RU2849298C1 - Alignment of the attachable medical device relative to the smart device camera - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to systems, methods, and devices for attaching and/or aligning a removable optical element relative to a smart device. Devices for implementing the method are proposed, wherein the method includes a model associated with the device; determining an alignment image using a model identifier, wherein the alignment image indicates where a portion of the removable optical element should be positioned to align the removable optical element relative to a camera of the device; and displaying the alignment image on a display of the device. Wherein determining the alignment image using the model identifier comprises: determining the pixel density of the device display using the model identifier; and determining the alignment image using the pixel density.

EFFECT: alignment of the otoscope in the otoscope clamp device relative to the smart device camera.

14 cl, 11 dwg

Description

Cross-references to related applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/142,572, filed January 28, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background of the Invention

An otoscope can be used to diagnose or identify problems of the outer ear and/or middle ear, such as problems with the eardrum or otitis media (e.g., acute otitis media). When connected to a camera, the otoscope can be used for remote diagnostics, allowing the user to record images or video. For example, an otoscope can be used for teleotoscopy and allow the user to record a video of a patient's ear canal (e.g., an image of the eardrum). This video can then be sent to a remote physician for diagnosis. However, the user may not be able to align the camera with the otoscope in a way that allows for clear video recording. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present document describes systems, methods, and a device for attaching and/or aligning a removable optical element, such as an otoscope, relative to a smart device, such as a smartphone. A user may be able to align a camera of the smart device with the otoscope so that an image or video (e.g., a clear image or clear video) can be captured. A device for aligning a removable optical element, such as an otoscope, can be provided. The device can be a smart device, such as a smartphone or a smart tablet. The device can include one or more of a processor, a camera, and a display. A model identifier can be defined. The model identifier can indicate a model that can be associated with the device. For example, the model identifier can indicate that the device model is an iPhone 13 max. An alignment image can be defined using the model identifier. The alignment image can indicate where a portion of the removable optical element should be placed to align the removable optical element with the device's camera. The alignment image can be displayed on the display of the device.

A device for aligning a removable optical element, such as an otoscope, can be provided. The device can be a smart device, such as a smartphone or a smart tablet. The device can include one or more of a processor, a camera, and a display. One or more device parameters associated with the device can be defined. A location on the display for displaying an image for alignment can be determined using one or more parameters. The location can be determined such that the removable optical element is aligned with the camera when a portion of the removable optical element is placed in the image for alignment. The image for alignment can be displayed at this location on the display. A device for aligning a removable optical element, such as an otoscope, can be provided. The device can be a smart device, such as a smartphone or a smart tablet. The device can include one or more of a memory device, a processor, a camera, and a display. A model identifier can be defined, which can indicate a model associated with the device. For example, a model identifier may indicate that the device is an Apple iPhone 6. An alignment image may be defined using the model identifier. The alignment image may indicate where an alignment tab of the removable optical element can be positioned to align the removable optical element with the device's camera. For example, the alignment image may ensure alignment of the removable optical element with the camera when the alignment tab, which is part of the removable optical element, is positioned on, near, or within the alignment image. The alignment image may be displayed on the device's display.

A device for aligning a removable optical element relative to a camera can be provided. The device can be a smart device, such as a smartphone or a smart tablet. The device can include one or more of a memory device, a processor, a camera, and a display. An alignment image can be defined. The alignment image can include an alignment element, which can be complementary to an alignment tab element on an alignment tab, which can be a component of the removable optical element. A display location for displaying the alignment image can be determined such that the removable optical element can be aligned with the camera when the alignment tab of the removable optical element is positioned on, near, or within the alignment image. The alignment image can be displayed at this location on the display.

A method for aligning a removable optical element may be provided. A model identifier may be determined. The model identifier may indicate a model that may be associated with a device. For example, the model identifier may indicate that the device model is an iPhone 13 max. An alignment image may be determined using the model identifier. The alignment image may indicate where a portion of the removable optical element should be positioned to align the removable optical element with the device's camera. The alignment image may be displayed on the display of the device. A method for aligning the removable optical element with a camera on a device, such as a smart device, may be provided. A tab for aligning the removable optical element may be positioned on the display of the device. A feature of the alignment tab on the alignment tab may be aligned with a feature of the alignment image on the alignment image displayed on the display. The removable optical element may be attached to the device.

Brief description of graphic materials

FIG. 1A-B are perspective views of the otoscope clamp device detached from a smart device such as a smartphone.

FIG. 1B-D are perspective views of an otoscope clamp device that is attached to a smart device, such as a smartphone.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an otoscope clamp device that includes an alignment tab and a smart device that may include a screen that displays an image for alignment.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of electrical components that may be part of the exemplary smart device.

FIG. 4A is an architectural diagram of an example system for supporting a smart device.

FIG. 4B shows a message flow diagram for an example system for supporting a smart device.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a process for assisting the user in aligning the otoscope with the camera using an image for alignment.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a process used by a smart device to provide an alignment image to assist the user in aligning the otoscope with the camera.

FIG. 7 shows another example of a process used by a smart device to provide an alignment image to assist the user in aligning the otoscope with the camera.

Detailed description

As remote medicine (e.g., telemedicine) becomes more widespread, devices can enable people to perform tasks that assist doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals. For example, a user could capture an image or video of a patient's ear canal (e.g., the eardrum) so that a remote healthcare professional (e.g., a doctor) can diagnose a problem with the patient's outer ear, middle ear, and/or ear canal. To assist in capturing images or videos of the outer ear, middle ear, and/or ear canal, the user could use an otoscope. For example, the user could connect the otoscope to a camera, such as a smartphone camera.

This document describes systems, methods, and a device for attaching an otoscope to a smart device, such as a smartphone. The user may be able to align the smart device's camera with the otoscope to capture an image or video (e.g., a clear image or clear video).

A device for aligning a removable optical element, such as an otoscope, may be provided. The device may be a smart device, such as a smartphone or smart tablet. The device may include one or more of a processor, a camera, and a display. A model identifier may be specified.

The model identifier may indicate the model that may be associated with the device. For example, the model identifier may indicate that the device model is an iPhone 13 Max. An alignment image may be determined using the model identifier. The alignment image may indicate where a portion of the removable optical element should be positioned to align the removable optical element with the device's camera. The alignment image may be displayed on the device's display.

A device for aligning a removable optical element, such as an otoscope, can be provided. The device can be a smart device, such as a smartphone or a smart tablet. The device can include one or more of a processor, a camera, and a display. One or more device parameters associated with the device can be defined. A location on the display for displaying an image for alignment can be determined using one or more parameters. The location can be determined such that the removable optical element is aligned with the camera when a portion of the removable optical element is placed in the image for alignment. The image for alignment can be displayed at this location on the display. A device for aligning a removable optical element, such as an otoscope, can be provided. The device can be a smart device, such as a smartphone or a smart tablet. The device can include one or more of a memory device, a processor, a camera, and a display. A model identifier can be defined, which can indicate a model associated with the device. For example, the model identifier may indicate that the device is an Apple iPhone 6 (e.g., the model is iPhone 6). An alignment image may be defined using the model identifier. The alignment image may indicate where an alignment tab of the removable optical element may be positioned to allow alignment of the removable optical element with the device's camera. For example, the alignment image may ensure alignment of the removable optical element with the camera when the alignment tab, which is part of the removable optical element, is positioned on, near, or within the alignment image. The alignment image may be displayed on the device's display. A device for aligning the removable optical element with the camera may be provided. The device may be a smart device, such as a smartphone or a smart tablet. The device may include one or more of a memory device, a processor, a camera, and a display. An alignment image may be defined. The alignment image may include an alignment element that may be complementary to an alignment tab element on the alignment tab, which may be a component of the removable optical element. The display location for displaying the alignment image may be determined such that the removable optical element can be aligned with the camera when the alignment tab of the removable optical element is positioned on, near, or within the alignment image. The alignment image may be displayed at this location on the display.

A method for aligning a removable optical element may be provided. A model identifier may be determined. The model identifier may indicate a model that may be associated with a device. For example, the model identifier may indicate that the device model is an iPhone 13 max. An alignment image may be determined using the model identifier. The alignment image may indicate where a portion of the removable optical element should be positioned to align the removable optical element with the device's camera. The alignment image may be displayed on the display of the device. A method for aligning the removable optical element with a camera on a device, such as a smart device, may be provided. A tab for aligning the removable optical element may be positioned on the display of the device. A feature of the alignment tab on the alignment tab may be aligned with a feature of the alignment image on the alignment image displayed on the display. The removable optical element may be attached to the device.

A clamp may be provided that can be attached to the otoscope to form an otoscope clamp device. The otoscope clamp may comprise a screw clamp assembly (e.g., a grip) that can be opened and closed using a screw mechanism. The screw clamp assembly may allow the user to align the viewing portion of the otoscope with the camera of a smart device. The screw clamp assembly may allow the user to adjust (e.g., fine-tune) the alignment of the otoscope clamp so that the viewing portion of the otoscope can be aligned with the camera of the smart device.

The clip may include an alignment tab that can be used to align the viewing portion of the otoscope with the smart device camera. For example, the smart device may display an alignment image that can align the viewing portion of the otoscope with the smart device camera when the alignment tab is positioned over and/or aligned with the alignment image. The alignment image may comprise an on-screen alignment image and an indicator, marker, a combination thereof, and/or the like. The alignment image may comprise the outline of the alignment tab or another shape that can facilitate alignment of the viewing portion of the otoscope with the smart device camera.

The user can attach the otoscope clip to the smart device, align the otoscope portion with the smart device's camera using the alignment tab, and secure the otoscope clip to the smart device using the screw clamp assembly to close the grip. The user can then record video and/or images of the patient's outer ear, middle ear, and/or ear canal and provide these images to a physician for diagnosis. The recorded video can be analyzed using software on the smart device, which can work in conjunction with the otoscope clip to provide image analysis, medical analysis, diagnosis, imaging recommendations, and the like.

A device may be configured to attach a movable optical element, such as an otoscope, to a smartphone. The device may comprise a main body. The main body may comprise an opening and a first engagement element, which may be configured to engage with a second engagement structure belonging to the movable optical element. The movable optical element may be an otoscope. The device may comprise a first surface connected to the main body. The first surface may be configured to contact a first surface of the smartphone. The first surface of the smartphone may represent the back side of the smartphone, which may comprise a camera. The device may comprise a piston. The piston may comprise a shaft with a threaded opening and a keyway. The piston may comprise a second surface, which may be parallel to the first surface and may be configured to contact the second surface of the smartphone. The second surface of the smartphone may represent the front side of the smartphone, which may include the smartphone's screen. The device may comprise a threaded handle, which may be connected to the piston through an opening. The threaded handle may comprise a left-hand thread. The threaded handle may be configured to move the piston in a direction relative to the first surface when rotated.

The first surface may be a first anti-scratch surface. The second surface may be a second anti-scratch surface. The anti-scratch surface may be comprised of materials that prevent scratching or damage to another surface, such as a display screen. The materials may be rubber, plastic, fabric, laminated material, and/or the like. The first surface and/or the second surface may be or may comprise a gasket. The gasket may prevent slipping, may protect the surface of the phone, may act as a light blocker to prevent light leakage from the otoscope clamp device, may prevent light from entering the optics of the otoscope clamp device, and/or may act as a light blocker to prevent light from entering the camera of the smartphone.

The main body of the device may comprise a series of openings. For example, the main body may comprise a first opening, which may be a sleeve, which may comprise a key, which may be complementary to a keyway associated with the piston shaft. The main body may comprise a second opening, which may be configured to align with the viewing portion of the movable optical element.

The piston may further comprise a third surface with an outer edge for aligning the viewing portion of the removable optical element with the smartphone's camera lens. For example, the outer edge of the third surface may be shaped to facilitate alignment of the optical element with the smartphone's camera lens.

