PORTABLE, FOLDABLE AND HANDHELD MULTIPURPOSE MEDICAL INSTRUMENT (OPTHALMOTOPHARYNGODERMATOSCOPE) FOR USE IN TELEMEDICINE TO EXAMINE EARS, MOUTH, EYES, SKIN, AND NASAL CAVITY AND DETECT BODY TEMPERATURE

A portable, foldable and handheld multipurpose medical instrument for use in a telemedicine application is disclosed. The medical instrument includes a first housing and a second housing placed over the first housing. The second housing includes a disposable examining tip having an image capturing unit, a temperature sensor and a light source. The medical instrument includes a plurality of buttons for operating the image capturing unit, the temperature sensor and the light source. The medical instrument includes a plurality of display screens for displaying the images, or recorded video and displaying the temperature readings during the examination of ears, eyes, nasal cavity and mouth and detection of body's temperature. In one implementation, the medical instrument transmits the data remotely to a server or a user device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a medical instrument (opthalmotopharyngodermatoscope). More specifically, the present invention relates to a portable, foldable, and handheld multipurpose medical instrument such as an otolaryngoscope or otoscope or auriscope or otopharyngodermatoscope capable of examination of ears, mouth, eyes, and nasal cavity, skin lesions and rashes and detection of body temperature.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known that medical professionals use different medical instruments for examining the ear, nasal cavity, and throat of a patient. For example, the medical professionals use otoscopes for examination of ear, nasal cavity, and throat. Further, the medical professionals use ophthalmoscopes for eye examination. Furthermore, the medical professionals use thermometers for detecting body temperature. Some of the medical instruments integrate one or more functionalities such as a display screen with other examining and diagnostic tools into a single instrument and enhance the usability of such medical instrument(s).

Several such devices have been disclosed in the past. One such example is disclosed in a United States Publication No. 20160066797, entitled “TR309—Portable Otoscope Video Viewer” (“the '797 Publication”). The '797 Publication discloses that TR 309 is a portable otoscope video adaptor and viewing unit, designed to make the examination of ears, nose, throat, and eyes more easily attainable and to increase the size of the obtained view. It contains a built-in Camera/LCD/video recorder/otic thermometer in a handheld unit which fits the Welch Allyn or Heine otoscope or works totally independently. It is designed to fit into any shirt pocket for portability. It also can be easily pushed to the side, allowing the normal use of the Welch Allyn or Heine otoscope, or the 309's otic adapter, allowing foreign body removal or tympanocentesis. The TR 309 also provides for an unobstructed view and access to the eardrum, nose, throat, or eye for surgery while under real time view on the unit's LCD. A new ear specula and needle specifically designed for tympanocentesis is also described.

Another example is disclosed in a United States Publication No. 20120130252, entitled “Producing an Image” (“the '252 Publication”). The '252 Publication discloses an optical component that is connectable to a camera unit and comprises a data structure including data associated with the optical component. When the optical component is connected to the camera unit, data associated with the optical component is transferred to the camera unit. Image production of an organ by the camera unit is controlled based on the data associated with the optical component.

Another example is disclosed in a PCT Publication No. 2021021438, entitled “Diagnostic Tool-Based Health Management System” (“the '438 Publication”). The '438 Publication discloses a point-of-care system with a diagnostic tool and a base station with a display and in communication with the diagnostic tool is described. Used in diagnosing health conditions for a tissue under analysis, the diagnostic tool includes a handle and a head portion. The head portion includes a speculum and optical spectroscopy (OS) data acquisition components positioned within the head portion. The OS data acquisition components are configured to (i) emit light toward the tissue under analysis, (ii) receive light reflected at least in part from the tissue under analysis based on the emitted light, and (iii) determine reflectance spectra associated with the received light. Either the diagnostic tool or a base station includes analytic components configured to (i) generate diagnostic metrics including characteristics of the reflectance spectra and (ii) compare these characteristics to data associated with characteristics of known reflectance spectra associated with healthy and/or unhealthy tissue of patients.

