US20110190582A1 - Intravaginal optics targeting system - Google Patents
Intravaginal optics targeting system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110190582A1 US20110190582A1 US12/890,847 US89084710A US2011190582A1 US 20110190582 A1 US20110190582 A1 US 20110190582A1 US 89084710 A US89084710 A US 89084710A US 2011190582 A1 US2011190582 A1 US 2011190582A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- imager
- monitoring device
- vaginal
- data
- imd
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H30/00—ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of medical images
- G16H30/20—ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of medical images for handling medical images, e.g. DICOM, HL7 or PACS
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00002—Operational features of endoscopes
- A61B1/00011—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by signal transmission
- A61B1/00016—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by signal transmission using wireless means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00002—Operational features of endoscopes
- A61B1/00025—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by power management
- A61B1/00027—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by power management characterised by power supply
- A61B1/00032—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by power management characterised by power supply internally powered
- A61B1/00034—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by power management characterised by power supply internally powered rechargeable
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
- A61B1/00071—Insertion part of the endoscope body
- A61B1/0008—Insertion part of the endoscope body characterised by distal tip features
- A61B1/00096—Optical elements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00131—Accessories for endoscopes
- A61B1/00135—Oversleeves mounted on the endoscope prior to insertion
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00163—Optical arrangements
- A61B1/00174—Optical arrangements characterised by the viewing angles
- A61B1/00177—Optical arrangements characterised by the viewing angles for 90 degrees side-viewing
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/04—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances
- A61B1/042—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances characterised by a proximal camera, e.g. a CCD camera
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/04—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances
- A61B1/05—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/303—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor for the vagina, i.e. vaginoscopes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/42—Gynaecological or obstetrical instruments or methods
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/42—Gynaecological or obstetrical instruments or methods
- A61B17/425—Gynaecological or obstetrical instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/145—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue
- A61B5/14539—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue for measuring pH
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/43—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the reproductive systems
- A61B5/4306—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the reproductive systems for evaluating the female reproductive systems, e.g. gynaecological evaluations
- A61B5/4318—Evaluation of the lower reproductive system
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/43—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the reproductive systems
- A61B5/4306—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the reproductive systems for evaluating the female reproductive systems, e.g. gynaecological evaluations
- A61B5/4343—Pregnancy and labour monitoring, e.g. for labour onset detection
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/48—Other medical applications
- A61B5/4836—Diagnosis combined with treatment in closed-loop systems or methods
- A61B5/4839—Diagnosis combined with treatment in closed-loop systems or methods combined with drug delivery
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
- A61B5/6846—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be brought in contact with an internal body part, i.e. invasive
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
- A61B8/44—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device
- A61B8/4416—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device related to combined acquisition of different diagnostic modalities, e.g. combination of ultrasound and X-ray acquisitions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
- A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
- A61N5/0601—Apparatus for use inside the body
- A61N5/0603—Apparatus for use inside the body for treatment of body cavities
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H40/00—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices
- G16H40/60—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices
- G16H40/67—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for remote operation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00142—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with means for preventing contamination, e.g. by using a sanitary sheath
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/03—Detecting, measuring or recording fluid pressure within the body other than blood pressure, e.g. cerebral pressure; Measuring pressure in body tissues or organs
- A61B5/033—Uterine pressure
- A61B5/035—Intra-uterine probes therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/145—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue
- A61B5/14532—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/24—Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
- A61B5/316—Modalities, i.e. specific diagnostic methods
- A61B5/318—Heart-related electrical modalities, e.g. electrocardiography [ECG]
- A61B5/344—Foetal cardiography
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B7/00—Instruments for auscultation
- A61B7/02—Stethoscopes
- A61B7/023—Stethoscopes for introduction into the body, e.g. into the oesophagus
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
- A61B8/12—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves in body cavities or body tracts, e.g. by using catheters
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
- A61B8/44—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device
- A61B8/4444—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device related to the probe
- A61B8/445—Details of catheter construction
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
- A61B8/44—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device
- A61B8/4444—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device related to the probe
- A61B8/4472—Wireless probes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
- A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
- A61N5/0601—Apparatus for use inside the body
- A61N5/0603—Apparatus for use inside the body for treatment of body cavities
- A61N2005/0611—Vagina
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H15/00—ICT specially adapted for medical reports, e.g. generation or transmission thereof
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H40/00—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices
- G16H40/60—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices
- G16H40/63—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for local operation
Definitions
- the invention generally relates to medical devices, and more particular to medical devices used in obstetrics and gynecology.
- the anatomical characteristics of a human reproductive system vary greatly from one woman to the next. For example, race, age, bladder condition, reproductive and surgical history, and current reproductive status, among many other factors, may affect sizes and orientations of underlying vaginal channels and cervical dimensions and orientations.
- anatomical characteristics of reproductive systems exhibit major variations in: (a) lengths between vaginal orifices to posterior fornices ( ⁇ 60% variance); (b) lengths between vaginal orifices to anterior fornices ( ⁇ 40% variance); (c) sizes of the introitus ( ⁇ 70% variance); (d) straight line lengths between anterior to posterior fornices ( ⁇ 70% variance); (e) straight line widths between lateral fornices ( ⁇ 80% variance); and (f) vaginal orifice, mid vaginal and anterior fornix vaginal widths.
- cervical orientation exhibits substantial variation not only from woman to woman, but also within the same woman over time or depending upon circumstances. For example, significant variations across spectrum of women and within the same women occur due to the: (i) natural orientation of uterus; (b) vaginal channel alignment during later stages of pregnancy; (iii) reorientation with full/empty bladder; (vi) retraction during arousal; and (v) relocation post birthing with or without involvement of cesarean procedures.
- vaginal channel does not usually run along a straight axis, but typically comprises one or more bends and associated curvatures between vaginal openings to the anterior fornix.
- Cervical orientation also depends upon orientation of the uterus under the aforementioned situations. About eighty percent of women have a normal cervical orientation that varies throughout a 90 degree range, while tilted cervical orientations found in about twenty percent of women span about 45 degrees outside of the normal range.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating intravaginal and cervical regions of a woman's body along with an intravaginal monitoring device (herein an “IMD”) to be inserted into place; wherein the intravaginal monitoring device is capable of guiding inside the optics cap to capture images of large portions of intravaginal and cervical regions that come in a wide ranging variation in dimensions;
- IMD intravaginal monitoring device
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating various details and dimensional ranges underlying the reproductive system of the FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a further cross-sectional diagram illustrating other variants and angular frames of reference for the intravaginal and cervical regions of the female reproductive system of the FIG. 1 to be monitored by an IMD built in accordance with the present invention
- FIGS. 4 a through 4 h are schematic diagrams illustrating construction of one of the embodiments of the intravaginal monitoring device, along with typical dimensions, having manually adjustable optics encased with a (flexible) transparent optics cap;
- FIGS. 5 a - c are cross-sectional diagrams illustrating a wide ranging variation in dimensions and orientations of intravaginal and cervical regions with the IMD of FIG. 4 inserted therein, and wherein such IMD having multiple imager assemblies disposed within one type of transparent optics cap;
- FIGS. 6 a - c are cross-sectional diagrams illustrating variations in dimensions, contours, and orientations of intravaginal and cervical regions, and, inserted therein, an IMD built in accordance with various aspects of the present invention such as having an adjustable optics assembly may be manipulated to better conform to such variations;
- FIGS. 7 a - d are cross-sectional diagrams illustrating a wide ranging variation in dimensions and orientations of intravaginal and cervical regions with the IMD of FIG. 4 inserted therein, and wherein such IMD having multiple imager assemblies disposed within yet other alternate shaped, transparent optics caps;
- FIGS. 8 a - e are schematic diagrams illustrating construction of two embodiments of an intravaginal monitoring device along with typical dimensions, thereof, and having an actuator-controlled optical system and built in accordance with and to illustrate several aspects of the present invention
- FIGS. 9 a - f are diagrams illustrating construction of two embodiments of the intravaginal monitoring device along with typical dimensions, wherein such IMDs having mechanical and/or electro-mechanical structures supporting adjustable optics assemblies;
- FIGS. 10 a - d are perspective diagrams illustrating further details regarding the adjustable optics assembly of FIGS. 9 a - b that supports two imager assemblies;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective diagram illustrating an exemplary physical construction of an intravaginal monitoring device built in accordance with various aspects of the present invention to support manual optical system adjustment;
- FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating internal circuitry involved in the construction of telescopic, actuator controlled, multi-directional front-end imager assembly guiding systems of various embodiments, of the FIGS. 4 through 9 , of the intravaginal monitoring device;
- FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a separate hand-held-device in communication with a dual imaging IMD with electro-mechanical image adjustment mechanisms built therein, and wherein two video sequences are simultaneously displayed to assist in both tailoring such IMD for use by a particular female, and assisting in insertion, framing, zooming, panning, and otherwise targeting of a cervical region within a vaginal channel;
- FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a laptop computer, in communication with a dual imaging IMD with electro-mechanical image adjustment mechanisms built therein, wherein much like the hand-held device of FIG. 13 , two video sequences are simultaneously displayed to assist in both tailoring such IMD for use by a particular female, and assisting in insertion, framing, zooming, panning, and otherwise targeting of a cervical region within a vaginal channel; and
- FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram illustrating visually a programmatic process of stitching the resulting images or video frames to obtain a wider angle view of the intravaginal and cervical regions, wherein such process may take place on an IMD or within any external, supporting device.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a vaginal channel 113 and cervical regions 117 , 121 of a woman's body along with an intravaginal monitoring device 191 to be inserted into place; wherein the intravaginal monitoring device 191 is capable of guiding inside the optics cap 171 to capture images of large portions of vaginal channel 113 and cervical regions 117 , 121 that comprise a wide ranging variation in dimensions.
- the current illustration depicts an introitus 123 of a vaginal channel 113 , cervix 121 , outer surface 117 of the cervix 121 , interior 119 of a uterus 107 in a normal orientation, fallopian tube 111 , and ovary 109 .
- depicted is an exemplary overlay of a tilted uterus 115 .
- the cervical orientation depends on, among other factors, the orientation of the uterus 107 (or uterus 115 ) under the various situations.
- Typical angular orientations in relation to the axial direction 195 of the vaginal channel 113 include normal orientations 151 and tilted orientations 153 .
- IMD Intravaginal Monitoring Device
- variations in the vaginal channel 113 and the cervical regions 117 , 121 of a woman's reproductive system involve: (a) length between the introitus 113 and posterior fornix within the cervical regions 117 , 121 (variations may range up to sixty one percent); (b) length between the introitus 113 and anterior fornix (may vary up to thirty seven percent); (c) size of the introitus (variations may be up to sixty seven percent); (d) straight line length between anterior to posterior fornices (may vary up to seventy two percent); (e) straight line widths between lateral fornices (variations may be up to sixty eight percent); and (f) widths and heights of the vaginal channel 113 (significant variations typically exist through the entire length).
- an intravaginal monitoring device 191 should also account for cervical orientation and insertion depth. Insertion depth of the intravaginal monitoring device 191 to the posterior fornix may not be easy across the spectrum of all women due to: (a) abnormal anatomical configurations; (b) cervical impact being misinterpreted as the posterior fornix; (c) anterior fornix being misinterpreted as the anterior fornix; or (d) insufficient nerve feedback of successful positioning. Moreover, for some women based on their current anatomical configurations, full insertion into the posterior fornix may not be optimal for capturing images and further information about the cervix or other areas within the vaginal channel 113 . For a variety of reasons, including abnormal anatomical configurations and other reasons mentioned above, insertion by a particular woman over time (including monthly cycles or state of pregnancy) may involve insertion to differing depths.
- the cervical orientation may be referred to as an angular measurement between the cervical plane & vaginal channel axis. For example, if a cervical plane is parallel to a vaginal axis, cervical orientation would be 0 degrees; a vaginal axis that is normal to a cervical plane would have a cervical orientation of 90 degrees.
- the cervical orientation exhibits substantial variation not only from woman to woman, but also within the same woman over time (for example, changes occur during pregnancy, based on bladder volume, in response to arousal, etc.).
- Vaginal axis is not usually a straight line, but typically comprises a bend or two and curvature between vaginal openings to the anterior fornix, complicating image capture.
- the design considerations of the intravaginal monitoring device's 191 guiding procedures, and optics attempt to address all these variations. Such considerations are important whether the IMD comprises a “one size fits all” design or several independent designs (with each of the several designs being directed toward groups of women with relatively similar anatomical configurations).
- Design considerations also take into consideration the woman's comfort involving characteristics such as stem flexibility, wear-ability, stem length, overall stem and cap widths and curvatures, and cap lengths and compressibility.
- the various IMD embodiments within the present application are equally applicable to the reproductive systems of non-human female species.
- the IMD 191 employs a variety of techniques to address the wide variance in reproductive systems usable for all species.
- the optics and guiding techniques of the IMD 191 address at least some of the anatomical variations of a female reproductive system.
- An optics assembly 177 may be adjusted to various positions within an inner cavity of a cap or optics cap 171 .
- the optics assembly 177 includes two imager assemblies 173 and 175 to cover a wider field of view than would ordinarily be possible by using only a single imager assembly.
- the angle of the imager assembly 173 may also be manually or electro-mechanically adjusted.
- the optics cap 171 is relatively transparent, and can be made from a medical grade compressible polymer material, e.g., a soft silicone rubber. Most of these and other features and feature options not only accommodate reproductive system variations but also support comfortable, ease of use.
- the optics assembly 177 may involve manual or electro-mechanical adjustment of both or either of the telescopic optics assembly and the angle of the imager assembly 173 .
- the electro-mechanical approach involves, for example, the use of miniature piezo-electric actuators.
- Manual or electro-mechanical rotation of the optics assembly around the axis of the stem of the IMD 191 may also be employed to address a laterally oriented target such as a laterally situated cervix.
- Control of the various actuators can be controlled directly via an interface placed on the IMD 191 , remotely by the user via a local computing device, and other computing devices remote from the user.
- such control might involve: (a) an dedicated hand-held device in local communication with the IMD 191 ; (b) a multipurpose device (such as a mobile phone, tablet computer or laptop computer) in local communication with the IMD 191 ; (c) a remotely located, dedicated or multipurpose device in communication with the IMD 191 via the Internet; (d) manual interaction via a user interface placed on the IMD 191 (e.g., a button); or (e) via twisting, turning, adjusting insertion depth, and otherwise manually manipulating the IMD 191 directly and without automation.
- the imager assembly 175 is adjustable in a mostly radial direction 197
- imager assembly 173 is adjustable in a mostly axial direction 195
- the images or video acquired from the imager assemblies 173 , 175 may be displayed one at a time in a small or full screen window, or, if preferred, at the same time on a remote or local display.
- a first image/video produced via the imager assembly 173 may be displayed (or primarily displayed) to support “gross” guidance of the IMD 191 into position.
- a second image/video produced via the imager assembly 175 can be displayed (or become the primary display) to fine tune targeting of a radially located cervix.
- Primary display may involve replacing the first image/video with the second, but may also involve placing both image/video on the same display screen at the same time (perhaps even with an overlay scheme).
- the first and second image/video may also be stitched together to gain a wide angle image that covers more than 150 degree view of the outer surface of the cervix 117 .
- Three dimensional imaging/video can also be constructed therefrom.
- a woman who purchases and adjusts the optics assembly of an intravaginal monitoring device 191 to fit her present anatomy may continue to use the imager (with perhaps minor adjustment over the course of pregnancy) using guidance techniques provided by the IMD 191 and perhaps an external hand-held device. Adjustment is possible in the aforementioned ways, such as via the manually controlled or actuator controlled telescoping, rotation or angular adjustments of and within the optics assembly 177 . Even the optics cap 171 can be replaced to adjust focal lengths or comfort as the area near the cervix 117 changes.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating various details and dimensional ranges underlying the reproductive system of the FIG. 1 .
- the following description of the human reproductive system sets forth substantial variations in the dimensions found in female reproductive anatomy which the various aspects of the present invention attempt to accommodate.
- one or more of the various adjustable characteristics, guidance techniques and comfort factors set forth in this application can be combined with or incorporated into an intravaginal monitoring device in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a further cross-sectional diagram illustrating other variants and angular frames of reference for the intravaginal and cervical regions of the female reproductive system of the FIG. 1 to be monitored by an IMD built in accordance with the present invention.
- the current depiction focuses on the wide ranging variation in the anterior fornix vaginal widths 395 that is to be taken into design considerations, since the wide angle image capturing depends upon these variations.
- anterior fornix vaginal widths can vary between 2.2 and 6.5 cm, with an average of 3.3 cm, as many studies show.
- design considerations take into consideration the woman's comfort as well.
- a woman having a smaller anterior fornix vaginal width, as in the case of 371 may find it very uncomfortable to wear an intravaginal monitoring device of larger dimensions, designed with an average sized woman, as in the case of 379 .
- the depiction also shows: (a) Lengths between vaginal orifices to posterior fornix 311 ; (b) Lengths between vaginal orifices to anterior fornix 313 ; (c) Sizes of introitus 317 ; (d) Straight line lengths between anterior to posterior fornix 315 ; (e) Straight line widths between lateral fornix 315 ; (f) Vaginal orifice; (g) mid vaginal width; and (h) anterior fornix vaginal width.
- the design considerations of the optics and guiding systems take into consideration these variations by ways of manually controlled or actuator controlled telescopic and stationary or actuator controlled rotating imager assembly of the imagers to focus upon specific regions of cervix and capture images.
- the variations that occur naturally in anatomy or due to circumstantial considerations, depth of insertion and variations of cervical orientation (based upon the range of 351 , 353 ), from woman to woman and within a single woman over time are considerations for which many of the various aspects of the present invention are directed.
- the depiction also shows angular measurements between the cervical plane & vaginal channel axis. For instance, if a cervical plane is parallel to a vaginal axis, cervical orientation would be 0 degrees; a vaginal axis that is normal to a cervical plane would have a cervical orientation of 90 degrees.
- studies show that eighty percentage of women have a normal cervical orientation (based upon the range of 353 ) that vary approximately between 0 degrees (as mentioned above) to 90 degrees (toward the backside, looking from the front); while twenty percentages of women have tilted cervical orientation (based upon the range of 351 ) that vary approximately between 0 degrees (as mentioned above) to 45 degrees (toward the front side, looking from the front).
- the depiction also shows axial direction 377 and cervical angle 375 that are factors in designing the IMD and associated guidance process as well.
- the orientations of the axial and radial imager assemblies 173 , 175 depend upon the cervical orientations or other intravaginal targets, which vary largely from woman to woman and within a single woman, during various circumstances.
- FIGS. 4 a through 4 h are schematic diagrams illustrating construction of one of the embodiments of the intravaginal monitoring device, along with typical dimensions, having manually adjustable optics encased with a (flexible) transparent optics cap.
- the illustration of FIG. 4 g depicts an intravaginal monitoring device that consists of a dual segmented housing stem 431 (one which can be taken apart for storage within a small carrying case for example), and optics assemblies 429 , optics cap 427 and bottom cap 433 .
- the overall length of the IMD, the sum of dimensions 457 and 459 may vary depending on the inner electronics and batteries incorporated. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the overall length may be 24 cm.
- FIGS. 4 a , 4 b, 4 c, 4 d, 4 e , 4 f and 4 h depict individual parts and steps of constructing an intravaginal monitoring device such as that of the FIG. 4 g .
- an optics assembly 429 FIG. 4 g
- a telescopic stem 411 FIG. 4 a
- FIG. 4 b e.g., a telescopic stem portion 415 of a width 465 sized to fit within the housing stem 431
- a platform portion 413 can be folded and manually adjust and readjusted, see folded platform 419 of FIG.
- the optics system 429 can be adjusted by manually positioning the depth of the telescopic stem within the housing stem 431 and through clockwise or counterclockwise rotation.
- the telescopic stem 428 can be extended and configured for rotation mechanically by a user via the end cap 433 .
- mechanical constructs (not shown) are contemplated to support pivoting of the axially mounted imager assembly. Such configurations would eliminate the need to remove the optics cap to gain access to and adjust the optics assembly orientation.
- an optics cap 435 depicted in the FIG. 4 e that is, in this embodiment, shaped irregularly with a bulge on one side so as to maximize focal length to the cervical area while taking advantage of natural elasticity associated with the region of the vaginal channel opposite the cervical surface.
- Typical dimensions 451 and 453 of the outer cap 435 can typically be 36 mm and 28 mm to serve a variety of types of women's reproductive systems and the specific underlying optics assembly requirements.
- a battery compartment 499 contains batteries that are rechargeable or disposable.
- One or more buttons or other user input devices may be placed on the IMD.
- a power button is illustrated as being located on the bottom of an end cap 495 .
- the location of field of views 473 , 475 of the axially and radially located imager assemblies are adjusted to minimize one imager assembly's image capture of the other to prevent having to crop or present a perhaps distracting element within each image/video stream captured.
- FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are schematic diagrams illustrating a wide ranging variation in dimensions of intravaginal and cervical regions and FIG. 5 c illustrating construction of the intravaginal monitoring device of FIG. 4 , having a telescopic, actuator controlled, multi-directional front-end imager assembly guiding systems, having a (flexible) transparent optics cap that faces and fits snugly and flexibly onto the outer surface of the cervix.
- FIGS. 5 a , 5 b and 5 c depict the variations in the intravaginal and cervical regions, whereas some are larger in sizes, others are smaller, and some deviate from axial direction either way by smaller cervical angles or larger cervical angles.
- FIGS. 5 a - c are cross-sectional diagrams illustrating a wide ranging variation in dimensions and orientations of intravaginal and cervical regions with the IMD of FIG. 4 inserted therein, and wherein such IMD having a multiple imager assembly disposed within a further type of transparent optics cap.
- An axial imager assembly 509 covers an axial field of view 551 .
- a radial imager assembly 513 covers a radial field of view 553 . Both the radial and axial fields of view 551 , 553 may be designed to cover, for example, a range of 90-100 or more degrees.
- the label “radial” and “axial” as used above are not necessarily fully axial aligned, fully radially aligned, or have a 90 degrees angle of separation.
- the radial imager assembly 513 is about 30 degrees of the radial axis, while the axial imager assembly 509 is nearly in axial alignment but offset from the center of the axis of the telescopic stem.
- radial imagers are those comprising a location with a substantial radial component, while axially directed imagers comprise a substantial axial component.
- Both of the axial field of view 551 and radial field of view 553 together cover about one hundred and fifty degrees, and with about forty degrees of overlap. Other configurations and embodiments with greater or lesser coverage and greater or lesser overlap is contemplated.
- the a single “panoramic-like” image can be stitched and stretched together.
- 3D images and video can be constructed from the two sources of image data (i.e., from the assemblies 513 , 509 ).
- the axial field of view 551 and radial field of view 553 can also be viewed separately either by switching between each image/video stream or by simultaneously displaying both image/video streams.
- FIGS. 5 b - c illustrate the vast differences in cervical sizes and orientations that will impact the performance of the IMD of FIG. 5 a .
- the positioning and repositioning process e.g., via guidance supported procedures
- the illustrated IMD is able to capture adequate images for such variations.
- FIGS. 6 a - c are cross-sectional diagrams illustrating variations in dimensions, contours, and orientations of intravaginal and cervical regions, and, inserted therein, an IMD built in accordance with various aspects of the present invention such as having an adjustable optics assembly may be manipulated to better conform to such variations.
- FIG. 6 a shows an exemplary insertion of an IMD through the vaginal channel and in an orientation that adequately captures images and video a cervix that falls within a field of view of a radial imager assembly 607 .
- An axial imager assembly 611 captures only a portion of the cervical area but can be used: a) to assist in the guidance process by allowing the user to find and target the cervical area for image and video capture by the radial imager assembly 611 ; b) along with the image and video capture from the radial imager assembly 607 to construct a panorama, 3D imagery, etc.; and c) to support measurements of the cervical area such as the height of the cervix—an important indication during pregnancy.
- the optics assembly of the IMD includes a stem 613 , inserted within a main housing stem 614 , that supports the imager assemblies 611 , 607 .
- An optics cap 609 may be made with a firm but compressible material (such as silicone rubber) that permits installation, removal and replacement. This may be accomplished by feeding the optics assembly into the inner chamber of the optics cap 609 . Radial tension of the opening portion of the optics cap 609 due to elasticity of the optics cap 609 supports at least a partial hermetic seal and mechanical constraint.
- the opening of the optics cap 609 can be extended to mate with the housing stem 614 as an alternative to mating with the stem 613 (as shown).
- mechanical or electro-mechanical methods for extending the optics assembly further in or out of the inner area of the optics cap 609 might provide a more adequate seal, e.g., where the stem 613 is telescopic.
- the field of view and underling mounting angle of the radial imager assembly 607 is adequately matched to the illustrated reproductive system's orientation and size.
- Exemplary fine tuning adjustment might involve one or more of: a) installation of a different sized and shaped optics cap; b) relocating the radial imager 607 to provide better field of view coverage of the present cervix; c) changing the angle of the radial imager 607 to provide view more normal to the surface of plane of the cervix; d) extending or retracting the axial imager assembly 611 directly (or relatively via use of a longer cap) to (i) minimize having the radial imager assembly 607 within the field of view of the axial imager assembly 611 , (ii) minimize having the axial imager assembly 611 within the field of view of the radial imager assembly 607 , and (iii) attempting a better lateral image of the cervix by relocating the axial imager assembly 611 .
- FIG. 6 b demonstrates that with a slightly wider optics cap 610 replacing the optics cap 609 of FIG. 6 a along with repositioning of the angle of the radial imager assembly 607 , better image and video capture of the exemplary cervix can be obtained. But note, however, that because the radial imager assembly 607 falls within the field of view of the axial imager assembly 611 , the viewer of images and video captured by the axial imager assembly 611 will either have to be tolerated or the axial imager assembly 611 will also have to be moved.
- the field of view impingement of the radial imager assembly 607 can be reduced, but at a cost to the capture by the axial imager assembly 611 of lateral cervical images and video. Such movement may also cause the axial imager assembly 611 to impinge on the field of view of the radial imager assembly 607 .
- a yet larger optics cap might be used, it may very well be intolerable due to comfort and insertion constraints.
- FIG. 6 c illustrates the insertion of an IMD much like that of FIG. 6 a within an entirely different vaginal channel and cervical orientation.
- a single imager assembly might be sufficient, as both of imager assemblies 627 and 631 are capable of capturing adequate images and video.
- 3D reconstruction or panoramic stretching and stitching might be used to provide a more rich viewing presentation. Adjustments to the position of the axial imager assembly 627 can be seen appreciated with reference to the “unadjusted” version within FIG. 6 a (i.e., the imager 607 ). Without such adjustment, the image and video captured by the imager assembly 627 would not span the cervical area.
- FIGS. 7 c - d are schematic diagrams illustrating a wide ranging variation in dimensions of intravaginal and cervical regions and FIGS. 7 a and 7 b illustrating construction of the intravaginal monitoring device of FIG. 4 , having a telescopic, actuator controlled, multi-directional front-end imager assembly guiding systems, having a (flexible) transparent optics cap that faces and fits snugly and flexibly onto the outer surface of the cervix.
- FIGS. 7 a - d are cross-sectional diagrams illustrating a ranging variation in dimensions and orientations of intravaginal and cervical regions with the IMD of FIG. 4 inserted therein, and wherein such IMD having a multiple imager assembly disposed within yet other alternate shaped, transparent optics caps.
- FIG. 7 a depicts the front-end portions of the intravaginal monitoring device inserted into place to capture images of a relatively small sized cervix.
- a single imager assembly solution could be used (for example, by removing or disabling an axial imager assembly 713 .
- adjustments in a telescopic stem 715 via rotation or extension/retraction, and/or adjusting the location and angle of a radial imager assembly 711 could be made to “tune” the illustrated IMD to fit the current image and video capture environment.
- an IMD much like that of FIG. 7 has received a different type of optics cap, an optics cap 729 , than that found in FIG. 7 a (an optics cap 709 ).
- Such IMD is inserted within a differing shaped reproductive system. Instead of inserting the IMD until the optics cap 729 touches the cervical region, the insertion is stopped short thereof for possible capture of a larger region that includes the cervix. By doing so, the axial imager assembly 733 seems well capable of performing capture operations without the aid of the radial imager assembly 731 . Thus, the radial imager assembly may be removed or turned off for such user.
- FIG. 7 c illustrates a large tilted cervix wherein an IMD may itself be rotated (before or after insertion) or the underlying optics assembly may be rotated in accommodation of the tilt.
- the relatively smaller cervix illustrated in FIG. 7 d may be services with a single imager assembly configuration and a much narrower and perhaps longer optics cap, and with or without the aforementioned accommodations for tilt.
- the process for selecting an initial IMD configuration—model and/or optics cap depends greatly on the features desired and the personal characteristics of the underlying female's reproductive system. The fitting process may be minimal if such reproductive system falls well within the ranges suggested by a particular IMD. When outside of such ranges, perhaps a different IMD and/or optics cap would be more appropriate.
- Such considerations may be addressed with professional selection and fittings (e.g., by an OBGYN), self exam, or trial and error.
- FIGS. 8 a - e are schematic diagrams illustrating construction of two embodiments of an intravaginal monitoring device along with typical dimensions, thereof, and having controllable optical systems built therein accordance with and to illustrate several aspects of the present invention.
- the intravaginal monitoring devices use electrically powered actuators (such as miniature piezo actuators) to support the tailoring of an IMD to attempt to comfortably conform to dimensions and orientations of a specific user's reproductive system.
- electrically powered actuators such as miniature piezo actuators
- FIG. 8 a in addition to electro-mechanical control, fully mechanical tailoring of some parts of the optical system is also shown.
- the optics systems can not only be controlled prior to insertion, but also during the insertion process and when fully inserted. As mentioned before, such control and tailoring of the optics system to fit a current user is one purpose of the electro-mechanical and mechanical enhancements. Another is to provide a mechanism for panning, zooming, framing, and otherwise exploring a target area. All of these goals are easily accommodated with electro-mechanical and some mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
- a piezo actuator 813 controls the angle of a pivoting imager assembly 811 .
- pivot control can also be used, for example, to assist in the guidance of an IMD 817 into position to target a cervix, and to pan, zoom, frame during insertion and at the insertion destination.
- All imager assemblies described throughout this application at a minimum contain an imager, such as, for example, CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) varieties. Any other type of imager may be used which captures images and in some cases video are contemplated. In addition, such imagers need not operate in the visible optics range.
- Imager assemblies as described herein may also include one or more light (or other frequency) sources, a housing (supporting an optical pathway), lensing, aperatures, filters, polarizers, and auto-focus and auto-zoom mechanism. Other imager assemblies mentioned throughout the present application may be similarly constructed. Moreover, throughout this disclosure one or dual imager assemblies are used in each embodiment presented. Adding further imager assemblies, although not shown, is contemplated. All imagers underlying the imager assemblies herein are capable of capture still images (i.e., “snap shots”), video streams, or both.
- a telescopic stem 815 may be manually adjusted to accommodate both an optimal radial angle in relation to a power button 819 (via depth adjustments via threading or tension), and the depth at which the optics assembly fits within an optics cap (shown in FIG. 8 c ). It can also be adjusted through rotation of the telescopic stem 815 to accommodate off center or tilted image/video capture targets.
- the IMD also uses a flexible stem 817 (made of a for example silicone rubber) that contains the circuitry and power storage elements (e.g., batteries).
- a bottom cap 821 may also screw on or off to at least partially hermetically seal or expose or gain access to electrical or optical connectors, batteries, circuitry, etc.
- a power button 819 is illustrated, a much more substantial user interface including a display is contemplated for some embodiments.
- a typical example of a procedure for tailoring, guiding and targeting with the IMD of FIG. 8 a might first involve a doctor's measurement of a particular patient's reproductive system. Thereafter, with or without such information, the doctor or such patient might tailor (adjust) the optics assembly to fit the patient. That is, the doctor or patient may: a) manually adjust the depth of the telescopic stem 815 within the flexible stem 817 ; b) manually adjust (via optical assembly rotation) the pivoting plane with reference to the radial location of the power button 819 ; c) select and install a particular one of several sizes and shapes of optics caps (such as the optics cap 835 of FIG.
- the adjustment of the angle of the imager assembly 811 via the piezo actuator 813 may not only involve tailoring, but also supports dynamic viewing along with zoom, pan, and framing desires and capabilities of inherent in the imager assembly 811 .
- Guidance support might involve for example using the illustrated axial orientation of the imager assembly 811 during the insertion process to deliver a streaming video feed to an external viewing screen (not shown) through which guidance and initial positioning can be monitored. Through such screen, a user can determine when the target insertion location has been reached. They can also then control, via an external user input device, the piezo actuator 813 create a radial angle orientation to support image and video capture of a radially located cervix or artifact. Radial viewing might also be used during the insertion process to better examine vaginal channel walls prior to reaching the target insertion location.
- FIG. 8 b similar operation can be found with the addition of further electro-mechanical elements that may support control before and after insertion and from external and remote devices.
- the IMD of FIG. 8 b is configured with automated telescoping and rotation.
- an imager assembly 823 is mounted such that a piezo actuator 825 can direct the imager assembly 823 through a wide range of radial angles such as that shown, and including a fully axial position (0 degrees as shown in FIG. 8 a ).
- An actuator 826 is used to not only control the extension of a telescopic stem 827 into an optics cap, but also controls the rotational position of the pivot plane of the imager assembly 823 in relation to the power button 831 .
- the base of the actuator 826 is inserted and affixed to the inner wall of a housing stem 829 .
- the top end of a threaded (or ratcheted) post element of the actuator 826 connects to the telescopic stem 827 for raising, lowering, and seeking rotational alignment locations for the entire optical assembly.
- the IMD of FIG. 8B can be fully adjusted to assist in insertion guidance, zooming, panning, framing, and tracking interesting intravaginal targets.
- a user interface interacting with the IMD's of FIGS. 8 a - b might only support direct and simplistic control commands such as clock-wise/counter clock-wise rotation, in-out telescoping, and up-down pivoting.
- Other embodiments also support actual angles of rotation and pivoting, and millimeter based telescoping positions with full “go to” functionality. Control may also involve any other three dimensional coordinate relocation as well, and, in any configuration, smooth or fixed movement increments at course and fine tuning speeds are employed.
- the approaches to integrate electro-mechanical and mechanical adjustment techniques underlying the optics assemblies are merely exemplary as many other approaches and configurations are possible and contemplated.
- any IMD in accordance with aspects of the present invention can be built using various fully or partially automatic and/or manual techniques for best positioning elements thereof in any or all of three dimensions.
- positioning elements comprise imager assembly and entire optics systems, but other IMD elements such as other sensors, emitters, drug or fluid delivery or fluid sampling systems that are integrated within an IMD may also benefit from the up to three dimensional mechanical or electro-mechanically driven repositioning systems shown throughout the figures.
- all positioning techniques described herein can be used along with guidance techniques and feedback from imagers or any IMD element to assist in its underlying function.
- Manual control can be asserted directly by whomever inserts the IMD (depth, angles, torque, rotation, etc.) and by the woman's repositioning of her own body which also effects reproductive system dimensioning.
- Automatic positioning control over sensors such as an imager assembly, can be made via buttons placed on the IMD itself and monitoring of positioning feedback may be collected via a display disposed on the IMD housing.
- Positioning control may also be managed via a tethered or wireless link by a local computing device such as a cell phone, tablet computer or laptop.
- Remote positioning control may also be carried out via a longer distance link such as a wireless cellular network or Internet link to a remote computing device.
- the remote computing device may also be a phone, tablet computing device, server, or workstation computer through a doctor's or staffs interaction to analyze and diagnose a remotely inserted IMD.
- Positioning of an optical assembly may also be used to assist in focusing, zooming or otherwise maintaining an adequate focal length to a target such as the cervix or opening of the cervical channel, or some other a gynecological event, artifact or condition.
- Positioning of other elements of an IMD to assist in their underlying functions is also contemplated as mentioned above for much of the same reasons. Such latter positioning may be carried out via integration with the former position mechanisms or via separate positioning constructs.
- further sensors could be attached to a pivoting image assembly and benefit by sharing such pivot even though such sensors have alternate targets than the imager assembly and so the pivoting function could be time-shared.
- a separate pivoting platform under control via a further actuator would allow simultaneous operation although at the expense of extra materials and volume—which overall should be kept to a minimum for comfort, fitting and other reasons enumerated above.
- the illustration shows a specific one of a plurality of types and sizes of optics caps, e.g., the optics cap 835 .
- the optics cap 835 may conform to sliding over optics assemblies while maintaining a hermetic seal with either or both of the telescopic stems 815 , 827 or the housing stems 817 , 829 .
- Such hermetic seal may involve merely elastic tension associated with the diameters of the housing 817 , 829 versus that of the optics cap 835 .
- Such hermetic seal may be improved with a bonding agent or glue and/or a mechanical constraint such as ribbing or threading.
- End caps 821 , 841 may similarly be attached using tension or with threading and/or other mechanical constraints (e.g., a grommet 839 of FIG. 8 e or glue) to at least provide partial hermetic sealing.
- the dimensions 851 , 855 , 857 , 859 , 861 , 863 and 865 are such that the intravaginal monitoring device is able to accommodate the inner electronics appropriately, while attempting to support comfortable insertion, positioning, and maneuverability for a relatively large percentage of women.
- the dimensions 851 , 855 , 857 , 859 , 861 , 863 and 865 are approximately 235 mm, 16 mm, 25 mm, 16 mm, 35 mm, 15 mm and 10 mm respectively, though the dimensions may vary to accommodate other goals such as fitting within a small carrying case or purse, fully wearable versions, permanently tethered versions, versions supporting groups of females with different reproductive system profiles, to accommodate additional sensors or feature functionality, etc.
- FIGS. 9 a - f are diagrams illustrating construction of two embodiments of the intravaginal monitoring device along with typical dimensions, wherein such IMDs having mechanical and/or electro-mechanical structures supporting adjustable optics assemblies.
- the embodiment of FIG. 9 a closely parallels that of FIG. 8 a and thus most of the description thereof applies equally to here.
- the illustrated IMD can be fitted to adequately match a variety of females.
- the piezo-actuator can be controlled either internally, remotely or locally to assist in, for example, further insertion guidance, targeting and examination of a gynecological artifact, event or condition.
- FIG. 9 b is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 8 b , and as before can share most of the aforementioned detailed description regarding FIG. 8 b .
- such details are applicable to power button 917 , housing stem 929 and much of the same adjustable optics mechanisms.
- electro-mechanical adjustment via actuator 926 rotating and adjusting the elevation of the stem 927 along with electronic pivot control via a piezo-actuator 925 , the illustrated IMD as before can also be fitted to adequately match a variety of females and further assist in the guidance, targeting, and examination within the vaginal channel.
- FIGS. 8 a - b and FIGS. 9 a - b A substantive difference between FIGS. 8 a - b and FIGS. 9 a - b , is that the latter includes a dual imager assembly arrangement—that is in addition to the imager assemblies 911 , 923 imager assemblies 909 , 921 can be found.
- FIG. 9 c is an exemplary symmetric optics cap which is merely one of many types and sizes available to help tailor the IMD to the particular patient.
- FIG. 9 d illustrates an inner cap 933 that is relatively harder plastic that can be used with the IMD of FIG. 9 b for example to cover and hermetically sealed the optics assembly.
- an outer cap such as the outer cap 935 of FIG. 9 c provides a secondary covering by sliding it over the inner cap 933 . In this way, the flexibility of the outer cap 935 will provide comfort and adequately expand the intravaginal areas to be imaged.
- the dimensions 951 , 953 , 955 , 957 , 959 , 961 , 963 , 991 , 993 , 995 and 965 are such that the intravaginal monitoring device is able to accommodate the inner electronics appropriately, and at the same time a woman is able to insert and maneuver it in place (as well as with considerations of comfortable wear for the woman).
- dimensions are nearly the same as that set forth in relation to FIGS. 8 a - e above.
- FIGS. 10 a - d are perspective diagrams illustrating further details regarding the adjustable optics assembly of FIGS. 9 a - b that supports two imager assemblies.
- Space is at a premium within optics caps. Initially, such cap sizes take into account the need function of spreading the tissues in the target insertion zone so that adequate illumination and image capture can take place. Small form factor on the other hand is a desire for insertion comfort reasons.
- An optics cap length can also be shortened or lengthened to accommodate targets such as the cervix which may be axially located very close to the vaginal oriface or, alternatively, at the back of the vaginal channel. Overall cap size must also take into account focal lengths, imager and mounting assembly sizes, etc.
- FIG. 10 a a standard, side-by-side arrangement of two imager assemblies 1013 and 1015 is shown.
- a stem 1017 can be rotated and elevated, and a mounting platform 1011 can be pivoted.
- FIG. 10 b illustrates that a rivet 1020 or other tension based interconnect between imager assemblies 1019 , 1021 may further permit an angular adjustment between the two imager assemblies 1019 , 1021 .
- FIG. 10 c illustrates overlapping cavities of imager assemblies 1023 , 1025 to a level that does not cause interference with each optical path. Fully overlapping cavities are also possible yet not shown.
- imager assemblies 1027 , 1029 appear to be connected, they are merely co-located with separate mounting platforms and corresponding separate actuators to provide separate pivot control for each.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective diagram illustrating an exemplary physical construction of an intravaginal monitoring device built in accordance with various aspects of the present invention to support manual optical system adjustment.
- the illustration depicts an axial imager assemblies 1111 and a radial imager assembly 1115 disposed on a mounting bracket 1117 .
- the mounting bracket 1117 may be metallic or otherwise made to conform under normal finger pressures to various positions.
- platform 1113 of the mounting bracket 1117 , supports the radial imager assembly 1115 .
- the platform 1113 may be bent to conform to optics demands required by a particular user.