A device for attaching a movable optical element to a smartphone may be provided. The device may comprise a main body. The main body may comprise an opening and a first engaging element. The first engaging element may be configured to engage with a second engaging element in a first position or in a second position. The second engaging element may belong to the movable optical element. The device may comprise a first surface that can be connected to the main body and can be configured to contact the first surface of the smartphone. The first surface of the smartphone may represent the back side of the smartphone, where the smartphone's camera may be located. The device may comprise a piston. The piston may comprise a shaft, a second surface, and a third surface. The second surface may be parallel to the first surface and can be configured to contact the second surface of the smartphone. The second surface of the smartphone may represent a display of the smartphone. The third surface may comprise a protrusion for aligning the viewing portion of the movable optical element with the lens of the smartphone's camera along the first axis. The protrusion may be a projection that may be near the retainer and may fit into a recess to help ensure alignment.

The device may comprise a handle connected to a shaft via an opening. A threaded handle may be connected to a piston via the opening. The threaded handle may be configured to move the piston relative to the first surface upon rotation. For example, rotation of the threaded handle may cause the piston to move the first surface toward the second surface such that the first and second surfaces can contact a smartphone. This may allow the device to grip the smartphone.

A movable optical element may be an otoscope. The main body comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. A first engagement element may be connected to the main body and may be configured to engage a second engagement element in a first position or a second position. The second engagement element may belong to the movable optical element. The first position may be at the upper portion, and the second position may be at the lower portion. For example, the movable optical element may be moved to a first position, which may be at the upper portion of the main body. As another example, the movable optical element may be moved to a second position, which may be at the lower portion of the main body. This may be accomplished, for example, to ensure alignment of a smartphone camera with the viewing portion of the movable optical element.

The third surface of the piston may allow the user to align the viewing portion of the movable optical element with the smartphone's camera. The third surface may comprise a number of physical features that assist in aligning the viewing portion of the movable optical element with the smartphone's camera. The third surface may comprise an alignment hole for aligning the viewing portion of the movable optical element with the camera lens along a second axis. The third surface may have a color that matches the alignment image to be displayed on the smartphone. The third surface may comprise an outer edge that is complementary to the alignment image to be displayed on the smartphone.

A device for attaching an otoscope to a smartphone may be provided. The device may comprise a main body. The main body may comprise an opening and an engagement element configured to engage a movable otoscope in a first position or a second position. The device may comprise a first surface that can be connected to the main body and can be configured to contact a first surface of the smartphone. The first surface of the smartphone may be the back side of the smartphone, which may be located at the location of the smartphone's camera. The device may comprise a piston. The piston may comprise a shaft and a second surface. The second surface may be parallel to the first surface and can be configured to contact a second surface of the smartphone. The second surface of the smartphone may be the smartphone's display. The device may comprise a threaded handle connected to the shaft through an opening. The threaded handle may be aligned with the image contour for alignment. At least one of the first element of the alignment tab and the second element of the alignment tab may comprise at least one of a protrusion, an opening, a hole, a color, a design, an icon, an etching, a symbol, a window and/or a transparent portion of the alignment tab.

The otoscope of the otoscope clamp device can be moved to a first position or a second position within the otoscope clamp device to facilitate alignment of the otoscope with the smart device camera. The otoscope of the otoscope clamp device can be moved to a lower position within the otoscope clamp device to facilitate alignment of the otoscope with the smart device camera. The otoscope of the otoscope clamp device can be moved to an upper position within the otoscope clamp device to facilitate alignment of the otoscope with the smart device camera.

A smart device can be used to provide a camera for an otoscope. The smart device may be a smartphone, a smart tablet (e.g., an iPad), a computer, and/or the like. The smart device may include a camera that can be used by the otoscope to capture images and/or video. A camera on a smartphone can provide a cost-effective way to provide an otoscope with a camera. For example, smartphones may now be widely available, and users may already have access to them. By providing the user with a device, such as an otoscope clip, to attach the otoscope to the smartphone, the user can use the otoscope to capture images and/or video, which can then be sent to a medical professional.

When attaching an otoscope to a smartphone using the otoscope clip, the user may need to align the otoscope with the smartphone camera. Aligning the otoscope with the smartphone camera can provide an image that is unobstructed by the otoscope's components. Aligning the otoscope with the smartphone camera can help prevent stray light (such as light from the otoscope) from interfering with the image, improving image quality. To align the otoscope with the smartphone camera, the user may need to rotate the phone back and forth, as the smartphone camera may be on the opposite side from the display.

To minimize tilting of the phone during alignment with the camera, an overlay or image can be projected onto and/or displayed on the smartphone screen. The overlay can be referred to as an alignment image. The alignment image can be complementary to an alignment element, such as an alignment tab, on the otoscope clip, so that the user can align the alignment image with the alignment tab. The alignment image can be complementary to at least a portion of the otoscope clip (e.g., at least a portion of the alignment element, the alignment tab, and/or the like), so that the user can align the alignment image with the alignment tab. When the alignment image is aligned with the alignment tab, the viewing portion of the otoscope can be aligned with the smartphone camera. Aligning the alignment image with the alignment tab can also allow the user to align the otoscope with the smartphone's camera, minimizing the back-and-forth movement of the phone during alignment. The alignment image can help the user properly attach the otoscope to the smartphone using the otoscope clip device. For example, the alignment image can be placed on the top of the smartphone to guide the user in attaching the otoscope. For example, the alignment image can be placed at a certain location on the smartphone to help the user position the otoscope clip on the top of the smartphone. For example, the alignment image can be displayed to encourage the user to attach the otoscope clip in a way that the otoscope clip does not interfere with one or more buttons on the smartphone when the otoscope clip is attached to the smartphone. The otoscope clip device can be configured to provide better ergonomics for the user. For example, the otoscope clip device can be configured to improve the way the user holds the smart device. The otoscope clip may be designed to prevent interference with the user's ability to position the otoscope in the patient's ear. The otoscope clip may also be designed to encourage the user to properly position the otoscope in the patient's ear. For example, the clip may be designed so that the user can rest their hand on the patient's head while using the otoscope, which is attached to a smartphone via the otoscope clip.

An otoscope clip can be configured to provide a secure attachment method to a smart device and can be configured to attach to smartphones of various styles. The otoscope clip can comprise a gripping assembly that can be used to attach the otoscope clip to a smartphone. The gripping assembly can help minimize the movement of the otoscope during image acquisition. For example, the gripping assembly can minimize the movement of the clip along the axis of the smartphone surface to improve the user's ability to align the viewing portion of the otoscope with the smartphone's camera. The otoscope clip can be configured to prevent compression of one or more buttons of the smartphone. The otoscope clip can be configured to prevent the user from accidentally pressing one or more buttons of the smartphone. For example, the clip can prevent compression of the on/off switch, can prevent compression of the volume switch, can prevent the user from pressing the on/off switch, can prevent the user from pressing the volume switch, and/or the like.

In FIG. 1A-B, perspective views of the otoscope clamp device detached from a smart device, such as a smartphone, are shown. As shown in FIG. 1A, the otoscope clamp device 100 can be detached from the smart device 102. In FIG. 1A, the front side of the smart device 102 and the back side of the otoscope clamp device 100 are shown. The back side of the otoscope clamp device 100 can contain a handle, such as a handle 114, and an alignment tab, for example, an alignment tab 106. The front side of the smart device can contain a camera, such as a camera 107, which can be directed toward the user, and a display screen, such as a display 103. The front side of the smart device can contain a button, such as a home button, and a speaker, which can be used by the user to listen to a phone call. Button 105 can be located on the side of the smart device 102.

The smart device 102 may be a smartphone, a smart tablet (e.g., an iPad), a computer, and/or the like. The smart device may comprise a display, such as a display 103. The display 103 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) and may be located on the front of the smart device. The display 103 may display an alignment image 104. The alignment image 104 may assist the user in aligning the viewing portion of the otoscope with the camera of the smart device, such as the camera 112 shown with respect to FIG. 1B. As shown in FIG. 1A, the alignment image 104 may be complementary to an alignment element, such as an alignment tab 106, on the otoscope clamp device 100, so that the user can align the alignment image 104 with the alignment tab 106. When the alignment image 104 is aligned with the alignment tab 106, the viewing portion 108 of the otoscope can be aligned with the camera 112 of the smart device. Aligning the alignment image 104 with the alignment tab 106 can allow the user to align the viewing portion 108 of the otoscope with the camera 112 of the smart device, minimizing the rotation of the phone to one side or the other during alignment.

The otoscope clamp device 100 may comprise a number of components. For example, the otoscope clamp device 100 may comprise a clamp assembly 122 and/or an otoscope assembly 120.

The otoscope clamp device 100 may comprise an alignment tab 106. The alignment tab may be part of the clamp assembly 122. The alignment tab 106 may comprise one or more elements to facilitate the alignment of the viewing portion 108 of the otoscope. The one or more elements may include a protrusion, an opening, a hole, a color, a design, an icon, an etching (e.g., a laser etching), a symbol, and/or the like.

The alignment tab 106 may comprise one or more alignment projections. The alignment projection of the one or more alignment projections may be a projection on the surface of the alignment tab 106 that can be aligned with a portion of the alignment image 104. For example, the alignment tab 106 may comprise an arrow-shaped alignment projection that can be aligned with a line within a portion of the alignment image 104.

The alignment tab 106 may comprise an alignment structure. The alignment structure may be an etching on the surface of the alignment tab 106 to facilitate the alignment of the viewing portion 108 of the otoscope. For example, the alignment structure may be one or more intersecting lines, such as a crosshair, which, when aligned with the alignment image on the smart device, may align the viewing portion 108 of the otoscope with the camera of the smart device. The alignment tab 106 may comprise an outer edge that may be aligned with the outer edge of the alignment image 104. The outer edge of the alignment tab 106 may have a shape that may be complementary to the outer edge of the alignment image 104. The outer edge of the alignment tab 106 may have a shape that may be complementary to at least a portion of the outer edge of the alignment image 104. When the outer edge of the alignment tab 106 is aligned with the outer edge of the alignment image 104, the viewing portion 108 of the otoscope may be aligned with the camera of the smart device. The alignment of the tab 106 may include an opening that may be aligned with an object in the alignment image 104. For example, the opening of the alignment tab 106 may be aligned with a target in the alignment image 104, an oval shape in the alignment image 104, a line in the alignment image 104, a combination thereof, and/or the like. The alignment opening may facilitate the alignment of the viewing portion 108 of the otoscope. For example, the alignment hole may cause the viewing portion 108 of the otoscope to be aligned with the camera of the smart device when the alignment hole is aligned with a corresponding shape within the image on the display of the smart device.

The alignment tab 106 can be made of a material of a color that can match the color of the alignment image 104. The alignment tab 106 can be made of a material of a color that can be complementary to the color of the alignment image 104. The alignment tab 106 can be made of a transparent material so that the user can see through the transparent material and align the alignment tab 106 with the alignment image 104. The alignment tab 106 can be made of a material, such as an elastic material, which can provide pressure application to the surface of the smartphone. For example, the alignment tab 106 can be made of plastic, metal, polymer, and/or the like. The alignment tab 106 can be located in a parallel position on another surface of the otoscope clamp device 100, such as the surface of the clamp engaging member 118. The alignment tongue 106 may be arranged in a parallel position on another surface of the otoscope clamp device 100 in such a way that the otoscope clamp device 100 may form a C-shape. The C-shape, which may be formed using the parallel position of the alignment tongue 106 with another surface of the otoscope clamp device 100, such as the surface of the clamp engagement element 118, may be used to provide a grip, such as a C-shaped grip. The grip may be actuated by a handle, such as a handle 114. The otoscope clamp device 100 may comprise a handle 114, which may be a handle that can actuate the screw clamp assembly. The handle 114 may be a part of the clamp assembly 122. The handle 114 may have a cylindrical shape with a flat upper surface, a lower surface with at least an opening, and an outer surface. The outer surface of the handle 114 may comprise a series of slots, knurling, or other texture that may provide a gripping surface. When rotated, the handle 114 may engage the screw clamp assembly in such a way that the piston, which may comprise the alignment tab 106, may move toward a surface parallel to the alignment tab 106. For example, the user may rotate the handle 114 in such a way that the alignment tab 106 moves toward a parallel surface of the otoscope clamp device 100. The handle 114 may cause the alignment tab 106 to move toward the clamp engagement member 118 in such a way that the alignment tab 106 and the clamp engagement member 118 may be clamped onto the smart device 102.