Although the above disclosures are useful, they have few disadvantages. For example, some of the medical instruments have inadequate lighting, and cannot capture and review images or data in real time on an external device or on the instrument itself. Further, some of the medical instruments are expensive and difficult to maintain. In addition, the current healthcare system has been slow to embrace patient-centered care. Hospitals and clinics have created sterile and inhospitable atmospheres for patient diagnosis and care. Further, it takes considerable time to examine patient's ears, mouth, and nasal cavity and detect his/her body temperature. Furthermore, some of the known devices cannot be used by the healthcare professionals due to the conditions at the hospitals and clinics since the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Therefore, there is a need for a medical instrument that is portable, and allows to operate using hand and allows to visually assess the ear canals, tympanic membranes with a temperature measurement, visualize oral cavity, tonsils and pharynx in patients at the patient's home or work office.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a medical instrument for use in a telemedicine application that avoids the drawback of known otoscopes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a cost-effective, lightweight, portable, foldable and handheld multipurpose medical instrument for use in a telemedicine application.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a medical instrument that provides simultaneous viewing the collected information in real time or for later viewing and transmission of the obtained information to a server or a user device.

To overcome the limitations here stated, the present invention provides a portable, foldable, and handheld multipurpose medical instrument for use in a telemedicine application. The medical instrument includes a first housing, and a second housing placed over the first housing. The second housing includes a disposable examining tip having an image capturing unit, a temperature sensor, and a light source. The medical instrument includes a plurality of buttons for operating the image capturing unit, the temperature sensor, and the light source. The medical instrument includes a plurality of display screens for displaying the images, or recorded video and displaying the temperature readings during the examination of external ear canal, tympanic membrane, oral-pharyngeal cavity, retina of the eyes, skin lesions and rashes, and detection of body's temperature.

In one advantageous feature of the present invention, the first housing folds over the second housing enclosing the disposable examining tip. As a result, the medical instrument becomes portable and protects the disposable examining tip having the image capturing unit, the temperature sensor, and the light source when not in use.

In another advantageous feature of the present invention, the medical instrument transmits the data remotely to a server or a user device as it is being recorded for analysing, storing, and reporting on the collected data.

In another advantageous feature of the present invention, the medical instrument provides an improved handheld multipurpose medical instrument that helps to conduct multiple diagnostic procedures and examination of a patient's ears, or other orifices or body members, eyes, body temperature, and of capturing that information during examination while using a single device.

In yet another advantageous feature of the present invention, the medical instrument allows to operate it using hand and allows to visually assess the ear canals, tympanic membranes with a temperature measurement, visualize oral cavity, tonsils, pharynx, eyes and skin lesions in patients at the patient's home or work office.

Yet another advantageous feature of the present invention, the medical instrument operates as an otolaryngoscope or otoscope or auriscope or opthalmotopharyngodermatoscope capable of examination of eyes, ears, mouth, and nasal cavity and detection of body temperature.

Features and advantages of the invention hereof will become more apparent considering the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying FIGUREs. As will be realized, the invention disclosed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments in which the presently disclosed invention may be practiced. The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed medical instrument. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in functional or conceptual diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the presently disclosed medical instrument.

In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting. Rather, the invention preferably encompasses other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, the applicant does not intend for any term in the specification to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present invention encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

Although the present disclosure provides a description of a medical instrument for use in a telemedicine application, it is to be further understood that numerous changes may arise in the details of the embodiments of the medical instrument. It is contemplated that all such changes and additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of this disclosure.

In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a portable, foldable and handheld multipurpose medical instrument such as an otolaryngoscope or otoscope or auriscope capable of examination of ears, mouth, and nasal cavity and detection of body temperature.FIG.1shows an environment10of medical instrument12used by healthcare professional14on patient16to examine his/her ear18, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, medical instrument12operates as an electronic or digital otolaryngoscope or otoscope or auriscope for examination of ears, mouth, and nasal cavity and detection of body temperature of patient16at their homes or work office. Although it is shown that healthcare professional14is examining patient's ear inFIG.1, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that patient16himself/herself or with the help of a caretaker or family member can operate medical instrument12for examination of ears, mouth, and nasal cavity and detection of body temperature without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Now referring toFIGS.2A,2B,2C,2D and2E, a side view, a top view, a bottom view in folded state, a front view and a rear view, respectively of medical instrument12, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Medical instrument12includes a first housing20and a second housing22. First housing20indicates a bottom housing and second housing22positions above first housing20(as top housing20). Medical instrument12has front end24, rear end26, sides28, top side30, and a bottom side32. First housing20encompasses a base34having walls35. Walls35extend from base35and includes support structures36at its length to provide required strength to first housing20. Walls35position at three sides forming an opening37at front end24, as shown in at leastFIG.2D.

