Device for providing non-face-to-face telemedicine service and control method thereof

Abstract

The technical concept of the present invention provides a device for providing a non-face-to-face telemedicine service, the device including: a head unit including a camera for obtaining visual information of an examinee, an infrared LED for obtaining an infrared image of the examinee, and a laser irradiation unit for forming a laser point; a body unit supporting the head unit and including an image display unit for transmitting visual information about a technician to the examinee, and a control unit electrically connected to the camera, the infrared LED, the laser irradiation unit, and the image display unit and configured to control same; and a driving unit interposed between the head unit and the body unit and configured to rotate the head unit with respect to the body unit.

Description

Device for providing non-face-to-face remote medical services and method for controlling the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for providing non-face-to-face remote medical services and a method for controlling the same, and more specifically, to a device for providing non-face-to-face remote medical services and a method for controlling the same that can not only remotely monitor the condition of a patient in real time but also provide remote medical consultation services.

[0002]

[0003] This invention is the result of a patent application filed with the support of Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Economic & Science Promotion Agency's '2023 Global Startup Commercialization Support Program'.

[0004] This invention is the result of a patent application filed with the support of the Korea Health Industry Development Institute's '2nd Health and Medical Technology Research and Development Project, Gene Delivery System Acceleration Project'.

[0005] Recently, research and implementation efforts have been underway to provide medical services anytime and anywhere by integrating mobile communication networks with hospital information systems. However, the expansion of new medical markets, intensified competition in the medical industry due to rapid globalization, and patients' demands for high-quality medical services necessitate large-scale investment in medical equipment and IT facilities. Consequently, the competitiveness of small and medium-sized hospitals with limited resources is weakening. Furthermore, as a significant number of hospitals are facing staffing shortages, the issues of medical personnel scarcity and supply-demand imbalance are emerging as critical policy challenges and key topics for the medical industry.

[0006] Consequently, there are frequent instances where hospitals are unable to recruit adequate medical personnel, leading to the closure or dysfunctional operation of relevant medical departments. Furthermore, the hiring of unqualified substitute personnel is not only causing a decline in the quality of medical services but also increasing the risk of frequent medical accidents. To improve the quality of medical services, which is declining due to this shortage of medical personnel, improvements to the hospital system are necessary. Considering that information and communication technology (ICT) is being applied across various fields, solutions utilizing ICT are emerging as a means of improving hospital systems.

[0007] However, hospital systems utilizing information and communication technology (ICT) suffer from problems such as limited mobility or usability only within confined areas and poor scalability due to their complex configurations. Consequently, the utility and scalability of IT-based medical systems within the hospital are insufficient, making it costly to implement the system for a large number of patients.

[0008] Patent Document 1: Korean Published Patent Application No. 2023-0106406 (Published July 13, 2023)

[0009] Patent Document 2: Korean Published Patent Application No. 2023-0114865 (Published Aug. 22, 2023)

[0010]

[0011] The technical concept of the present invention is to provide a device for providing a non-face-to-face remote medical service and a method for controlling the same, which can transmit immediate physical feedback from an examiner to a subject.

[0012] The technical concept of the present invention is to provide a device for providing a non-face-to-face remote medical service and a method for controlling the same, which provides physically implemented communication beyond the limitations of video communication between an examiner and a subject.

[0013] The technical concept of the present invention is to provide a device for providing a non-face-to-face remote medical service and a method for controlling the same, which enables an examiner to deliver immediate physical feedback remotely through the biosignals of a subject collected in real time.

[0014] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0015]

[0016] To solve the above problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides a device for providing a non-face-to-face remote medical service, comprising: a head unit including a camera configured to acquire visual information about a subject, an infrared LED configured to acquire an infrared image about the subject, and a laser irradiation unit configured to irradiate a laser point; a body unit including an image display unit that supports the head unit and transmits visual information about an examiner to the subject, and a control unit configured to control the camera, the infrared LED, the laser irradiation unit, and the image display unit by being electrically connected thereto; and a driving unit interposed between the head unit and the body unit and configured to rotate the head unit relative to the body unit.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the driving unit comprises: a lower driving unit fixed to the body part; and an upper driving unit connected to the head part and configured to rotate integrally; wherein the upper driving unit is configured to rotate independently of the lower driving unit. A device for providing a non-face-to-face remote medical service is provided.