The otoscope clamp device 100 may comprise a clamp engagement member 118. The clamp engagement member 118 may be a part of the clamp assembly 122. The clamp engagement member 118 may have a first surface and a second surface. The first surface of the clamp engagement member 118 may face the back side of the smart device 102. The first surface of the clamp engagement member 118 may comprise an anti-slip material and/or an anti-scratch material. For example, the first surface of the clamp engagement member 118 may be made of rubber to prevent scratching and/or damage to the smart device 102 and to prevent movement of the otoscope clamp device 100 when it is attached to the smart device 102. The clamp engagement member 118 may comprise an elongated opening. The elongated opening may allow the viewing portion 108 to protrude into or through the clamp engagement member 118. This may allow the viewing portion 108 to be moved to a number of positions, so that the viewing portion 108 can be aligned with the camera 112 of the smart device. The clamp engagement element 118 may comprise a number of elements that allow the viewing portion 108 to be positioned in one or more positions. For example, the clamp engagement element 118 may comprise a protrusion on the side of the clamp engagement element 118, which may have a complementary cutout in the otoscope assembly 120, which may allow the otoscope assembly 120 and/or the viewing portion of the otoscope to be locked in a certain position.

The clamp engagement member 118 may provide for attaching and/or connecting the otoscope assembly 120 to the clamp assembly 122. The clamp engagement member 118 may be a part of a C-shaped claw, which is a part of the clamp assembly 112. The clamp engagement member 118 may provide for the ability to movably attach the otoscope assembly 120 to the clamp assembly 122. For example, the clamp engagement member 118 may provide for the ability to move the otoscope assembly 120 to one or more positions within the clamp assembly 122. The clamp engagement member 118 may provide for the ability to removably attach the otoscope assembly 120 to the clamp assembly 122. For example, the clamp engagement member 118 may provide for the attachment and/or detachment of the otoscope assembly 120 to the clamp assembly 122. Contact surface 119 may be in contact with engaging element 118 of the clamp. Contact surface 119 may comprise an anti-slip material that may prevent slipping. Contact surface 119 may be or may comprise a gasket. The gasket may prevent slipping, may protect the surface of the phone, and/or may act as a light blocker to prevent light leakage from the device. For example, the gasket may prevent ambient light from entering the optics.

The otoscope clamp device 100 may comprise an otoscope viewing portion, such as a viewing portion 108. The otoscope viewing portion may be a part of the otoscope assembly 120. The viewing portion 108 may be a location where an image can be focused as a result of using the otoscope in such a way that the image can be seen on the viewing portion 108. The viewing portion 108 of the otoscope may be a location where a user or a camera can look into the otoscope. For example, the viewing portion 108 may be used to view a patient's ear, may be used to take an image or video of the outer ear, middle ear and/or ear canal, and/or the like. As described herein, the viewing portion 108 may contact the camera or may be aligned with the camera.

The otoscope clamp device 100 may comprise an otoscope assembly 120. The otoscope assembly 120 may comprise an otoscope. The otoscope assembly 120 may comprise an outer tip housing 110. The otoscope assembly 120 may comprise a light switch 126. The light switch 126 may control a light that may be located within or near the outer tip housing 110. For example, the light switch may turn on or off a light that may be battery-powered and visible through an opening in the distal end of the outer tip housing 110. This may be accomplished, for example, to provide light within the patient's outer ear, middle ear, and/or ear canal so that a photograph can be taken.

The otoscope clamp device 100 may comprise an outer tip housing 110. The outer tip housing 110 may have a distal end with an opening through which the outer ear, middle ear, and/or ear canal of the patient can be examined when the speculum is attached to the outer clamp 110. The outer tip housing 110 may have a proximal end that can be connected to the otoscope assembly 120. The outer tip housing 110 may comprise a radial groove that can ensure the attachment of a removable speculum to the outer tip housing 110. For example, the removable speculum can be attached to the outer tip housing 110 via the radial groove in such a way that the otoscope assembly 120 can be used to capture images or video of the outer ear, middle ear, and/or ear canal of the patient. The otoscope portion of the otoscope clamp device 100 may provide optical magnification of the outer ear, middle ear, and/or ear canal of a patient.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the otoscope clamp device 100 can be detached from the smart device 102. FIG. 1B may represent the back side of the smart device and the front side of the otoscope clamp device 100. The back side of the smart device 102 may contain a light bulb 128 and a smartphone camera, such as a camera 112 of the smart device. The camera 112 of the smart device may face away from the user when the user looks at the display screen, such as a display 103, of the smart device 102.

As described herein, an outer tip housing 110 may be provided in the otoscope clamp device 100. The outer tip housing 110 may comprise an opening. A removable funnel may be attached to and/or cover the outer tip housing 110. When the alignment tab 106 is aligned with the alignment image 104, the outer tip housing 110 may be positioned so that it is aligned with the camera 112 of the smart device. For example, the opening of the outer tip housing 110 may be aligned with the camera 112 of the smart device, and the viewing portion 108 of the otoscope may be aligned with the camera 112 of the smart device.

In FIG. 1B-D, perspective views are shown of an otoscope clamp device that is attached to a smart device, such as a smartphone. As shown in FIG. 1B, the otoscope clamp device 100 can be attached to the smart device 102. In FIG. 1B, the front side of the smart device 102 and the back side of the otoscope clamp device 100 are shown. The back side of the otoscope clamp device 100 can include a handle, such as 114, an alignment tab, such as an alignment tab on 106. The front side of the smart device can contain a camera, such as a camera 107, which can be directed toward the user, and a display screen, such as a display 103.

The otoscope clamp device 100 can be attached to the smart device 102 via a gripping mechanism, such as a screw clamp assembly, which can be operated by a handle 114. The handle 114 can close the screw clamp assembly when rotated. For example, the handle 114 can close the screw clamp assembly when rotated in a clockwise direction. The handle 114 can open the screw clamp assembly when rotated. For example, the handle 114 can open the screw clamp assembly when rotated in a counterclockwise direction. When the screw clamp assembly is closed, the otoscope clamp device 100 can be attached to the smart device 102. When the screw clamp assembly is open, the otoscope clamp device 100 can be detached from the smart device 102. When rotated, the handle 114 can engage the screw clamp assembly in such a way that the screw clamp assembly can close. The handle 114 may cause the piston, which may comprise the alignment tab 106, to move toward a surface parallel to the alignment tab 106. For example, the handle 114 may cause the alignment tab 106 to move toward the clamp engagement element 118 in such a way that the alignment tab 106 may contact the display of the smart device 102, and the clamp engagement element 118 may contact the back side of the smart device 102. The alignment tab 106 and/or the engagement element may comprise a surface that may contact the display 103. The surface of the alignment tab 106 may be made of a material that may prevent scratching and/or slipping.

The otoscope clamp device 100 can be attached to the smart device 102 in such a way as to avoid compression and/or contact with one or more buttons of the smart device 102. The otoscope clamp device 100 can be attached to the smart device 102 so that the otoscope clamp device 100 can contact with one or more of the front side, the back side and the top of the smart device 102. The otoscope clamp device 100 can be attached in such a way as to avoid contact with the SIM card cover 124, the button 105, the volume button 116, the switch 130 (the volume button 116 and the switch 130 can be shown in relation to FIG. 1G) of the smart device 102.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the alignment tab 106 can be aligned with the alignment image 104. For example, the alignment tab 106 can cover the alignment image 104. The alignment tab 106 can cover the alignment image 104 in such a way that the alignment tab 106 can remain within the edges of the alignment image 104. When the alignment tab 106 can be located inside and/or aligned with the alignment image 104, the otoscope assembly 120 of the otoscope clamp device 100 can be aligned with the camera 112 of the smart device. As shown in FIG. 1G, the otoscope assembly 120, the otoscope viewing portion 108, and/or the outer housing 110 of the tip may be aligned with the camera 112 of the smart device. The otoscope assembly 120 may be aligned with the camera 112 of the smart device in such a way that the user can place the otoscope with a speculum in the patient's ear and can take a photograph of the patient's outer ear, middle ear, and/or ear canal. For example, the camera 112 of the smart device may be configured to use the otoscope assembly 120 to examine the patient's outer ear, middle ear, and/or ear canal through a viewing channel that may be arranged through the otoscope viewing portion 108, through an opening in the outer housing 110 of the tip, and through an attached speculum.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an otoscope clamp device that includes an alignment tab and a smart device that may include a screen that displays an alignment image.

Smart device 102 may comprise one or more buttons and/or switches. For example, smart device 102 may comprise switch 130, volume buttons 116, and button 105. Button 105 may be an on/off button, a push button, a switch, and/or the like. Smart device may comprise a camera, such as camera 107, which may face the user. Smart device may include a display, such as display 103.

Display 103 can provide the user with instructions for aligning otoscope clamp device 100. Display 103 can contain image 202, which can be an image captured from a smart device camera. When otoscope clamp device 100 can be attached to smart device 102, an image can be captured. For example, the image can be captured through an otoscope. For example, otoscope clamp device 100 can comprise otoscope assembly 120. When otoscope clamp device 100 is attached to smart device 102, otoscope assembly 120 can be aligned with the smart device camera, and an image or video can be captured through the otoscope associated with otoscope assembly 120. Display 103 can display image 104 for alignment. The alignment image 104 can be used to help the user align the otoscope with the camera of the smart device when the user attaches the otoscope clamp device 100 to the smart device 102. The alignment image 104 can display a shape that can be similar and/or complementary to the alignment tab 106 of the otoscope clamp device 100. When the alignment tab 106 can be placed within the alignment image 104, the otoscope associated with the otoscope assembly 120 can be aligned and/or in contact with the camera of the smart device.

The image 104 for alignment may contain a number of elements that may facilitate the alignment of the image 104 for alignment with the tongue 106 for alignment and/or the otoscope associated with the otoscope assembly 120. These elements may include the shape of the image 104 for alignment, the color of the image 104 for alignment, the shape in the image 104 for alignment, the object in the image 104 for alignment, the color in the image 104 for alignment, combinations thereof, and/or the like. The image 104 for alignment may contain the outline 204 of the image for alignment, the element 206 of the image for horizontal alignment, the element 208 of the image for vertical alignment, a combination thereof, and/or the like. The image 104 for alignment may be used by the user to determine how to move the otoscope clamp device 100 to ensure alignment. The user can use the alignment image 104 to determine how to move the otoscope clamp device 100 along an axis associated with the plane created by the display 103. For example, the display 103 can have a horizontal axis that can intersect the first side of the smart device 102, which can contain the volume button 116, with the second side of the smart device 102, which can contain the button 105. The display 103 can have a vertical axis that can be orthogonal to the horizontal axis. The alignment image 104 can provide the user with visual feedback on how to move the otoscope clamp device 100 along the vertical axis and/or the horizontal axis of the display 103, which can align the otoscope with the camera of the smart device.