- a platform 1116 portion of the mounting bracket 1117 can be bent to readjust the angle of the axial imager 1111 , if need arises.
- the mounting bracket is inserted via a screw cap 1119 and into a telescopic stem 1121 that is also capable of rotation. Glue can be added to hermetically adhere the portion of the mounting bracket 1117 spanning inside the stem 1121 .
- a flange within the housing stem 1127 prevent the telescopic stem 1121 from falling out of the housing stem 1127 in the upward direction.
- FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating exemplary internal circuitry utilizing electro-mechanically controlled optics elements, which may be employed in whole or in part within the various IMDs illustrated in the various figures of the present application.
- Electronic circuitry and components shown are typically located within a hermetically sealed portion of an intravaginal monitoring device. Such electronics are mostly located within a housing stem of an IMD, but specific components or particular portions of the circuitry may be located elsewhere, e.g., within an optics cap, an end cap, or in a device remote from the IMD itself.
- the electronics include sensors such as image capture assemblies 1207 that deliver still images (i.e., “snap shots”) and streamed video, and that may comprise for example an axial imager (or imager assembly) 1209 , a radial imager (or imager assembly) 1211 , distance sensor 1221 (which may comprise for example an axial laser diode pair 1223 and a radial laser diode pair 1225 .
- sensors and components may be added, such as a thermometer 1231 or a microphone 1233 .
- Other components include a power button 1235 , USB circuitry 1241 , Bluetooth® communication circuitry 1243 , and flash memory 1255 .
- Positional control circuitry & electro-mechanical components 1245 enable an interface and control circuitry 1257 used to fully or partially adjust the up to three dimensional positioning of any sensor or optical element within the IMD.
- a power regulation circuitry 1263 manages power delivery from a battery pack 1265 , and, if so configured, supports recharging thereof via external power.
- the battery pack 1265 may be rechargeable or disposable.
- the interface and control circuitry 1257 also manages and controls all of the components and circuitry by using either internal preprogrammed firmware, a loaded software application, or a combination of both.
- Such program code can be replaced by using well known schemes such as local downloading, flash memory installation, over the Internet or over the air updates, etc.
- the interface and control circuitry 1257 can also be directed, in part, remotely, via the Bluetooth® or USB communication circuitry 1243 and 1241 via wireless or wired links, respectively.
- Such links could support communication through which data (images, video, sensor information, etc.) and commands could be sent or received.
- the recipient or sender of such communications could be, for example, (a) a dedicated device designed for use with IMDs (e.g., a hand-held device with a display and user interface); (b) a general purpose device running an application designed for use with the IMD (e.g., a smart phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, etc.); or (c) a server or stand-alone computing system running an application designed for use with IMDs.
- such devices can be local to the IMD and used by the person managing the local insertion and data collection using an IMD (e.g., the patient, doctor or assistant).
- the examples could involve remotely located devices reachable via wireless cellular and/or Internet connectivity.
- electro-mechanical control can be carried out using one or more servo actuators, such as the ones available from various companies such as Alps Electric Co, Ltd.®.
- Such actuators may control, for example, telescopic, rotational, pivoting or other motion of an optics element or assembly (e.g., imager assemblies 1209 and 1211 ) and any other sensor or element within the IMD.
- the positional control circuitry 1245 in response to directions received from the interface & control circuitry 1257 , controls an electro-mechanical actuator, for example, to rotate an optics assembly, at a fixed rate, in clockwise or counterclockwise directions.
- the circuitry 1245 may also controls other actuators to cause elevation of a telescopic stem portion of an optics assembly.
- Other types of actuator configurations and resultant movements of any element within the IMD is also contemplated.
- FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a separate hand-held-device, in communication with a dual imaging IMD with electro-mechanical image adjustment mechanisms built therein, wherein two video sequences are simultaneously displayed to assist in both tailoring such IMD for use by a particular female, and assisting in insertion, framing, zooming, panning, and otherwise targeting of a cervical region within a vaginal channel.
- the hand-held device is communicatively coupled to an IMD (not shown) to receive images and video streams and to exchange control signals. As illustrated, the hand-held device is receiving and displaying a first video stream from an axial imager assembly of the IMD within a window 1353 .
- the hand-held device receives and displays in a sub-window 1351 a second video stream that originates from a radial imager assembly within the IMD.
- the video being displayed within the window 1353 can be swapped with that being displayed in the sub-window 1351 by the user as desired.
- Both steams can be delivered in a wired or wireless manner and via any or no communication node intermediaries (that is, via either point to point or routed pathways).
- Such communicative may involve any of a large number wired or wireless interfaces such as USB, Bluetooth®, infrared, and WiFi.
- Repositioning of various optical systems or elements thereof can be controlled via a user interface associated with the hand-held device.
- zooming, panning, focusing pivoting, etc. can be directed through button input or through other interface techniques such as finger pinching, double finger twisting, and finger sliding motions while in contact with a touch sensitive screen infrastructure.
- Guidance during insertion and positioning of the IMD can be more easily achieved and confirmed by observing one or both of the screens 1353 and 1351 , during such processes. All other types of control and adjustments mentioned throughout this specification are also possible via the illustrated device.
- the hand-held device also contains a plurality of buttons, such as record button 1311 , IMD power button 1313 , volume button 1315 , snapshot button 1317 and IMD status button 1321 .
- the record button 1311 allows continuous local and remote storage of the video streams being received and displayed in the windows 1353 , 1351 . Recorded video need not be of the same resolution of that being displayed. This can be accomplished through interaction with the IMD or via transcoding within the hand-held device.
- the snapshot button 1317 triggers an image capture command's delivery to the imager assemblies within the IMD. In response, captured images (with perhaps differing resolution of that of the video stream) are delivered via the communication link and can be displayed via the windows 1353 , 1351 and remotely and locally stored. Alternatively, images could be reconstructed from the ongoing video stream, if resolution an adequate quality is present.
- the hand-held device may also contain a plurality of light status indicators 1355 (which could be other types of indicators or display elements) that indicate power status, communication link status, snapshot and recording indications, and so forth.
- Configuring other aspects of the IMD and the present hand-held device may be made via software instructions underlying the setup button 1321 .
- software underlying the IMD status button 1321 will trigger a communication exchange of status information such as operational condition, storage usage, ownership information, etc.
- the IMD power button 1313 may also assist by triggering or otherwise displaying the remaining power and usage characteristics of the associated IMD.
- FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a laptop computer, in communication with a dual imaging IMD with electro-mechanical image adjustment mechanisms built therein, wherein much like the hand-held device of FIG. 13 , two video sequences are simultaneously displayed to assist in both tailoring such IMD for use by a particular female, and assisting in insertion, framing, zooming, panning, and otherwise targeting of a cervical region within a vaginal channel. All of the description provided with respect to FIG. 13 applies equally to the laptop computer 1417 illustrated in FIG. 14 . The only exception perhaps is that a patient conducting the IMD insertion and monitoring process may find that interacting with the hand-held device somewhat easier to manage. This distinction may apply equally to anyone that desires to perform the insertion while reviewing video or image feeds.
- the communicative coupling between an intravaginal monitoring device and the laptop computer 1417 may be accomplished via any point to point or routed communication infrastructure, e.g., wired or wireless interfaces such as USB, Bluetooth®, infrared or WiFi and through the Internet or cellular network infrastructures.
- the laptop computer 1417 may be located in the same room as the patient and IMD, yet may alternatively be located remotely.
- the much larger screen 1415 of the laptop computer 1417 versus that of the hand-held device permits the presentation of two reasonably large sized “split-screen” windows 1411 , 1413 of image and video feeds received from the IMD as they are captured.
- the laptop computer 1417 provides two images or video streams (e.g., a first from an axial imager and a second from a radial imager).
- the video streams or images are then presented in the two windows 1411 and 1413 which can be resized, stretched or overlapped in typical fashion.
- the laptop computer 1417 operates pursuant to a program application designed for use with the IMD.
- the program application provides control signals to manipulate the electro-mechanical components within the IMD as discussed throughout this application.
- FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram illustrating visually a programmatic process of stitching the resulting images or video frames to obtain a wider angle view of the intravaginal and cervical regions, wherein such process may take place on an IMD or within any external, supporting device.
- stitching software receives two simultaneously captured images (or video frames) 1511 , 1513 (perhaps one axially and one radially collected) from the IMD.
- the stitching software uses correlation techniques and known positional information regard the underlying imager locations and cervical distances to create (via stretching, stitching, and combining) a single two dimensional image by combining the received image data. This process is roughly illustrated via a single screen 1515 through which the images are modified and merged.
- circuit and “circuitry” as used herein may refer to an independent circuit or to a portion of a multi-functional circuit that performs multiple underlying functions.
- processing circuitry may be implemented as a single chip processor or as a plurality of processing chips.
- a first circuit and a second circuit may be combined in one embodiment into a single circuit or, in another embodiment, operate independently perhaps in separate chips.
- chip refers to an integrated circuit. Circuits and circuitry may comprise general or specific purpose hardware, or may comprise such hardware and associated software such as firmware or object code.
- operably coupled and “communicatively coupled,” as may be used herein, include direct coupling and indirect coupling via another component, element, circuit, or module where, for indirect coupling, the intervening component, element, circuit, or module does not modify the information of a signal but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level.
- inferred coupling i.e., where one element is coupled to another element by inference
- inferred coupling includes direct and indirect coupling between two elements in the same manner as “operably coupled” and “communicatively coupled.”
Abstract
Intravaginal monitoring devices (IMDs) with adjustable optics assemblies support local and remote control of mechanical and electro-mechanical mechanisms associated with multiple imagers and other sensors for tailoring an IMD to meet the specific dimensions and characteristics of various female reproduce systems. Such mechanisms also assist in guiding and analyzing pathways through a vaginal channel to and including a cervix. Exemplary pivoting, rotational, and telescopic infrastructures with integrated, local and remote control and monitoring are supported with external visual displays of images and video streams in devices such as phones, tablet and laptop computers, and servers for use by a patient or any medical support staff. Such multiple images or video streams may be combined to provide an enhanced viewing experience.
Description
- This application incorporates by reference herein in their entirety and makes reference to, claims priority to, and claims the benefit of:
- a) U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/246,375 filed Sep. 28, 2009, entitled “Intravaginal Monitoring Device” by Ziarno et al.;
- b) U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/246,405 filed Sep. 28, 2009, entitled “Network Supporting Intravaginal Monitoring Device, Method and Post Harvesting Processing of Intravaginally Processed Data” by Ziarno et al.;
- c) U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/246,396 filed Sep. 28, 2009, entitled “Network Supporting Intravaginal Monitoring Device” by Ziarno et al.
- d) U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/290,792 filed Dec. 30, 2009, entitled “Network Supporting Intravaginal Monitoring Device, Method and Post Harvesting Processing of Intravaginally Processed Data” by Ziarno et al.; and
- e) U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/263,416 filed Nov. 23, 2009, entitled “Intravaginal Monitoring Architecture” by Ziarno et al.
- Also incorporated herein by reference in their entirety are:
- a) U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ filed on even date herewith by Ziarno et al., entitled “Intravaginal Monitoring Device” client docket number PUS-L019-001;
- b) U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ filed on even date herewith by Bennett et al., entitled “Network Supporting Intravaginal Monitoring Device” client docket number PUS-L019-002;
- c) U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ filed on even date herewith by Bennett et al., entitled “Analysis Engine within a Network Supporting Intravaginal Monitoring” client docket number PUS-L019-003;
- d) U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ filed on even date herewith by Bennett et al., entitled “Intravaginal Monitoring Support Architecture” client docket number PUS-L019-004;
- e) U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ filed on even date herewith by Bennett et al., entitled “Intravaginal Therapy Device” client docket number PUS-L019-006;
- f) U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ filed on even date herewith by Bennett et al., entitled “Intravaginal Dimensioning System” client docket number PUS-L019-007; and
- g) U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ filed on even date herewith by Bennett et al., entitled “Intravaginal Optics Targeting System” client docket number PUS-L019-008; and
- h) PCT patent application Ser. No. ______ filed on even date herewith by Bennett et al., entitled “Intravaginal Monitoring Device and Network” client docket number PWO-L019-001.
- 1. Technical Field
- The invention generally relates to medical devices, and more particular to medical devices used in obstetrics and gynecology.
- 2. Related Art
- The anatomical characteristics of a human reproductive system vary greatly from one woman to the next. For example, race, age, bladder condition, reproductive and surgical history, and current reproductive status, among many other factors, may affect sizes and orientations of underlying vaginal channels and cervical dimensions and orientations.
- More particularly, across the spectrum of all women, anatomical characteristics of reproductive systems exhibit major variations in: (a) lengths between vaginal orifices to posterior fornices (˜60% variance); (b) lengths between vaginal orifices to anterior fornices (˜40% variance); (c) sizes of the introitus (˜70% variance); (d) straight line lengths between anterior to posterior fornices (˜70% variance); (e) straight line widths between lateral fornices (˜80% variance); and (f) vaginal orifice, mid vaginal and anterior fornix vaginal widths.
- Similarly, as measured from the vaginal channel axis, cervical orientation exhibits substantial variation not only from woman to woman, but also within the same woman over time or depending upon circumstances. For example, significant variations across spectrum of women and within the same women occur due to the: (i) natural orientation of uterus; (b) vaginal channel alignment during later stages of pregnancy; (iii) reorientation with full/empty bladder; (vi) retraction during arousal; and (v) relocation post birthing with or without involvement of cesarean procedures.
- In addition, vaginal channel does not usually run along a straight axis, but typically comprises one or more bends and associated curvatures between vaginal openings to the anterior fornix.
- Cervical orientation also depends upon orientation of the uterus under the aforementioned situations. About eighty percent of women have a normal cervical orientation that varies throughout a 90 degree range, while tilted cervical orientations found in about twenty percent of women span about 45 degrees outside of the normal range.
- Such large variations in female reproductive systems are also found in many other species beyond that of homo sapiens.
- The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods of operation that are further described in the following Brief Description of the Drawings, the Detailed Description of the Invention, and the claims. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating intravaginal and cervical regions of a woman's body along with an intravaginal monitoring device (herein an “IMD”) to be inserted into place; wherein the intravaginal monitoring device is capable of guiding inside the optics cap to capture images of large portions of intravaginal and cervical regions that come in a wide ranging variation in dimensions; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating various details and dimensional ranges underlying the reproductive system of theFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a further cross-sectional diagram illustrating other variants and angular frames of reference for the intravaginal and cervical regions of the female reproductive system of theFIG. 1 to be monitored by an IMD built in accordance with the present invention; -
FIGS. 4 a through 4 h are schematic diagrams illustrating construction of one of the embodiments of the intravaginal monitoring device, along with typical dimensions, having manually adjustable optics encased with a (flexible) transparent optics cap; -
FIGS. 5 a-c are cross-sectional diagrams illustrating a wide ranging variation in dimensions and orientations of intravaginal and cervical regions with the IMD ofFIG. 4 inserted therein, and wherein such IMD having multiple imager assemblies disposed within one type of transparent optics cap; -
FIGS. 6 a-c are cross-sectional diagrams illustrating variations in dimensions, contours, and orientations of intravaginal and cervical regions, and, inserted therein, an IMD built in accordance with various aspects of the present invention such as having an adjustable optics assembly may be manipulated to better conform to such variations; -
FIGS. 7 a-d are cross-sectional diagrams illustrating a wide ranging variation in dimensions and orientations of intravaginal and cervical regions with the IMD ofFIG. 4 inserted therein, and wherein such IMD having multiple imager assemblies disposed within yet other alternate shaped, transparent optics caps; -
FIGS. 8 a-e are schematic diagrams illustrating construction of two embodiments of an intravaginal monitoring device along with typical dimensions, thereof, and having an actuator-controlled optical system and built in accordance with and to illustrate several aspects of the present invention; -
FIGS. 9 a-f are diagrams illustrating construction of two embodiments of the intravaginal monitoring device along with typical dimensions, wherein such IMDs having mechanical and/or electro-mechanical structures supporting adjustable optics assemblies; -
FIGS. 10 a-d are perspective diagrams illustrating further details regarding the adjustable optics assembly ofFIGS. 9 a-b that supports two imager assemblies; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective diagram illustrating an exemplary physical construction of an intravaginal monitoring device built in accordance with various aspects of the present invention to support manual optical system adjustment; -
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating internal circuitry involved in the construction of telescopic, actuator controlled, multi-directional front-end imager assembly guiding systems of various embodiments, of theFIGS. 4 through 9 , of the intravaginal monitoring device; -
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a separate hand-held-device in communication with a dual imaging IMD with electro-mechanical image adjustment mechanisms built therein, and wherein two video sequences are simultaneously displayed to assist in both tailoring such IMD for use by a particular female, and assisting in insertion, framing, zooming, panning, and otherwise targeting of a cervical region within a vaginal channel; -
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a laptop computer, in communication with a dual imaging IMD with electro-mechanical image adjustment mechanisms built therein, wherein much like the hand-held device ofFIG. 13 , two video sequences are simultaneously displayed to assist in both tailoring such IMD for use by a particular female, and assisting in insertion, framing, zooming, panning, and otherwise targeting of a cervical region within a vaginal channel; and -
FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram illustrating visually a programmatic process of stitching the resulting images or video frames to obtain a wider angle view of the intravaginal and cervical regions, wherein such process may take place on an IMD or within any external, supporting device. -
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating avaginal channel 113 andcervical regions intravaginal monitoring device 191 to be inserted into place; wherein theintravaginal monitoring device 191 is capable of guiding inside theoptics cap 171 to capture images of large portions ofvaginal channel 113 andcervical regions introitus 123 of avaginal channel 113,cervix 121,outer surface 117 of thecervix 121,interior 119 of auterus 107 in a normal orientation,fallopian tube 111, andovary 109. Also, depicted is an exemplary overlay of a tilteduterus 115. As can be appreciated, the cervical orientation depends on, among other factors, the orientation of the uterus 107 (or uterus 115) under the various situations. Typical angular orientations in relation to theaxial direction 195 of thevaginal channel 113 include normal orientations 151 and tilted orientations 153. - Wide ranging variations in the
vaginal channel 113 and thecervical regions - Multiple studies show that variations in the
vaginal channel 113 and thecervical regions introitus 113 and posterior fornix within thecervical regions 117, 121 (variations may range up to sixty one percent); (b) length between theintroitus 113 and anterior fornix (may vary up to thirty seven percent); (c) size of the introitus (variations may be up to sixty seven percent); (d) straight line length between anterior to posterior fornices (may vary up to seventy two percent); (e) straight line widths between lateral fornices (variations may be up to sixty eight percent); and (f) widths and heights of the vaginal channel 113 (significant variations typically exist through the entire length). In addition, studies show significant variations across spectrum of women and within the same woman that occur due, for example, to: (a) natural orientation of uterus; (b) alignment of thevaginal channel 113 during stages of pregnancy; (c) reorientation with full or empty bladder; (d) retraction during arousal; and (e) relocation post birthing (especially evident after cesarean procedures). - In addition to the abovementioned factors, an
intravaginal monitoring device 191 should also account for cervical orientation and insertion depth. Insertion depth of theintravaginal monitoring device 191 to the posterior fornix may not be easy across the spectrum of all women due to: (a) abnormal anatomical configurations; (b) cervical impact being misinterpreted as the posterior fornix; (c) anterior fornix being misinterpreted as the anterior fornix; or (d) insufficient nerve feedback of successful positioning. Moreover, for some women based on their current anatomical configurations, full insertion into the posterior fornix may not be optimal for capturing images and further information about the cervix or other areas within thevaginal channel 113. For a variety of reasons, including abnormal anatomical configurations and other reasons mentioned above, insertion by a particular woman over time (including monthly cycles or state of pregnancy) may involve insertion to differing depths. - The cervical orientation may be referred to as an angular measurement between the cervical plane & vaginal channel axis. For example, if a cervical plane is parallel to a vaginal axis, cervical orientation would be 0 degrees; a vaginal axis that is normal to a cervical plane would have a cervical orientation of 90 degrees. The cervical orientation exhibits substantial variation not only from woman to woman, but also within the same woman over time (for example, changes occur during pregnancy, based on bladder volume, in response to arousal, etc.). Vaginal axis is not usually a straight line, but typically comprises a bend or two and curvature between vaginal openings to the anterior fornix, complicating image capture.
- In accordance with the present invention, the design considerations of the intravaginal monitoring device's 191 guiding procedures, and optics attempt to address all these variations. Such considerations are important whether the IMD comprises a “one size fits all” design or several independent designs (with each of the several designs being directed toward groups of women with relatively similar anatomical configurations).
- Design considerations also take into consideration the woman's comfort involving characteristics such as stem flexibility, wear-ability, stem length, overall stem and cap widths and curvatures, and cap lengths and compressibility.
