Devices, Methods and Systems for Acquiring Medical Diagnostic Information and Provision of Telehealth Services

Abstract

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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An imaging apparatus for obtaining images inside an ear canal of a patient's ear, the imaging apparatus comprising:
 a main body;   a first anatomical interface component coupled to the main body, the first anatomical interface component structured to fit over the patient's ear and contact the helix of the patient's ear;   an extension coupled to the main body, the extension structured to fit into the ear canal; and   an imaging element housed within the extension, the imaging element configured to obtain an image of the ear canal.   
     
     
         2 . The imaging apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the extension is flexible. 
     
     
         3 . The imaging apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the extension is extendable. 
     
     
         4 . The imaging apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a second anatomical interface coupled to the main body, the second anatomical interface comprising a stop structured to contact the outer ear to prevent over-insertion of the extension into the ear canal. 
     
     
         5 . The imaging apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the second anatomical interface further comprises an ear bud. 
     
     
         6 . The imaging apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the extension comprises a spring to prevent over-insertion of the extension into the ear canal. 
     
     
         7 . The imaging apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the extension comprises a channel for air to flow through the extension. 
     
     
         8 . The imaging apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the extension comprises a light output at a tip of the extension. 
     
     
         9 . The imaging apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the light output is coupled to a light source located in the one of the anatomical interface element, the extension, or the main body. 
     
     
         10 . The imaging apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a center of a lens of the imaging element is offset from a central axis of the extension at a tip of the extension. 
     
     
         11 . The imaging apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a communication link communicatively coupling the imaging apparatus to a processor. 
     
     
         12 . The imaging apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the processor is located separate from the imaging apparatus. 
     
     
         13 . The imaging apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the processor is communicatively coupled to one of a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. 
     
     
         14 . A kit for obtaining images inside an ear canal of a patient's ear, the kit comprising:
 an imaging apparatus comprising:
 a main body; 
 an anatomical interface component coupled to the main body, the anatomical interface component structured to fit over the patient's ear and contact the helix of the patient's ear; 
 a first extension coupled to the main body, the first extension structured to fit into the ear canal; and 
 an imaging element housed within the first extension, the imaging element configured to obtain an image of the ear canal; and 
   a plurality of attachments, each attachment:
 configured to connect to the imaging apparatus; 
 shaped to contact the outer ear; and 
 sized to fit a respective ear size. 
   
     
     
         15 . The kit of  claim 14 , wherein the first extension is flexible. 
     
     
         16 . The kit of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of attachments are earbuds, each earbud comprising a stop structured to contact the outer ear to prevent over-insertion of the first extension into the ear canal. 
     
     
         17 . The kit of  claim 16 , wherein each earbud further comprises a second extension structured to fit into the ear canal. 
     
     
         18 . The kit of  claim 14 , wherein the first extension comprises a channel for air to flow through the first extension. 
     
     
         19 . The kit of  claim 14 , wherein the first extension is extendable. 
     
     
         20 . The kit of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 a processing box configured to receive, from the imaging apparatus, the image of the ear canal; and   a communication device communicatively coupled to the processing box over a wireless communication link, wherein the communication device is one of a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.