The alignment image outline 204 can allow the user to align the alignment tab 106 of the otoscope clamp device 100 so that the otoscope associated with the otoscope assembly 120 can be aligned with the camera of the smart device. The alignment image outline 204 can be used by the user to align the alignment tab 106 in the vertical axis and/or horizontal axis of the display 103. For example, the user can place the alignment tab 106 on, near, or inside the alignment image outline 204 to ensure alignment. If the otoscope is not aligned with the camera of the smart device, a portion of the alignment tab 106 may appear outside the alignment image outline 204. The user can adjust the otoscope clamping device 100 to remove the portion of the alignment tab 106 that may be outside the alignment image outline 204 and align the otoscope with the device camera. By correcting the incorrect alignment of the alignment tab 106 with the alignment image outline 204, the user can correct the alignment of the otoscope with the smart device camera.

The alignment image outline 204 may be larger (for example, slightly larger) than the alignment tab 106 in such a way that the alignment tab 106 may be located within the alignment image 104, and the image outline 204 may be visible. The alignment image outline 204 may be of the same or similar color as the alignment image 104, the alignment tab 106, and/or the edge 214 of the alignment tab. The alignment image outline 204 may be of a different color than the alignment image 104, the alignment tab 106, and/or the edge 214 of the alignment tab. The horizontal alignment image element 206 may be used by the user to determine how to move the otoscope clamp device 100 to ensure alignment. The horizontal alignment image element 206 may be a line, an object, a shape, an icon, an indicator, and/or the like. For example, the horizontal alignment image element 206 may be a line extended in the vertical direction. The horizontal alignment image element 206 may be within the alignment image 104, may be outside the alignment image 104, and/or may intersect the contour of the alignment image 204. The horizontal alignment image element 206 may be used by the user to determine how to move the otoscope clamp device 100 along the horizontal axis associated with the display 103 for horizontally aligning the otoscope associated with the otoscope assembly 120 with the camera of the smart device. To provide guidance for moving the otoscope clamp device 100 along the horizontal axis, the horizontal alignment image element 206 may have one or more reference points. For example, the horizontal alignment image element 206 may be a series of points along the vertical axis, a line along the vertical axis, a shape extended along the vertical axis, an indicator along the vertical axis, and/or the like. To align the otoscope with the smart device camera along the horizontal axis, the user may attach the otoscope clamping device 100 to the smart device 102 in such a way that the horizontal alignment tab element 212 may be aligned with the horizontal alignment image element 206. For example, the user may align the arrow or the triangular protrusions of the horizontal alignment tab element 212 with the line of the horizontal alignment image element 206.

The vertical alignment image element 208 can be used by the user to determine how to move the otoscope clamp device 100 to ensure alignment. The vertical alignment image element 208 can be a line, an object, a shape, an indicator, an icon, and/or the like. For example, the vertical alignment image element 208 can be an oval extended along a horizontal axis. The vertical alignment image element 208 can be within the alignment image 104, can be outside the alignment image 104, and/or can intersect the contour of the alignment image 204. The vertical alignment image element 208 can be used by the user to determine how to move the otoscope clamp device 100 along a vertical axis associated with the display 103 to vertically align the otoscope associated with the otoscope assembly 120 with the camera of the smart device. To provide guidance for moving the otoscope clamp device 100 along the vertical axis, the vertical alignment image element 208 may have one or more reference points. For example, the vertical alignment image element 208 may be a series of points along the horizontal axis, a line along the horizontal axis, a shape extended along the horizontal axis, an indicator along the horizontal axis, and/or the like. To align the otoscope with the smart device camera along the vertical axis, the user may attach the otoscope clamp device 100 to the smart device 102 in such a way that the vertical alignment tab element 210 may be aligned with the vertical alignment image element 208. For example, the user may align the oval opening of the vertical alignment tab element 210 with the vertical alignment image element 208.

The otoscope clamp device 100 may comprise a clamp assembly 122 and an otoscope assembly 120. The otoscope assembly 120 may comprise an otoscope and may comprise a light bulb for the otoscope. The otoscope assembly 120 may comprise a light switch 126 that can control the light bulb for the otoscope. Although a switch is shown in relation to the light switch 126, another suitable element, such as a button, may be used. The interior of the otoscope assembly 120 can be seen in FIG. 2. When the otoscope clamp device 100 can be attached to the smart device 102, the interior of the otoscope assembly 120 may face and/or contact the back of the smart device 102, which may comprise a camera of the smart device. The clamp assembly 122 may comprise a grip assembly that may comprise a handle 114. The clamp assembly 122 may comprise a clamp engagement element 118. The clamp assembly 122 may comprise an alignment tongue 106.

The alignment tab 106 may comprise a number of elements that may facilitate the alignment of the alignment tab 106 with the alignment image 104 and/or the otoscope associated with the otoscope assembly 120. These elements may include the shape of the alignment tab 106, the color of the alignment tab 106, a shape in the alignment tab 106, an object in the alignment tab 106, a color in the alignment tab 106, combinations thereof, and/or the like. The alignment tab 106 may comprise an edge 214 of the alignment tab, a horizontal alignment tab element 212, a vertical alignment tab element 210, a combination thereof, and/or the like.

The alignment tab 106 can be used by the user to determine how to move the otoscope clamp device 100 to ensure alignment. The user can use the alignment tab 106 to determine how to move the otoscope clamp device 100 along an axis associated with the plane formed by the display 103. For example, the display 103 can have a horizontal axis that can intersect the first side of the smart device 102, which contains the volume button 116, with the second side of the smart device 102, which contains the button 105. The display 103 can have a vertical axis that can be orthogonal to the horizontal axis. The alignment tab 106 can provide the user with feedback on how to move the otoscope clamp device 100 along the vertical axis or the horizontal axis of the display 103, which can align the otoscope with the camera of the smart device.

The edge 214 of the alignment tab can allow the user to align the alignment tab 106 of the otoscope clamp device 100 so that the otoscope associated with the otoscope assembly 120 can be aligned with the camera of the smart device. The edge 214 of the alignment tab can be used by the user to align the alignment tab 106 along the vertical axis and the horizontal axis of the display 103. For example, the user can place the edge 214 of the alignment tab on, near, or inside the contour 204 of the image for alignment to ensure alignment. If the otoscope is not aligned with the camera of the smart device, a portion of the edge 214 of the alignment tab can appear outside the contour 204 of the image for alignment. The user can adjust the otoscope clamping device 100 to adjust the portion of the edge 214 of the alignment tab, which may be located outside the alignment image contour 204 and can align the otoscope with the device camera. By correcting the incorrect alignment of the edge 214 of the alignment tab with the alignment image contour 204, the user can correct the alignment of the otoscope with the smart device camera.

The edge 214 of the alignment tab may be an edge of the alignment tab, which may be parallel and may be in contact with the screen of the telephone. The edge 214 of the alignment tab may be located within the image 104 for alignment in such a way that the outline 204 of the image for alignment can be seen. The edge 214 of the alignment tab may have a shape that facilitates the detection of the outline 204 of the image for alignment when the edge 214 of the alignment tab may be placed on top of or above the outline of the image 204 for alignment. For example, the edge 214 of the alignment tab may be created by tapering, chamfering, rounding, or forming a fillet on the edge of the alignment tab 106. The edge 214 of the alignment tab may be complementary to and/or the same shape as the outline 204 of the image for alignment.

The edge 214 of the alignment tab may be the same or a similar color as the image 104 for alignment, the alignment tab 106, and/or the outline 204 of the image for alignment. The edge 214 of the alignment tab may be a different color than the image 104 for alignment, the alignment tab 106, and/or the outline 204 of the image for alignment.

The horizontal alignment tab element 212 can be used by the user to determine how to move the otoscope clamp device 100 to ensure alignment. The horizontal alignment tab element 212 can be a line, an object, a shape, an indicator, a badge, an etching, and/or the like. The horizontal alignment tab element 212 can be a transparent part or a window of the alignment tab 106. The horizontal alignment tab element 212 can be an oval elongated along the vertical axis. The horizontal alignment tab element 212 can have the shape of a tablet elongated along the vertical axis. The horizontal alignment tab element 212 can be a first arrow-shaped protrusion and a second arrow-shaped protrusion, which are located at a distance from each other in the vertical direction. The first arrow-shaped protrusion and the second arrow-shaped protrusion can be designed to face each other.

In one example, the horizontal alignment tab element 212 may comprise a first opening and a second opening that are spaced apart from each other. The first opening and the second opening may be complementary to one or more objects within the alignment image 104. For example, the first opening may be aligned with a first circle within the alignment image 104, and the second opening may be aligned with a second circle within the alignment image 104.

The horizontal alignment tab element 212 can be aligned with an element that can be within the alignment image 104, can be outside the alignment image 104, and/or can intersect the alignment image contour 204. The horizontal alignment tab element 212 can be used by the user to determine how to move the otoscope clamp device 100 along the horizontal axis associated with the display 103 for horizontal alignment of the otoscope associated with the otoscope assembly 120 with the smart device camera.

To provide guidance for moving the otoscope clamp device 100 along the horizontal axis, the horizontal alignment tab element 212 may have one or more reference points. For example, the horizontal alignment tab element 212 may be a series of points along the axis, a line along the axis, a shape extended along the axis, an indicator along the axis, and/or the like. To align the otoscope with the smart device camera along the horizontal axis, the user may attach the otoscope clamp device 100 on the smart device 102 in such a way that the horizontal alignment tab element 212 may be aligned with the horizontal alignment image element 206. For example, the user may align the arrow or the triangular protrusions of the horizontal alignment tab element 212 with the line of the horizontal alignment image element 206.

The vertical alignment tab element 210 can be used by the user to determine how to move the otoscope clamp device 100 to ensure alignment. The vertical alignment tab element 210 can be a line, an object, a shape, an indicator, an icon, an etching, and/or the like. The vertical alignment tab element 210 can be a transparent part or a window of the alignment tab 106. The vertical alignment tab element 210 can be an oval elongated along the horizontal axis. The vertical alignment tab element 210 can have a pill shape (for example, an oval), elongated along the horizontal axis. The vertical alignment tab element 210 can be aligned with an element that can be within the image 104 for alignment, can be outside the image 104 for alignment, and/or can intersect the outline 204 of the image for alignment. The vertical alignment tongue element 210 may be used by the user to determine how to move the otoscope clamp device 100 along the vertical axis associated with the display 103 to vertically align the otoscope associated with the otoscope assembly 120 with the camera of the smart device.

In an example, the vertical alignment tab element 210 may comprise a first arrow-shaped protrusion and a second arrow-shaped protrusion, which are spaced apart horizontally. The first arrow-shaped protrusion and the second arrow-shaped protrusion may be configured to face each other.

In another example, the vertical alignment tab element 210 may comprise a first opening and a second opening that are spaced apart from each other. The first opening and the second opening may be complementary to one or more objects within the alignment image 104. For example, the first opening may be aligned with a first circle within the alignment image 104, and the second opening may be aligned with a second circle within the alignment image 104.

To provide guidance for moving the otoscope clamp device 100 along the vertical axis, the vertical alignment tab element 210 may represent one or more reference points. For example, the vertical alignment tab element 210 may represent a series of points along the axis, a line along the axis, a shape extended along the axis, an indicator along the axis, and/or the like. To align the otoscope with the smart device camera along the vertical axis, the user can attach the otoscope clamp device 100 to the smart device 102 in such a way that the vertical alignment tab element 210 can be aligned with the vertical alignment image element 208. For example, the user can align the oval opening of the vertical alignment tab element 210 with the vertical alignment image element 208.

FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the electrical components of an example smart device 102. These components 102 may be part of a smart device, such as device 102. The smart device may be a cell phone, a smartphone, a smart tablet, a computer, etc. For example, smart device 102 may be an iPhone, an Android phone, an iPad, an Android tablet, etc.

Smart device 102 may integrate sensor, electromechanical drive, communication, and digital processing functions. In one example, components in smart device 102 may include controller 322, communication interfaces 324, sensors 326, electrical and electromechanical drivers 348, and a power management subsystem 330.

