capable of sending instructions to the otoscope system100that correspond with the user input, e.g., via a user interface of the smart phone200. According to some implementations, the interface system130may include a user interface that is capable of receiving user input. Such implementations may be capable of receiving user instructions directly, without the need for receiving the instructions via a second device such as the smart phone200.

The control system125may be capable of receiving the instructions, via the interface system130, and of controlling the otoscope system100according to the instructions. For example, in some implementations the light-conveying system115may include optical elements that are capable of controlling illumination angles of light provided by the light-conveying system115(or by another part of the otoscope system100). In some such implementations, the optical elements may include one or more mirrors, lenses, etc. According to some such implementations, the optical elements may include one or more micromechanical systems (MEMS) devices. In some examples, the control system125may be capable of controlling illumination angles of light provided by the optical elements by providing signals to the optical elements. The signals may correspond with instructions received via the interface system130.

In some implementations, the instructions received by the control system125may include instructions for controlling the intensity of light provided by the light source system110. The control system125may be capable of controlling the light source system110according to the instructions.

As noted above, the earbuds105aand105bmay include deformable material. In some implementations, the deformable material may include actively deformable material, such as an electroactive polymer. According to some such implementations, the control system125may be capable of controlling deformation of the actively deformable material. For example, the control system125may be capable of controlling deformation of the actively deformable material in order to adjust the position of a portion of the light-conveying system115(or another optical element of the otoscope system100) that is attached to an earbud105, in response to instructions received from a second device via the interface system130. In some examples, the control system125may be capable of controlling deformation of the actively deformable material in order to adjust the position of a portion of a light-coupling system, such as a lens, that is attached to an earbud105, in response to instructions received from a second device via the interface system130.

FIG. 4shows examples of otoscope system elements according to some implementations. As with other implementations disclosed herein, the numbers of elements and types of elements shown inFIG. 4are merely shown by way of example. Other implementations may have more, fewer or different elements. In this implementation, the otoscope system100includes connecting element210, a headband in this example, capable of connecting the earbuds105aand105bwith the unit205. In this example, the connecting element210is attachable to the earbuds105aand105band is capable of holding the earbud105ain the user215's ear220aand of holding the earbud105ain the user215's ear220b. Some such implementations may be capable of holding the earbuds105aand105bfirmly in place and/or aligning the earbuds105aand105bproperly without the need for user adjustment.

In some implementations, the unit205may include at least a portion of the light source system110. In this example, the unit205is attached to the connecting element210. The connecting element210may include at least a portion of the light-conveying system115, such as optical fibers, capable of conveying light from a light source of the light source system110to the earbuds105aand105b. In some implementations, the unit205may include at least a portion of the image sensor system120and the control system125. According to some such implementations, a portion of the light-conveying system115included in, or attached to, the connecting element210may be capable of conveying light from the earbuds105aand105bto at least a portion of the image sensor system120included in the unit205. In some such implementations, at least some optical fibers of the light-conveying system115may be disposed within or on the connecting element210.

However, in some implementations at least a portion of the image sensor system120may be disposed in the earbud105a, in the earbud105b, or in both of the earbuds105aand105b. In some such examples, portions of the image sensor system120that are disposed in the earbuds105aand105bmay be capable of providing image data to the control system125, via wired or wireless communication. According to some such examples, portions of the image sensor system120that are disposed in the earbuds105aand105bmay be capable of providing image data to the control system125via wires that are attached to, or included in, the connecting element210.

In this implementation, the otoscope system100is capable of providing image data to a second device, which is the smart phone200in this example. In some implementations, the otoscope system100may be capable of receiving instructions from a second device, such as the smart phone200, and of controlling the otoscope system100according to the instructions.

FIG. 5shows alternative examples of otoscope system elements according to some implementations. As with other implementations disclosed herein, the numbers of elements and types of elements shown inFIG. 5are merely shown by way of example. Other implementations may have more, fewer or different elements. In this implementation, the otoscope system100includes connecting element210that is capable of connecting the earbuds105aand105bwith the unit205. However, in this example the connecting element210is not intended to be worn as a headband. Instead, the unit205is intended to dangle from the connecting element210. In some examples, as shown inFIG. 5, the otoscope system100may be designed such that the unit205is intended to dangle below the head of a user215when the otoscope system100is worn.