[0018] According to one embodiment, a device for providing a non-face-to-face remote medical service is provided, characterized in that the width of the upper drive unit is greater than the width of the lower drive unit, and the center axis of the upper drive unit and the center axis of the lower drive unit overlap.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the upper driving unit comprises: an upper ring plate having a ring shape in a planar view; and a first driving gear having an arc shape on the upper ring plate, comprising a toothed portion formed on a side facing the center of the upper ring plate in a planar view, thereby providing a non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the lower driving unit comprises: a lower ring plate having a ring shape in a planar view and configured to rotate about a central axis; and a limit switch disposed on one side of the lower ring plate; and the upper driving unit comprises: an extension extending radially from the upper ring plate; and a stopper fastened to one side of the extension; wherein the limit switch is configured to define a rotation limit of the upper ring plate by contacting the stopper which rotates integrally with the upper ring plate.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the lower drive unit comprises a second drive gear configured to rotate by engaging with the tooth portion of the first drive gear; wherein the second drive gear is configured to rotate with respect to the center axis of the second drive gear in a planar view, and the first drive gear is configured to rotate with respect to the center axis of the upper ring plate in a planar view, thereby providing a non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the lower drive unit further comprises a step motor configured to rotate the second drive gear; thereby providing a non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the body part further comprises a communication part configured to transmit and receive video and voice signals of the subject and the examiner; thereby providing a device for providing a non-face-to-face remote medical service.

[0024] According to one embodiment, a device for providing a non-face-to-face remote medical service is provided, characterized in that the body part does not rotate when the head part rotates.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the body part further comprises a communication part configured to receive visual information about the subject from the camera, wirelessly transmit a visual information signal about the subject to the examiner, and wirelessly receive a visual information signal about the examiner from the examiner. A device for providing a non-face-to-face remote medical service is provided.

[0026] To solve the above problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides a method for controlling a remote medical service provider, comprising: a head unit including a camera configured to acquire visual information of a subject; an image display unit supporting the head unit and transmitting visual information of an examiner to the subject; a body unit including a communication unit configured to transmit and receive wireless signals; a driving unit interposed between the head unit and the body unit and configured to rotate the head unit relative to the body unit; and a control unit electrically connected to the camera, the image display unit, and the head unit and configured to transmit and receive signals. The method comprises the steps of: acquiring visual information of the subject using the camera and then wirelessly transmitting the visual information of the subject using the communication unit; wirelessly receiving the visual information of the examiner using the communication unit and transmitting it through the image display unit; receiving a driving signal of the examiner by the communication unit and transmitting it to the control unit; and the control unit driving the driving unit according to the driving signal to rotate the head unit.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the driving unit comprises: an upper driving unit fixed to the body part; and a lower driving unit connected to the head part and configured to rotate integrally; wherein the lower driving unit is configured to rotate independently of the upper driving unit. A method for controlling a device for providing a non-face-to-face remote medical service is provided.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the upper driving unit comprises: an upper ring plate having a ring shape in a planar view; and a first driving gear having an arc shape on the upper ring plate, comprising a toothed portion formed on a side facing the center of the upper ring plate in a planar view; the lower driving unit comprises: a lower ring plate having a ring shape in a planar view and configured to rotate about a central axis; and a limit switch disposed on one side of the lower ring plate; the upper driving unit comprises: an extension portion extending radially from the upper ring plate; and a stopper fastened to one side of the extension portion; wherein the stopper is configured to contact the limit switch rotating integrally with the lower ring plate to define a rotational limit of the lower ring plate.

[0029]

[0030] A device for providing non-face-to-face remote medical services and a control method thereof according to the technical concept of the present invention can allow an examiner to deliver immediate physical feedback to a subject.

[0031] A device for providing non-face-to-face remote medical services and a control method thereof according to the technical concept of the present invention can enable an examiner to deliver immediate physical feedback remotely through the biosignals of a subject collected in real time.

[0032] A device for providing non-face-to-face remote medical services and a control method thereof according to the technical concept of the present invention can provide physically implemented communication that goes beyond the limitations of video communication between an examiner and a subject.