Medical instrument12includes a hinge38. Hinge38positions at front end24and connects first housing20and second housing22at their distal ends. Hinge38helps to fold first housing20over second housing304, as shown inFIG.3, for example. Further, second housing22includes extended section39. Extended section39receives examining tip40such as an ear spectrum. First image capturing unit42captures images and/or video when examining tip40is inserted into ear canal, nasal cavity or mouth during the examination of ears, nasal cavity or mouth, respectively depending on the diagnosis needed. Extended section39receives dermatologic lens44and second image capturing unit46. Dermatologic lens44and second image capturing unit46capture images of skin with increased clarity of focus, detail and depth. Second image capturing unit46is able to manipulate captured images (e.g., applying filters, noise reduction, changing colour tones and contrasts etc.) to produce final images. Further, extended section39receives third image capturing unit48. Third image capturing unit48includes light sources49. Light sources49help to project light into mouth, throat or eyes and third image capturing unit48captures images and/or video during the examination of oral cavity and/or throat depending on the diagnosis needed. Further, second housing22includes power ON/OFF button50and light source button51. Light source button51helps to control intensity of light produced by light sources49.

At top side30, second housing22encompasses focus button52. Focus button52helps to adjust focus i.e., focal length of lens or adjust the lighting by light sources49. In other words, pressing focus button52adjusts the focal length or magnification of lens in image capturing units42,46and48during the examination of ears, eyes, nasal cavity, mouth, etc.

Further, second housing22encompasses first display53and second display55. First display53displays image/video captured by first image capturing unit42. Second display55displays image/video captured by second and third image capturing units46,48. Further, second housing22encompasses menu button56, record button57and image capturing unit button58. Menu button56helps to select desired option to configure the medical instrument12. Record button57helps to record and store the images/video in a memory (not shown). Image capturing unit button58helps to operate image capturing units42,46and48. Additionally, second housing22encompasses a port59such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port or charging port for charging the electrical components of medical instrument12or transferring the data to and from medical instrument12to other devices such as a server (not shown), for example.

FIGS.3and4show medical instrument12in operational state and folded state, respectively. Medical instrument12includes a male member (or clasp)60and a female member (or hole)61. Male member60and female member61indicate a male latch and a female latch, respectively. In one example, male member60positions at first housing20and female member61positions at second housing304, or vice versa. In the operational state, male member60and female member61connect to lock the position of first housing20and second housing22, as shown inFIG.4. As specified above, first housing20includes opening37and hinge38. When not in use, first housing20folds via hinge38over second housing22such that examining tip40, dermatologic lens44and other components at front end24of second housing22are housed or received in opening37of first housing20, as shown inFIG.4. Folding of first housing20over second housing22saves space and presents easy transport.

Now referring toFIG.5, a block diagram of medical instrument12is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Medical instrument12encompasses processor72, and memory74. Processor72includes a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU) or both. In one example, memory74includes instructions76stored therein. Instructions76may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the memory74and/or within the processor72during execution thereof. Instructions76may further be transmitted or received over a network86via transceiver80utilizing any one of several well-known transfer protocols.

Medical instrument12encompasses interface78such as hardware and/or software devices/applications used for operating medical instrument12. Medical instrument12encompasses transceiver80for sending or receiving instructions/data from other devices such as server84or user device88. Medical instrument12further encompasses battery82for powering electronic components in medical instrument12.

Medical instrument12operates as a standalone device and/or communicatively connects to other devices such as server84or user device88via network86. Here, server84indicates a central server operated by a hospital, medical institution, etc., for storing and processing the health data of patient(s)16. User device88indicates a device such as a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, smartwatch, desktop, etc. used by patient16, healthcare professional14, or any other individual(s). Network86includes a wireless network, a wired network, or a combination thereof. Network86can be implemented as one of the different types of networks, such as intranet, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the internet, and the like. The network86may either be a dedicated network or a shared network. The shared network represents an association of the different types of networks that use a variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), and the like, to communicate with one another. Further the network86may include a variety of network devices, including routers, bridges, servers, computing devices, storage devices, and the like.