According to such examples, the connecting element210may or may not be capable of holding the earbud105ain the user215's ear220aand of holding the earbud105ain the user215's ear220b, depending on the particular implementation. In some implementations, the connecting element210may include a material with sufficient stiffness such that the connecting element210is capable of holding the earbuds105aand105bfirmly in place and of aligning the earbuds105aand105bproperly without the need for user adjustment. For example, the connecting element210may be formed of metal, a rigid plastic, etc. However, in alternative implementations, the connecting element210may not be formed of a rigid material.

In some implementations, the unit205may include at least a portion of the light source system110. In this example, the unit205is attached to the connecting element210. The connecting element210may include at least a portion of the light-conveying system115, such as optical fibers, capable of conveying light from a light source of the light source system110to the earbuds105aand105b. In some implementations, the unit205may include at least a portion of the image sensor system120and the control system125. According to some such implementations, a portion of the light-conveying system115included in, or attached to, the connecting element210may be capable of conveying light from the earbuds105aand105bto at least a portion of the image sensor system120included in the unit205. In some such implementations, at least some optical fibers of the light-conveying system115may be disposed within or on the connecting element210.

However, in some implementations at least a portion of the image sensor system120may be disposed in the earbud105a, in the earbud105b, or in both of the earbuds105aand105b. In some such examples, portions of the image sensor system120that are disposed in the earbuds105aand105bmay be capable of providing image data to the control system125, via wired or wireless communication. According to some such examples, portions of the image sensor system120that are disposed in the earbuds105aand105bmay be capable of providing image data to the control system125via wires that are attached to, or included in, the connecting element210.

In this implementation, the otoscope system100is capable of providing image data to a second device, which is the smart phone200in this example. According to the example shown inFIG. 5, the unit205includes an interface system130capable of providing wireless communication between the otoscope system100and a second device. In some implementations, the otoscope system100may be capable of receiving instructions from a second device, such as the smart phone200, and of controlling the otoscope system100according to the instructions.

FIG. 6shows alternative examples of otoscope system elements according to some implementations. As with other implementations disclosed herein, the numbers of elements and types of elements shown inFIG. 6are merely shown by way of example. Other implementations may have more, fewer or different elements. In this implementation, the otoscope system100does not include a connecting element210for connecting the earbuds105aand105b. Moreover, in this example the otoscope system100does not include an element, separate from the earbuds105aand105b, which is comparable to the unit205. Instead, in this example the earbuds105aand105binclude all of the elements shown inFIG. 1: here, each of the earbuds105aand105bincludes a light source system110, a light-conveying system115, an image sensor system120, a control system125and an interface system130.

FIG. 7is a block diagram that shows examples of optical elements according to some implementations. As with other implementations disclosed herein, the numbers of elements and types of elements shown inFIG. 7are merely shown by way of example. Other implementations may have more, fewer or different elements. In this implementation, the optical system700includes optical elements705-715. According to this example, the optical elements705are capable of coupling light from the light source system into the light-conveying system115. In this implementation, the optical elements710are capable of directing light from the light-conveying system115into a user's first ear and the user's second ear. In this example, the optical elements715are capable of coupling light reflected from the user's first ear and the user's second ear into the light-conveying system115.

The optical elements705-715may, for example, include one or more mirrors, lenses, etc. According to some such implementations, the optical elements may include one or more MEMS devices. In some examples, the control system125may be capable of controlling illumination angles of light provided by the light-conveying system115by providing signals to the optical elements. The signals may correspond with instructions received from a second device via the interface system130.

FIGS. 8A and 8Bare examples of cross-sections through an earbud of an otoscope system according to some implementations. As with other implementations disclosed herein, the numbers of elements and types of elements shown inFIGS. 8A and 8Bare merely shown by way of example. Other implementations may have more, fewer or different elements. In this example,FIGS. 8A and 8Bare cross-sections taken through the cross-section line250that is shown inFIG. 2. Accordingly,FIGS. 8A and 8Bare cross-sections taken through the earbud105bin this example.

