Inspection Head Openings for Direct View and Digital Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for patient inspection and procedures are often bulky, hinder visual-motor coordination, provide inadequate access, are expensive, and lack ease of handling and digital image management.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with integrated image capturing and display capabilities, allowing direct patient access through openings around the image capturing device, enabling simultaneous direct and digital inspection, and featuring adaptable attachments for various procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional medical inspection devices are used, then simple optical inspection is achieved, but the devices are bulky and hinder visual-motor coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a handheld inspection head with simple optics and a separate digital imaging system with display. This segmentation allows the inspection head to remain compact and maneuverable while the digital components are positioned separately, preserving visual-motor coordination and reducing device bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
A digital image capture system acts as an intermediary between the physical inspection area and the practitioner's view. The camera captures images through the speculum and transmits them to a display device, allowing the practitioner to see enlarged images without the display blocking the physical access to the patient.
2Loss of information
If digital display is added to medical devices, then image capture and sharing capability is improved, but the display blocks direct view of the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The digital camera system serves as an intermediary that captures optical information without requiring the practitioner to look through a display. The camera is positioned to capture images through the speculum while the practitioner maintains direct visual access to the patient through the same optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The display is positioned in a different spatial dimension or location relative to the inspection head, allowing the practitioner to view the display peripheral to the direct inspection field. This dimensional separation allows simultaneous direct viewing and digital image monitoring without obstruction.
3Measurement precision
If expensive specialized equipment like ear microscopes are used, then good magnification and light source are achieved, but detailed training is required and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal digital camera and display platform that can be adapted for various medical inspection applications. Instead of requiring specialized training for expensive dedicated equipment, the system provides high-quality magnification through standard digital imaging technology that is easier to operate and more versatile.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of the visual inspection field through camera capture. These digital images can be displayed at various magnifications and shared electronically, providing the same diagnostic information as expensive specialized equipment but through more accessible and easier-to-use technology.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized devices are used for different procedures, then specific diagnostic capabilities are achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal base unit with digital camera and display that can accommodate various specula and adapters for different anatomical sites (ear, nose, throat, skin). This single multi-functional device replaces multiple specialized devices, reducing complexity while maintaining diagnostic capabilities across different procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with dynamic adaptability, allowing the practitioner to change specula and configuration settings to match different inspection requirements. The digital display and image processing capabilities dynamically adjust to provide optimal viewing for various procedures, making one device as versatile as multiple specialized devices.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a medical device (521) for inspecting and/or accessing a patient, the device including: a base (520); an image capturing device for capturing images of the patient (541), the image capturing device being located in the base; means to communicate the captured image to a display for displaying said captured image; wherein the base includes one or more openings (525) through which the patient is able to be directly inspected, the one or more openings being located around the image capturing device (541).