Portable data collection device

Abstract

A portable data collection device is provided for diagnostic image and data collection at a remote location. The device is implemented as an otoscope including a speculum and light source for illumination of the ear canal. A digital camera element collects the reflected images and provides the images to a processor. The processor processes the images using pattern matching techniques and displays and/or stores suitable images. The images are transferred to a base station for subsequent transmission to a remote server or computer, where an authorized party may access and examine the images. An authorization or prescription from the remote server or computer may be required to enable data collection and transmission by the otoscope.

1 . A remote data collection device in communication with a central server, the data collection device comprising: 
 an image sensor for capturing diagnostic images;    a processor for processing the captured images;    a memory for storing the captured images; and    a communications port for transmitting the captured images to the central server and for receiving instructions from the central server; and    a user interface to facilitate use of the data collection device by a remote party.    
     
     
         2 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the device is a portable otoscope comprising a speculum and a controllable light source for illuminating a target area of an ear canal and providing reflected images to the image sensor.  
     
     
         3 . A device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the light source comprises a conical light pipe.  
     
     
         4 . A device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the light source comprises light fibers extending through the speculum.  
     
     
         5 . A device as claimed in  claim 2 , and further comprising a lens assembly disposed within the speculum for focusing light on the target area and for focusing the reflected light onto the image sensor.  
     
     
         6 . A device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the image sensor is a digital camera element.  
     
     
         7 . A device as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the digital camera element responds to a wide range of frequencies, and wherein the light source comprises individually controllable light sources that emit light in distinct frequency ranges.  
     
     
         8 . A device as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the processor performs pattern matching by comparing images obtained by the digital camera element with pre-recorded eardrum images.  
     
     
         9 . A device as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the communications port comprises electrical contacts configured for contact with mating contacts of an external device.  
     
     
         10 . A device as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the communications port comprises an infrared or wireless communications interface.  
     
     
         11 . A device as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the user interface comprises buttons or keys for user input and a display screen for displaying images or collected data.  
     
     
         12 . A device as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the user interface further comprises audio output and input means, and LEDs for visual output.  
     
     
         13 . A device as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the external device is a base unit configured to receive and communicate with the device, and wherein the base unit transmits images from the data collection device to the central server, and transmits instructions from the central server to the data collection device.  
     
     
         14 . A system for remote data collection comprising: 
 a remote, portable otoscope comprising a controllable light source for illuminating a target area of an ear canal and generating reflected images, a digital camera element for capturing the reflected images, a processor for processing the reflected images, a memory for storing the processed images, and a first communications port for transmitting the processed images and receiving data from an external source;    a base unit having a second communications port for receiving images from the otoscope and for transmitting instructions to the otoscope; and    a central server in communication with the base unit for receiving images from the base unit and transmitting instructions to the base unit, and for receiving data collection instructions from an authorized, prescribing party.