In the implementations shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B, the earbud105bincludes an optical element715in a central portion of the earbud105b. The optical element715may, for example, be a lens or a lens system that is capable of coupling light reflected from a user's ear into a portion of a light-conveying system115. Other examples may include additional optical elements715, an optical elements715positioned in a different area of the earbud105b, or both.

According to the example shown inFIG. 8A, the earbud105bincludes four optical fiber bundles805surrounding the optical element715, whereas in the example shown inFIG. 8B, the earbud105bincludes three optical fiber bundles805surrounding the optical element715. In both examples, the optical fiber bundles805are part of a light-conveying system115that is capable of conveying light from a light source system110. In both examples, the optical fiber bundles805are capable of conveying light to one or more instances of optical elements710, which is (or are) capable of directing light from the light-conveying system115into a user's ear. The optical element(s)710may include one or more lenses, mirrors, MEMS devices, etc. The optical element710may be positioned near a tip area of the earbud105.

FIGS. 9A and 9Bshow examples of optical elements that are capable of coupling light reflected from a user's ear into a portion of a light-conveying system. As with other implementations disclosed herein, the numbers of elements and types of elements shown inFIGS. 9A and 9Bare merely shown by way of example. Other implementations may have more, fewer or different elements. In this example, the optical element715ashown inFIG. 9Aand the optical element715bshown inFIG. 9Bboth include a monocentric lens900, which has spherical optical surfaces that share a single center of curvature. In these examples, the monocentric lenses900are “two-glass” monocentric lenses, including an inner portion905having a radius r1and an outer portion910having a radius r2from the same center915. However, such monocentric lenses900are not necessarily formed of glass, but may instead be formed of any appropriate transparent or substantially transparent material, such as plastic. According to some examples, radius r1may be in the range of 3.73 mm to 3.78 mm and radius r2may be in the range of 7.58 mm to 9.05 mm. The inner portion905and the outer portion910may have different indices of refraction. For example, in some implementations the inner portion905may have an index of refraction in the range of 1.81 to 1.85 and the outer portion910may have an index of refraction in the range of 1.95 to 2.03.

Some implementations of the monocentric lens900may include a physical aperture stop or “iris,” which may be within the monocentric lens. In some such implementations, a physical aperture stop may be provided by fabricating inner portion905as two hemispherical elements. However, other implementations of the monocentric lens900may include a virtual aperture stop, which may be achieved by limiting light transmission in the image transfer optics.

In the implementation shown inFIG. 9A, the optical element715aincludes image sensor system920, which is a portion of the image sensor system120of an otoscope system100. The image sensor system920may, for example, include one or more arrays of semiconductor charge-coupled devices (CCD), complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) devices or N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS) devices. The image sensor system920may be capable of providing image data to a control system125of the otoscope system100.

In the implementation shown inFIG. 9B, the optical element715bdoes not include an image sensor system. Instead, the optical element715bincludes a plurality of optical fiber bundles925, which are portions of the light-conveying system115of an otoscope system100. The optical fiber bundles925may be straight or tapered optical fiber bundles, depending on the particular implementation. Some implementations of the optical element715bthat include a monocentric lens900having a physical aperture stop may, for example, include straight optical fiber bundles whereas some implementations of the optical element715bthat include a monocentric lens900having a virtual aperture stop may include tapered optical fiber bundles.

In some examples, the optical fiber bundles925may be capable of providing light reflected from an ear to an image sensor system120that is disposed in another element of the otoscope system100. In alternative examples, the optical fiber bundles925may be capable of providing light reflected from an ear to an image sensor system120that is disposed in a local portion of an image sensor system120that is disposed in an earbud.

FIG. 10is a block diagram that shows examples of components of a system in which some aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented. The numbers, types and arrangements of devices shown inFIG. 10are merely shown by way of example. In this example, various devices are capable of communication via one or more networks1017. The networks1017may, for example, include the public switched telephone network (PSTN), including cellular telephone networks, the Internet, etc. The mobile devices1000aand1000bshown inFIG. 10may, for example, include personal computing devices such as smart phones, cellular telephones, tablet devices, etc.