In operation, healthcare professional14places disposable examining tip40into ear canal, nasal cavity, or mouth during the examination of ears, nasal cavity or mouth, respectively depending on the diagnosis needed. Here, healthcare professional14engages one of the buttons to illuminate light source49and captures images or records video using image capturing unit42during the examination of ears, nasal cavity and/or mouth. In one example, the images captured, or video being recorded are displayed at first display screen53. In one example, medical instrument12records the images at intervals of 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 seconds. Alternatively, medical instrument12captures the images or records the video and displays on first display screen53in real-time.

Optionally, medical instrument12employs a temperature sensor (not shown) to capture patient's body temperature and displays the temperature readings on second display screen55.

In one implementation, medical instrument12stores the images and video of the ears, nasal cavity and/or mouth and the temperature readings captured during their examination in memory74. In another implementation, medical instrument12transmits the data (i.e., images and video of the ears, nasal cavity and/or mouth and the temperature readings) in real-time to server84and/or user device(s)88. Healthcare professionals14, patient16or any other interested persons view the data captured and recorded by medical instrument12.

FIG.6shows an internal design on medical instrument100, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The Medical instrument100implements and operates similar to medical instrument12, as explained above. The three ameras104capture ear, eye, skin and/or mouth pictures or videos (102). Medical instrument100includes wireless communication module106connected to microcontroller110via wireless interface108. In one implementation, medical instrument100encompasses line protection circuit112for protecting the electrical components from electric fluctuations. In addition, medical instrument200includes first port114such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port or charging port for charging the electrical components of medical instrument100via wired interface116.

In accordance with the present embodiment, The three cameras104capture the images and utilizes image signal processor120to enhance the image using voltage reference118. Image signal processor120provides the image to video and photo codec122for encoding the image. Further, thermopile detector module124supplies infrared tympanic or skin thermometer readings to microcontroller110. Microcontroller110processes the image and temperature readings. In one example, microcontroller210displays the temperature readings on LCD body temperature display128. Further, microcontroller110controls and displays information on display screen134using touchscreen controller130and backlight LED/EL 132. Display screen134configures to display the images captured by camera104.

In addition, medical instrument100encompasses memory136for storing the images captured by the three cameras104and temperature captured by thermometer126. Microcontroller110controls real-time clock137of medical instrument100. Medical instrument100receives power from a rechargeable battery138via AC/DC adapter140.

FIG.7shows a network architecture200of medical instrument202communicating with server216operated/managed by a telemedicine provider/hospital/government/third party telehealth service provider. Here, medical instrument202includes data or bio-physical information204of a user (not shown) such as ECG, heart sounds, breath sounds, bruits, lung sounds, etc. Medical instrument202communicatively connects to user devices208,210such as mobile devices, laptops, etc. via network212. In one example, each of user devices208,210includes a software application specifically configured to interact with medical instrument202and server216. In one example, user devices208,210utilize an interface214specifically interact with server216via network212. Network212includes, but not limited to, Bluetooth, internet, Wi-Fi, Li-Fi, wired network.

Medical instrument12communicates with a server (similar to server216). Healthcare professionals can access the data remotely and provide required diagnosis and/or care.

The presently disclosed medical instrument integrates with other medical devices and help to provide telemedicine to patients. The medical instrument captures and streams/transmits the images of ears, eyes, nasal cavity and/or mouth and skin lesions to medical practitioners. Further, the medical instrument presents a dashboard with options to integrate and match workflow of an in-person visit in a virtual/online world. For instance, an on-site medical practitioner captures vitals of the patient, prepares intake material or information and submits to the remote service provider/healthcare professional. The remote service provider/healthcare professional securely accesses the information, and reviews the information before consulting the patient. This helps the remote service provider/healthcare professional to have full information about the patient. The medical instrument helps to provide the required consultation to the patients at a relatively low cost.

A person skilled in the art appreciates that the medical instrument may come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the need and comfort of the user. Further, many changes in the design and placement of components may take place without deviating from the scope of the presently disclosed medical instrument.

In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of some embodiments, specific components, devices, methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be employed, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

In the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but may nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill. Hence as various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

The foregoing description of embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the novel principles and invention disclosed herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the innovative faculty. It is contemplated that additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of the disclosed invention.