[0033]

[0034] The attached drawings are intended to explain the contents of the present invention in more detail to those skilled in the art, and the technical concept of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for providing non-face-to-face remote medical services according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are perspective views of a part of a non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a driving unit of a non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration related to the operation of a non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device illustrated in FIG. 1 to 4.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a wired or wireless communication connection between a remote medical service providing device shown in FIG. 1 and an external device to provide a remote medical service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7 is a diagram showing information provided through the image display unit of the non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device illustrated in Figure 1.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a non-face-to-face remote medical service provision device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042]

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical components in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0044] The first and second terms used in this application may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0045] Furthermore, the terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the rights. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as “comprising,” “consisting of,” or “consisting of” in this application are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are perspective views of a part of a non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a driving unit (200) of a non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to the operation of the non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a device (1) for providing a non-face-to-face remote medical service according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a head portion (100), a driving portion (200), and a body portion (300). The body portion (300) may be configured to support the head portion (100) and the driving portion (200), and the head portion (100) may be configured to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise according to the driving of the driving portion (200). The driving portion (200) may rotate the head portion (100) clockwise or counterclockwise according to a control signal from a control portion (350).

[0048] The head unit (100) may include a main body (101), a first infrared LED (110a), a second infrared LED (110b), a laser irradiation unit (120), and a camera (130).

[0049] According to one embodiment, the main body (101) forms a significant portion of the exterior of the head portion (100) and is illustrated as having a hemispherical shape, but is not limited thereto and can be formed in various shapes as long as the configuration described below is provided.

[0050] The main body (101) may be equipped with a first infrared LED (110a) and a second infrared LED (110b) capable of detecting a subject. Depending on the embodiment, the main body (101) may have the shape of an animal's head, and the first infrared LED (110a) and the second infrared LED (110b) may be positioned at the location of the animal's eyeball. The first infrared LED (110a) and the second infrared LED (110b) may be positioned spaced apart laterally. When two or more infrared LEDs (110a, 110b) are provided rather than a single infrared LED, the field of view that the non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device (1) can detect becomes wider. Alternatively, if the subject moves away from the predicted location, even if the first infrared LED (110a) fails to capture the subject, the second infrared LED (110b) may capture the subject. Therefore, even if the first infrared LED (110a) fails to capture the subject when the subject falls out of bed and has difficulty moving or loses consciousness, the subject's condition can be determined by analyzing the image acquired through the second infrared LED (110b).

[0051] Even if the remote medical examination of a subject is conducted in a dark space and the subject cannot be captured by the camera (130), the non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device (1) can clearly capture the location of the subject and photograph the subject because the first infrared LED (110a) and the second infrared LED (110b) are provided. Therefore, even in emergency situations outdoors where there is no light source and no light source is supplied, the provision of a non-face-to-face remote medical service between the subject and the examiner can be implemented.

[0052] The first infrared LED (110a) and the second infrared LED (110b) may be light-emitting diodes that emit light in the infrared spectrum band. The infrared light may mainly have a wavelength range between 700 nm and 1 mm.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device (1) may be equipped with a first thermal imaging camera (130) and a second thermal imaging camera (130) instead of a first infrared LED (110a) and a second infrared LED (110b). The first thermal imaging camera (130) and the second thermal imaging camera (130) are non-contact temperature measuring devices and can detect infrared energy radiated, transmitted, or reflected by any material at a temperature of absolute zero (0° Kelvin) or higher, and convert this energy factor into a temperature measurement value or a temperature record. The temperature record can be output as a thermal image of an object radiating, transmitting, or reflecting infrared energy displayed by the camera. The first thermal imaging camera (130) and the second thermal imaging camera (130) can primarily be used to measure temperature in applications where traditional sensors cannot be used, particularly for measuring moving objects or temperatures in hazardous environments (contamination or high pressure), and when the measurement distance is too far to use contact temperature sensors, and can provide images showing the temperature difference of the object being measured (e.g., a subject).

[0054] The main body (101) may be equipped with a camera (130) capable of photographing a subject. The camera (130) may be positioned along the lateral direction between a first infrared LED (110a) and a second infrared LED (110b). According to an embodiment, the camera (130) may be positioned along the lateral direction between a first thermal imaging camera (130) and a second thermal imaging camera (130).