For example, the controller 322 may include a processor 332, a memory 334, and one or more input/output devices 336. The controller 322 may be any suitable microcontroller, microprocessor, field programmable gate array (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or the like, suitable for receiving data, computing, storing, and transmitting output data and/or signals. The controller 322 may be a device suitable for operating an embedded application. For example, the controller 322 may include a system on a chip (SOC). The processor 332 may include one or more data processing units. The processor 332 may be a processor of any suitable complexity to perform the digital processing requirements described herein. For example, the processor 332 may include a 4-bit processor, a 16-bit processor, a 32-bit processor, a 64-bit processor, or the like. Memory device 334 may include any component or set of components suitable for storing data. For example, memory device 334 may include volatile memory and/or non-volatile memory. Memory device 334 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, or the like.

The input/output devices 336 may include any devices suitable for receiving and/or sending information. This information may be in the form of coded data (e.g., other digital components) and/or analog data (e.g., from analog sensors). The input/output devices 336 may include devices such as serial input/output ports, parallel input/output ports, universal asynchronous receiver/transmitters (UARTs), input/output contacts of discrete logic components, analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters. The input/output devices 336 may include special interfaces with computing peripherals and auxiliary circuits, such as timers, event counters, pulse-width modulation (PWM) generators, control circuits, clock signal generators, etc. Input/output devices 336 may provide data transfer within and between components in smart device 102, such as data transfer between controller 322 and sensors 326, between controller 322 and drivers 348, between controller 322 and communication interfaces 324, and between controller 322 and power management subsystem 330, and may also be used as a channel for any other combination of components in smart device 102. Components in smart device 102 may also support direct communication, such as between sensor 326 and power management system 330.

Communication interfaces 324 may include a transmitter 338 and/or a receiver 340. Communication interfaces 324 may include one or more transmitters 338 and/or receivers 340. Transmitter 338 and receiver 340 may include any electrical components suitable for transmitting data to and/or from electrical components in smart device 102. For example, transmitter 338 and receiver 340 may provide wired data transmission and/or wireless data transmission to devices external to components in smart device 102 and/or external to device 102 in which these components are integrated.

Transmitter 338 and receiver 340 may provide wired data transmission using any suitable communication protocol, such as protocols suitable for embedded applications. For example, transmitter 338 and receiver 340 may be configured to provide data transmission via a universal serial bus (USB), data transmission over an Ethernet local area network (LAN), and the like.

The transmitter 338 and the receiver 340 may provide wireless communication using any suitable communication protocol, such as protocols suitable for embedded applications. For example, the transmitter 338 and the receiver 340 may be configured to provide a wireless personal area network (PAN) communication protocol, a wireless local area network (LAN) communication protocol, a wide area network (WAN) communication protocol, and the like. The transmitter 338 and the receiver 340 may be configured to transmit data via Bluetooth, such as any supported or custom version of Bluetooth and/or any supported or custom protocol, including, for example, the A/V Control Transport Protocol (AVCTP), A/V Distribution Transport (AVDTP), Bluetooth Network Encapsulation Protocol (BNEP), IrDA Interoperability (IrDA), Multi-Channel Adaptation Protocol (MCAP), RF Communications Protocol (RFCOMM), and the like. In one example, transmitter 338 and receiver 340 may be configured to transmit data via Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) and/or Bluetooth Internet of Things (IoT) protocols. Transmitter 338 and receiver 340 may be configured to transmit data via mesh network protocols, such as ZigBee, Z-Wave, Thread, and the like. Such protocols may allow transmitter 338 and receiver 340 to exchange data with neighboring devices, such as a user's cell phone and/or a user's smartwatch. Communication with a local network device, such as a mobile phone, provides additional data transfer capabilities between other devices on a wide area network (WAN), to remote devices, devices connected to the Internet, to a corporate network, and the like.

Transmitter 338 and receiver 340 may be configured to exchange data via LAN protocols, such as 802.11 wireless protocols, such as Wi-Fi technology, including, but not limited to, data transmission in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 60 GHz frequency bands. Such protocols may allow transmitter 338 and receiver 340 to exchange data with a local network access point, such as a wireless router installed, for example, in the user's home or office. And data exchange with a local network access point enables additional data exchange with other devices present on the local network, or via a WAN network with remote devices, devices connected to the Internet, a corporate network, etc. The transmitter 338 and the receiver 340 may be configured to exchange data via mobile wireless communication protocols such as the global system for mobile communications (GSM), the 4G long-term evolution (LTE) standard, 5G and the 5G new radio network (NR), any number of mobile Internet of Things (IoT) protocols, combinations thereof, and/or the like. Such protocols facilitate data exchange for the transmitter 338 and the receiver 340, for example, when the user is mobile, moving away from home or office, and without manual configuration.

The sensors 326 may include any device suitable for determining an aspect of its surrounding environment, such as biometric, physical, chemical, mechanical, electrical, encoded information, etc. The controller 322 may interact with one or more sensors 326. The sensors 326 may include, for example, a microphone 342, a fingerprint sensor 344, an information sensor 346, a motion sensor 350, etc.

Microphone 342 may include a microphone transducer element, referred to as its element or capsule, which can be used to capture sound. The microphone may use a diaphragm to convert mechanical movement caused by sound waves into an electrical signal. Microphone 342 may be used by a smart device to record audio signals from the user, from the environment, and/or the like. Microphone 342 can transmit audio signals to other components in smart device 102. Tactile sensor 344 may be any sensor suitable for detecting a user's touch. In one example, a mechanical structure can transmit force and/or movement from the user's finger to tactile sensor 344. Tactile sensor 344 may include a magnetic field sensor, such as a small-scale microelectromechanical system (MEMS) magnetic field sensor, a contact closure, a reed switch, a potentiometer, a force sensor, a push button, or the like. In one example, a user may touch the display of device 102, and haptic sensor 344 may detect that the user has touched the display. In another example, a user may press a button on device 102, and haptic sensor 344 may detect the touch and identify the user's fingerprint.

The information sensor 346 may include any sensor suitable for reading the stored information. In an embedded application with a physical platform, the information may be encoded and stored on various media, which may be included in aspects of the physical configuration. For example, information about the otoscope clamp device, the otoscope, and/or the removable optical device may be encoded and stored in a manner physically associated with the otoscope clamp device itself. In one example, the information may be encoded on the otoscope clamp device in a quick response (QR) code, in a readable integrated circuit, such as a single-wire identification integrated circuit, in a near-field communication (NFC) tag, in a physical/mechanical key, in a subscriber identification module (SIM), or the like. In one example, the function of the information sensor 346 may be implemented by means of logic circuits and programming for receiving information encrypted in a QR code. The user can use the smart device 102 to scan the QR code, and this information sensor 346 can transmit the information to the controller 322 via the communication devices 324. In an embodiment, the information sensor 346 can also be suitable for recording on the same storage medium that is associated with the otoscope clamp device, for example, using a readable/writable NFC tag.

After receiving information via sensor 346 and transmitting it to processor 332, processor 332 can identify and authenticate the otoscope clamp device. The processor can execute any digital algorithm suitable for identification and/or authentication, such as public-key cryptographic algorithms, traditional cryptographic algorithms, security token processing, remote database searching, blockchain processing, and/or the like.

The motion sensor 348 may include any sensor suitable for determining the relative movement, acceleration, velocity, orientation, and/or the like of the device 102. The motion sensor 348 may include a piezoelectric, piezoresistive, and/or capacitive component for converting physical movement into an electrical signal. For example, the motion sensor 348 may include an accelerometer. The motion sensor 348 may include a microelectromechanical system (MEMS), such as a MEMS thermal accelerometer. The motion sensor 348 may be suitable for detecting user movement, such as the movement of a user holding the device 102. The motion sensor 348 may transmit this information via the input/output devices 336 to the processor 332 for processing.

The device 102 may include one or more drivers 348 for transmitting feedback to the user and/or for initiating a mechanical action. The drivers 348 may include an audio driver 350, a light-emitting diode (LED) driver 352, and the like. Other drivers 348 may include haptic feedback drivers, audio output drivers, heating element drivers, and/or the like. The audio driver 350 may include any circuit suitable for controlling the speaker. The audio driver 352 may be controlled by the processor 332 via the input/output devices 336. The audio driver 352 may be used to send audio signals to the speaker, which is an integral part of the telephone. For example, sounds such as instructions, phone calls, music, audio notifications, and the like may be delivered to the user through the speaker, which may be controlled by the audio driver 352.

The LED driver 352 may include any circuit suitable for controlling the illumination of a light-emitting diode. The LED driver 352 may be configured to be controlled by the processor 332 via the input/output devices 336. The LED driver 352 may be used to turn on a light source for a camera. The LED driver 352 may include a multi-color LED driver. The power management subsystem 330 may include a circuit suitable for managing and distributing power between the components 102. The power management subsystem 330 may include, for example, a battery, a battery charger, and a DC power distribution system. The power management subsystem 330 may communicate with the processor 332 via the input/output devices 336 to provide information such as the charge state of the battery. The power management subsystem 330 may include a replaceable battery and/or a physical connector to enable charging of the battery from an external source.

FIG. 4A shows an architectural diagram of an example system for supporting a smart device 204. The smart device 404 may be a smartphone, such as, for example, the smart device 102 shown in FIGS. 1A-D. The system may include the smart device 404, the smart device 404 with a corresponding telemedicine application (which may include software for aligning the otoscope with the camera), a wireless access network 408, a communication network 410, and computing resources 412.

Smart device 404 may include a telemedicine application for a patient. Smart device 404 may provide a primary user interface for a personalized telemedicine session, which may include the use of an otoscope clip device to provide images of the patient's outer ear, middle ear, and/or ear canal. Smart device 404 may provide passive or active tracking and/or location services.

In one example, smart device 404 may direct the user to a telemedicine website or application. For example, smart device 404 may provide the user with a clickable link that may lead the user to a telemedicine website.

Smart device 404 can provide data storage and processing capabilities. Smart device 404 can determine and analyze data that can facilitate the alignment of an otoscope, which is a component of the otoscope clamp device. For example, smart device 404 can include a file, table, database, and/or the like, which can be used to determine where an image for alignment can be displayed on the display according to the device model.

Smart device 402 may include a telemedicine application for a healthcare provider. Smart device 402 may be a smartphone, a smart tablet (e.g., an iPad), a computer, and/or the like. Smart device 402 may enable a healthcare provider to consult with a patient regarding a medical problem, such as a possible otitis media. Smart device 402 may receive data from smart device 404, which may include an image and/or video of the patient's outer ear, middle ear, and/or ear canal. For example, a patient may use an otoscope clip device attached to smart device 404 to capture a video of the eardrum and send the video of the eardrum to smart device 404, where a physician can view the video. Computing resources 412 may provide data storage and processing. Computing resources 412 can receive and analyze data that can facilitate the alignment of an otoscope, which is a component of the otoscope clamp device. For example, computing resources 412 can send data to smart device 404, which indicates where the image for alignment can be displayed on the display in accordance with the device model. The system components can exchange data with each other via various communication protocols. Smart device 402 can exchange data with smart device 404, for example, via a wireless Bluetooth communication link 414. Smart device 404 can exchange data with smart device 404 via a wireless communication link 420 and a wireless communication link 418. Smart device 404 can exchange data with a wireless access network 408, for example, via a wireless communication link 418. The wireless communication link 418 may include any suitable wireless protocol, such as an 802.11 wireless communication protocol, such as Wi-Fi, GSM, 4G LTE, 5G and 5G NR, and any variety of IoT mobile communication protocols.

The communication network 410 may include a long-distance data network, such as a private corporate network, a virtual private network (VPN), a public commercial network, network interconnections such as the Internet, or the like. The communication network 410 may provide connectivity to the computing resources 412.