At location1020, a mobile device1000ais capable of wireless communication with the otoscope system100. The mobile device1000ais one example of a “second device” referenced in the foregoing discussion. The mobile device1000amay, for example, be capable of executing software to perform some of the methods described herein, such as receiving image data, decrypting image data, displaying images corresponding with received image data, receiving user input and sending control signals to the otoscope system100, etc.

In this example, a data center1045includes various devices that may be capable of providing health information services via the networks1017. Accordingly, the data center1045is capable of communication with the networks1017via the gateway1025. Switches1050and routers1055may be capable of providing network connectivity for devices of the data center1045, including storage devices1060, servers1065and workstations1070. Although only one data center1045is shown inFIG. 10, some implementations may include multiple data centers1045.

One or more types of devices in the data center1045(or elsewhere) may be capable of executing middleware, e.g., for data management and/or device communication. Health-related information, including but not limited to information obtained by networked otoscope systems100, may be uploaded (e.g., from mobile devices such as mobile device1000a) and stored on storage devices1060and/or servers1065. Health-related software also may be stored on storage devices1060and/or servers1065. In some implementations, some such health-related software may be available as “apps” and downloadable by authorized users. Some such apps may be executable on devices that are capable of communication with otoscope systems100, such as the mobile device1000a.

In this example, various people and/or entities, including but not limited to health care professionals, patients, patients' families, insurance company representatives, etc., may obtain information regarding, or obtained by, otoscope systems100. The information may include, but may not be limited to, image data obtained by one or more otoscope systems100, other sensor data (such as temperature data) obtained by one or more otoscope systems100, etc.

In some examples, authorized people and/or entities may obtain such information via the data center1045. Alternatively, at least some people and/or entities may be authorized to obtain such information via a data feed from otoscope systems100, e.g., via corresponding devices that are in communication with the otoscope systems100. Accordingly, in some examples one or more other devices (such as mobile devices1000or devices of the data center1045) may act as intermediaries for such data feeds. Such devices may, for example, be capable of applying data encoding algorithms, data compression algorithms, data encryption algorithms, data filtering algorithms, executing data summary and/or analysis software, etc. In some implementations, data encoding algorithms, data decoding algorithms, data compression algorithms, data encryption and decryption algorithms, data filtering, summary software, analysis software, etc., may be available as “apps” and downloadable (e.g., from the data center1045) by authorized users.

In this example, a family member of an authorized user is logging into the system, via the mobile device1000b, in order to access physiological data obtained by the otoscope system100from the user215in location1020.FIG. 10also depicts a doctor's office1005, from which a health care professional1010is using a laptop1015to access information from the data center1045. The information may include information obtained by the otoscope system100, or by other the otoscope systems100.

Some implementations disclosed herein may be capable of providing authentication and/or identification functionality. For example, one of the servers1065of the data center1045may be capable of controlling access to information obtained by networked otoscope systems100. In some such examples, a server1065may provide access to such information only after a user has provided an authentic user name and a corresponding password, e.g., via the mobile device1000bor the laptop1015, which have been accepted by the server1065. The user name and password may have been established during a prior enrollment process.

According to some implementations, one or more of the devices shown inFIG. 10may be capable of obtaining biometric information. For example, in some implementations the mobile device1000a, the mobile device1000band/or the laptop1015may include a biometric sensor system, which may include a fingerprint sensor system, a camera system, etc. In some examples, a server1065may provide access to information obtained by networked otoscope systems100only after a user has provided fingerprint information or other biometric information (e.g., via the mobile device1000a, the mobile device1000bor the laptop1015) that has been authenticated by the server1065. (As used herein, “fingerprint information” includes print information corresponding to any digit, including fingerprint images and thumbprint images.) The server1065may, for example, compare the provided fingerprint or other biometric information (also referred to herein as “currently-obtained biometric information”) with stored biometric information that was obtained during a prior enrollment process (also referred to herein as “previously-obtained biometric information”).

In alternative implementations, another device may be capable of providing authentication and/or identification functionality. For example, in some implementations, a control system125of an otoscope system100, a control system of a mobile device, or both, may include authentication and/or identification functionality.