[0055] The camera (130) may include various lenses, such as wide-angle lenses, standard lenses, or telephoto lenses classified according to their angle of view. Here, a wide-angle lens refers to a lens with a significantly smaller focal length than a standard lens, and is useful in cases where it is difficult to take a picture of a scene from a distance, as it can capture more of the surrounding scene than a standard lens. Such wide-angle lenses usually have an angle of view of 63 degrees or more. A standard lens is a lens with a focal length that can have a perspective most similar to the human eye among the lenses. It usually has a focal length of around 50mm and an angle of view of around 47 degrees. A telephoto lens is a special type of long-focus lens in which the physical distance of the lens is shorter than the focal length. It usually has a focal length of 85mm or more and an angle of view of 28 degrees or less. It can enlarge and photograph distant subjects and can also emphasize and photograph only specific parts of close subjects.

[0056] The camera (130) can acquire an image of the subject so as to show a sense of perspective as when viewed by a person, for example, and can acquire an enlarged image of a specific part of the subject, such as the face, for another example.

[0057] The main body (101) may be provided with a laser irradiation unit (120) capable of irradiating a laser. The laser irradiation unit (120) may be positioned between a first infrared LED (110a) and a second infrared LED (110b) along the lateral direction, such as with a camera (130). According to an embodiment, the laser irradiation unit (120) may be positioned between a first thermal imaging camera (130) and a second thermal imaging camera (130) along the lateral direction.

[0058] The laser irradiation unit (120) may be configured to irradiate a laser beam according to a control signal from the control unit (350). After the communication unit (372), which will be described later, receives a wireless signal sent by the examiner, the communication unit (372) may transmit the wireless signal to the control unit (350). The control unit (350) transmits an electrical signal corresponding to the wireless signal to the laser irradiation unit (120), so that the laser irradiation unit (120) can irradiate a laser beam according to the examiner's intention. The laser irradiation unit (120) can irradiate a laser beam onto an object placed in the environment where the subject is located. Therefore, when the examiner wishes to point to a specific object in the environment where the subject is located, the examiner may send a corresponding wireless signal. The laser irradiation unit (120) may be utilized when the examiner wishes to point to a specific object or a specific medical item in the environment where the subject is located, but it is difficult to refer to the object or medical item using only a voice signal.

[0059] In this way, the examiner can utilize the laser irradiation unit (120) to implement physically implemented communication that goes beyond the limitations of video communication between the examiner and the subject. As will be described later, the examiner can control the target point of the laser beam irradiated by the laser irradiation unit (120) by transmitting a signal to drive the drive unit (200) remotely.

[0060] According to the technical concept of the present invention, the device (10) providing a non-face-to-face remote medical service can provide immediate physical feedback to the subject by utilizing the driving unit (200) and the laser irradiation unit (120) based on the wireless communication of the examiner.

[0061] A device (10) providing a non-face-to-face remote medical service according to the technical concept of the present invention can provide physically implemented communication beyond the limitations of video communication between an examiner and a subject.

[0062] As will be described later, the non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device (10) according to the technical concept of the present invention can transmit immediate physical feedback to the examiner remotely via a non-face-to-face method through the bio-signals of the subject collected in real time through an external connection terminal (373).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the driving unit (200) may include an upper driving unit (200), a lower driving unit (200), and a bearing (230).

[0064] At this time, the upper drive unit (200) may include an upper ring plate (211), an extension (212), a stopper (213), a first drive gear (214), and a sub-upper ring plate (211). The lower drive unit (200) may include a lower ring plate (221), a limit switch (222), a step motor (223), and a second drive gear (224).

[0065] The upper ring plate (211) of the upper drive unit (200) can be configured to connect the head unit (100) and the body unit (300). The upper ring plate (211) can have a ring shape in a planar view. The width of the upper ring plate (211) can be substantially the same as the width of the body unit (300). Additionally, the upper ring plate (211) and the body unit (300) can completely overlap in a planar view.

[0066] A sub-upper ring plate (211) may be positioned within the upper ring plate (211). The sub-upper ring plate (211) may also have a ring shape in a planar view, and the width of the sub-upper ring plate (211) may be sufficiently smaller than the width of the upper ring plate (211) so that it can be positioned within the ring of the upper ring plate (211).

