Method for identifying objects in a subject's ear
US9931021B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 4, 2014 |
| Grant date | Apr 3, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2562/0242
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of identifying objects in a subject's ear, comprising the following steps: introducing an optical electronic imaging unit and a light source into an ear canal of a subject's outer ear, wherein the electronic imaging unit exhibits an optical axis directed in a distal direction, especially directed at the eardrum of the subject's ear; using the electronic imaging unit to capture an image from an eccentric observation point positioned on the optical axis and positioned eccentrically within the ear canal; and determining brightness or color information to identify objects shown in the image by electronic means, in order to automatically identify the objects, especially the eardrum.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.