Unlock instant, AI-driven research and patent intelligence for your innovation.

Method for identifying objects in a subject's ear

A technology of subjects and objects, applied in the directions of notifying users/patients of detailed communication, otoscopy, medical science, etc., can solve problems such as complicated methods and limited usability, so as to reduce requirements and avoid bony parts or The risk of the eardrum, the effect of avoiding the risk of damage to the ear canal

Active Publication Date: 2016-05-04
HELEN OF TROY LTD
View PDF15 Cites 6 Cited by
  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Due to these common characteristics, the ease of use of such devices is limited (due to security concerns)
The method of reliably detecting objects in the ear canal, including the eardrum, using such known otoscopes is very complicated
[0011] Therefore, until now, otoscopy has been applied almost exclusively by well-trained physicians

Method used

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
View more

Image

Smart Image Click on the blue labels to locate them in the text.
Viewing Examples
Smart Image
  • Method for identifying objects in a subject's ear
  • Method for identifying objects in a subject's ear
  • Method for identifying objects in a subject's ear

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

Embodiment Construction

[0222] figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the head 14 and a portion of the handle portion 12 (shown in phantom lines only) of an embodiment of an otoscope 10 adapted to perform the method according to the invention is schematically shown. as from figure 1 It can be seen that the head 14 has a generally conical form extending along the longitudinal axis A of the head 12 . The head 14 includes a relatively large proximal end 16 adjacent the handle portion 12 and a smaller distal end 18 . The distal end 18 of the head 14 is adapted for introduction into the ear canal of a subject.

[0223] Furthermore, the head 14 comprises a rotatable radially inner part 20 and a fixed radially outer part 22 . The rotatable portion 20 rotates about an axis of rotation R shown in the exemplary embodiment, which corresponds to the longitudinal axis A of the head 14 . The movement mechanism 24 includes a servo motor 26 placed within the head 12 and coupled to the rotatable part 20 of the head...

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

PUM

No PUM Login to View More

Abstract

The present invention refers to a method of identifying objects in a subject's ear, comprising the following steps: introducing an optical electronic imaging unit and at least one light source into an ear canal of a subject's outer ear, wherein the electronic imaging unit exhibits at least one optical axis directed in a distal direction, especially directed at the eardrum of the subject's ear; using the electronic imaging unit (40) to capture at least one image; and determining color information or brightness and color information to identify objects shown in the at least one image by electronic means, in order to automatically identify the objects, especially the eardrum, wherein the electronic imaging unit comprises at least one color video camera, and wherein the method further comprises a step of determining the spectral composition of reflections of the eardrum, once the eardrum has been identified.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a method of identifying an object in a subject's ear. Looking at the ear is called "otoscopy". Otoscopy is a standard medical examination technique that has been established for over 100 years. Medical students learn about otoscopy early in their physiology practical classes. Otoscopy helps the skilled physician to examine the ear canal or eardrum that may be affected by otitis media (OM), otitis media with effusion (OME), outer ear, and perforated eardrum. OME is defined by the presence of middle ear effusion (ie, fluid behind an intact eardrum) in the absence of signs or symptoms of acute infection. OME is one of the most common pediatric diagnoses. Object discrimination in otoscopy is also directed to the identification of particulates or any matter, eg, hair, earwax, foreign bodies, etc., which can block the ear canal or cover the eardrum. Routine care is very much in demand for such applications. [0002] To pe...

Claims

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

Application Information

Patent Timeline
no application Login to View More
Patent Type & Authority Applications(China)
IPC IPC(8): A61B1/00A61B1/227A61B1/05
CPCA61B1/00179A61B1/00193A61B1/05A61B1/051A61B1/227A61B5/065A61B5/6885A61B5/6886A61B1/00057A61B1/0623A61B5/0075A61B5/01A61B2562/0242A61B1/000094A61B1/00066A61B1/00101A61B1/00142A61B1/0638A61B1/0676A61B1/0684A61B1/07A61B1/2275A61B5/0086A61B5/1077A61B5/11A61B5/6817A61B5/7203A61B5/7221A61B5/7246A61B5/7264A61B5/7275A61B5/74
Inventor P·鲁佩斯伯格A·雷普-温许斯
Owner HELEN OF TROY LTD