[0067] The extension portion (212) may be integrally formed with the upper ring plate (211) and the sub-upper ring plate (211) and extend from the upper ring plate (211) to the sub-upper ring plate (211). The extension portion (212) may have two parallel sides.

[0068] According to one embodiment, a stopper (213) may be disposed on the extension (212). The stopper (213) and the limit switch (222) may be configured to define the rotational limit of the upper ring plate (211), and a detailed explanation thereof will be provided later.

[0069] The first drive gear (214) may extend along a portion of the upper surface of the upper ring plate (211). The first drive gear (214) may have an arc shape and may include an outer surface facing the outside of the upper ring plate (211) and an inner surface facing the center of the upper ring plate (211). At this time, a toothed portion may be formed on the inner surface of the first drive gear (214).

[0070] The lower ring plate (221) of the lower drive unit (200) may be positioned below the upper ring plate (211). At this time, the lower ring plate (221) may be positioned so as to be spaced vertically apart from the upper ring plate (211). The upper ring plate (211) may be configured to rotate independently of the lower ring plate (221). The width of the lower ring plate (221) may be smaller than the width of the upper ring plate (211). However, the center axis of the lower ring plate (221) may coincide with the center axis of the upper ring plate (211).

[0071] The stepper motor (223) can be attached to the lower ring plate (221). The stepper motor (223) may be an example of a DC motor that rotates at a constant angle according to a digital signal. The stepper motor (223) can rotate at a fixed angle whenever a pulse signal is input. The stepper motor (223) operates by electromagnetic principles and can operate in such a way that the rotor rotates by the magnetic field of the stator. When a control unit (350) electrically connected to the stepper motor (223) inputs a digital control signal (pulse signal) to the stepper motor (223), the stepper motor (223) can rotate by a predetermined angle according to the signal.

[0072] The second drive gear (224) can be connected to the rotor of the stepper motor (223). The second drive gear (224) can transmit power to the second drive gear (224) while being fixed to the lower ring plate (221). The teeth of the second drive gear (224) can mesh with the teeth of the first drive gear (214). When the second drive gear (224) receives rotational power from the stepper motor (223), the first drive gear (214) can then mesh with the second drive gear (224) and rotate. Since the first drive gear (214) is fixed to the upper ring plate (211), the upper ring plate (211) also rotates together with the first drive gear (214) as it rotates. At this time, the first drive gear (214) and the upper ring plate (211) can rotate around the center axis of the upper ring plate (211).

[0073] The limit switch (222) can be fixed and secured to the lower ring plate (221). The limit switch (222) remains fixed to the lower ring plate (221) and does not move even when the upper ring plate (211) rotates. The limit switch (222) may be an electric switch used to limit the rotational movement of the upper ring plate (211). A stopper (213) fixed to the extension (212) of the upper ring plate (211) gradually approaches the limit switch (222) while rotating integrally with the upper ring plate (211). At this time, the stopper (213) rotates around the rotation axis of the upper ring plate (211), just like the upper ring plate (211). The stopper (213), having continued to rotate, gradually approaches the limit switch (222) and subsequently comes into contact with the limit switch (222). The limit switch (222) detects mechanical movement through physical contact with the stopper (213) and generates an electrical signal. Due to pressure from the stopper (213), the actuator within the limit switch (222) moves to a specific position, and the electrical circuit within the switch is opened or closed. Since the limit switch (222) of the drive unit (200) is electrically connected to the control unit (350) to transmit and receive electrical signals, when the electrical circuit within the limit switch (222) is opened or closed, the control unit (350) stops transmitting operation signals to the stepper motor (223). Therefore, the stopper (213) and the limit switch (222) can define the rotational limit of the upper ring plate (211).

[0074] The bearing (230) is located within the ring of the lower ring plate (221) and can perform the function of reducing friction that may occur when the head part (100) rotates together with the upper ring plate (211).

