Otoscope
Inventors
Witham, Nicholas Steven • Marrouche, Tarek Sami • Kachel, Allie • McRae, Bryan R.
Assignees
University of Utah • University of Utah Research Foundation Inc
Publication Number
US-11647902-B2
Publication Date
2023-05-16
Expiration Date
2040-04-05
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Abstract
An otoscope and method for visualizing compliance of the tympanic membrane in response to a pressure stimulus. The otoscope includes a handle, a housing, a laser assembly configured to selectively project a grid array of dots on a tympanic membrane of a patient, a camera configured to selectively capture activity of the tympanic membrane, a pressure transducer configured to selectively apply a stimulus to the tympanic membrane, a display pivotably coupled to the handle, and a controller. The display is configured to display the tympanic membrane in true color and a two-dimensional interpolated surface plot representing activity of the tympanic membrane in response to the stimulus.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an otoscope and method for visualizing the compliance of the tympanic membrane in response to a pressure stimulus. The otoscope comprises a handle and housing, a laser assembly that projects a grid array of dots onto a patient’s tympanic membrane, a camera to record the activity, a pressure transducer to apply a stimulus, a pivotable display, and a controller. The display presents both a true-color image of the tympanic membrane and a two-dimensional interpolated surface plot that reveals membrane dynamics when stimulated.
The problem addressed is that current otoscopes used by pediatricians and primary care physicians do not provide a quantitative assessment of tympanic membrane compliance in response to pressure. Physicians must rely on their quick visual judgment during brief exams, making diagnosis of ear infections unreliable. Misdiagnosis can result in inappropriate specialist referrals or failing to identify patients who need treatment.
This otoscope leverages the projected grid and camera system to quantitatively measure changes in the membrane by analyzing the movement and spacing of laser dots in response to pressure. The microprocessor processes this data and constructs both real-time and recorded visualizations, including topographical surface plots, thereby enhancing examination accuracy and enabling subsequent review through stored video loops.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes three independent claims, each outlining distinct inventive features related to the otoscope’s structure, functionality, and methods of displaying tympanic membrane activity.
Otoscope with laser assembly projecting a grid array of dots and a display for real-time and interpolated surface plotting
The otoscope includes: - A handle and housing with an inlet - A laser assembly at least partially inside the handle configured to selectively project a grid array of dots onto the tympanic membrane - A camera to capture the tympanic membrane activity - A pressure transducer to apply a stimulus - A pivotably coupled display - A controller and microprocessor in communication with the hardware - The display is configured to show the tympanic membrane in true color and a two-dimensional interpolated surface plot representing the activity of the membrane in response to the stimulus
Otoscope with trigonometric measurement of dot displacement and construction of two-dimensional plots
The otoscope includes: - A handle and housing with an inlet - A laser assembly comprising a laser diode, diffraction grating, first lens (collimating), second lens (convex), all aligned, and configured to project a grid array of dots - A camera to capture tympanic membrane activity - A pressure transducer to apply a stimulus - A display to show output, supported by the handle - A controller and microprocessor, with the microprocessor configured to measure membrane activity based on changes in distance between each dot and a central dot, construct a two-dimensional plot representing those distances, and provide display instructions for the plot
Otoscope with video recording, real-time and recorded video display of tympanic membrane activity
The otoscope includes: - A handle and housing with an inlet - A laser assembly to selectively illuminate a grid array of dots - A camera supported in the housing to capture activity - A pressure transducer to apply a stimulus - A display coupled to the handle - A controller with memory, in communication with the laser assembly, camera, and display - A microprocessor for recording a video of tympanic membrane activity - The display is configured to show both real-time and recorded video
Method for visualizing tympanic membrane activity using projected dot grid and topographical surface plot
The method includes: 1. Activating a laser assembly to project a grid array of dots on the tympanic membrane 2. Applying a stimulus 3. Measuring, in response to the stimulus, changes in distance between each grid dot and a center dot 4. Constructing a topographical surface plot from a two-dimensional surface plot 5. Displaying, on a display, the tympanic membrane and the topographical plot
The inventive features together define an otoscope system and method that uses a projected laser dot grid, precise pressure stimulation, video capture, real-time and recorded visualization, and computation of topographical membrane response plots.
Stated Advantages
Enables visualization of tympanic membrane compliance in response to a pressure stimulus with both real-time and recorded displays.
Provides quantitative measurement of tympanic membrane activity, addressing the previous lack of a quantitative method for diagnosis by pediatricians and primary care physicians.
Allows review and re-analysis of examinations by recording and storing looped video of the tympanic membrane's response.
Enhances diagnostic accuracy for ear conditions through topographical mapping and measured grid changes, reducing reliance on rapid subjective observation.
Documented Applications
Visualizing and quantitatively assessing the compliance of the tympanic membrane in response to pressure stimuli for diagnosing ear infections.
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