- Although herein described with reference to human women, the various IMD embodiments within the present application are equally applicable to the reproductive systems of non-human female species. In particular, the
IMD 191 employs a variety of techniques to address the wide variance in reproductive systems usable for all species. - In particular, with reference to the human female, the optics and guiding techniques of the
IMD 191 address at least some of the anatomical variations of a female reproductive system. Anoptics assembly 177 may be adjusted to various positions within an inner cavity of a cap oroptics cap 171. Theoptics assembly 177 includes twoimager assemblies imager assembly 173 may also be manually or electro-mechanically adjusted. For comfort and to maintain rather optimal focal lengths, the optics cap 171 is relatively transparent, and can be made from a medical grade compressible polymer material, e.g., a soft silicone rubber. Most of these and other features and feature options not only accommodate reproductive system variations but also support comfortable, ease of use. - As previously mentioned, the
optics assembly 177 may involve manual or electro-mechanical adjustment of both or either of the telescopic optics assembly and the angle of theimager assembly 173. The electro-mechanical approach involves, for example, the use of miniature piezo-electric actuators. Manual or electro-mechanical rotation of the optics assembly around the axis of the stem of theIMD 191 may also be employed to address a laterally oriented target such as a laterally situated cervix. - Control of the various actuators (controlling tilt, rotation and depth within the optics cap 171 can be controlled directly via an interface placed on the
IMD 191, remotely by the user via a local computing device, and other computing devices remote from the user. Specifically, for example, such control might involve: (a) an dedicated hand-held device in local communication with theIMD 191; (b) a multipurpose device (such as a mobile phone, tablet computer or laptop computer) in local communication with theIMD 191; (c) a remotely located, dedicated or multipurpose device in communication with theIMD 191 via the Internet; (d) manual interaction via a user interface placed on the IMD 191 (e.g., a button); or (e) via twisting, turning, adjusting insertion depth, and otherwise manually manipulating theIMD 191 directly and without automation. - The
imager assembly 175 is adjustable in a mostlyradial direction 197, whileimager assembly 173 is adjustable in a mostlyaxial direction 195. The images or video acquired from theimager assemblies IMD 191 into thevaginal channel 113, a first image/video produced via theimager assembly 173 may be displayed (or primarily displayed) to support “gross” guidance of theIMD 191 into position. When in such gross position, a second image/video produced via theimager assembly 175 can be displayed (or become the primary display) to fine tune targeting of a radially located cervix. Primary display may involve replacing the first image/video with the second, but may also involve placing both image/video on the same display screen at the same time (perhaps even with an overlay scheme). Alternatively, in one particular configuration, the first and second image/video may also be stitched together to gain a wide angle image that covers more than 150 degree view of the outer surface of thecervix 117. Three dimensional imaging/video can also be constructed therefrom. - For instance, a woman who purchases and adjusts the optics assembly of an
intravaginal monitoring device 191 to fit her present anatomy (possibly with the assistance of a health care professional) may continue to use the imager (with perhaps minor adjustment over the course of pregnancy) using guidance techniques provided by theIMD 191 and perhaps an external hand-held device. Adjustment is possible in the aforementioned ways, such as via the manually controlled or actuator controlled telescoping, rotation or angular adjustments of and within theoptics assembly 177. Even the optics cap 171 can be replaced to adjust focal lengths or comfort as the area near the cervix 117 changes. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating various details and dimensional ranges underlying the reproductive system of theFIG. 1 . Specifically, the following description of the human reproductive system sets forth substantial variations in the dimensions found in female reproductive anatomy which the various aspects of the present invention attempt to accommodate. - For example, multiple studies show that variations of: (a) a posterior
vaginal depth 211 between a vaginal orifices to a posterior fornix from 4.1 to 10.6 cm and average between 6.7 to 8.8 (depending on the study); (b) an anteriorvaginal depth 213 between the vaginal oriface to an anterior fornix from 5.8 to 9.3 cm with an average of about 7.6 cm; (c) anintroitus depth 217 from 1.5 to 4.6 cm with an average of 2.6 cm; (d) acervix base length 215 that follows a straight line between the anterior and posterior fornices from 1.3 to 4.8 cm with an average of 2.9 cm; (e) a cervix base width (not shown) that follows a straight line between lateral fornices from 2.6 to 8.3 cm with an average of 4.2 cm; (f) a vaginal orifice width (not shown) from 1.9 to 3.7 cm with an average of 2.8 cm; (g) mid-vaginal channel width (not shown) from 1.6 to 3.7 cm with an average of 2.8 cm; and (h) anterior vaginal channel width (not shown) from 2.2 to 6.5 cm with an average of 3.3 cm. - To address at least some of these significant variations, one or more of the various adjustable characteristics, guidance techniques and comfort factors set forth in this application, can be combined with or incorporated into an intravaginal monitoring device in accordance with the present invention.
-
FIG. 3 is a further cross-sectional diagram illustrating other variants and angular frames of reference for the intravaginal and cervical regions of the female reproductive system of theFIG. 1 to be monitored by an IMD built in accordance with the present invention. The current depiction focuses on the wide ranging variation in the anterior fornixvaginal widths 395 that is to be taken into design considerations, since the wide angle image capturing depends upon these variations. - These variations of the anterior fornix vaginal widths can vary between 2.2 and 6.5 cm, with an average of 3.3 cm, as many studies show. Hence, there is a wide ranging variation between smallest 371 and largest 373 anterior fornix vaginal widths and the design considerations of the intravaginal monitoring device and its guiding process, in accordance with the present invention, encompass these important variations as well. In addition, the design considerations take into consideration the woman's comfort as well. A woman having a smaller anterior fornix vaginal width, as in the case of 371, may find it very uncomfortable to wear an intravaginal monitoring device of larger dimensions, designed with an average sized woman, as in the case of 379.
- The depiction also shows: (a) Lengths between vaginal orifices to
posterior fornix 311; (b) Lengths between vaginal orifices toanterior fornix 313; (c) Sizes ofintroitus 317; (d) Straight line lengths between anterior toposterior fornix 315; (e) Straight line widths betweenlateral fornix 315; (f) Vaginal orifice; (g) mid vaginal width; and (h) anterior fornix vaginal width. - The design considerations of the optics and guiding systems, in general, take into consideration these variations by ways of manually controlled or actuator controlled telescopic and stationary or actuator controlled rotating imager assembly of the imagers to focus upon specific regions of cervix and capture images. Hence, the variations that occur naturally in anatomy or due to circumstantial considerations, depth of insertion and variations of cervical orientation (based upon the range of 351, 353), from woman to woman and within a single woman over time are considerations for which many of the various aspects of the present invention are directed.
- The depiction also shows angular measurements between the cervical plane & vaginal channel axis. For instance, if a cervical plane is parallel to a vaginal axis, cervical orientation would be 0 degrees; a vaginal axis that is normal to a cervical plane would have a cervical orientation of 90 degrees. Typically, studies show that eighty percentage of women have a normal cervical orientation (based upon the range of 353) that vary approximately between 0 degrees (as mentioned above) to 90 degrees (toward the backside, looking from the front); while twenty percentages of women have tilted cervical orientation (based upon the range of 351) that vary approximately between 0 degrees (as mentioned above) to 45 degrees (toward the front side, looking from the front).
- The depiction also shows
axial direction 377 and cervical angle 375 that are factors in designing the IMD and associated guidance process as well. The orientations of the axial andradial imager assemblies -
FIGS. 4 a through 4 h are schematic diagrams illustrating construction of one of the embodiments of the intravaginal monitoring device, along with typical dimensions, having manually adjustable optics encased with a (flexible) transparent optics cap. The illustration ofFIG. 4 g depicts an intravaginal monitoring device that consists of a dual segmented housing stem 431 (one which can be taken apart for storage within a small carrying case for example), andoptics assemblies 429, optics cap 427 andbottom cap 433. The overall length of the IMD, the sum ofdimensions - The
FIGS. 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d, 4 e, 4 f and 4 h depict individual parts and steps of constructing an intravaginal monitoring device such as that of theFIG. 4 g. In particular, an optics assembly 429 (FIG. 4 g) consists of a telescopic stem 411 (FIG. 4 a) that has been cut to support a mounting arrangement as shown inFIG. 4 b (e.g., atelescopic stem portion 415 of awidth 465 sized to fit within the housing stem 431). Aplatform portion 413 can be folded and manually adjust and readjusted, see foldedplatform 419 ofFIG. 4 c, to support a desired radial mounting angle for animager assembly 421 ofFIG. 4 d. The axial mounting involves fixing animager assembly 423 within atelescopic stem 425 as shown inFIG. 4 d. Theoptics system 429 can be adjusted by manually positioning the depth of the telescopic stem within the housing stem 431 and through clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. - In an alternate embodiment, the
telescopic stem 428 can be extended and configured for rotation mechanically by a user via theend cap 433. Similarly, mechanical constructs (not shown) are contemplated to support pivoting of the axially mounted imager assembly. Such configurations would eliminate the need to remove the optics cap to gain access to and adjust the optics assembly orientation. - Among other details, the illustration also shows, an
optics cap 435 depicted in theFIG. 4 e that is, in this embodiment, shaped irregularly with a bulge on one side so as to maximize focal length to the cervical area while taking advantage of natural elasticity associated with the region of the vaginal channel opposite the cervical surface.Typical dimensions outer cap 435 can typically be 36 mm and 28 mm to serve a variety of types of women's reproductive systems and the specific underlying optics assembly requirements. - A
battery compartment 499 contains batteries that are rechargeable or disposable. One or more buttons or other user input devices may be placed on the IMD. For example, a power button is illustrated as being located on the bottom of anend cap 495. The location of field ofviews - Lastly, although only two imager assemblies are shown, many more are contemplated so as to provide full or partial 3D coverage of the vaginal space. Such multiple images and video streams can be presented independently or via a 3D merged image (video) viewing environment.
-
FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are schematic diagrams illustrating a wide ranging variation in dimensions of intravaginal and cervical regions andFIG. 5 c illustrating construction of the intravaginal monitoring device ofFIG. 4 , having a telescopic, actuator controlled, multi-directional front-end imager assembly guiding systems, having a (flexible) transparent optics cap that faces and fits snugly and flexibly onto the outer surface of the cervix. In specific,FIGS. 5 a, 5 b and 5 c depict the variations in the intravaginal and cervical regions, whereas some are larger in sizes, others are smaller, and some deviate from axial direction either way by smaller cervical angles or larger cervical angles. -
FIGS. 5 a-c are cross-sectional diagrams illustrating a wide ranging variation in dimensions and orientations of intravaginal and cervical regions with the IMD ofFIG. 4 inserted therein, and wherein such IMD having a multiple imager assembly disposed within a further type of transparent optics cap. Anaxial imager assembly 509 covers an axial field ofview 551. Aradial imager assembly 513 covers a radial field ofview 553. Both the radial and axial fields ofview radial imager assembly 513 is about 30 degrees of the radial axis, while theaxial imager assembly 509 is nearly in axial alignment but offset from the center of the axis of the telescopic stem. So as used herein, radial imagers are those comprising a location with a substantial radial component, while axially directed imagers comprise a substantial axial component. - Both of the axial field of
view 551 and radial field ofview 553 together cover about one hundred and fifty degrees, and with about forty degrees of overlap. Other configurations and embodiments with greater or lesser coverage and greater or lesser overlap is contemplated. - By using appropriate software in the IMD, a hand-held device, mobile device, personal digital assistant or computer, the a single “panoramic-like” image can be stitched and stretched together. Similarly, in the region of overlap, 3D images and video can be constructed from the two sources of image data (i.e., from the
assemblies 513, 509). Alternatively, the axial field ofview 551 and radial field ofview 553 can also be viewed separately either by switching between each image/video stream or by simultaneously displaying both image/video streams. -
FIGS. 5 b-c illustrate the vast differences in cervical sizes and orientations that will impact the performance of the IMD ofFIG. 5 a. Although the positioning and repositioning process (e.g., via guidance supported procedures) may vary in difficulty, the illustrated IMD is able to capture adequate images for such variations. -
FIGS. 6 a-c are cross-sectional diagrams illustrating variations in dimensions, contours, and orientations of intravaginal and cervical regions, and, inserted therein, an IMD built in accordance with various aspects of the present invention such as having an adjustable optics assembly may be manipulated to better conform to such variations.FIG. 6 a shows an exemplary insertion of an IMD through the vaginal channel and in an orientation that adequately captures images and video a cervix that falls within a field of view of aradial imager assembly 607. Anaxial imager assembly 611 captures only a portion of the cervical area but can be used: a) to assist in the guidance process by allowing the user to find and target the cervical area for image and video capture by theradial imager assembly 611; b) along with the image and video capture from theradial imager assembly 607 to construct a panorama, 3D imagery, etc.; and c) to support measurements of the cervical area such as the height of the cervix—an important indication during pregnancy. - The optics assembly of the IMD includes a
stem 613, inserted within amain housing stem 614, that supports theimager assemblies optics cap 609. Radial tension of the opening portion of the optics cap 609 due to elasticity of the optics cap 609 supports at least a partial hermetic seal and mechanical constraint. - The opening of the
optics cap 609, although not shown, can be extended to mate with thehousing stem 614 as an alternative to mating with the stem 613 (as shown). By mating with thehousing stem 614, mechanical or electro-mechanical methods for extending the optics assembly further in or out of the inner area of the optics cap 609 might provide a more adequate seal, e.g., where thestem 613 is telescopic. - As illustrated, the field of view and underling mounting angle of the
radial imager assembly 607 is adequately matched to the illustrated reproductive system's orientation and size. Exemplary fine tuning adjustment, however, might involve one or more of: a) installation of a different sized and shaped optics cap; b) relocating theradial imager 607 to provide better field of view coverage of the present cervix; c) changing the angle of theradial imager 607 to provide view more normal to the surface of plane of the cervix; d) extending or retracting theaxial imager assembly 611 directly (or relatively via use of a longer cap) to (i) minimize having theradial imager assembly 607 within the field of view of theaxial imager assembly 611, (ii) minimize having theaxial imager assembly 611 within the field of view of theradial imager assembly 607, and (iii) attempting a better lateral image of the cervix by relocating theaxial imager assembly 611. If selection of a different optics cap is not possible and the present optics cap is not sufficient, some of the adjustments identified above may be incapable of providing the best image and video capture, but may be the best compromise under the given reproductive system and IMD characteristics. Also note that larger optics caps may give rise to more difficult and uncomfortable insertion of an IMD. Thus, opting for a larger optics cap may not be a viable option. -
FIG. 6 b demonstrates that with a slightly wider optics cap 610 replacing the optics cap 609 ofFIG. 6 a along with repositioning of the angle of theradial imager assembly 607, better image and video capture of the exemplary cervix can be obtained. But note, however, that because theradial imager assembly 607 falls within the field of view of theaxial imager assembly 611, the viewer of images and video captured by theaxial imager assembly 611 will either have to be tolerated or theaxial imager assembly 611 will also have to be moved. Although not shown, by moving theaxial imager assembly 611 further into the cavity of theoptics cap 610, the field of view impingement of theradial imager assembly 607 can be reduced, but at a cost to the capture by theaxial imager assembly 611 of lateral cervical images and video. Such movement may also cause theaxial imager assembly 611 to impinge on the field of view of theradial imager assembly 607. Although a yet larger optics cap might be used, it may very well be intolerable due to comfort and insertion constraints. - Also note that all movement and readjustments can be accomplished through direct manual interaction with the optics assemblies themselves, manual interaction with external mechanisms that cause mechanical readjustment of the optics assemblies, electro-mechanical interaction, or a combination of more than one of the above. This applies no matter how many imager assemblies are involved. Similarly, some portions of the optics assemblies may be fixed into stationary, non-adjustable arrangements, while other portions are fully adjustable. All such configurations are reasonable design choices for particular IMDs for certain targeted users and at various sales price points.
-
FIG. 6 c illustrates the insertion of an IMD much like that ofFIG. 6 a within an entirely different vaginal channel and cervical orientation. Therein, it can be appreciated that a single imager assembly might be sufficient, as both ofimager assemblies axial imager assembly 627 can be seen appreciated with reference to the “unadjusted” version withinFIG. 6 a (i.e., the imager 607). Without such adjustment, the image and video captured by theimager assembly 627 would not span the cervical area. -
FIGS. 7 c-d are schematic diagrams illustrating a wide ranging variation in dimensions of intravaginal and cervical regions andFIGS. 7 a and 7 b illustrating construction of the intravaginal monitoring device ofFIG. 4 , having a telescopic, actuator controlled, multi-directional front-end imager assembly guiding systems, having a (flexible) transparent optics cap that faces and fits snugly and flexibly onto the outer surface of the cervix. -
FIGS. 7 a-d are cross-sectional diagrams illustrating a ranging variation in dimensions and orientations of intravaginal and cervical regions with the IMD ofFIG. 4 inserted therein, and wherein such IMD having a multiple imager assembly disposed within yet other alternate shaped, transparent optics caps.FIG. 7 a depicts the front-end portions of the intravaginal monitoring device inserted into place to capture images of a relatively small sized cervix. As depicted, it can be appreciated that a single imager assembly solution could be used (for example, by removing or disabling anaxial imager assembly 713. With such removal, adjustments in atelescopic stem 715, via rotation or extension/retraction, and/or adjusting the location and angle of aradial imager assembly 711 could be made to “tune” the illustrated IMD to fit the current image and video capture environment. - In
FIG. 7 b, an IMD much like that ofFIG. 7 has received a different type of optics cap, anoptics cap 729, than that found inFIG. 7 a (an optics cap 709). Such IMD is inserted within a differing shaped reproductive system. Instead of inserting the IMD until the optics cap 729 touches the cervical region, the insertion is stopped short thereof for possible capture of a larger region that includes the cervix. By doing so, theaxial imager assembly 733 seems well capable of performing capture operations without the aid of theradial imager assembly 731. Thus, the radial imager assembly may be removed or turned off for such user. -
FIG. 7 c illustrates a large tilted cervix wherein an IMD may itself be rotated (before or after insertion) or the underlying optics assembly may be rotated in accommodation of the tilt. Likewise, the relatively smaller cervix illustrated inFIG. 7 d may be services with a single imager assembly configuration and a much narrower and perhaps longer optics cap, and with or without the aforementioned accommodations for tilt. As mentioned previously, the process for selecting an initial IMD configuration—model and/or optics cap depends greatly on the features desired and the personal characteristics of the underlying female's reproductive system. The fitting process may be minimal if such reproductive system falls well within the ranges suggested by a particular IMD. When outside of such ranges, perhaps a different IMD and/or optics cap would be more appropriate. Such considerations may be addressed with professional selection and fittings (e.g., by an OBGYN), self exam, or trial and error. -
FIGS. 8 a-e are schematic diagrams illustrating construction of two embodiments of an intravaginal monitoring device along with typical dimensions, thereof, and having controllable optical systems built therein accordance with and to illustrate several aspects of the present invention. In each embodiment, the intravaginal monitoring devices use electrically powered actuators (such as miniature piezo actuators) to support the tailoring of an IMD to attempt to comfortably conform to dimensions and orientations of a specific user's reproductive system. In the IMD ofFIG. 8 a, in addition to electro-mechanical control, fully mechanical tailoring of some parts of the optical system is also shown. - In both of the IMDs of
FIGS. 8 a and 8 b, the optics systems can not only be controlled prior to insertion, but also during the insertion process and when fully inserted. As mentioned before, such control and tailoring of the optics system to fit a current user is one purpose of the electro-mechanical and mechanical enhancements. Another is to provide a mechanism for panning, zooming, framing, and otherwise exploring a target area. All of these goals are easily accommodated with electro-mechanical and some mechanical adjustment mechanisms. - Specifically, in
FIG. 8 a, apiezo actuator 813 controls the angle of a pivotingimager assembly 811. Beyond “tailoring,” such pivot control can also be used, for example, to assist in the guidance of anIMD 817 into position to target a cervix, and to pan, zoom, frame during insertion and at the insertion destination. All imager assemblies described throughout this application at a minimum contain an imager, such as, for example, CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) varieties. Any other type of imager may be used which captures images and in some cases video are contemplated. In addition, such imagers need not operate in the visible optics range. For example, ultraviolet, infrared or other frequency electromagnetic wave imagers could be employed. Imager assemblies as described herein may also include one or more light (or other frequency) sources, a housing (supporting an optical pathway), lensing, aperatures, filters, polarizers, and auto-focus and auto-zoom mechanism. Other imager assemblies mentioned throughout the present application may be similarly constructed. Moreover, throughout this disclosure one or dual imager assemblies are used in each embodiment presented. Adding further imager assemblies, although not shown, is contemplated. All imagers underlying the imager assemblies herein are capable of capture still images (i.e., “snap shots”), video streams, or both. - A
telescopic stem 815 may be manually adjusted to accommodate both an optimal radial angle in relation to a power button 819 (via depth adjustments via threading or tension), and the depth at which the optics assembly fits within an optics cap (shown inFIG. 8 c). It can also be adjusted through rotation of thetelescopic stem 815 to accommodate off center or tilted image/video capture targets. The IMD also uses a flexible stem 817 (made of a for example silicone rubber) that contains the circuitry and power storage elements (e.g., batteries). Abottom cap 821 may also screw on or off to at least partially hermetically seal or expose or gain access to electrical or optical connectors, batteries, circuitry, etc. Although only apower button 819 is illustrated, a much more substantial user interface including a display is contemplated for some embodiments. - A typical example of a procedure for tailoring, guiding and targeting with the IMD of
FIG. 8 a might first involve a doctor's measurement of a particular patient's reproductive system. Thereafter, with or without such information, the doctor or such patient might tailor (adjust) the optics assembly to fit the patient. That is, the doctor or patient may: a) manually adjust the depth of thetelescopic stem 815 within theflexible stem 817; b) manually adjust (via optical assembly rotation) the pivoting plane with reference to the radial location of thepower button 819; c) select and install a particular one of several sizes and shapes of optics caps (such as the optics cap 835 ofFIG. 8 c); d) insert the device with guidance support via an externally viewable display; e) further adjust the angle of the imager assembly during insertion and upon after reaching the target insertion location; and f) remove and readjust the telescopic stem via rotation or insertion extent into theflexible stem 817 if necessary. The adjustment of the angle of theimager assembly 811 via thepiezo actuator 813 may not only involve tailoring, but also supports dynamic viewing along with zoom, pan, and framing desires and capabilities of inherent in theimager assembly 811. - Guidance support might involve for example using the illustrated axial orientation of the
imager assembly 811 during the insertion process to deliver a streaming video feed to an external viewing screen (not shown) through which guidance and initial positioning can be monitored. Through such screen, a user can determine when the target insertion location has been reached. They can also then control, via an external user input device, thepiezo actuator 813 create a radial angle orientation to support image and video capture of a radially located cervix or artifact. Radial viewing might also be used during the insertion process to better examine vaginal channel walls prior to reaching the target insertion location. - In
FIG. 8 b, similar operation can be found with the addition of further electro-mechanical elements that may support control before and after insertion and from external and remote devices. In addition to the electro-mechanical pivoting control of the IMD inFIG. 8 a, the IMD ofFIG. 8 b is configured with automated telescoping and rotation. In particular, animager assembly 823 is mounted such that apiezo actuator 825 can direct theimager assembly 823 through a wide range of radial angles such as that shown, and including a fully axial position (0 degrees as shown inFIG. 8 a). Anactuator 826 is used to not only control the extension of atelescopic stem 827 into an optics cap, but also controls the rotational position of the pivot plane of theimager assembly 823 in relation to thepower button 831. - Specifically, the base of the
actuator 826 is inserted and affixed to the inner wall of ahousing stem 829. The top end of a threaded (or ratcheted) post element of theactuator 826 connects to thetelescopic stem 827 for raising, lowering, and seeking rotational alignment locations for the entire optical assembly. - With this configuration and whether or not fully or partially inserted, using an external display and user interface, the IMD of
FIG. 8B can be fully adjusted to assist in insertion guidance, zooming, panning, framing, and tracking interesting intravaginal targets. Depending on the embodiments, a user interface interacting with the IMD's ofFIGS. 8 a-b might only support direct and simplistic control commands such as clock-wise/counter clock-wise rotation, in-out telescoping, and up-down pivoting. Other embodiments also support actual angles of rotation and pivoting, and millimeter based telescoping positions with full “go to” functionality. Control may also involve any other three dimensional coordinate relocation as well, and, in any configuration, smooth or fixed movement increments at course and fine tuning speeds are employed. Moreover, the approaches to integrate electro-mechanical and mechanical adjustment techniques underlying the optics assemblies are merely exemplary as many other approaches and configurations are possible and contemplated. - Any IMD in accordance with aspects of the present invention can be built using various fully or partially automatic and/or manual techniques for best positioning elements thereof in any or all of three dimensions. As illustrated, such positioning elements comprise imager assembly and entire optics systems, but other IMD elements such as other sensors, emitters, drug or fluid delivery or fluid sampling systems that are integrated within an IMD may also benefit from the up to three dimensional mechanical or electro-mechanically driven repositioning systems shown throughout the figures. Thus, all positioning techniques described herein can be used along with guidance techniques and feedback from imagers or any IMD element to assist in its underlying function.