Computing resources 412 may include any server resources suitable for remote processing and/or storage of information. For example, computing resources 412 may include a server, a cloud server, a data center, a virtual machine server, etc. In an embodiment, smart device 404 may communicate with computing resources 412 via wireless communication link 418. And in an embodiment, device 404 may communicate with computing resources 412 via its own wireless communication link 420.

The system may collect and/or process information related to the alignment of an otoscope, which may be attached to the camera of smart device 404. The system may generate and/or determine alignment reference data for a telemedicine session. For example, smart device 404 may initiate a telemedicine session with smart device 404. A healthcare provider may request that a patient record a video showing the patient's ear canal. The video may allow the healthcare provider to determine whether the patient has otitis media. The smart device 404 can prompt the patient to attach the otoscope clamp device to the smart device 404. The smart device 404 can determine an image for alignment to display on the display of the smart device 404 to help the patient align the otoscope in the otoscope clamp device relative to the camera of the smart device 404. In one example, the smart device 404 can inform the computing resources 412 of the model associated with the smart device 404 and can receive an indication of the location where the image for alignment should be displayed from the computing resources 412. In one example, the smart device 404 can include a file, table and/or database that the smart device 404 can use to receive an indication of the location for displaying the image for alignment. The smart device 404 can display the image for alignment. The patient can align the tab for aligning the otoscope clamp device with respect to the alignment image, for example, by placing the alignment tab on, near, or inside the alignment image to align the otoscope with respect to the camera of the smart device 404. The patient can use the otoscope clamp device, which is attached to the smart device 404, to record a video of the patient's ear canal and can send this video to the smart device 402.

The telemedicine application on the smart device 404 and/or the computer resources 412 can generate and/or determine an image for alignment, which should be displayed on the smart device 404. The telemedicine application on the smart device 404 and/or the computer resources 412 can generate and/or determine information that can be used to display the image for alignment. For example, this information can be used to display the image for alignment in a location on the display of the smart device 404 that can enable the alignment of the otoscope relative to the camera when the alignment tab of the otoscope clamp device is placed on, near, or within the image for alignment. This information can be used to activate a feedback loop with the user, providing notifications and support that can further refine the alignment.

FIG. 4B shows an example of a message flow chart for the example system shown in FIG. 4A. For example, this system may include data exchange and processing to perform functions such as initialization and authentication of a telemedicine application; collection of data from a camera associated with a smart device 402; cloud base management, launching, notification exchange, etc.; application-based management, messaging and notification exchange, etc.; and/or telemedicine data exchange.

Initialization and authentication messages 422 may be exchanged between the smart device 402, the smart device 404, and/or the computing resources 412. Initialization and authentication messages may be exchanged between the computing resources 412 and the smart device 404. For example, a new user may create a user account using the smart device 404. The account information may be processed by the computing resources 412. The new user may request a telemedicine session with a healthcare provider associated with the smart device 404. This information may be transmitted via the message exchange 422 to the computing resources 412. Response information about user accounts, authentication, etc. may be transmitted back to the smart device 404 and/or the smart device 402.

The data collection function may include the exchange of messages 426, which may occur between the smart device 402, the smart device 404 and/or the computing resources 412. This exchange of messages may include information such as activity information, recorded images, recorded videos, heart rate, heart rate variability and other biometric information.

The system provides cloud-based control functions and application-based control functions. For example, an image for alignment, a location for displaying the image for alignment on the display, determining the location of the camera, and/or the like can be obtained on the computing resources 412 and/or the smart device 404. If application-based control functions can be used, the smart device 404 can perform the requested functions in step 436. If cloud-based computing functions can be used, the computing resources 412 can perform the requested functions and can provide data to the smart device 404, as shown by the exchange of messages 432.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a process for assisting a user in aligning an otoscope and a camera using an image for alignment. At step 502, the user may be prompted to enter and/or select a user profile. The user profile may include a user ID, user name, profile photo, user information, medical information about the user or patient, and the like. The user may select a user profile and press a button, such as a start button, to confirm the selection.

At step 504, the user may be presented with one or more warnings. The warning may be intended to guide the user regarding the safe use of the otoscope clamp device. The warning may request the user to confirm the absence of one or more symptoms or problems before using the otoscope. One or more symptoms or problems may include the presence of ear tubes, ear blockage, ear crust, ear canal swelling, ear fluid, ear discharge, a foreign object in the ear, excess earwax, and the like.

In one example, a user may be offered a training video. The training video may explain how to use the otoscope clip with a smart device. The training video may include an overview of how to attach the otoscope clip to the smart device and/or how to use the otoscope.

At step 505, the user may be prompted to attach a speculum to the otoscope using the otoscope clamp. Speculums may come in various sizes. For example, speculums come in pediatric sizes and adult sizes. Another example is a small speculum (e.g., for children aged 6 months to 2.5 years) and a large speculum (e.g., for individuals over 2.5 years).

The smart device may provide recommendations to the user to assist in selecting a speculum size. For example, the smart device may display information regarding the selection of a speculum size. The user may select a speculum size, attach the speculum to the otoscope of the otoscope clamp device, and confirm their selection by pressing a button on the smart device display. At step 506, the user may be prompted to attach the otoscope clamp device to the smart device. At step 512, the smart device may display video and/or an image (e.g., a live video and/or an image) from the camera. The video and/or an image may assist the user in aligning the otoscope with the camera. The smart device may display an alignment image 514 to assist the user in aligning the otoscope with the camera.

The alignment image 514 may include one or more alignment image elements. An alignment image element may be used to align the removable optical element relative to the camera along one or more of a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. For example, an alignment image element may be an edge of the alignment image, a color of the alignment image, a shape of the alignment image, a figure in the alignment image (for example, an oval extended along the horizontal axis within the alignment image 514), and the like. The alignment image 514 may include a first alignment image element, which may be an oval extended along the horizontal axis within the alignment image 514, and a second alignment image element, which may be a line extended along the vertical axis within the alignment image. The alignment image 514 may be the alignment image 104, as described herein. The alignment image 514 may include a third element of the alignment image, which may represent the edge of the alignment tab. The alignment image 514 may be complementary to an alignment element, such as an alignment element that may be a component of the alignment tab on the otoscope clamp device. The alignment image 514 may allow the user to align the alignment image 514 with the alignment tab. When the alignment image 514 is aligned with the alignment tab, the viewing portion of the otoscope may be aligned with the camera of the smart device. Aligning the alignment image 514 with the alignment tab may allow the user to align the viewing portion of the otoscope relative to the camera of the smart device, minimizing the rotation of the phone to and fro during the alignment. The image 514 for alignment may include an outline of an image for alignment, an image element for horizontal alignment, an image element for vertical alignment, a combination thereof, and/or the like.

The user can use the alignment image 514 to determine how to move the otoscope clamp device to ensure alignment. For example, the user can use the alignment image 514 to determine that the otoscope clamp device can be moved along an axis associated with the plane formed by the display. The axis can be a horizontal axis of the display that can intersect the first side of the smart device to the second side of the smart device. The axis can be a vertical axis that can be orthogonal to the horizontal axis. The alignment tab 514 can include an outline of the alignment image. The outline of the alignment image can allow the user to align the alignment tab of the otoscope clamp device such that the otoscope associated with the otoscope assembly 514 can be aligned with the camera of the smart device. The alignment image outline 514 can be used by the user to align the alignment tab along the vertical axis and/or horizontal axis of the display. For example, the user can position the alignment tab on, near, or within the alignment image outline to ensure alignment. If the otoscope is not aligned with the smart device camera, a portion of the alignment tab may appear outside the alignment image outline. The user can adjust the otoscope clamping device to resolve the issue with this portion of the alignment tab, which may be outside the alignment image outline, and align the otoscope with the device camera. By correcting the incorrect alignment of the alignment tab with the alignment image outline, the user can correct the alignment of the otoscope with the smart device camera.

The image 514 for alignment may include an image element for horizontal alignment. The image element for horizontal alignment may be used by the user to determine how to move the otoscope clamp device to ensure alignment. The image element for horizontal alignment may be a line, an object, a shape, an icon, an indicator, and/or the like. For example, the image element for horizontal alignment may be a line extended in the vertical direction. The image element for horizontal alignment may be located within the image for alignment, may be located outside the image for alignment, and/or may intersect the contour of the image for alignment. The image element for horizontal alignment may be used by the user to determine how to move the otoscope clamp device along a horizontal axis associated with the display to horizontally align the otoscope associated with the otoscope assembly relative to the camera of the smart device.

To provide a guide for moving the otoscope clamping device along the horizontal axis, the horizontal alignment image element may have one or more reference points. For example, the horizontal alignment image element may be a series of dots along the vertical axis, a line along the vertical axis, a shape extended along the vertical axis, an indicator along the vertical axis, and/or the like.

To align the otoscope horizontally with the smart device camera, the user can attach the otoscope clamp to the smart device so that the horizontal alignment tab element aligns with the horizontal alignment image element. For example, the user can align the arrow or triangular protrusions of the horizontal alignment tab element with the horizontal alignment image element line.

The alignment image 514 may include an image element for vertical alignment. The image element for vertical alignment may be used by the user to determine how to move the otoscope clamp device to ensure alignment. The image element for vertical alignment may be a line, an object, a shape, an indicator, an icon, and/or the like. For example, the image element for vertical alignment may be an oval extended along a horizontal axis. The image element for vertical alignment may be located within the alignment image, may be located outside the alignment image, and/or may intersect the contour of the alignment image. The image element for vertical alignment may be used by the user to determine how to move the otoscope clamp device along a vertical axis associated with the display to vertically align the otoscope associated with the otoscope assembly relative to the smart device camera.

The alignment image 514 may be displayed with a visual effect. This visual effect may make the alignment image more noticeable to attract the user's attention. The visual effect may include a pulsating effect, a color change effect, a resizing effect, a fade-in effect, or the like. For example, the alignment image 514 may pulsate when displayed to indicate to the user where the otoscope attachment device alignment tab should be displayed. For example, the alignment image 514 may pulsate to indicate to the user that it is time to place the otoscope clamp device on the smart device. The otoscope clamp alignment tab, such as the alignment tab 106 described herein, may include one or more alignment tab elements that can facilitate the alignment of the otoscope relative to the camera. For example, an alignment tab may be positioned within, near, or over the alignment image 514 so that one or more elements of the alignment tab are aligned with one or more elements of the alignment image. The alignment tab may be aligned with the alignment image when the otoscope is aligned with the camera. For example, the otoscope may be aligned with the camera when one or more elements of the alignment tab are aligned with one or more elements of the alignment image.

The image element for alignment may be complementary to the element of the tab for alignment. For example, the first image element for alignment may be complementary to the first element of the tab for alignment or a part of the first element of the tab for alignment, wherein the second image element for alignment may be complementary to the second element of the tab for alignment or a part of the second element of the tab for alignment, and the third image element for alignment may be complementary to the third element of the tab for alignment or a part of the third element of the tab for alignment. As shown in FIG. 5, the image 514 for alignment may be placed in a certain location on the display of the smart device. For example, the image 514 for alignment may be an icon or a file that can be placed in a location (e.g., the correct location) so that the otoscope is aligned with the camera. The location on the display of the smart device may be determined in several ways. In one example, a smart device may determine the identity of a smart device model. The smart device may use the model identifier to determine the location to display an image for alignment on the smart device. This location may be stored in a database, table, and/or file, which may reside on the smart device and/or another computing device (e.g., a cloud server). The smart device may use the model identifier to search for a location to display the image for alignment using the database.