[0075] The body part (300) can serve as a support part of the non-face-to-face remote medical service provision device (1), and although it is illustrated in a cylindrical shape, it is not limited thereto and can be formed in various shapes as long as the configuration described below is provided.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the body portion (300) may include a cylindrical housing (301), an image display portion (310), an external input terminal (320), a power supply (330), a speaker (340), a control portion (350), and a voice acquisition portion (360). The housing (301) forms the upper portion of the exterior of the body portion (300) and is illustrated as having a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto and may be formed in various shapes as long as the configuration described below can be provided.

[0077] The image display unit (310) can display an image obtained through the communication unit (372) described later, and may be composed of a touchscreen, etc. For example, the image display unit (310) may display a video consultation image of an examiner received in real time, information of the subject, and the amount of change in biosignals over time based on stored biosignals.

[0078] The touch screen described above serves as a user interface that allows the examiner and the subject to interact, and may include capacitive or resistive input methods that enable various inputs using a finger or a stylus pen. The capacitive touch screen can input commands by recognizing changes in electrical capacitance resulting from contact with the subject's finger, and can support a highly sensitive multi-touch method. Additionally, the resistive touch screen generates an input signal by the upper and lower conductive films coming into contact due to pressure, thereby enabling accurate input and allowing input even with non-conductive materials such as gloves or a stylus.

[0079] In addition, the image display unit (310) can support the subject in easily checking and manipulating necessary information according to their condition or the examiner's instructions. The subject can check the examiner's image or the amount of change in their own biosignal data in real time through the image display unit (310), and in addition, can select the history of stored body data or a specific information area to perform zooming in, zooming out, and screen switching.

[0080] Accordingly, the above-mentioned image display unit (310) displays various information with simple touch operation in consideration of the convenience of the subject and, if necessary, activates specific functions so that specific information, such as magnification of a specific area or changes in biosignals over time, can be checked in detail and conveniently according to the instructions of the examiner during video consultation.

[0081] The voice acquisition unit (360) may be positioned at the bottom portion of the housing (301). The voice acquisition unit (360) is primarily intended to acquire the voice of a subject, and the voice of the subject acquired through the voice acquisition unit (360) may be transmitted to the examiner during the remote medical consultation service. For example, the voice acquisition unit (360) may include a microphone.

[0082] Meanwhile, an external input terminal (320) may be positioned below the video display unit. Through the external input terminal (320), the non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device (1) can be electrically connected to an external device to transmit and receive information to and from each other. The external input terminal (320) may be formed to be connected via USB, HDMI, LAN, etc. The non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device (1) can be electrically connected through the external input terminal (320) to a device capable of measuring a subject's biosignals, such as an In-body device, an electronic stethoscope, an ear thermometer, or an electronic blood pressure monitor. The external input terminal (320) serves as a biosignal receiving unit and can receive biosignals, including the subject's oxygen saturation signal, electrocardiogram signal, blood pressure signal, etc., through the external devices and transmit them to the control unit (350).

[0083] The power supply (330) is positioned below the image display unit (310) and can serve as a switch to turn the power of the image display unit (310) on or off.

[0084] The body unit (300) may further include an input unit (374), a communication unit (372), and a storage unit (371). The input unit (374) is formed so that a user, including a subject, can operate it to adjust the brightness of the image display unit (310), the volume of the speaker (340), etc. The user can transmit various control commands to the non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device (1) through the input unit (374) to execute them.

[0085] The communication unit (372) can perform the function of exchanging signals with an external server, etc. via wired or wireless communication. It can be used mainly to exchange video and audio with the examiner during remote medical consultation services.

[0086] Among the communication units (372), the wired communication unit may be wired through an external input terminal (320) provided in the housing (301).

[0087] The storage unit (371) can perform the function of storing information obtained through the external input terminal (373), voice acquisition unit (360), communication unit (372), etc.

[0088] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a wired / wireless communication connection between the remote medical service providing device (1) shown in FIG. 1 and an external device to provide a remote medical service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] A non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can communicate bidirectionally by being connected to a server (S) via a wired or wireless connection. When the server (S) requests the transmission of biosignal data from the non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device (1), the non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device (1) transmits the corresponding biosignal data to the server (S) through a communication unit (372).