- Manual control can be asserted directly by whomever inserts the IMD (depth, angles, torque, rotation, etc.) and by the woman's repositioning of her own body which also effects reproductive system dimensioning. Automatic positioning control over sensors such as an imager assembly, can be made via buttons placed on the IMD itself and monitoring of positioning feedback may be collected via a display disposed on the IMD housing. Positioning control may also be managed via a tethered or wireless link by a local computing device such as a cell phone, tablet computer or laptop. Remote positioning control may also be carried out via a longer distance link such as a wireless cellular network or Internet link to a remote computing device. The remote computing device may also be a phone, tablet computing device, server, or workstation computer through a doctor's or staffs interaction to analyze and diagnose a remotely inserted IMD.
- Positioning of an optical assembly may also be used to assist in focusing, zooming or otherwise maintaining an adequate focal length to a target such as the cervix or opening of the cervical channel, or some other a gynecological event, artifact or condition. Positioning of other elements of an IMD to assist in their underlying functions is also contemplated as mentioned above for much of the same reasons. Such latter positioning may be carried out via integration with the former position mechanisms or via separate positioning constructs. For example, further sensors could be attached to a pivoting image assembly and benefit by sharing such pivot even though such sensors have alternate targets than the imager assembly and so the pivoting function could be time-shared. As an alternative, a separate pivoting platform under control via a further actuator would allow simultaneous operation although at the expense of extra materials and volume—which overall should be kept to a minimum for comfort, fitting and other reasons enumerated above.
- In
FIG. 8 c, among other details, the illustration shows a specific one of a plurality of types and sizes of optics caps, e.g., theoptics cap 835. By being made of a somewhat flexible material such as medical grade, silicone rubber, the optics cap 835 may conform to sliding over optics assemblies while maintaining a hermetic seal with either or both of the telescopic stems 815, 827 or the housing stems 817, 829. Such hermetic seal may involve merely elastic tension associated with the diameters of thehousing optics cap 835. Such hermetic seal may be improved with a bonding agent or glue and/or a mechanical constraint such as ribbing or threading. End caps 821, 841 may similarly be attached using tension or with threading and/or other mechanical constraints (e.g., agrommet 839 ofFIG. 8 e or glue) to at least provide partial hermetic sealing. - In one embodiment, the
dimensions dimensions -
FIGS. 9 a-f are diagrams illustrating construction of two embodiments of the intravaginal monitoring device along with typical dimensions, wherein such IMDs having mechanical and/or electro-mechanical structures supporting adjustable optics assemblies. The embodiment ofFIG. 9 a closely parallels that ofFIG. 8 a and thus most of the description thereof applies equally to here. This applies to endcap 919,power button 917,housing stem 915 and most of the same adjustable optics mechanisms. For example, through manually rotating and adjusting the elevation of thestem 913 and electronic pivot control via a piezo-actuator 911, the illustrated IMD can be fitted to adequately match a variety of females. Post the beginning of the insertion process, the piezo-actuator can be controlled either internally, remotely or locally to assist in, for example, further insertion guidance, targeting and examination of a gynecological artifact, event or condition. - Similarly,
FIG. 9 b is similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 8 b, and as before can share most of the aforementioned detailed description regardingFIG. 8 b. For example, such details are applicable topower button 917,housing stem 929 and much of the same adjustable optics mechanisms. Through electro-mechanical adjustment viaactuator 926, rotating and adjusting the elevation of thestem 927 along with electronic pivot control via a piezo-actuator 925, the illustrated IMD as before can also be fitted to adequately match a variety of females and further assist in the guidance, targeting, and examination within the vaginal channel. - A substantive difference between
FIGS. 8 a-b andFIGS. 9 a-b, is that the latter includes a dual imager assembly arrangement—that is in addition to theimager assemblies imager assemblies -
FIG. 9 c is an exemplary symmetric optics cap which is merely one of many types and sizes available to help tailor the IMD to the particular patient.FIG. 9 d illustrates aninner cap 933 that is relatively harder plastic that can be used with the IMD ofFIG. 9 b for example to cover and hermetically sealed the optics assembly. When theinner cap 933 is used, an outer cap such as theouter cap 935 ofFIG. 9 c provides a secondary covering by sliding it over theinner cap 933. In this way, the flexibility of theouter cap 935 will provide comfort and adequately expand the intravaginal areas to be imaged. - In general, the
dimensions FIGS. 8 a-e above. -
FIGS. 10 a-d are perspective diagrams illustrating further details regarding the adjustable optics assembly ofFIGS. 9 a-b that supports two imager assemblies. Space is at a premium within optics caps. Initially, such cap sizes take into account the need function of spreading the tissues in the target insertion zone so that adequate illumination and image capture can take place. Small form factor on the other hand is a desire for insertion comfort reasons. An optics cap length can also be shortened or lengthened to accommodate targets such as the cervix which may be axially located very close to the vaginal oriface or, alternatively, at the back of the vaginal channel. Overall cap size must also take into account focal lengths, imager and mounting assembly sizes, etc. - In
FIG. 10 a, a standard, side-by-side arrangement of twoimager assemblies stem 1017 can be rotated and elevated, and amounting platform 1011 can be pivoted. -
FIG. 10 b illustrates that arivet 1020 or other tension based interconnect betweenimager assemblies imager assemblies FIG. 10 c illustrates overlapping cavities ofimager assemblies FIG. 10 d, althoughimager assemblies -
FIG. 11 is a perspective diagram illustrating an exemplary physical construction of an intravaginal monitoring device built in accordance with various aspects of the present invention to support manual optical system adjustment. The illustration depicts anaxial imager assemblies 1111 and aradial imager assembly 1115 disposed on a mountingbracket 1117. The mountingbracket 1117 may be metallic or otherwise made to conform under normal finger pressures to various positions. Specifically,platform 1113, of the mountingbracket 1117, supports theradial imager assembly 1115. Theplatform 1113 may be bent to conform to optics demands required by a particular user. Likewise, aplatform 1116 portion of the mountingbracket 1117 can be bent to readjust the angle of theaxial imager 1111, if need arises. The mounting bracket is inserted via ascrew cap 1119 and into atelescopic stem 1121 that is also capable of rotation. Glue can be added to hermetically adhere the portion of the mountingbracket 1117 spanning inside thestem 1121. By inserting thetelescopic stem 1121 through the bottom of a housing stem 1127 (only an upper portion of which is shown), a flange within the housing stem 1127 (not shown) andcorresponding lip 1123 prevent thetelescopic stem 1121 from falling out of thehousing stem 1127 in the upward direction. By first adjusting the depth and rotation angle of thetelescopic stem 1121 and then tightening thescrew cap 1119, the optics assembly can be adjusted and secured for further use. -
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating exemplary internal circuitry utilizing electro-mechanically controlled optics elements, which may be employed in whole or in part within the various IMDs illustrated in the various figures of the present application. Electronic circuitry and components shown are typically located within a hermetically sealed portion of an intravaginal monitoring device. Such electronics are mostly located within a housing stem of an IMD, but specific components or particular portions of the circuitry may be located elsewhere, e.g., within an optics cap, an end cap, or in a device remote from the IMD itself. - The electronics include sensors such as
image capture assemblies 1207 that deliver still images (i.e., “snap shots”) and streamed video, and that may comprise for example an axial imager (or imager assembly) 1209, a radial imager (or imager assembly) 1211, distance sensor 1221 (which may comprise for example an axiallaser diode pair 1223 and a radiallaser diode pair 1225. Other sensors and components may be added, such as athermometer 1231 or amicrophone 1233. Other components include apower button 1235, USB circuitry 1241, Bluetooth® communication circuitry 1243, andflash memory 1255. Positional control circuitry & electro-mechanical components 1245 enable an interface andcontrol circuitry 1257 used to fully or partially adjust the up to three dimensional positioning of any sensor or optical element within the IMD. Apower regulation circuitry 1263 manages power delivery from abattery pack 1265, and, if so configured, supports recharging thereof via external power. Thebattery pack 1265 may be rechargeable or disposable. - The interface and
control circuitry 1257 also manages and controls all of the components and circuitry by using either internal preprogrammed firmware, a loaded software application, or a combination of both. Such program code can be replaced by using well known schemes such as local downloading, flash memory installation, over the Internet or over the air updates, etc. - The interface and
control circuitry 1257 can also be directed, in part, remotely, via the Bluetooth® orUSB communication circuitry 1243 and 1241 via wireless or wired links, respectively. Such links could support communication through which data (images, video, sensor information, etc.) and commands could be sent or received. The recipient or sender of such communications could be, for example, (a) a dedicated device designed for use with IMDs (e.g., a hand-held device with a display and user interface); (b) a general purpose device running an application designed for use with the IMD (e.g., a smart phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, etc.); or (c) a server or stand-alone computing system running an application designed for use with IMDs. In any of the above examples, such devices can be local to the IMD and used by the person managing the local insertion and data collection using an IMD (e.g., the patient, doctor or assistant). Likewise the examples could involve remotely located devices reachable via wireless cellular and/or Internet connectivity. - As mentioned previously, electro-mechanical control can be carried out using one or more servo actuators, such as the ones available from various companies such as Alps Electric Co, Ltd.®. Such actuators may control, for example, telescopic, rotational, pivoting or other motion of an optics element or assembly (e.g.,
imager assemblies 1209 and 1211) and any other sensor or element within the IMD. Thepositional control circuitry 1245, in response to directions received from the interface &control circuitry 1257, controls an electro-mechanical actuator, for example, to rotate an optics assembly, at a fixed rate, in clockwise or counterclockwise directions. Thecircuitry 1245 may also controls other actuators to cause elevation of a telescopic stem portion of an optics assembly. Other types of actuator configurations and resultant movements of any element within the IMD is also contemplated. -
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a separate hand-held-device, in communication with a dual imaging IMD with electro-mechanical image adjustment mechanisms built therein, wherein two video sequences are simultaneously displayed to assist in both tailoring such IMD for use by a particular female, and assisting in insertion, framing, zooming, panning, and otherwise targeting of a cervical region within a vaginal channel. The hand-held device is communicatively coupled to an IMD (not shown) to receive images and video streams and to exchange control signals. As illustrated, the hand-held device is receiving and displaying a first video stream from an axial imager assembly of the IMD within awindow 1353. Simultaneously, the hand-held device receives and displays in a sub-window 1351 a second video stream that originates from a radial imager assembly within the IMD. The video being displayed within thewindow 1353 can be swapped with that being displayed in the sub-window 1351 by the user as desired. Both steams can be delivered in a wired or wireless manner and via any or no communication node intermediaries (that is, via either point to point or routed pathways). Such communicative may involve any of a large number wired or wireless interfaces such as USB, Bluetooth®, infrared, and WiFi. - Repositioning of various optical systems or elements thereof can be controlled via a user interface associated with the hand-held device. For example, zooming, panning, focusing pivoting, etc., can be directed through button input or through other interface techniques such as finger pinching, double finger twisting, and finger sliding motions while in contact with a touch sensitive screen infrastructure. Guidance during insertion and positioning of the IMD can be more easily achieved and confirmed by observing one or both of the
screens - In addition, the hand-held device also contains a plurality of buttons, such as
record button 1311,IMD power button 1313,volume button 1315,snapshot button 1317 and IMD status button 1321. Therecord button 1311 allows continuous local and remote storage of the video streams being received and displayed in thewindows snapshot button 1317 triggers an image capture command's delivery to the imager assemblies within the IMD. In response, captured images (with perhaps differing resolution of that of the video stream) are delivered via the communication link and can be displayed via thewindows - The hand-held device may also contain a plurality of light status indicators 1355 (which could be other types of indicators or display elements) that indicate power status, communication link status, snapshot and recording indications, and so forth.
- Configuring other aspects of the IMD and the present hand-held device may be made via software instructions underlying the setup button 1321. To check on the overall status of the IMD, software underlying the IMD status button 1321 will trigger a communication exchange of status information such as operational condition, storage usage, ownership information, etc. The
IMD power button 1313 may also assist by triggering or otherwise displaying the remaining power and usage characteristics of the associated IMD. -
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a laptop computer, in communication with a dual imaging IMD with electro-mechanical image adjustment mechanisms built therein, wherein much like the hand-held device ofFIG. 13 , two video sequences are simultaneously displayed to assist in both tailoring such IMD for use by a particular female, and assisting in insertion, framing, zooming, panning, and otherwise targeting of a cervical region within a vaginal channel. All of the description provided with respect toFIG. 13 applies equally to thelaptop computer 1417 illustrated inFIG. 14 . The only exception perhaps is that a patient conducting the IMD insertion and monitoring process may find that interacting with the hand-held device somewhat easier to manage. This distinction may apply equally to anyone that desires to perform the insertion while reviewing video or image feeds. - For example, the communicative coupling between an intravaginal monitoring device and the
laptop computer 1417 may be accomplished via any point to point or routed communication infrastructure, e.g., wired or wireless interfaces such as USB, Bluetooth®, infrared or WiFi and through the Internet or cellular network infrastructures. Thelaptop computer 1417 may be located in the same room as the patient and IMD, yet may alternatively be located remotely. - Instead of one main window and one sub-window (or frame), the much
larger screen 1415 of thelaptop computer 1417 versus that of the hand-held device (FIG. 13 ) permits the presentation of two reasonably large sized “split-screen”windows - Once communicatively coupled to the IMD, the
laptop computer 1417 provides two images or video streams (e.g., a first from an axial imager and a second from a radial imager). The video streams or images are then presented in the twowindows - The
laptop computer 1417 operates pursuant to a program application designed for use with the IMD. In addition to directing the management of thescreens -
FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram illustrating visually a programmatic process of stitching the resulting images or video frames to obtain a wider angle view of the intravaginal and cervical regions, wherein such process may take place on an IMD or within any external, supporting device. Particularly, stitching software receives two simultaneously captured images (or video frames) 1511, 1513 (perhaps one axially and one radially collected) from the IMD. The stitching software uses correlation techniques and known positional information regard the underlying imager locations and cervical distances to create (via stretching, stitching, and combining) a single two dimensional image by combining the received image data. This process is roughly illustrated via asingle screen 1515 through which the images are modified and merged. - Although the various aspects of the present invention have been described in relation to the human species, similar constructs of IMDs of perhaps differing sizes and shapes are contemplated employing such various aspects of the present invention to support monitoring of female reproductive systems of other species.
- The terms “circuit” and “circuitry” as used herein may refer to an independent circuit or to a portion of a multi-functional circuit that performs multiple underlying functions. For example, depending on the embodiment, processing circuitry may be implemented as a single chip processor or as a plurality of processing chips. Likewise, a first circuit and a second circuit may be combined in one embodiment into a single circuit or, in another embodiment, operate independently perhaps in separate chips. The term “chip”, as used herein, refers to an integrated circuit. Circuits and circuitry may comprise general or specific purpose hardware, or may comprise such hardware and associated software such as firmware or object code.
- As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the terms “operably coupled” and “communicatively coupled,” as may be used herein, include direct coupling and indirect coupling via another component, element, circuit, or module where, for indirect coupling, the intervening component, element, circuit, or module does not modify the information of a signal but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level. As one of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another element by inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two elements in the same manner as “operably coupled” and “communicatively coupled.”
- The present invention has also been described above with the aid of method steps illustrating the performance of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functional building blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined herein for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships are appropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention.
- The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the performance of certain significant functions. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries could be defined as long as the certain significant functions are appropriately performed. Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have been arbitrarily defined herein to illustrate certain significant functionality. To the extent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and sequence could have been defined otherwise and still perform the certain significant functionality. Such alternate definitions of both functional building blocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention.
- One of average skill in the art will also recognize that the functional building blocks, and other illustrative blocks, modules and components herein, can be implemented as illustrated or by discrete components, application specific integrated circuits, processors executing appropriate software and the like or any combination thereof.
- Moreover, although described in detail for purposes of clarity and understanding by way of the aforementioned embodiments, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It will be obvious to one of average skill in the art that various changes and modifications may be practiced within the spirit and scope of the invention, as limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A monitoring device sized for at least partial insertion into a plurality of vaginal channels, each of the plurality of vaginal channels having a corresponding one of a plurality of cervixes disposed therein at different locations and orientations, the monitoring device comprising:
a first imager that captures data in a first field of view;
a second imager, disposed in an adjustable configuration, that captures data within a second field of view;
the first imager being disposed in a more axial orientation than that of the second imager; and adjustments made to the adjustable configuration of the second imager assist in placing the second field of view to at least partially contain a first cervix of the plurality of cervixes within a first vaginal channel of the plurality of vaginal channels.
2. The monitoring device of claim 1 , further comprising an electro-mechanical component that manipulates the adjustable configuration of the second imager.
3. The monitoring device of claim 1 , further comprising a mechanical structure supporting manual interaction to manipulate the adjustable configuration of the second imager.
4. The monitoring device of claim 2 , further comprising communication circuitry through which control signals are received, the control signals directing the electro-mechanical component in performing the manipulation of the adjustable configuration.