A smart device may determine one or more dimensions of a smartphone component and may use one or more dimensions to determine a location for displaying an image for alignment. Such a component may be a display, a camera, and/or the like. For example, a smart device may determine one or more dimensions that may indicate the center of a camera. The smart device may use these dimensions to determine a point on the display that may be associated with the center of the camera. For example, a point on the display may be located on an axis that passes through the center of the camera and is orthogonal to the display. A measurement of a smartphone component may be a dimension from the edge of the display that can be used to display an image for alignment. The measurement may be the dimension from the edge of the display to the edge of the image for alignment. The measurement may be the dimension from the edge of the display to the center of the image for alignment. The measurement may be the dimension from the edge of the smart device to the center of the camera. The measurement may be the resolution of a display that is a component of the smartphone. The measurement may be the pixel density of the display, such as the number of pixels per square inch (PPI), which is typical for a smartphone.

The alignment image may be modified and/or generated based on the smart device model. For example, the alignment image may be displayed in one location and size for the iPhone 6, but may be displayed in a different location and size for the Samsung Galaxy S. In one example, the alignment image may be displayed in one location and size for a first display resolution of the device and may be displayed in a different location and size for a second display resolution of the device. The alignment image may be displayed with a visual effect (e.g., flashing, pulsating, etc.) to indicate when the user can attach the otoscope clip device to the smart device. The alignment image may indicate that the user can attach the otoscope clip device.

It may be determined that the otoscope clamping device is aligned with the camera, for example, using video captured by the camera. The user may view video and/or an image (e.g., a live video and/or an image) from the camera at step 512. The user may use this video to determine that the otoscope clamping device is not aligned with the camera. For example, the user may determine that a portion of the otoscope may appear in the video and block part of the camera's field of view. In one example, the user may determine that the otoscope clamping device is aligned with the camera by observing a full circle within the camera's field of view.

The user can determine that the otoscope clamp device may be improperly aligned or detached by viewing the camera's field of view (e.g., viewing video and/or an image from the camera) in step 512. When the otoscope clamp device is removed from the camera, the camera's field of view displayed in step 512 may appear different. For example, the user may see that the camera's field of view may be cut off or that there may be a black tint near or around the edges. As another example, the user may see that the camera's field of view may not represent a clear circle (e.g., a full clear circle). The camera's field of view in step 512 can ensure that the content can reflect the alignment and recording that may take place. This can help the user understand how to align the otoscope clamp device. This can help the user determine that the otoscope clamp device is not aligned. In one example, the user may be prompted to increase the volume to hear audio recommendations that may be provided. In one example, the user may be presented with a diagram and/or image of the outer ear, inner ear, and/or ear canal to familiarize the user with what they can see.

At step 508, the user may be prompted to indicate which ear of the patient will be examined using the otoscope clip device. The user may indicate that the right ear, the left ear, or both can be examined. The user may indicate which ear should be examined so that the recorded video can be labeled accordingly. In one example, the user may be prompted to watch a training video. The training video may explain how to use the otoscope clip device with a smart device. The training video may include an overview of how to attach the otoscope clip device to a smart device and/or how to use the otoscope.

In one example, the user may be provided with visual and/or written instructions on how to straighten the ear canal. The visual and/or written instructions may be age-appropriate. For example, instructions may be provided to demonstrate how to position a child to assist in straightening the ear canal.

At step 510, the user may be prompted to place the otoscope speculum into the patient's ear canal. The smart device display may display a video and/or camera image showing the viewing area through the otoscope. The smart device may provide the user with instructions on how to enhance the image, how to perform the examination, how long to record, and the like. The smart device may display a countdown to indicate when the user should begin recording. For example, the user may carefully insert the speculum and begin recording after a three-second countdown. The smart device may notify the user that video and/or images are being recorded. The smart device may prompt the user to follow an arrow displayed in the direction of the eardrum and may instruct the user to stop if something obstructs the view.

The smart device may display a countdown to prompt the user to continue holding the otoscope speculum in the patient's ear canal until the countdown ends. This could be done, for example, to ensure sufficient time to record a video of the patient's outer ear, middle ear, and/or ear canal (e.g., the eardrum).

FIG. 6 shows an example of a process used by a smart device to provide an alignment image to help the user align the otoscope and camera using the alignment image. The otoscope may be a component of an otoscope clamp device. The otoscope and/or the otoscope clamp device may be referred to as a removable optical element. At step 602, the smart device may determine a model identifier, which may indicate a model associated with the device. The smart device may determine the model identifier using an application programming interface (API) that is provided to the smart device. For example, the smart device may use the Apple iOS API to determine that the smartphone is an iPhone 6. Similar APIs may be provided to the smart device.

A smart device may determine a model identifier from memory in the smart device. For example, the smart device may retrieve the model identifier from a SIM card, which may be included in the smart device. The SIM card may contain information related to the smart device, such as the model, the carrier with which the smart device can work, the smart device identifier, the user identifier, and the like. In one example, the smart device may use information from the SIM card to determine the model identifier. The smart device may determine the model identifier by receiving data from a server, such as a server associated with computing resources, such as the computing resources shown in FIGS. 4A-B. For example, the smart device may send a request to the server. The request may include information related to the smart device, such as a subscription, a user identifier, a smart device identifier, and the like. The server may determine the model of the smart device and may send a message to the smart device, which may include the model identifier.

At step 604, the smart device may determine an image for alignment using the model identifier. The image for alignment may be generated, modified, retrieved, and/or determined by the smart device. For example, the image for alignment may be retrieved from local storage. The image for alignment may be generated, modified, retrieved, and determined to be cut and sent to the smart device. For example, the image for alignment may be received by the smart device from a server.

A smart device can determine an image for alignment using a model identifier by performing a series of actions. For example, the smart device can use the model identifier with a database and/or table to determine an image for alignment. The smart device can have a database and/or table that includes the location of cameras according to the model identifier. The database and/or table can be local to the smart device, can be in a remote database, or a combination of both. The smart device can look up the camera location in the database and/or table using the model identifier. The smart device can use the camera location to determine the location on the smart device's display for displaying the image for alignment. As another example, the smart device can use the model identifier to determine one or more dimensions that can be used to determine the image for alignment. The one or more dimensions can be associated with the display and/or camera. For example, the smart device can use the model identifier to determine the model of a smartphone and can determine the resolution of the smartphone's display. The smart device may use the model identifier, display resolution, smart device dimensions, and/or smart device parameters to determine the image to be aligned and/or the location to display the image to be aligned.

A smart device may use a model identifier to determine the location of the camera included with the smart device. The smart device may determine one or more dimensions related to the camera's location, such as the distance from the edge of the smart device, or the smart device's display resolution. The smart device may use one or more dimensions to determine the display location for displaying the alignment image. The smart device may use the camera's location to determine the display location for displaying the alignment image. The smart device may determine the difference between the camera's location and the display's location and use this difference to generate the alignment image.

As another example, a smart device may use a model identifier to determine one or more coordinates indicating the center of the camera to determine an image for alignment. One or more coordinates may be determined using a database, file, data store, or the like. One or more coordinates may be calculated by determining the physical dimensions of the smart device. One or more coordinates may be calculated using a known coordinate for another component of the smart device, such as a display.

As another example, a smart device may use the display resolution and/or the display pixel density to determine an image for alignment. For example, a smart device may determine the display resolution, may determine a location to display an image for alignment using the display resolution, and may display the image for alignment at that location.

A smart device may determine an image to be aligned by retrieving the image from a storage device. For example, the smart device may retrieve the image to be aligned from a storage device associated with the smart device and may configure the image to be aligned according to a model associated with the device. A smart device may determine an image to be aligned by generating the image to be aligned. For example, the smart device may generate the image to be aligned using one or more vectors. The smart device may determine the image to be aligned by retrieving the image to be aligned from a server.

At step 606, the smart device can display an image for alignment on the display of the smart device. For example, the smart device can generate an image for alignment at a location on the display. As another example, the smart device can cause the image for alignment to be played at a location on the display. As another example, the smart device can retrieve an image for alignment from a set of images and can display the image for alignment at this location on the display. As another example, the smart device can determine the size of the image for alignment and can display the image for alignment using this size. FIG. 7 shows another example of a process used by the smart device to provide an image for alignment to assist the user in aligning the otoscope with the camera. The otoscope can be a component of the otoscope clamp device. The otoscope and/or the otoscope clamp device can be referred to as a removable optical element.

At step 702, the smart device may determine an alignment image containing an alignment element that may be complementary to an alignment tab element. The alignment tab may include an alignment tab element. The alignment tab may be part of an otoscope clamping device, which may be referred to as a removable optical element.

At step 704, the smart device can determine a location on the display for displaying an image for alignment. For example, the smart device can use a model identifier, a parameter, and/or dimensions with a database and/or table to determine where on the display the image for alignment can be displayed. The smart device can have a database and/or table that includes a location on the display for displaying an image for alignment in accordance with the model identifier. The database and/or table can be local to the smart device, can be in a remote database, or a combination of both. The smart device can look up the location on the display in the database and/or table using the model identifier; a parameter associated with the device, such as display resolution; and/or a device characteristic, such as display pixel density. The smart device can use the location on the display for displaying the image for alignment.

As another example, a smart device may use a model identifier to determine one or more dimensions and/or one or more parameters that can be used to determine a location on the display. The one or more dimensions may be associated with the display and/or camera. The one or more parameters may be associated with the display and/or camera. The smart device may use the model identifier to determine the location of a camera included with the smart device and may use the camera location to determine a location on the display. The smart device may determine one or more dimensions that relate to the camera location, such as the distance from the edge of the smartphone, and may use one or more dimensions to determine a location on the display. The smart device may determine one or more parameters that relate to the camera, display, and/or device, such as display resolution and/or pixel density, and may use one or more parameters to determine a location on the display. The smart device may determine the difference between the location of the camera and the display and may use this difference to determine a location on the display.

As another example, a smart device may use a model identifier to determine one or more coordinates that indicate the center of the camera for determining a location on the display. The one or more coordinates may be determined using a database, file, data store, or the like. The one or more coordinates may be calculated by determining the physical dimensions of the smart device. The one or more coordinates may be calculated using a known coordinate for another component of the smart device. As another example, a smart device may use the display resolution and/or the pixel density of the display to determine the location for displaying the image for alignment. For example, a smart device may determine the display resolution, determine the location for displaying the image for alignment using the display resolution, and display the image for alignment at this location.

At step 706, the smart device can display an image for alignment at a location on the display. For example, the smart device can generate an image for alignment at a location on the display. As another example, the smart device can cause the image for alignment to be played at a location on the display. As another example, the smart device can retrieve an image for alignment from a set of images and can display the image for alignment at this location on the display. As another example, the smart image can determine the dimensions of the image for alignment and can display the image using the dimensions of the image for alignment.

A device for aligning a removable optical element may be provided. The device may be a smart device, such as a smartphone or a smart tablet. The device may include one or more of a memory device, a processor, a camera, and a display. The removable optical element may be an otoscope and/or an otoscope clamp device, as described herein. A model identifier may be defined, which may indicate a model associated with the device. For example, the model may indicate that the device is an Apple iPhone 6. An alignment image may be defined using the model identifier. The alignment image may indicate where an alignment tab for the removable optical element may be placed to allow the removable optical element to be aligned with the device's camera. For example, the alignment image may ensure alignment of the removable optical element with the camera when the alignment tab, which is part of the removable optical element, is placed on, near, or inside the alignment image. The alignment image may be displayed on the device's display. For example, an image for alignment could be displayed at this location on the display. The display could also show video from a camera.

In one example, the camera may face away from the device's display. An alignment image may be displayed on the device's display such that the removable optical element can be aligned with the camera, which faces away from the display, when the alignment tab is positioned within, near, or over the alignment image.

The alignment image may include one or more alignment image elements. For example, the alignment image may include an alignment image element that may be complementary to an element of the alignment tab of the removable optical element. The alignment image may be used to align the removable optical element relative to the camera along one or more of the horizontal and vertical axes.