[0090] When the corresponding biosignal data is transmitted to the server (S), the biosignal data and information such as the subject's X-ray image and ultrasound image, which are stored in the server (S), are transmitted together to the examiner's personal PC (P) or portable terminal (M). Based on the transmitted information and data from the examiner, a remote medical consultation service can be provided using two-way communication with the subject.

[0091] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing information provided through the image display unit (310) of the non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device (1) illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 7, the image display unit (310) is divided into an area that displays the biosignal currently being measured in real time, an area that displays patient information such as the subject's personal information, an area that displays a remote examiner, and an area that can check the history of the stored biosignal, such as a graph formed based on the stored biosignal. Each area can be switched to a full screen by touching a user, including the subject.

[0093] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control method of a device (1) providing a non-face-to-face remote medical service according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] According to one embodiment, a control method of a non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device (1) may include the step (S110) of obtaining visual information about a subject using a camera (130) and then wirelessly transmitting the visual information about the subject using a communication unit (372).

[0095] At this time, after obtaining the visual information of the subject, the examiner may transmit the remote consultation required for the subject corresponding to the visual information to the communication unit (372) of the non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device (1). The information included in the signal transmitted by the examiner to the communication unit (372) of the non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device (1) may be voice information and / or video information.

[0096] Subsequently, the control method of the non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device (1) may include a step (S120) in which a communication unit (372) receives visual information regarding an examiner and transmits it to a control unit (350). In this case, depending on the embodiment, the signal received by the communication unit (372) may include not only a signal containing visual information but also a signal containing voice information. The control unit (350) may transmit the received visual information to an image display unit (310). Subsequently, the image display unit (310) may transmit a video consultation video or a change in biosignal amount containing the received visual information to the examinee.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the control method of the non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device (1) may include the step (S130) of the communication unit (372) receiving the tester's driving signal and then transmitting it to the control unit (350).

[0098] The laser irradiation unit (120) can irradiate a laser beam according to the examiner's intent. Therefore, when the examiner needs to provide the aforementioned physical feedback while the examiner and the subject are conducting a remote consultation, a driving signal including a signal to drive the driving unit (200) and / or a signal to emit a laser from the laser irradiation unit (120) can be transmitted to the communication unit (372). After receiving the signal, the communication unit (372) can transmit it to the control unit (350).

[0099] According to one embodiment, a control method for a non-face-to-face remote medical service providing device (1) may include a step (S140) in which a control unit (350) drives a driving unit (200) according to a driving signal to rotate a head unit (100).

[0100] When the control unit (350) drives the drive unit (200) according to the drive signal, the head unit (100) can rotate according to the aforementioned mechanism, and the point of arrival of the laser beam irradiated by the laser irradiation unit (120) can also rotate according to the rotating head unit (100). Accordingly, the inspector can control the point of the laser beam irradiated by the laser irradiation unit (120) by transmitting a signal to drive the drive unit (200) remotely.

[0101] As described above, exemplary embodiments have been disclosed in the drawings and specification. Although specific terms have been used to describe the embodiments in this specification, they are used only for the purpose of explaining the technical concept of this disclosure and are not intended to limit the meaning or the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the technical concept of the appended claims.

[0102]

[0103] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0104] 100: Head section 101: Main body

[0105] 110a: 1st infrared LED 110b: 2nd infrared LED

[0106] 120: Laser irradiation unit 130: Camera

[0107] 200: Drive unit 210: Upper drive unit

[0108] 213: Stopper 214: First drive gear

[0109] 220: Lower drive unit 222: Limit switch

[0110] 223: Stepper motor 230: Bearing

[0111] 300: Body unit 310: Image display unit

[0112] 320: External input terminal 350: Control unit

Claims

1. A head unit comprising a camera configured to acquire visual information of a subject, an infrared LED configured to acquire an infrared image of the subject, and a laser irradiation unit configured to irradiate a laser point; A body part comprising an image display unit that supports the head part and transmits visual information about the examiner to the subject, and a control unit configured to control the camera, the infrared LED, the laser irradiation unit, and the image display unit by being electrically connected thereto; and A device for providing non-face-to-face remote medical services, comprising: a driving unit interposed between the head unit and the body unit and configured to rotate the head unit relative to the body unit.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above driving unit is, A lower drive unit fixed to the above body part; and It includes an upper drive unit configured to rotate integrally by being connected to the head unit above; A device for providing non-face-to-face remote medical services, characterized in that the upper driving unit is configured to rotate independently of the lower driving unit.

3. In Paragraph 2, The width of the upper drive unit is greater than the width of the lower drive unit, and A device for providing non-face-to-face remote medical services, characterized in that the central axis of the upper drive unit and the central axis of the lower drive unit overlap.

4. In Paragraph 2, The upper drive unit above is, An upper ring plate having a ring shape from a planar perspective; and A device for providing non-face-to-face remote medical services, characterized by comprising: a first driving gear having an arc shape on the upper ring plate, the first driving gear including a toothed portion formed on the side facing the center of the upper ring plate in a planar view.

5. In Paragraph 4, The lower drive unit mentioned above is, A lower ring plate having a ring shape in a planar view and configured to rotate about a central axis; and A limit switch disposed on one side of the lower ring plate; comprising The upper drive unit above is, An extension extending radially from the upper ring plate; and Includes a stopper fastened to one side of the extension part; A device for providing non-face-to-face remote medical services, characterized in that the limit switch is configured to define a rotational limit of the upper ring plate by contacting the stopper, which rotates integrally with the upper ring plate.

6. In Paragraph 4, The lower drive unit mentioned above is, A second drive gear configured to rotate by engaging with the teeth of the first drive gear; The second drive gear is configured to rotate with respect to the center axis of the second drive gear in a planar view, and A device for providing non-face-to-face remote medical services, characterized in that the first driving gear is configured to rotate with respect to the center axis of the upper ring plate in a planar view.

7. In Paragraph 6, The lower drive unit mentioned above is, A device for providing non-face-to-face remote medical services, further comprising a stepper motor configured to rotate the second drive gear.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above body part is, A device for providing non-face-to-face remote medical services, further comprising a communication unit configured to transmit and receive video and voice signals of the subject and the examiner.

9. In Paragraph 1, A device for providing non-face-to-face remote medical services, characterized in that the body part does not rotate when the head part rotates.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above body part is, Receives visual information regarding the subject from the camera and wirelessly transmits a visual information signal regarding the subject to the examiner, A device for providing non-face-to-face remote medical services, further comprising a communication unit configured to wirelessly receive a visual information signal regarding the examiner from the examiner.

11. A method for controlling a remote medical service providing device comprising: a head portion including a camera configured to acquire visual information of a subject; an image display portion supporting the head portion and transmitting visual information of an examiner to the subject; a communication portion configured to transmit and receive wireless signals; a driving portion interposed between the head portion and the body portion and configured to rotate the head portion relative to the body portion; and a control portion electrically connected to the camera, the image display portion, and the head portion and configured to transmit and receive signals. A step of acquiring visual information about the subject using the camera, and then wirelessly transmitting the visual information about the subject using a communication unit; A step of wirelessly receiving visual information regarding the above-mentioned inspector using the communication unit and transmitting it through the image display unit; A step of the communication unit receiving the driving signal of the above-mentioned inspector and transmitting it to the control unit; and A method for controlling a device for providing non-face-to-face remote medical services, comprising the step of the control unit driving the driving unit according to the driving signal to rotate the head unit.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above driving unit is, An upper drive unit fixed to the above body part; and It includes a lower drive unit configured to rotate integrally by being connected to the head unit above, and A method for controlling a non-face-to-face remote medical service provision device, characterized in that the lower driving unit is configured to rotate independently of the upper driving unit.

13. In Paragraph 12, The upper drive unit above is, An upper ring plate having a ring shape from a planar perspective; and A first driving gear having an arc shape on the upper ring plate, comprising a first driving gear including a toothed portion formed on a side facing the center of the upper ring plate in a planar view; The lower drive unit mentioned above is, A lower ring plate having a ring shape in a planar view and configured to rotate about a central axis; and A limit switch disposed on one side of the lower ring plate; comprising The upper drive unit above is, An extension extending radially from the upper ring plate; and Includes a stopper fastened to one side of the extension part; A method for controlling a device for providing non-face-to-face remote medical services, characterized in that the stopper is configured to contact the limit switch, which rotates integrally with the lower ring plate, to define the rotation limit of the lower ring plate.

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