5. The monitoring device of claim 1 , further comprising communication circuitry through which the data captured by the second imager from the second field of view is delivered.
6. The monitoring device of claim 5 , further comprising an electro-mechanical component that responds to control signals to change the adjustable configuration of the second imager, and the delivery through the communication circuitry of the data captured by the second imager from the second field of view supports generation of the control signals.
7. The monitoring device of claim 1 , wherein the data captured in the first field of view by the first imager comprising video data.
8. The monitoring device of claim 1 , wherein the data captured in the first field of view by the first imager comprising still image data.
9. A monitoring device sized for at least partial insertion into a plurality of vaginal channels, a first vaginal channel of the plurality of vaginal channels having there within a first intravaginal target, the monitoring device comprising:
an imager, disposed at an adjustable angle, that captures data within a field of view;
an electro-mechanical component disposed to change the adjustable angle of the imager; and
circuitry that directs the electro-mechanical component to assist in at least partially encompassing within the field of view the first intravaginal target of the first vaginal channel.
10. The monitoring device of claim 9 , further comprising:
control circuitry coupled to the electro-mechanical component;
communication circuitry, coupled to the control circuitry, through which control signals are received and forwarded to the control circuitry; and
the control circuitry responding to the control signals by directing the electro-mechanical component in making the change to the adjustable angle of the imager.
11. The monitoring device of claim 9 , further comprising communication circuitry, and the captured data is communicated outside of the monitoring device via the communication circuitry.
12. The monitoring device of claim 10 , wherein the captured data is communicated outside of the monitoring device via the communication circuitry to support generation of the control signals.
13. The monitoring device of claim 11 , wherein a computing device outside of the monitoring device receives and displays the captured data.
14. A method used to capture data within a vaginal channel, the method comprising:
inserting an imager at an orientation angle into the vaginal channel;
adjusting the orientation angle of the imager via electronic signaling that originates outside of the vaginal channel; and
forwarding data captured by the imager within the vaginal channel to a location outside of the vaginal channel.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the adjustments of the orientation angle and forwarding of data occur within a first device housing, and further comprising:
receiving the forward data within a second device housing;
displaying the received data; and
generating the electronic signaling from within the second device housing.
16. The method of claim 14 , wherein the forwarded data is routed through a communication network.
17. The method of claim 14 performed within a first device housing, and wherein the forwarded data is received within a second device housing.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the second device housing comprising a hand-held device housing.
19. The method of claim 17 , wherein the second device housing comprising a computing device housing, and the forwarding comprises routing through a communication network.
20. The method of claim 17 , wherein the vaginal channel and the first device housing are located at a first premises, and the second device housing is located at a second premises.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/890,847 US20110190582A1 (en) | 2009-09-28 | 2010-09-27 | Intravaginal optics targeting system |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US24639609P | 2009-09-28 | 2009-09-28 | |
US24640509P | 2009-09-28 | 2009-09-28 | |
US24637509P | 2009-09-28 | 2009-09-28 | |
US26341609P | 2009-11-23 | 2009-11-23 | |
US29079209P | 2009-12-29 | 2009-12-29 | |
US12/890,847 US20110190582A1 (en) | 2009-09-28 | 2010-09-27 | Intravaginal optics targeting system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20110190582A1 true US20110190582A1 (en) | 2011-08-04 |
Family
ID=43796249
Family Applications (8)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/498,546 Abandoned US20130053657A1 (en) | 2009-09-28 | 2010-09-27 | Intravaginal monitoring device and network |
US12/890,750 Expired - Fee Related US8679014B2 (en) | 2009-09-28 | 2010-09-27 | Network supporting intravaginal monitoring device |
US12/890,830 Abandoned US20110188716A1 (en) | 2009-09-28 | 2010-09-27 | Intravaginal dimensioning system |
US12/890,764 Abandoned US20110190580A1 (en) | 2009-09-28 | 2010-09-27 | Analysis engine within a network supporting intravaginal monitoring |
US12/890,811 Abandoned US20110190689A1 (en) | 2009-09-28 | 2010-09-27 | Intravaginal therapy device |
US12/890,743 Expired - Fee Related US8679013B2 (en) | 2009-09-28 | 2010-09-27 | Intravaginal monitoring device |
US12/890,847 Abandoned US20110190582A1 (en) | 2009-09-28 | 2010-09-27 | Intravaginal optics targeting system |
US12/890,805 Abandoned US20110190581A1 (en) | 2009-09-28 | 2010-09-27 | Intravaginal monitoring support architecture |
Family Applications Before (6)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/498,546 Abandoned US20130053657A1 (en) | 2009-09-28 | 2010-09-27 | Intravaginal monitoring device and network |
US12/890,750 Expired - Fee Related US8679014B2 (en) | 2009-09-28 | 2010-09-27 | Network supporting intravaginal monitoring device |
US12/890,830 Abandoned US20110188716A1 (en) | 2009-09-28 | 2010-09-27 | Intravaginal dimensioning system |
US12/890,764 Abandoned US20110190580A1 (en) | 2009-09-28 | 2010-09-27 | Analysis engine within a network supporting intravaginal monitoring |
US12/890,811 Abandoned US20110190689A1 (en) | 2009-09-28 | 2010-09-27 | Intravaginal therapy device |
US12/890,743 Expired - Fee Related US8679013B2 (en) | 2009-09-28 | 2010-09-27 | Intravaginal monitoring device |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/890,805 Abandoned US20110190581A1 (en) | 2009-09-28 | 2010-09-27 | Intravaginal monitoring support architecture |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (8) | US20130053657A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2525702A4 (en) |
CN (1) | CN103068299A (en) |
EA (1) | EA201200543A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2012003742A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2011038310A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180154143A1 (en) * | 2012-06-09 | 2018-06-07 | Fempulse, Llc | Devices and Methods for Stimulating Nerves |
US20200315444A1 (en) * | 2017-10-04 | 2020-10-08 | Duke University | Colposcopes, mammoscopes, and inserters having curved ends and associated methods |
US20210374953A1 (en) * | 2018-10-04 | 2021-12-02 | Duke University | Methods for automated detection of cervical pre-cancers with a low-cost, point-of-care, pocket colposcope |
US20220133138A1 (en) * | 2020-10-29 | 2022-05-05 | Clearmind Biomedical, Inc. | Dilator-less and obturator-less introducer for viewing and acting on internal passageways or tissue |
Families Citing this family (230)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100305530A1 (en) * | 2007-02-09 | 2010-12-02 | Larkin Kevin B | Tampon Saturation Monitoring System |
US8185354B2 (en) * | 2008-05-19 | 2012-05-22 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Method of determining the dynamic location of a protection device |
US11607248B1 (en) | 2008-08-15 | 2023-03-21 | Via Techmd Llc | Cervical stabilization device |
US10729464B1 (en) * | 2008-08-15 | 2020-08-04 | Viatechmd Llc | Cervical stabilization device |
GB0900461D0 (en) | 2009-01-12 | 2009-02-11 | Photocure Asa | Photodynamic therapy device |
US8656916B2 (en) * | 2009-06-24 | 2014-02-25 | Igor Stukanov | Intravaginal device with wireless sensors on a contraceptive barrier |
KR20110032122A (en) * | 2009-09-22 | 2011-03-30 | 주식회사 메디슨 | 3d probe apparatus |
US20130053657A1 (en) * | 2009-09-28 | 2013-02-28 | Illuminare Holdings Ltd. | Intravaginal monitoring device and network |
US8460217B2 (en) * | 2009-09-29 | 2013-06-11 | Khashayar Shakiba | Electronic pelvic organ prolapse quantification system |
US8838217B2 (en) * | 2009-11-10 | 2014-09-16 | Makor Issues And Rights Ltd. | System and apparatus for providing diagnosis and personalized abnormalities alerts and for providing adaptive responses in clinical trials |
US8986204B2 (en) * | 2009-11-16 | 2015-03-24 | John Allen Pacey | Telemedicine systems and methods |
US8605165B2 (en) | 2010-10-06 | 2013-12-10 | Ai Cure Technologies Llc | Apparatus and method for assisting monitoring of medication adherence |
IT1405000B1 (en) * | 2010-02-04 | 2013-12-16 | El En Spa | DEVICE FOR THE TREATMENT OF THE VAGINAL CHANNEL AND ITS APPARATUS |
US9686673B2 (en) * | 2010-05-18 | 2017-06-20 | Electric Mirror, Llc | Apparatuses and methods for streaming audio and video |
US10462651B1 (en) * | 2010-05-18 | 2019-10-29 | Electric Mirror, Llc | Apparatuses and methods for streaming audio and video |
US8560365B2 (en) | 2010-06-08 | 2013-10-15 | International Business Machines Corporation | Probabilistic optimization of resource discovery, reservation and assignment |
US9646271B2 (en) | 2010-08-06 | 2017-05-09 | International Business Machines Corporation | Generating candidate inclusion/exclusion cohorts for a multiply constrained group |
AU2011288924B2 (en) * | 2010-08-13 | 2014-12-11 | Heard Systems Pty Ltd | A pregnancy test system |
US8968197B2 (en) * | 2010-09-03 | 2015-03-03 | International Business Machines Corporation | Directing a user to a medical resource |
US9292577B2 (en) | 2010-09-17 | 2016-03-22 | International Business Machines Corporation | User accessibility to data analytics |
WO2012090278A1 (en) * | 2010-12-27 | 2012-07-05 | 富士通株式会社 | Mobile terminal device and method of controlling mobile terminal device |
US20120203602A1 (en) * | 2011-02-07 | 2012-08-09 | Walters Bradley J | Advertisement delivery system triggered by sensed events |
US8998822B2 (en) * | 2011-03-14 | 2015-04-07 | Valley Electronics Llc | Portable preprogrammed thermometer for indicating fertility status |
CN103547307B (en) * | 2011-03-24 | 2016-04-27 | 皇家飞利浦有限公司 | The childbirth of rhythmical breathing is utilized to train |
CA2835081A1 (en) | 2011-05-03 | 2012-11-08 | Endosee Corporation | Method and apparatus for hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy |
US20120296238A1 (en) * | 2011-05-16 | 2012-11-22 | Tyco Healthcare Group Lp | System and Methods for Energy-Based Sealing of Tissue with Optical Feedback |
US9582139B1 (en) * | 2011-05-26 | 2017-02-28 | Google Inc. | Multi-level mobile device profiles |
US9071740B1 (en) | 2011-10-28 | 2015-06-30 | Google Inc. | Modular camera system |
US8696563B2 (en) | 2011-11-17 | 2014-04-15 | Lexion Medical, Llc | Device and method for illumination of vaginal fornix with ureter location, isolation and protection during hysterectomy procedure |
US20130131541A1 (en) * | 2011-11-23 | 2013-05-23 | Eternal Electronics Limited | Cell phone app for coupling a cell phone to a basal body temperature thermometer for predicting ovulation |
US20150112231A1 (en) | 2011-11-28 | 2015-04-23 | Remendium Labs Llc | Treatment of fecal incontinence |
CA2859794A1 (en) | 2011-12-22 | 2013-06-27 | Abbvie Inc. | Application security framework |
US9197686B1 (en) | 2012-01-06 | 2015-11-24 | Google Inc. | Backfill of video stream |
US9537968B1 (en) | 2012-01-06 | 2017-01-03 | Google Inc. | Communication of socket protocol based data over a storage protocol based interface |
EP3366212A1 (en) | 2012-01-30 | 2018-08-29 | Remendium Labs LLC | Treatment of pelvic organ prolapse |
EP2825259B1 (en) * | 2012-03-13 | 2017-06-07 | National Biological Corporation | System for facilitating phototherapeutic treatment |
WO2014031192A1 (en) * | 2012-03-15 | 2014-02-27 | Endosee Corporation | Method and apparatus for hysteroscopy and combined hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy |
WO2013162750A1 (en) * | 2012-04-27 | 2013-10-31 | Ovatemp, Llc | Systems and methods for monitoring fertility using a portable electronic device |
KR101858604B1 (en) * | 2012-04-30 | 2018-05-17 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Mobile terminal and control method thereof |
US9468367B2 (en) | 2012-05-14 | 2016-10-18 | Endosee Corporation | Method and apparatus for hysteroscopy and combined hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy |
US10524834B2 (en) | 2012-06-05 | 2020-01-07 | Daylight Ob, Llc | Obstetrical instrument |
US20130337732A1 (en) * | 2012-06-15 | 2013-12-19 | Eric Williams | Ventilation System and Method |
US9622646B2 (en) | 2012-06-25 | 2017-04-18 | Coopersurgical, Inc. | Low-cost instrument for endoscopically guided operative procedures |
JP5915457B2 (en) * | 2012-08-23 | 2016-05-11 | ソニー株式会社 | Control system and program |
US9519903B2 (en) * | 2012-08-29 | 2016-12-13 | 24/7 Customer, Inc. | Method and apparatus for proactive notifications based on the location of a user |
US20140073879A1 (en) * | 2012-09-12 | 2014-03-13 | Md Device Llc | System for monitoring pregnancy in mammals |
US20170035347A1 (en) * | 2012-09-12 | 2017-02-09 | Mb Device Llc | Method for monitoring pregnancy in mammals |
US20190192064A1 (en) * | 2012-09-12 | 2019-06-27 | Mb Device Llc | Micro-device and system for determining physiological condition of cervical tissue |
WO2014058802A1 (en) * | 2012-10-08 | 2014-04-17 | Informeters, Inc. | Systems and methods for device and meter monitoring |
WO2014068700A1 (en) * | 2012-10-31 | 2014-05-08 | 株式会社日立システムズ | Biological information collection/distribution system |
DE102012220598A1 (en) * | 2012-11-13 | 2014-05-28 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Monitoring system and method for monitoring and adjusting air parameters in a room, extractor device for use in a monitoring system |
US9526437B2 (en) | 2012-11-21 | 2016-12-27 | i4c Innovations Inc. | Animal health and wellness monitoring using UWB radar |
US8784462B2 (en) * | 2012-11-30 | 2014-07-22 | Richard Ogden Deroberts | Flexible, wearable therapeutic laser array |
BR102013004787A2 (en) * | 2013-02-28 | 2015-11-24 | Inst Tecnológico De Aeronáutica Ita | portable identification device, magnetic marker surgical objects, magnetic marker surgical object identification method and magnetic marker surgical object prevention system |
EP2967355B1 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2018-11-21 | M. Zubair Mirza | Internet based disease monitoring system (idms) |
US10149617B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2018-12-11 | i4c Innovations Inc. | Multiple sensors for monitoring health and wellness of an animal |
US9215075B1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2015-12-15 | Poltorak Technologies Llc | System and method for secure relayed communications from an implantable medical device |
US20140267660A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-18 | Fujifilm Sonosite, Inc. | Ultrasound device with video display capability and associated devices, systems, and methods |
US9445726B2 (en) * | 2013-03-28 | 2016-09-20 | Rakuten, Inc. | Electronic apparatus, thermometer, body temperature management system, alarm control method, and program |
GB201306369D0 (en) | 2013-04-09 | 2013-05-22 | Photocure As | Irradiation device |
KR20150004989A (en) * | 2013-07-03 | 2015-01-14 | 한국전자통신연구원 | Apparatus for acquiring 3d image and image processing method using the same |
JP6017384B2 (en) * | 2013-07-31 | 2016-11-02 | 富士フイルム株式会社 | Medical support server and system |
US20150087256A1 (en) * | 2013-09-26 | 2015-03-26 | Annalee E. Carter | Emergency Responder System For Portable Communication Device |
US9798458B2 (en) | 2013-10-02 | 2017-10-24 | The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Technion-Cornell Innovation Institute | Methods, systems, and apparatuses for accurate measurement and real-time feedback of solar ultraviolet exposure |
US9880052B2 (en) * | 2013-10-02 | 2018-01-30 | The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Technion-Cornell Innovation Institute | Methods, systems, and apparatuses for accurate measurement and real-time feedback of solar ultraviolet exposure |
US9949889B2 (en) * | 2013-11-11 | 2018-04-24 | Joylux, Inc. | At-home light-emitting diode and massage device for vaginal rejuvenation |
WO2015077684A1 (en) * | 2013-11-22 | 2015-05-28 | Duke University | Colposcopes having light emitters and image capture devices and associated methods |
KR101363550B1 (en) | 2013-12-02 | 2014-02-24 | 주식회사 유니온 메디칼 | Vaginal remodeling device using laser |
JP6354143B2 (en) * | 2013-12-10 | 2018-07-11 | Tdk株式会社 | Information providing system, electronic device, method and program |
JP2015114865A (en) * | 2013-12-12 | 2015-06-22 | ソニー株式会社 | Information processor, relay computer, information processing system, and information processing program |
AU2015203940A1 (en) * | 2014-01-06 | 2016-07-21 | Remendium Labs Llc | System and method for Kegel training |
KR20210006508A (en) | 2014-02-03 | 2021-01-18 | 클래러파이 메디컬 인크 | Systems and methods for phototherapy |
KR102245189B1 (en) * | 2014-03-06 | 2021-04-28 | 삼성메디슨 주식회사 | Apparatus por processing a medical image and method for processing a medical image |
US20160066894A1 (en) * | 2014-03-21 | 2016-03-10 | Razzberry Inc. | Health state monitoring device |
CN106793945A (en) * | 2014-03-26 | 2017-05-31 | 乐宝有限公司 | Fetal Hearing Monitored stimulating apparatus |
ES2546919B1 (en) * | 2014-03-26 | 2016-08-16 | Music In Baby, S.L. | ACOUSTIC FETAL STIMULATION DEVICE |
EP3125739B1 (en) * | 2014-04-01 | 2020-01-01 | Fertigo Medical Ltd. | A monitoring system for continuously sensing the uterus |
US10231621B2 (en) * | 2014-05-05 | 2019-03-19 | Neuropace, Inc. | Use of a progressive compression encoding of physiologic waveform data in an implantable device to support discontinuing transmission of low-value data |
US11877796B2 (en) * | 2014-05-29 | 2024-01-23 | The Spectranetics Corporation | Material removal catheter having an expandable distal end |
US10004918B2 (en) * | 2014-07-03 | 2018-06-26 | Gregg Alan Klang | LED based vaginal light therapy device |
US11207544B2 (en) | 2014-07-03 | 2021-12-28 | CERN Corporation | Light-based vaginal therapy device |
US20160000300A1 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2016-01-07 | Integrated Medical Systems International, Inc. | System and Method for Wirelessly Transmitting Operational Data From an Endoscope to a Remote Device |
US20160015913A1 (en) * | 2014-07-18 | 2016-01-21 | Mark Neuman | Cervical inspection device and method for cervical inspection |
US10993645B2 (en) * | 2014-08-21 | 2021-05-04 | Qurasense Inc. | System and method for non-invasive analysis of bodily fluids |
KR102056298B1 (en) | 2014-09-02 | 2019-12-16 | 애플 인크. | Semantic framework for variable haptic output |
CN104224404B (en) * | 2014-10-09 | 2016-08-31 | 山东省农业科学院奶牛研究中心 | Cow childbirth monitor |
EP3210647B1 (en) * | 2014-10-15 | 2020-02-19 | Color Seven.Co., Ltd | Pams technology-based skin adhesive-type low level light irradiator system using mobile communication device |
CN104382549A (en) * | 2014-10-30 | 2015-03-04 | 刘佳 | Method and system for oral health care |
US20160352726A1 (en) * | 2014-11-20 | 2016-12-01 | Elwha Llc | Location-time event logging systems and methods |
KR102356719B1 (en) * | 2014-12-01 | 2022-01-27 | 삼성메디슨 주식회사 | ULTRASOUND IMAGE APPARATUS AND operating method for the same |