In some implementations, biometric information may be used to verify the identity of a user of an otoscope system100, the identity of a user of an associated mobile device, or both. For example, referring toFIG. 10, in some instances the user215may be controlling the mobile device1000awhile the otoscope system100is obtaining image data from ears of the user215. However, in other instances another person, such as a doctor, a nurse, a pharmacy employee, a parent, or another care provider may be using the mobile device1000awhile the otoscope system100is obtaining image data from ears of the user215.

In some examples, a biometric sensor system of the mobile device1000a, such as a fingerprint sensor system, may obtain biometric information from a user. Alternatively, or additionally, in some examples a biometric sensor system of the otoscope system100may obtain biometric information from a user. Some examples are described below. A control system may perform an authentication process that is based, at least in part, on the biometric information in order to verify the identity of the user. For example, the authentication process may involve comparing currently-obtained biometric information with previously-obtained biometric information from an authorized user. Depending on the particular implementation, the control system may reside in the mobile device1000a, in the otoscope system100or in another device (such as a server1065).

If the authentication process is successful, in some implementations the control system may authorize a user whose identity has been verified to control the otoscope system100via the mobile device1000aand/or to receive information from the otoscope system100via the mobile device1000a. In some implementations, the image data and/or other sensor data that are acquired by the otoscope system100may be associated with identity information of the user. For example, the image data and/or other sensor data that are acquired by the otoscope system100may be stored in a data structure that also includes the identity information of the user. In some examples, the identity information may include the user's name. In some instances, the identity information may include at least some of the biometric information that was obtained during the authentication process, such as fingerprint information.

As noted above, in some examples, the otoscope system100may be capable of obtaining biometric information from a user. The shape of the outer ear, including the folds of the pinna and the length and shape of the ear canal, can vary significantly from person to person. Therefore, according to some such examples, the biometric information obtained by the otoscope system100may include image data obtained from one or more of the user's ears.

In another example, the structural differences between human ears also may be determined by acoustical measurements. There is evidence in the relevant scientific literature indicating that structural differences between human ears that are determined by acoustical measurements may be even more pronounced than structural differences between human ears that are determined according to image data.

Therefore, according to some such examples, the biometric information obtained by the otoscope system100may include information that corresponds to the acoustical properties of one or more of the user's ears. According to some such examples, the biometric information may include information corresponding to a “transfer function” of one or more of the user's ear canals. One or more features of the transfer function (such as amplitude information, phase information, delay information, etc.) may be evaluated in order to compare currently-obtained biometric information with previously-obtained biometric information.

In some such implementations, at least one earbud105of the otoscope system100may include a speaker and a microphone. The control system125may be capable of controlling the speaker to generate input acoustic signals while controlling the microphone to obtain output acoustic signals corresponding to the reflections of the input acoustic signals from a user's ear canal.

The control system125may be capable of determining a transfer function based, at least in part, on the input acoustic signals and the output acoustic signals. According to some implementations, part of the process of determining the transfer function may involve converting the input acoustic signals and the output acoustic signals from the time domain to the frequency domain. According to some such implementations, the control system125may be capable of determining the transfer function by performing operations on the input acoustic signals and the output acoustic signals in the frequency domain. In some examples, the control system125may be capable of determining the transfer function by dividing the frequency-domain output acoustic signals by the frequency-domain input acoustic signals.

However, in other implementations the control system125may be capable of determining the transfer function by applying an adaptive filter to minimize an error signal. The error signal may, for example, correspond with a difference between the output acoustic signals and an estimate of the transfer function that is based, in part, on the input acoustic signals.

It will be understood that unless features in any of the particular described implementations are expressly identified as incompatible with one another or the surrounding context implies that they are mutually exclusive and not readily combinable in a complementary and/or supportive sense, the totality of this disclosure contemplates and envisions that specific features of those complementary implementations may be selectively combined to provide one or more comprehensive, but slightly different, technical solutions. It will therefore be further appreciated that the above description has been given by way of example only and that modifications in detail may be made within the scope of this disclosure.