The alignment images may include a first alignment image element and a second alignment image element. The first alignment image element may be complementary to the first element of the alignment tab. The second alignment image element, which may be complementary to the second element of the alignment tab of the removable optical element, may be a vertical alignment image element, the first alignment tab element may be a vertical alignment tab element, the second alignment image element may be a horizontal alignment image element, and the second alignment tab element may be a horizontal alignment tab element.

The alignment image element may be an edge of the alignment image. The alignment tab element may be an edge of the alignment tab. The edge of the alignment image may be complementary to the edge of the alignment tab.

The alignment image can be determined using a model identifier. The location of the camera on the device can be determined using the model identifier. A display location for displaying the alignment image can be determined using the camera location. The alignment image can be generated using this display location. The alignment image can be displayed on the display by displaying the alignment image at the display location.

In one example, an alignment image may be determined. The camera location on the device may be determined using the model identifier. The display location for displaying the alignment image may be determined using the camera location. The alignment image may be generated using the difference between the camera location and the display location.

In one example, an image for alignment may be defined. One or more coordinates may be defined that may indicate the center of the camera on the device using a model identifier. The display location for displaying the image for alignment may be determined using one or more coordinates that indicate the center of the camera.

In one example, an image for alignment may be defined. One or more device dimensions may be determined using a model identifier. The display location for displaying the image for alignment may be determined using one or more device dimensions.

A device for aligning a removable optical element with respect to a camera can be provided. The device can be a smart device, such as a smartphone or a smart tablet. The removable optical element can be an otoscope and/or an otoscope clamp device. The device can include one or more of a memory device, a processor, a camera, and a display. An alignment image can be defined. The alignment image can include an alignment element, which can be complementary to an alignment tab element on an alignment tab, which can be an integral part of the removable optical element. A location on the display for displaying the alignment image can be determined such that the removable optical element can be aligned with the camera when the alignment tab of the removable optical element is positioned on, near, or within the alignment image. The alignment image can be displayed at this location on the display. The alignment image can include one or more alignment image elements. The alignment image element may be used to align the removable optical element relative to the camera along one or more of a horizontal axis and a vertical axis.

The alignment image may include a first alignment image element and a second alignment image element. The alignment tab may include a first alignment tab element and a second alignment tab element. The first alignment image element may be complementary to the first alignment tab element. The second alignment image element may be complementary to the second alignment tab element. The first alignment image element may be an image element for vertical alignment. The first alignment tab element may be an image element for vertical alignment. The second alignment image element may be an image element for horizontal alignment. The second alignment tab element may be an image element for horizontal alignment. The alignment image element may be an edge of the alignment image. The alignment tab element may be an edge of the alignment tab. The edge of the alignment image may be complementary to the edge of the alignment tab.

A model identifier may be determined, which may indicate the model associated with the device. The location of the camera on the device may be determined. The display location for displaying the alignment image may be determined by determining the display location for displaying the alignment image using the location of the camera on the device.

The display location for displaying the alignment image can be determined in several ways. For example, one or more coordinates indicating the center of the camera on the device can be determined using a model identifier. The display location for displaying the alignment image can be determined using one or more coordinates indicating the center of the camera. As another example, one or more device dimensions can be determined. The camera location can be determined using one or more device dimensions. The display location for displaying the alignment image can be determined using the camera location.

A method for aligning a removable optical element with a camera on a device, such as a smart device, may be provided. The removable optical element may be an otoscope and/or an otoscope clip. A tab for aligning the removable optical element may be located on the display of the device. An element of the alignment tab on the alignment tab may be aligned with an image element for alignment in an image for alignment displayed on the display. When aligning the element of the alignment tab with the image element for alignment, alignment of the removable optical element with the camera of the device may occur. The removable optical element may be attached to the device. For example, the removable optical element may be attached to the device using a clip of the removable optical element. On the display, a video and/or an image of the viewing area can be viewed through the otoscope in the otoscope clip device. The image element for alignment may be complementary to the element of the alignment tab. An alignment image element can be used to align the removable optical element relative to the camera along one or more of a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. The alignment image can include one or more alignment image elements. For example, the alignment image can include a first alignment image element and a second alignment image element. The alignment tab can include one or more alignment tab elements. For example, the alignment tab can include a first alignment element and a second alignment element. The first element of the alignment tab can be aligned with the first alignment image element. The second element of the alignment tab can be aligned with the second alignment image element in the alignment image displayed on the display. The first alignment image element can be used to align the removable optical element relative to the camera along the horizontal axis. The second alignment image element can be used to align the removable optical element relative to the camera along the vertical axis. A method, device, and/or system may be provided for aligning a removable optical element. A model identifier may be defined. The model identifier may indicate the model associated with the device. An alignment image may be defined using the model identifier. The alignment image may indicate where a portion of the removable optical element may be positioned to align the removable optical element with the device's camera. The alignment image may be displayed on the device's display.

In one example, the image to be aligned is determined using a model identifier. For example, the pixel density of a device's display may be determined using a model identifier. The image to be aligned may be determined using this pixel density. In one example, the image to be aligned may be determined using the model identifier by determining the location on the display where the image to be aligned is displayed using the model identifier.

In one example, the alignment image may be determined by defining one or more device-specific parameters using a model identifier. The display location for displaying the alignment image may be determined using one or more device parameters.

In one example, the alignment image may be used to align the removable optical element with respect to the camera along one or more of a horizontal axis and a vertical axis.

In one example, the alignment image may include an alignment image element that may be complementary to at least a portion of the removable optical element.

In one example, the alignment image may include a first alignment image element that may be complementary to at least a first portion of the removable optical element. The alignment image may include a second alignment image element that may be complementary to at least a second portion of the removable optical element.

In one example, a removable optical element may include a horizontal alignment element and a vertical alignment element. The alignment image may include a vertical alignment image that may be complementary to at least a portion of the vertical alignment element. The alignment image may include a horizontal alignment image that may be complementary to at least a portion of the horizontal alignment element.

In one example, the removable optical element may include an alignment tab. The alignment image may include an alignment image element that may be complementary to at least a portion of the alignment tab.

In one example, the removable optical element may include an alignment tab. The camera may face away from the display. An alignment image may be displayed on the device's display such that the removable optical element can be aligned with the camera when the alignment tab is positioned on, near, or over the alignment image. A method, device, and/or system may be provided for aligning the removable optical element. One or more device parameters associated with the device may be defined.

A display location for displaying an alignment image may be determined such that the removable optical element can be aligned with the camera when a portion of the removable optical element is positioned in the alignment image, the location of which can be determined using one or more device parameters. The alignment image can be displayed at this display location.

In one example, the alignment image may include an alignment image element that may be complementary to at least a portion of the removable optical element.

In one example, one or more device parameters may include at least one of a model identifier, display dimensions, pixel density, or pixels per square inch.

In one example, one or more device parameters may be used to determine a display location by determining one or more coordinates that indicate the center of the camera on the device. The display location for displaying an alignment image may be determined using one or more coordinates that indicate the center of the camera. In one example, the alignment image may be used to align the removable optical element relative to the camera along one or more of the horizontal and vertical axes.

This application may relate to the "determining" of various pieces of information. Determining information may include, for example, one or more of the following: evaluating information, computing information, predicting information, or retrieving information from memory.

Furthermore, this application may relate to the "receiving" of various pieces of information. The term "receiving," like the term "accessing," is broad in meaning. Receiving information may include, for example, accessing information or retrieving information (e.g., from memory). Furthermore, "receiving" typically includes, in one way or another, operations such as storing information, processing information, transmitting information, moving information, copying information, deleting information, computing information, determining information, predicting information, or evaluating information.

It should be noted that the use of any of the following: "/", "and/or" and "at least one of", for example in the cases of "A/B", "A and/or B" and "at least one of A and B", implies the selection of only the first option from the list (A), or the selection of only the second option from the list (B), or the selection of both options (A and B). In a further example, in the cases of "A, B and/or C" and "at least one of A, B and C", such wording implies the selection of only the first item from the list (A), or the selection of only the second item from the list (B), or the selection of only the third item from the list (C), or the selection of only the first and second items from the list (A and B), or the selection of only the first and third items from the list (A and C), or the selection of only the second and third items from the list (A and B and C), or the selection of all three items (A and B and C). As will be understood by those skilled in the art and related fields, this provision can be extended to as many elements as are contained in the list.

A number of examples are described herein. The features of these examples may be provided in claims of various categories and types, individually or in any combination. Furthermore, embodiments may include one or more of the following features, devices, or aspects provided in claims of various categories and types, individually or in any combination.

Claims (39)

1. A device for aligning a removable optical element, comprising: a processor configured to: determining a model identifier, wherein the model identifier specifies a model associated with the device; determining an alignment image using the model identifier, wherein the alignment image indicates where a portion of the removable optical element should be positioned to align the removable optical element with respect to the camera of the device; and displaying an image for alignment on a display of the device, wherein the processor is also configured to determine the image for alignment using the model identifier by: determining the pixel density of the display of the device using the model identifier; and determining the image to be aligned using pixel density. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to determine an image for alignment using the model identifier by determining a location on the display for displaying the image for alignment using the model identifier. 3. The device according to claim 1, in which the processor is further configured to determine the image to be aligned by: determining one or more parameters associated with the device using the model identifier; and determining a location on the display to display the image for alignment using one or more device parameters. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the alignment image can be used to align the removable optical element relative to the camera along one or more of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis. 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the alignment image includes an alignment image element that is complementary to at least a portion of the removable optical element. 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the alignment image includes a first alignment image element that is complementary to at least a first portion of the removable optical element, and wherein the alignment image includes a second alignment image element that is complementary to at least a second portion of the removable optical element. 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the removable optical element includes a horizontal alignment element and a vertical alignment element, and wherein the alignment image includes a vertical alignment image that is complementary to at least a portion of the vertical alignment element, and wherein the alignment image includes a horizontal alignment image that is complementary to at least a portion of the horizontal alignment element. 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the removable optical element includes an alignment tab, and wherein the alignment image includes an alignment image element that is complementary to at least a portion of the alignment tab. 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the removable optical element includes an alignment tab, and wherein the camera faces away from the display, and wherein the processor is configured to display an alignment image on the display of the device such that the removable optical element can be aligned with the camera when the alignment tab is positioned over the alignment image. 10. A method for aligning a removable optical element, performed by a device for aligning a removable optical element, comprising: determining a model identifier, wherein the model identifier specifies a model associated with the device; defining an alignment image using the model identifier, wherein the alignment image indicates where a portion of the removable optical element should be positioned to align the removable optical element with the camera of the device; and displaying an image for alignment on a display of the device, wherein determining the image for alignment using the model identifier includes: determining the pixel density of the device's display using the model identifier; and defining an image to align using pixel density. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises: determining an image to be aligned using the model identifier by determining a location on a display for displaying the image to be aligned using the model identifier; determining one or more parameters associated with the device using the model identifier; and determining a location on the display to display the image for alignment using one or more device parameters. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the alignment image can be used to align the removable optical element relative to the camera along one or more of a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. 13. A device for aligning a removable optical element, comprising: camera; display; and a processor configured to: determining one or more device parameters associated with the device; determining, using one or more parameters of the device, a location on the display for displaying the alignment image such that the removable optical element is aligned with the camera when a portion of the removable optical element is placed in the alignment image; and displaying the image to align at that location on the display, wherein said one or more device parameters include pixel density. 14. The device according to paragraph 13, in which: (i) the alignment image includes an alignment image element complementary to at least a portion of the removable optical element; (ii) one or more device parameters include at least one of a model identifier, display dimensions, or number of pixels per square inch; (iii) the processor is configured to determine, using one or more device parameters, a location on the display by: determining one or more coordinates that indicate the center of a camera on the device, using one or more device parameters; and determining a location on the display for displaying an image for alignment using one or more coordinates that indicate the center of the camera; or (iv) the alignment image may be used to align the removable optical element with respect to the camera along one or more of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis.