Ultrasonic detection of ear disorders
US7131946B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 5, 2003 |
| Grant date | Nov 7, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 5, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/12
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for detecting an ear disorder. The apparatus includes structure for transmitting and receiving a plurality of signals to interact with an ear, and includes structure for directing the plurality of signals along different directions. In one example, the apparatus includes a plurality of transducers, each for interacting with a different ear portion. The transducers may be in a curved array. A determination as to which of the transducers is operable to provide an accurate indication of the detected ear disorder can be made. The transducers can be operated sequentially. In general, the method includes transmitting and receiving a plurality of signals to interact with an ear for ear disorder detection, and directing the plurality of signals along different directions. In one example the method includes providing a probe that has a plurality of transducers for use in detecting the ear disorder.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.