WO2016091961A1 (en) * | 2014-12-10 | 2016-06-16 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Method and apparatus for adjusting a monitoring system |
WO2016097368A1 (en) * | 2014-12-19 | 2016-06-23 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Caregiver connected wearable |
US9743219B2 (en) * | 2014-12-29 | 2017-08-22 | Google Inc. | Low-power wireless content communication between devices |
JP2018504256A (en) * | 2015-01-10 | 2018-02-15 | ナイン メディカル, インク.Nine Medical, Inc. | Method and apparatus for preventing premature birth |
WO2016120402A1 (en) * | 2015-01-30 | 2016-08-04 | Ligalli B.V. | Vaginal drug delivery device |
EP3053506A1 (en) * | 2015-02-06 | 2016-08-10 | Qioptiq Photonics GmbH & Co. KG | Intravaginal camera |
US9717525B2 (en) * | 2015-03-17 | 2017-08-01 | Prabhat Kumar Ahluwalia | Uterine manipulator |
US10456059B2 (en) * | 2015-04-06 | 2019-10-29 | Forest Devices, Inc. | Neuorological condition detection unit and method of using the same |
AU2016245001B2 (en) * | 2015-04-10 | 2020-09-03 | Zerigo Health, Inc. | Phototherapy light engine |
DE102015005730A1 (en) * | 2015-05-07 | 2016-11-10 | Deutsche Telekom Ag | System for collecting medical data |
US9544485B2 (en) | 2015-05-27 | 2017-01-10 | Google Inc. | Multi-mode LED illumination system |
US10561443B2 (en) * | 2015-06-05 | 2020-02-18 | Siemens Healthcare Gmbh | Image-guided embryo transfer for in vitro fertilization |
CN104941072A (en) * | 2015-06-10 | 2015-09-30 | 上海世湖材料科技有限公司 | Intelligent remote control LED (light-emitting diode) vaginal instrument |
CN104857637A (en) * | 2015-06-10 | 2015-08-26 | 上海世湖材料科技有限公司 | Multifunctional LED vagina instrument |
US9626849B2 (en) | 2015-06-12 | 2017-04-18 | Google Inc. | Using scene information from a security camera to reduce false security alerts |
US9489745B1 (en) | 2015-06-12 | 2016-11-08 | Google Inc. | Using depth maps of a scene to identify movement of a video camera |
US9454820B1 (en) | 2015-06-12 | 2016-09-27 | Google Inc. | Using a scene illuminating infrared emitter array in a video monitoring camera for depth determination |
US9554063B2 (en) | 2015-06-12 | 2017-01-24 | Google Inc. | Using infrared images of a monitored scene to identify windows |
US9386230B1 (en) | 2015-06-12 | 2016-07-05 | Google Inc. | Day and night detection based on one or more of illuminant detection, lux level detection, and tiling |
US9235899B1 (en) | 2015-06-12 | 2016-01-12 | Google Inc. | Simulating an infrared emitter array in a video monitoring camera to construct a lookup table for depth determination |
US9886620B2 (en) | 2015-06-12 | 2018-02-06 | Google Llc | Using a scene illuminating infrared emitter array in a video monitoring camera to estimate the position of the camera |
US9613423B2 (en) | 2015-06-12 | 2017-04-04 | Google Inc. | Using a depth map of a monitored scene to identify floors, walls, and ceilings |
US11583251B2 (en) * | 2015-06-22 | 2023-02-21 | Bk Medical Aps | US imaging probe with an US transducer array and an integrated optical imaging sub-system |
TW201700063A (en) * | 2015-06-22 | 2017-01-01 | Jon-Chao Hong | Heart-lung sound abnormality handling method and system by taking heart-lung sound abnormality events as a basis of emergency treatment notification so as to reduce a search time required by emergency treatment |
JP6690646B2 (en) * | 2015-06-26 | 2020-04-28 | 日本電気株式会社 | Information processing apparatus, information processing system, information processing method, and program |
US9913583B2 (en) | 2015-07-01 | 2018-03-13 | Rememdia LC | Health monitoring system using outwardly manifested micro-physiological markers |
US20170000392A1 (en) * | 2015-07-01 | 2017-01-05 | Rememdia LC | Micro-Camera Based Health Monitor |
CN106355400A (en) * | 2015-07-15 | 2017-01-25 | 阿里巴巴集团控股有限公司 | Service processing method and device |
EP3325927A4 (en) | 2015-07-24 | 2019-04-03 | Clarify Medical, Inc. | Systems and methods for phototherapy control |
CN105030224B (en) * | 2015-07-29 | 2019-01-11 | 中日友好医院 | A kind of pelvic cavity pressoreceptor |
DE102015113908B4 (en) * | 2015-08-21 | 2023-05-04 | Truma Gerätetechnik GmbH & Co. KG | level gauge |
CN105147457B (en) * | 2015-08-25 | 2018-09-21 | 广州天沅硅胶机械科技有限公司 | A kind of collapsible menstrual cup |
WO2017035384A1 (en) | 2015-08-25 | 2017-03-02 | The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Technion-Cornell Innovation Institute | Methods, systems, and apparatuses for accurate measurement and real-time feedback of solar ultraviolet exposure |
JP6812423B2 (en) * | 2015-09-22 | 2021-01-13 | ジョンソン・アンド・ジョンソン・コンシューマー・インコーポレイテッドJohnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. | Vaginal ring sensor |
US10179085B2 (en) | 2015-10-02 | 2019-01-15 | Joylux, Inc. | Light-emitting diode and massage device for delivering focused light for vaginal rejuvenation |
US9847020B2 (en) | 2015-10-10 | 2017-12-19 | Videx, Inc. | Visible light communication of an access credential in an access control system |
US10837858B2 (en) * | 2015-11-09 | 2020-11-17 | The King Abdulaziz City For Science And Technology | Method and system for providing a time-based schedule for monitoring one or more properties of an asset using a plurality of mobile sensor nodes in a wireless sensor network |
US10083365B2 (en) | 2016-01-04 | 2018-09-25 | Validic | Optical reading of external segmented display |
JP6704255B2 (en) * | 2016-01-19 | 2020-06-03 | ソニー・オリンパスメディカルソリューションズ株式会社 | Medical observation device, medical observation system, and image shake correction method |
US20170281001A1 (en) * | 2016-02-01 | 2017-10-05 | Megan Stopek | Systems and methods for entertaining a fetus |
CN105596111B (en) * | 2016-02-03 | 2017-05-24 | 黑龙江省畜牧研究所 | Device used for detecting sheep before artificial insemination and detection method adopting same |
US11657175B2 (en) * | 2016-02-23 | 2023-05-23 | Philips Medical Systems Technologies Ltd | Patient medical data acquisition system and method using an external device |
CA3016495C (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2024-01-02 | Qurasense, Inc. | Collection device for diagnostics of vaginal discharge |
US10702305B2 (en) | 2016-03-23 | 2020-07-07 | Coopersurgical, Inc. | Operative cannulas and related methods |
WO2017168421A2 (en) * | 2016-03-28 | 2017-10-05 | Obsmart Ltd | Medical device to measure cervical effacement and dilation |
MX2018012612A (en) | 2016-04-15 | 2019-02-21 | Baxalta Inc | Method and apparatus for providing a pharmacokinetic drug dosing regiment. |
US10978202B2 (en) * | 2016-04-21 | 2021-04-13 | Perigen Inc. | Method and system for concurrently monitoring multiple obstetrics patients |
US10433822B2 (en) | 2016-04-22 | 2019-10-08 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | System and method for medical diagnostics |
US10739253B2 (en) | 2016-06-07 | 2020-08-11 | Youv Labs, Inc. | Methods, systems, and devices for calibrating light sensing devices |
DK179823B1 (en) | 2016-06-12 | 2019-07-12 | Apple Inc. | Devices, methods, and graphical user interfaces for providing haptic feedback |
DK180122B1 (en) * | 2016-06-12 | 2020-05-19 | Apple Inc. | Devices, methods and graphical user interfaces for providing haptic feedback |
US11583260B2 (en) * | 2016-06-30 | 2023-02-21 | Zajzon Bodo | Method and device for predicting and testing physiological conditions of a female mammal |
US20180018434A1 (en) * | 2016-07-12 | 2018-01-18 | International Business Machines Corporation | Notification of healthcare professional availability |
US11426626B2 (en) | 2016-07-29 | 2022-08-30 | Renovia Inc. | Devices, systems, and methods for training pelvic floor muscles |
US20180060551A1 (en) * | 2016-08-23 | 2018-03-01 | Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. | Using gas chromatography for authentication, advertisements, and therapies |
USD829112S1 (en) | 2016-08-25 | 2018-09-25 | The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Technion-Cornell Innovation Institute | Sensing device |
US20180063784A1 (en) * | 2016-08-26 | 2018-03-01 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Devices and methods for an efficient wakeup protocol |
CN106264531B (en) * | 2016-08-26 | 2023-05-12 | 江苏省计划生育科学技术研究所 | System and method for detecting displacement of intrauterine device |
DE112017004309T5 (en) * | 2016-08-29 | 2019-05-23 | Olympus Corporation | Processor, management device and medical system |
DK179278B1 (en) | 2016-09-06 | 2018-03-26 | Apple Inc | Devices, methods and graphical user interfaces for haptic mixing |
DK201670720A1 (en) | 2016-09-06 | 2018-03-26 | Apple Inc | Devices, Methods, and Graphical User Interfaces for Generating Tactile Outputs |
US11259785B2 (en) | 2016-09-16 | 2022-03-01 | Lida Aghdam | Vagina probe with brush |
CN109788934B (en) * | 2016-09-23 | 2022-04-26 | 三星麦迪森株式会社 | Gynecological diagnosis apparatus and gynecological diagnosis method using the same |
CN106362304B (en) * | 2016-09-28 | 2018-12-11 | 圆融健康科技(深圳)有限公司 | Intelligent photonic therapeutic equipment and its control method |
US10180615B2 (en) | 2016-10-31 | 2019-01-15 | Google Llc | Electrochromic filtering in a camera |
CN108093156B (en) * | 2016-11-23 | 2020-11-13 | 汤长春 | Image capturing apparatus |
US10896749B2 (en) | 2017-01-27 | 2021-01-19 | Shire Human Genetic Therapies, Inc. | Drug monitoring tool |
EP3576638A4 (en) * | 2017-02-01 | 2020-12-02 | Partus LLC | Systems, devices, and methods for treating and monitoring a pregnant patient having a prematurely open cervix |
EP3579748A4 (en) * | 2017-02-09 | 2021-01-20 | Gynisus Ltd | A medical monitoring system and method |
CN106902445B (en) * | 2017-02-23 | 2019-12-13 | 张红 | Clinical injection formula medicine feeding device that uses of gynaecology and obstetrics |
US11224375B2 (en) | 2017-02-28 | 2022-01-18 | Mayo Foundation For Medical Education And Research | Systems and methods for fetal monitoring |
CN106983958B (en) * | 2017-03-17 | 2018-11-23 | 青岛银泰医疗科技有限公司 | A kind of multifunctional light electrocautery rehabilitation physical therapy system |
US11253308B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2022-02-22 | Covidien Lp | Colpotomy systems, devices, and methods with rotational cutting |
US11090082B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2021-08-17 | Covidien Lp | Colpotomy systems, devices, and methods with rotational cutting |
US11213320B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2022-01-04 | Covidien Lp | Uterine manipulator with detachable cup and locking occluder |
DK201770372A1 (en) | 2017-05-16 | 2019-01-08 | Apple Inc. | Tactile feedback for locked device user interfaces |
US10582845B1 (en) * | 2017-05-19 | 2020-03-10 | Elizabeth Joy Wider | Vaginal speculum |
US10146460B1 (en) | 2017-06-01 | 2018-12-04 | Apple Inc. | Programming schemes for avoidance or recovery from cross-temperature read failures |
EP3658230A4 (en) * | 2017-07-27 | 2021-06-30 | Cern Corp. | Light-based vaginal therapy device |
CN107212846A (en) * | 2017-08-07 | 2017-09-29 | 杨露 | A kind of gastric acid detecting device of gastroscope connection |
US10980571B2 (en) | 2017-08-15 | 2021-04-20 | Covidien Lp | Occlusion devices, systems, and methods |
KR101857956B1 (en) | 2017-09-18 | 2018-05-15 | 이하영 | Sanitary cup insertion device |
US10507009B2 (en) | 2017-10-05 | 2019-12-17 | EchoNous, Inc. | System and method for fusing ultrasound with additional signals |
US10799172B2 (en) * | 2017-10-18 | 2020-10-13 | Ladysense (2017) Ltd. | Multifunctional measuring device for automatic examination of female genital organs |
CN108133512B (en) * | 2017-12-20 | 2021-08-06 | 肖连祥 | Magnetic resonance scanning-based visual three-dimensional imaging method for fetal body surface structure |
CN108309361A (en) * | 2018-02-09 | 2018-07-24 | 国龙溪 | A kind of GI Medicine clinic living body sampling analytical equipment |
US20210022661A1 (en) * | 2018-04-09 | 2021-01-28 | PreOV, LLC. | Intravaginal system for menstrual cycle monitoring |
CN110353886A (en) * | 2018-04-11 | 2019-10-22 | 常州英莱克斯生物工程有限公司 | A kind of novel intelligent health sliver |
WO2019209412A1 (en) * | 2018-04-27 | 2019-10-31 | Dorsey Tammy | Apparatus and method for determining physiological parameters of an infant in-utero |
EP3773369B1 (en) * | 2018-05-03 | 2022-02-09 | Gals Bio Ltd. | Intravaginal device |
US20190341149A1 (en) | 2018-05-07 | 2019-11-07 | Medtronic Minimed, Inc. | Augmented reality guidance for medical devices |
CN108652571B (en) * | 2018-05-23 | 2019-12-20 | 牛明明 | Remote gynecological diagnosis system |
US11344292B2 (en) | 2018-06-14 | 2022-05-31 | Covidien Lp | Trans-vaginal cuff anchor and method of deploying same |
CA3147007A1 (en) | 2018-07-12 | 2020-01-16 | Prima-Temp, Inc. | Vaginal temperature sensing apparatus and methods |
CN109157303B (en) * | 2018-08-02 | 2021-06-29 | 公安部南昌警犬基地 | Device for intelligently monitoring environment in vagina of oestrus bitch |
US11172324B2 (en) * | 2018-08-17 | 2021-11-09 | xAd, Inc. | Systems and methods for predicting targeted location events |
US11146911B2 (en) * | 2018-08-17 | 2021-10-12 | xAd, Inc. | Systems and methods for pacing information campaigns based on predicted and observed location events |
US11134359B2 (en) * | 2018-08-17 | 2021-09-28 | xAd, Inc. | Systems and methods for calibrated location prediction |
US20210375439A1 (en) * | 2018-10-01 | 2021-12-02 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Data transmission systems and methods for operative setting |
EP3863521A4 (en) | 2018-10-08 | 2022-05-18 | Echonous, Inc. | Device including ultrasound, auscultation, and ambient noise sensors |
US10782875B2 (en) | 2018-10-17 | 2020-09-22 | Emagine Solutions Technology LLC | Touchscreen method for medically precise measurements in ultrasound images |
WO2020082084A1 (en) | 2018-10-19 | 2020-04-23 | Youv Labs, Inc. | Methods, systems, and apparatus for accurate measurement of health relevant uv exposure from sunlight |
US20210400920A1 (en) * | 2018-10-26 | 2021-12-30 | Swinetech, Inc. | Livestock stillbirthing alerting system |
US11874870B2 (en) * | 2019-06-28 | 2024-01-16 | Cerner Innovation, Inc. | Rhythms of life |
US11051968B2 (en) * | 2018-12-31 | 2021-07-06 | Erik Cain | Vaginal urinary funnel flashlight apparatus |
JP2022525369A (en) * | 2019-03-19 | 2022-05-12 | アトロポス・リミテッド | Curette and its use |
USD888948S1 (en) | 2019-04-02 | 2020-06-30 | Renovia Inc. | Intravaginal device |
USD898911S1 (en) | 2019-04-03 | 2020-10-13 | Renovia Inc. | Intravaginal device assembly |
USD889649S1 (en) | 2019-04-05 | 2020-07-07 | Renovia Inc. | Intravaginal device |
USD896958S1 (en) | 2019-04-11 | 2020-09-22 | Renovia Inc. | Intravaginal device |
USD899593S1 (en) | 2019-04-12 | 2020-10-20 | Renovia Inc. | Intravaginal device |
USD896959S1 (en) | 2019-04-23 | 2020-09-22 | Renovia Inc. | Intravaginal device |
USD897530S1 (en) | 2019-04-23 | 2020-09-29 | Renovia Inc. | Intravaginal device |
US11756681B2 (en) | 2019-05-07 | 2023-09-12 | Medtronic, Inc. | Evaluation of post implantation patient status and medical device performance |
US11786694B2 (en) | 2019-05-24 | 2023-10-17 | NeuroLight, Inc. | Device, method, and app for facilitating sleep |
US20210090698A1 (en) * | 2019-09-20 | 2021-03-25 | Ventech Solutions, Inc. | Method and system of generating patient medical record dataset |
JP2022551203A (en) * | 2019-10-07 | 2022-12-07 | クラン,グレッグ,アラン | Light-based vaginal treatment device and method of use |
USD922575S1 (en) | 2019-10-25 | 2021-06-15 | Renovia Inc. | Intravaginal device |
KR102325020B1 (en) * | 2019-11-19 | 2021-11-11 | 주식회사 라엘코리아 | Service method for menstrual cycle notification and product recommendation through interactive interface and apparatus thereof |
US11944842B2 (en) | 2019-12-20 | 2024-04-02 | Gyrus Acmi, Inc. | Photodynamic therapy device and methods of use |
CA3117116A1 (en) * | 2020-04-13 | 2021-10-13 | AIMIC Corp. | An imaging system and method for quality and dosage control of anesthetics applied by a spray nozzle |
US20210360162A1 (en) * | 2020-05-13 | 2021-11-18 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Control apparatus, image pickup apparatus, control method, and memory medium |
US11534364B2 (en) * | 2020-06-01 | 2022-12-27 | Wayne Gerard Poole | Vaginal probe for stimulation and response recording |
US20220095995A1 (en) * | 2020-07-02 | 2022-03-31 | Frotek LLC | Device and method for measuring cervical dilation |
US11937984B2 (en) * | 2020-08-25 | 2024-03-26 | GE Precision Healthcare LLC | Active ingress detection system for medical probes |
CN112006761B (en) * | 2020-09-09 | 2022-05-06 | 郑州铁路职业技术学院 | Uterine cavity visual system for obstetrics and gynecology department |
CN112378837B (en) * | 2020-09-15 | 2021-12-28 | 深圳市华中生物药械有限公司 | Cervical exfoliated cell detection method and related device |
US20220104910A1 (en) * | 2020-10-02 | 2022-04-07 | Ethicon Llc | Monitoring of user visual gaze to control which display system displays the primary information |
WO2022082002A1 (en) * | 2020-10-16 | 2022-04-21 | Preov, Llc | Devices, systems, and methods for physiological monitoring |
KR102511938B1 (en) * | 2021-01-06 | 2023-03-17 | 가톨릭대학교 산학협력단 | Apparatus for measuring vaginal health care index |
US20220241502A1 (en) * | 2021-02-02 | 2022-08-04 | Medtronic Minimed, Inc. | Detection of audible alerts |
CN113520321B (en) * | 2021-07-14 | 2022-12-23 | 沈阳菁华医院有限公司 | Parameter triggering-based midwifery condition judgment platform |
CN114365996B (en) * | 2021-07-16 | 2023-01-20 | 张太斌 | Uterus environment analysis platform for full-moon puerpera |
WO2023073424A1 (en) | 2021-10-28 | 2023-05-04 | VisOvum Ltd. | Ultrasonic endocavitary imaging system and method |
RU210078U1 (en) * | 2021-11-02 | 2022-03-28 | Максим Станиславович Афанасьев | DEVICE FOR SCREENING PATHOLOGIES OF EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL GENITAL ORGANS IN WOMEN |
US20230293024A1 (en) * | 2022-02-04 | 2023-09-21 | Medtronic, Inc. | System for reproductive monitoring |
ZA202209265B (en) * | 2022-03-09 | 2023-05-31 | Zero Candida Ltd | Devices and method for prevention and treatment of fungal and bacterial microorganisms |
WO2023212387A1 (en) * | 2022-04-30 | 2023-11-02 | Cern Corp | Light-based vaginal therapy devices and methods for use |
US11830340B1 (en) * | 2022-06-21 | 2023-11-28 | Davinci Wearables, LLC | Method and system for secretion analysis embedded in a garment |
US11864738B1 (en) * | 2022-11-29 | 2024-01-09 | Stiliyana Ilieva Minkovska | Digitally enabled pelvic assessment and diagnosis device method and devices |
Citations (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5876325A (en) * | 1993-11-02 | 1999-03-02 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Surgical manipulation system |
US20030164952A1 (en) * | 2000-08-25 | 2003-09-04 | Nikolaj Deichmann | Method and apparatus for three-dimensional optical scanning of interior surfaces |
US20040127769A1 (en) * | 2001-12-14 | 2004-07-01 | Hale Eric L. | Interface for a variable direction-of-view endoscope |
US20070061393A1 (en) * | 2005-02-01 | 2007-03-15 | Moore James F | Management of health care data |
US20070142710A1 (en) * | 2001-07-30 | 2007-06-21 | Olympus Corporation | Capsule-type medical device and medical system |
US20080147089A1 (en) * | 2005-12-20 | 2008-06-19 | Intuitive Surgical, Inc. | Wireless communication in a robotic surgical system |
US7408439B2 (en) * | 1996-06-24 | 2008-08-05 | Intuitive Surgical, Inc. | Method and apparatus for accessing medical data over a network |
US20090203986A1 (en) * | 2008-01-22 | 2009-08-13 | Sheldon Winnick | Medical data collection device |
US20100010294A1 (en) * | 2008-07-10 | 2010-01-14 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Temporarily positionable medical devices |
US20100137681A1 (en) * | 2008-11-21 | 2010-06-03 | Usgi Medical, Inc. | Endoscopic instrument management system |
US20100198009A1 (en) * | 2004-09-24 | 2010-08-05 | Vivid Medical, Inc. | Disposable endoscope and portable display |
US20110190581A1 (en) * | 2009-09-28 | 2011-08-04 | Bennett James D | Intravaginal monitoring support architecture |
US8496597B2 (en) * | 2006-09-05 | 2013-07-30 | Fertility Focus Limited | Method of detecting and predicting ovulation and the period of fertility |
US8684944B2 (en) * | 2002-03-16 | 2014-04-01 | University Of Bristol | Thermometer |
Family Cites Families (93)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5096830A (en) * | 1987-11-17 | 1992-03-17 | Adeza Biomedical Corporation | Preterm labor and membrane rupture test |
GB2216804B (en) * | 1988-03-29 | 1992-02-19 | St Marys Hospit Med School | Improved intrauterine probe |
US6541756B2 (en) * | 1991-03-21 | 2003-04-01 | Masimo Corporation | Shielded optical probe having an electrical connector |
US5242390A (en) * | 1991-05-03 | 1993-09-07 | Goldrath Milton H | Endometrium coagulating surgical method for thermal destruction of the endometrium |
JPH08509144A (en) * | 1993-04-22 | 1996-10-01 | ピクシス,インコーポレイテッド | System to locate relative position of objects |
US5881731A (en) * | 1994-02-21 | 1999-03-16 | Remes; Arto | Device for treatment of incontinence of urine |
US5827180A (en) * | 1994-11-07 | 1998-10-27 | Lifemasters Supported Selfcare | Method and apparatus for a personal health network |
US6039701A (en) * | 1996-09-05 | 2000-03-21 | Ob Inovations, Inc. | Method and apparatus for monitoring cervical diameter |
US6058323A (en) * | 1996-11-05 | 2000-05-02 | Lemelson; Jerome | System and method for treating select tissue in a living being |
US6364834B1 (en) * | 1996-11-13 | 2002-04-02 | Criticare Systems, Inc. | Method and system for remotely monitoring multiple medical parameters in an integrated medical monitoring system |
US6277067B1 (en) * | 1997-04-04 | 2001-08-21 | Kerry L. Blair | Method and portable colposcope useful in cervical cancer detection |
UA65566C2 (en) * | 1997-05-05 | 2004-04-15 | Тріг Медікал Лтд | Method and device for monitoring progress of labor |
US6669653B2 (en) * | 1997-05-05 | 2003-12-30 | Trig Medical Ltd. | Method and apparatus for monitoring the progress of labor |
US7346174B1 (en) * | 1998-10-05 | 2008-03-18 | Clive Smith | Medical device with communication, measurement and data functions |
IL126723A0 (en) * | 1998-10-22 | 1999-08-17 | Medoc Ltd | Vaginal probe and method |
US7520856B2 (en) | 1999-09-17 | 2009-04-21 | University Of Washington | Image guided high intensity focused ultrasound device for therapy in obstetrics and gynecology |
WO2001022883A1 (en) * | 1999-09-29 | 2001-04-05 | Siemens Corporate Research, Inc. | Multi-modal cardiac diagnostic decision support system and method |
WO2001065411A1 (en) * | 2000-02-29 | 2001-09-07 | Thinairapps, Inc. | Flexible wireless advertisement integration in wireless software applications |
US6893396B2 (en) * | 2000-03-01 | 2005-05-17 | I-Medik, Inc. | Wireless internet bio-telemetry monitoring system and interface |
US6741892B1 (en) * | 2000-03-10 | 2004-05-25 | Advanced Bionics Corporation | Movable contact locking mechanism for spinal cord stimulator lead connector |
US7214223B2 (en) * | 2000-03-24 | 2007-05-08 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Photoatherolytic catheter apparatus and method |
US6450977B1 (en) * | 2000-04-10 | 2002-09-17 | Cervilenz | Devices and methods for cervix measurement |
US8565860B2 (en) * | 2000-08-21 | 2013-10-22 | Biosensors International Group, Ltd. | Radioactive emission detector equipped with a position tracking system |
DE10054581A1 (en) * | 2000-11-03 | 2002-05-08 | Metten Stein & Design Gmbh | Process for the production of concrete blocks or concrete slabs |
JP2005500869A (en) * | 2001-03-28 | 2005-01-13 | テレバイタル・インコーポレイテッド | System and method for real-time monitoring, judgment, analysis, retrieval and storage of physiological data over a wide area network |
US20020156677A1 (en) * | 2001-04-18 | 2002-10-24 | Peters Marcia L. | Method and system for providing targeted advertising in public places and carriers |
US7038588B2 (en) * | 2001-05-04 | 2006-05-02 | Draeger Medical Infant Care, Inc. | Apparatus and method for patient point-of-care data management |
US7207941B2 (en) * | 2001-06-05 | 2007-04-24 | Barnev Ltd. | Birth monitoring system |
US6524259B2 (en) * | 2001-06-08 | 2003-02-25 | Cervilenz, Inc. | Devices and methods for cervix measurement |
US6728599B2 (en) * | 2001-09-07 | 2004-04-27 | Computer Motion, Inc. | Modularity system for computer assisted surgery |
US20030065526A1 (en) * | 2001-10-01 | 2003-04-03 | Daniela Giacchetti | Historical beauty record |
US6761697B2 (en) * | 2001-10-01 | 2004-07-13 | L'oreal Sa | Methods and systems for predicting and/or tracking changes in external body conditions |
US20090143646A1 (en) * | 2002-03-07 | 2009-06-04 | Vail Iii William Banning | Tubular personal pelvic viewers |
US6896653B1 (en) * | 2002-03-07 | 2005-05-24 | Science For Medical Advocates, Inc. | Personal pelvic viewer |
US20050215858A1 (en) * | 2002-03-07 | 2005-09-29 | Vail William B Iii | Tubular personal pelvic viewers |
US20040068162A1 (en) * | 2002-07-01 | 2004-04-08 | Vaclav Kirsner | Apparatus and method of personal screening for cervical cancer conditions in vivo |
US7331923B2 (en) * | 2002-09-19 | 2008-02-19 | Fertiligent Ltd. | Insemination device |
US7353179B2 (en) * | 2002-11-13 | 2008-04-01 | Biomedical Systems | System and method for handling the acquisition and analysis of medical data over a network |
US7154398B2 (en) * | 2003-01-06 | 2006-12-26 | Chen Thomas C H | Wireless communication and global location enabled intelligent health monitoring system |
US7744528B2 (en) * | 2003-02-26 | 2010-06-29 | Infinite Biomedical Technologies, Llc | Methods and devices for endoscopic imaging |
US7381183B2 (en) * | 2003-04-21 | 2008-06-03 | Karl Storz Development Corp. | Method for capturing and displaying endoscopic maps |
JP2005006856A (en) * | 2003-06-18 | 2005-01-13 | Olympus Corp | Endoscope apparatus |
EP1652145B1 (en) * | 2003-08-06 | 2015-10-07 | TRIG Medical Ltd. | Method for monitoring labor parameters |
US8346482B2 (en) * | 2003-08-22 | 2013-01-01 | Fernandez Dennis S | Integrated biosensor and simulation system for diagnosis and therapy |
US20050049509A1 (en) * | 2003-08-28 | 2005-03-03 | Mansour Hebah Noshy | Cervix monitoring system and related devices and methods |
US7763059B2 (en) * | 2003-09-17 | 2010-07-27 | Thomas Perez | UV light therapy delivery apparatus |
US20070213590A1 (en) * | 2003-10-09 | 2007-09-13 | Gyntec Medical, Inc. | Apparatus and methods for examining, visualizing, diagnosing, manipulating, treating and recording of abnormalities within interior regions of body cavities |
US7135034B2 (en) * | 2003-11-14 | 2006-11-14 | Lumerx, Inc. | Flexible array |
AU2004296799A1 (en) * | 2003-12-02 | 2005-06-23 | Shraga Rottem | An artificial intelligence and device for diagnosis, screening, prevention and treatment of materno-fetal conditions |
US20050160001A1 (en) * | 2004-01-21 | 2005-07-21 | Don Lapre | Method for advertising internet web sites |
US20070225584A1 (en) * | 2004-04-19 | 2007-09-27 | University Of Florida Researouchfoundation, Inc. | Novel Catheter Sensor |
US7333850B2 (en) * | 2004-05-28 | 2008-02-19 | University Of Florida Research Foundation, Inc. | Maternal-fetal monitoring system |
US20060015369A1 (en) * | 2004-07-15 | 2006-01-19 | Bachus Sonja C | Healthcare provider recommendation system |
WO2006026581A2 (en) * | 2004-08-31 | 2006-03-09 | Case Western Reserve University | TIMING OF OVULATION BASED ON VAGINAL pH |
US8602971B2 (en) * | 2004-09-24 | 2013-12-10 | Vivid Medical. Inc. | Opto-Electronic illumination and vision module for endoscopy |
US8556806B2 (en) * | 2004-09-24 | 2013-10-15 | Vivid Medical, Inc. | Wavelength multiplexing endoscope |
WO2006039797A1 (en) * | 2004-10-12 | 2006-04-20 | Led Medical Diagnostics, Inc. | Systems and methods relating to colposcopic viewing tubes for enhanced viewing andexamination |
US7762945B2 (en) * | 2004-10-13 | 2010-07-27 | E.B.T. Interactive Ltd. | Computer-implemented method and system for providing feedback during sex play |
US20060089570A1 (en) * | 2004-10-25 | 2006-04-27 | Mansour Hebah N | Methods and devices for cervix measurement |
IL165482A0 (en) * | 2004-11-30 | 2006-01-15 | Sphereview Ltd | A compact mobile gynecology system for observationimaging and image analysis |
US20080146887A1 (en) * | 2004-11-30 | 2008-06-19 | Rao Raman K | Intelligent personal health management appliances for external and internal visualization of the human anatomy and for dental/personal hygiene |
US8255238B2 (en) | 2005-01-03 | 2012-08-28 | Airstrip Ip Holdings, Llc | System and method for real time viewing of critical patient data on mobile devices |
CN101237903A (en) * | 2005-01-18 | 2008-08-06 | 皇家飞利浦电子股份有限公司 | System and method for controlling traversal of an ingested capsule |
CA2612603C (en) * | 2005-06-21 | 2015-05-19 | Traxtal Inc. | Device and method for a trackable ultrasound |
US7937249B2 (en) * | 2005-07-14 | 2011-05-03 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Computational model of the internal human pelvic environment |
EP1948056A2 (en) * | 2005-10-24 | 2008-07-30 | Spectrascience, Inc. | System and method for non-endoscopic optical biopsy detection of diseased tissue |
US20070161854A1 (en) * | 2005-10-26 | 2007-07-12 | Moshe Alamaro | System and method for endoscopic measurement and mapping of internal organs, tumors and other objects |
US7645220B2 (en) * | 2005-11-08 | 2010-01-12 | Anatasol, Llc | Perineometer with wireless biofeedback |
US20070179356A1 (en) * | 2005-12-29 | 2007-08-02 | Guidance Interactive Healthcare, Inc. | Programmable devices, systems and methods for encouraging the monitoring of medical parameters |
US7527601B2 (en) * | 2005-12-29 | 2009-05-05 | Intrapartum Ventures, Llc | Cervimeter |
US7749178B2 (en) * | 2006-02-01 | 2010-07-06 | Jimmyjane, Inc. | Inductively chargeable massager |
US20070198296A1 (en) * | 2006-02-21 | 2007-08-23 | Visiontree Software, Inc. | Patient health management portal |
GB2435834A (en) * | 2006-03-06 | 2007-09-12 | Michael Craggs | Neuromodulation device for pelvic dysfunction |
WO2008076464A2 (en) * | 2006-06-21 | 2008-06-26 | Surgisense Corporation | Wireless medical telemetry system and methods using radio-frequency energized biosensors |
IL177040A0 (en) * | 2006-07-24 | 2006-12-10 | Wave Group Ltd | A discrete routine vaginal exam medical device |
US20080132763A1 (en) * | 2006-12-04 | 2008-06-05 | Isaacson Keith B | Apparatus And Method For An Endoscope Pump |
US20080184170A1 (en) * | 2007-01-16 | 2008-07-31 | Shape Innovations Inc | Systems and methods for customized instant messaging application for displaying status of measurements from sensors |
US20080183106A1 (en) * | 2007-01-30 | 2008-07-31 | Covelli Mark D | Interactive baby timer system and method |
CA2682940A1 (en) * | 2007-04-11 | 2008-10-23 | Forth Photonics Limited | A supporting structure and a workstation incorporating the supporting structure for improving, objectifying and documenting in vivo examinations of the uterus |
US7912757B2 (en) * | 2007-05-04 | 2011-03-22 | Hamid Assadian | Gift registry system |
US20080300998A1 (en) * | 2007-05-31 | 2008-12-04 | Daniel Harkabi | Method for Online Buying |
US8156166B2 (en) * | 2007-08-06 | 2012-04-10 | Intuit Inc. | Method and apparatus for selecting a doctor based on an observed experience level |
US7945454B2 (en) * | 2007-08-29 | 2011-05-17 | Firozvi Kashif A | Medical personal display assistant guide |
US8456293B1 (en) * | 2007-10-22 | 2013-06-04 | Alarm.Com Incorporated | Providing electronic content based on sensor data |
KR20090079687A (en) * | 2008-01-18 | 2009-07-22 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Printed circuit board, mounting method of the same, and liquid crystal display comprising the same |
FR2930713A1 (en) * | 2008-05-05 | 2009-11-06 | Pierre Lavoisier | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MEASURING VAGINAL AND PERI VAGINAL PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNALS AND IN PARTICULAR BLOOD FLOW AND PERI VAGINAL MUSCLES |
US20100009336A1 (en) * | 2008-07-11 | 2010-01-14 | Sullivan Shannon E | System and method for bacterial vaginosis testing |
EP2323543A1 (en) * | 2008-08-05 | 2011-05-25 | PH Diagnostics Inc. | Apparatus, method and system for determining a physiological condition within a mammal |
WO2010044879A2 (en) * | 2008-10-16 | 2010-04-22 | Carl Frederick Edman | Method and devices for self adjusting phototherapeutic intervention |
WO2010105063A1 (en) | 2009-03-11 | 2010-09-16 | Airstrip Ip Holdings, Llc | Systems and methods for viewing patient data |
US8330807B2 (en) * | 2009-05-29 | 2012-12-11 | Convergent Medical Solutions, Inc. | Automated assessment of skin lesions using image library |
JP5898070B2 (en) | 2009-06-08 | 2016-04-06 | エアストリップ アイピー ホールディングス リミテッド ライアビリティ カンパニー | System and method for viewing patient data |
EP2461733A1 (en) * | 2009-08-07 | 2012-06-13 | Dignity Health | Cervical, fetal-membrane, and amniotic examination and assessment device and method |
-
2010
- 2010-09-27 US US13/498,546 patent/US20130053657A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-09-27 US US12/890,750 patent/US8679014B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2010-09-27 US US12/890,830 patent/US20110188716A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-09-27 US US12/890,764 patent/US20110190580A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-09-27 EP EP10819585.0A patent/EP2525702A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2010-09-27 US US12/890,811 patent/US20110190689A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-09-27 WO PCT/US2010/050329 patent/WO2011038310A1/en active Application Filing
- 2010-09-27 US US12/890,743 patent/US8679013B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2010-09-27 EA EA201200543A patent/EA201200543A1/en unknown
- 2010-09-27 CN CN2010800517925A patent/CN103068299A/en active Pending
- 2010-09-27 US US12/890,847 patent/US20110190582A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-09-27 US US12/890,805 patent/US20110190581A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-09-27 MX MX2012003742A patent/MX2012003742A/en active IP Right Grant
Patent Citations (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5876325A (en) * | 1993-11-02 | 1999-03-02 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Surgical manipulation system |
US7408439B2 (en) * | 1996-06-24 | 2008-08-05 | Intuitive Surgical, Inc. | Method and apparatus for accessing medical data over a network |
US20030164952A1 (en) * | 2000-08-25 | 2003-09-04 | Nikolaj Deichmann | Method and apparatus for three-dimensional optical scanning of interior surfaces |
US20070142710A1 (en) * | 2001-07-30 | 2007-06-21 | Olympus Corporation | Capsule-type medical device and medical system |
US20040127769A1 (en) * | 2001-12-14 | 2004-07-01 | Hale Eric L. | Interface for a variable direction-of-view endoscope |
US8684944B2 (en) * | 2002-03-16 | 2014-04-01 | University Of Bristol | Thermometer |
US20100198009A1 (en) * | 2004-09-24 | 2010-08-05 | Vivid Medical, Inc. | Disposable endoscope and portable display |
US20070061393A1 (en) * | 2005-02-01 | 2007-03-15 | Moore James F | Management of health care data |
US20080147089A1 (en) * | 2005-12-20 | 2008-06-19 | Intuitive Surgical, Inc. | Wireless communication in a robotic surgical system |
US8496597B2 (en) * | 2006-09-05 | 2013-07-30 | Fertility Focus Limited | Method of detecting and predicting ovulation and the period of fertility |
US20090203986A1 (en) * | 2008-01-22 | 2009-08-13 | Sheldon Winnick | Medical data collection device |
US20100010294A1 (en) * | 2008-07-10 | 2010-01-14 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Temporarily positionable medical devices |
US20100137681A1 (en) * | 2008-11-21 | 2010-06-03 | Usgi Medical, Inc. | Endoscopic instrument management system |
US20110190581A1 (en) * | 2009-09-28 | 2011-08-04 | Bennett James D | Intravaginal monitoring support architecture |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180154143A1 (en) * | 2012-06-09 | 2018-06-07 | Fempulse, Llc | Devices and Methods for Stimulating Nerves |
US20200315444A1 (en) * | 2017-10-04 | 2020-10-08 | Duke University | Colposcopes, mammoscopes, and inserters having curved ends and associated methods |
US11805994B2 (en) * | 2017-10-04 | 2023-11-07 | Duke University | Colposcopes, mammoscopes, and inserters having curved ends and associated methods |
US20210374953A1 (en) * | 2018-10-04 | 2021-12-02 | Duke University | Methods for automated detection of cervical pre-cancers with a low-cost, point-of-care, pocket colposcope |
US20220133138A1 (en) * | 2020-10-29 | 2022-05-05 | Clearmind Biomedical, Inc. | Dilator-less and obturator-less introducer for viewing and acting on internal passageways or tissue |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20130053657A1 (en) | 2013-02-28 |
US8679013B2 (en) | 2014-03-25 |
EA201200543A1 (en) | 2012-11-30 |
WO2011038310A1 (en) | 2011-03-31 |
EP2525702A4 (en) | 2014-10-29 |
US20110190595A1 (en) | 2011-08-04 |
EP2525702A1 (en) | 2012-11-28 |
US20110190580A1 (en) | 2011-08-04 |
US20110190689A1 (en) | 2011-08-04 |
US20110190579A1 (en) | 2011-08-04 |
US8679014B2 (en) | 2014-03-25 |
US20110188716A1 (en) | 2011-08-04 |
WO2011038310A4 (en) | 2011-06-23 |
MX2012003742A (en) | 2012-10-10 |
US20110190581A1 (en) | 2011-08-04 |
CN103068299A (en) | 2013-04-24 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20110190582A1 (en) | Intravaginal optics targeting system | |
US11471035B2 (en) | Ear ailment diagnostic device and method | |
US9788792B2 (en) | System for screening skin condition for tissue damage | |
JP6411474B2 (en) | Circuit board assembly for multi-view element endoscope | |
US7549961B1 (en) | System and method supporting imaging and monitoring applications | |
US7139016B2 (en) | Intra-oral camera system with chair-mounted display | |
US9101270B2 (en) | Apparatus for capturing image of anterior part of iris and medical monitoring system using smart phone | |
JP2019147009A (en) | Endoscopy display system | |
US20160157700A1 (en) | Universal handle | |
JP7230808B2 (en) | Imaging element and imaging device | |
EP1841353A2 (en) | Endoscopic imaging system | |
US9687197B2 (en) | System for visualizing body areas | |
CN110913744B (en) | Surgical system, control method, surgical device, and program | |
EP3590438B1 (en) | Medical display-control device | |
TW201919537A (en) | Endoscope system | |
EP1762171A2 (en) | Device, system and method for determining spacial measurements of anatomical objects for in-vivo pathology detection | |
EP3934236A1 (en) | Signal processing device, imaging device, and signal processing method | |
CA2792342C (en) | System for screening the skin condition of the plantar surface of the feet | |
RU105778U1 (en) | WIRELESS REMOTE MONITORING SYSTEM FOR PATIENTS | |
WO2022094633A1 (en) | Remote medical examination | |
CN113768589A (en) | Puncture surgery system and puncture surgery method | |
US20200129044A1 (en) | Medical observation apparatus and medical observation system | |
KR20160100028A (en) | Portable image capturing device and system | |
CN219835592U (en) | Miniature built-in colposcope | |
CN219323399U (en) | Adjusting device, endoscope handle and endoscope |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ILLUMINARE HOLDINGS LTD. Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ZIARNO, WITOLD ANDREW;REEL/FRAME:026602/0271 Effective date: 20100210 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |