Devices, methods, and systems for acquiring medical diagnostic information and provision of telehealth services
The invention relates generally to various systems, tools and methods for acquiring diagnostic information, including medical information, for a user, transmitting the information to a remote location, assessing the information, and transmitting resulting diagnosis and treatment information to the user and/or a third party for subsequent action. The present invention provides consumer and user-friendly telemedicine systems and procedures which enable health services and/or diagnosis to be provided at a distance remotely.
1 . An imaging apparatus for obtaining images for diagnosis of a human subject's condition, the imaging apparatus comprising:
a main body;
a diagnostic extension coupled to the main body and including a tip at a distal end of the diagnostic extension, wherein a cross section area at the tip is larger than a cross section area at the proximal end of the diagnostic extension and wherein the diagnostic extension includes a coil or a wire that elastically bends when external forces are applied to the diagnostic extension and returns the diagnostic extension to an original shape when the external forces are removed;
a light source;
a digital imaging element within the tip of the diagnostic extension, the digital imaging element configured to capture diagnostic information, the diagnostic extension configured to be inserted into the ear canal; and
a first anatomical interface coupled to the main body or the diagnostic extension and shaped to engage the ear canal of the subject's ear, the engagement extending past an entrance to the ear canal.
2 . The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the digital imaging element is a CMOS imaging sensor.
3 . The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first anatomical interface comprises a stop to prevent over-insertion into the ear canal.
4 . The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the diagnostic extension is flexible.
5 . The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a second anatomical interface configured to contact the subject's cheek.
6 . The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a second anatomical interface that is an over ear piece.
7 . The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first anatomical interface comprises a flexible portion that conforms to the shape of the ear canal.
8 . The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the anatomical interface is one of a plurality of attachments.
9 . The imaging apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the diagnostic extension is coupled to the main body or the first anatomical interface via one or more elastic members or joint.
10 . The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the tip has an oval shape.
11 . The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first anatomical interface defines an opening larger than the diagnostic extension through which the diagnostic extension extends, allowing the diagnostic extension to move within the opening.
12 . The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the diagnostic extension is elastically coupled to the main body and configured to be extended by a user.
13 . An imaging apparatus for obtaining images for diagnosis of a human subject's condition, the imaging apparatus comprising:
a main body;
a diagnostic extension coupled to the main body via one or more elastic members to float within the main body, the diagnostic extension including a coil or a wire that elastically bends when external forces are applied to the diagnostic extension and returns the diagnostic extension to an original shape when the external forces are removed, the diagnostic extension including a tip at a distal end of the diagnostic extension, wherein a cross section area at the tip is larger than a cross section area at the proximal end of the diagnostic extension;
a light source; and
a digital imaging chip within the tip of the diagnostic extension, the digital imaging chip configured to capture diagnostic information, the diagnostic extension configured to be inserted into the ear canal via an anatomical interface that engages the ear canal including at locations extending past an entrance to the ear canal.
14 . The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the original shape of the extension is substantially straight.
15 . The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first anatomical interface is configured as a positioning guide, encouraging a preferred position of the diagnostic extension within the canal.