ORIFICE INSPECTION SYSTEM

Abstract

A system for inspecting a patient's orifice (especially the ear, nose or throat), to components of the system, and to methods of inspecting a patient's orifice. In one embodiment, the orifice inspection system includes: an orifice inspection device for illuminating a patient's orifice; and an image capture device for capturing a photograph of the patient's orifice as illuminated by the orifice inspection device; wherein the orifice inspection device is mountable relative to the image capture device, or wherein the image capture device is mounted on the orifice inspection device.

Claims

1. An orifice inspection system, including: an orifice inspection device for illuminating a patient's orifice, the orifice inspection device including a handle with a light source, a power source and a disposable light transmissive structure formed of a light transmissive material releasably connectable to the handle, the handle including a handle body and a coupling portion extending therefrom, the light source being located within the coupling portion of the handle and the coupling portion including a switch in communication with the light source and the power source, and the disposable light transmissive structure includes a cavity to receive the coupling portion of the handle and activate the switch such that the light source is directed therealong; a smart phone including a screen and an image capture device for capturing a photograph of the patient's orifice as illuminated by the orifice inspection device; and a coupler arranged to attach with the smart phone so as to releasably couple the handle body of the orifice inspection device to the smart phone, thereby positioning the disposable light transmissive structure relative to the image capture device; wherein the orifice inspection device is operable in a first condition disconnected from the smart phone in which a user may clasp the handle body to illuminate the patient's orifice, and a second condition in which the handle body is coupled to the smart phone so as to be immediately adjacent the smart phone with the disposable light transmissive structure laterally spaced apart from the image capture device so that the image capture device is unobstructed thereby allowing the user to capture the photograph of the patient's orifice surrounding the disposable light transmissive structure whilst holding the smart phone.

2. The orifice inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the handle body and coupler are arranged to slidably couple with one another.

3. The orifice inspection system according to claim 2, wherein the handle body includes a substantially flat rear surface with a slot arranged to slidably receive the coupler such that the substantially flat rear surface of the handle and a corresponding surface of the smart phone are fitted adjacent one another.

4. The orifice inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the coupler is positioned on a rear surface of the smart phone and spaced apart from a lens of the image capture device.

5. The orifice inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the coupler and handle are arranged such that the light guide structure is positioned non-obstructively adjacent to and extending in a direction away from a lens of the image capture device.

6. The orifice inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the disposable light transmissive structure is removable from the handle irrespective of whether or not the handle is coupled to the coupler.

7. The orifice inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the orifice inspection system is configured to detect the presence of the orifice inspection device, and to automatically adjust the image magnification of the image capture device based on the location of the orifice inspection device.

8. The orifice inspection device of claim 7, wherein the orifice inspection system is configured to detect the presence of the orifice inspection device based on user input.

9. The orifice inspection device of claim 7, wherein the system further includes a graphical user interface presented on a screen of the smart phone including an orifice positioning guide for positioning a patient's orifice in the photograph captured by the image capturing device.

10. The orifice inspection device of claim 7, wherein the orifice inspection system further includes a data interface for transmitting the photograph to the patient's medical service provider.

11. The orifice inspection device of claim 7, wherein the orifice inspection system further includes a graphical user interface configured to display the captured photograph and at least one photograph of an orifice having a known condition for comparison, to assist in identifying a condition affecting the patient's orifice.

12. The orifice inspection system of claim 1, wherein the coupler is planer.

13. The orifice inspection system of claim 1, wherein the light source extends laterally across the coupling portion of the handle.

14. The orifice inspection system of claim 13, wherein the light source includes a plurality of LED lights extending across the coupling portion of the handle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0160] Examples of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which:

[0161] FIG. 1 illustrates an orifice inspection system, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0162] FIG. 2 shows a screenshot of a main menu screen of an application of the system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0163] FIG. 3 is a screenshot of the system of FIG. 2, illustrating a graphical user interface showing an image to be captured by an image capture device, with an orifice positioning guide overlaid on the image;

[0164] FIG. 4 is a screenshot of the system of FIG. 2, illustrating a photograph captured by the image capture device;

[0165] FIG. 5 is a screenshot of the system of FIG. 2, illustrating a graphical user interface displaying the captured photograph and a photograph of an orifice having a known condition for comparison;

[0166] FIG. 6 is a screenshot of the system of FIG. 2, illustrating further information concerning an orifice having a known condition;

[0167] FIG. 7 is a screenshot of the system of FIG. 2, illustrating an image to be transmitted to a medical service provider;

[0168] FIG. 8 is a screenshot of the system of FIG. 2, illustrating a database of known conditions affecting an orifice, browseable by photograph;

[0169] FIG. 9 is a screenshot of the system of FIG. 2, illustrating a database of known conditions affecting an orifice, browseable by symptom;

[0170] FIG. 10 illustrates a patient orifice inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0171] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a handle of an example orifice inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0172] FIG. 12 shows a side view of the handle of FIG. 11;

[0173] FIG. 13 shows a top view of the handle of FIG. 11;

[0174] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a tongue depressor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0175] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the tongue depressor of FIG. 14, with the blade decoupled from the handle;

[0176] FIG. 16 shows a side view of the tongue depressor of FIG. 14;

[0177] FIG. 17 shows a side view of the tongue depressor of FIG. 15;

[0178] FIG. 18 shows a top view of the tongue depressor of FIG. 14;

[0179] FIG. 19 shows a top view of the tongue depressor of FIG. 15;

[0180] FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the tongue depressor of FIG. 14, a coupler and a user device coupled together;

[0181] FIG. 21 shows a side view of the tongue depressor, coupler and user device of FIG. 20;

[0182] FIG. 22 shows an exploded perspective view of the tongue depressor, coupler and user device of FIG. 20;

[0183] FIG. 23 shows an exploded side view of the tongue depressor, coupler and user device of FIG. 20;

[0184] FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of a tongue depressor coupled to a user device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0185] FIG. 25 shows a side view of the tongue depressor and user device of claim 24;

[0186] FIG. 26 shows an exploded perspective view of the tongue depressor and user device of claim 24;

[0187] FIG. 27 shows an exploded side view of the tongue depressor and user device of claim 24;

[0188] FIG. 28 shows an exploded perspective view of an otoscope coupled to a user device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0189] FIG. 29 shows a top view of an otoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0190] FIG. 30 shows a side view of the otoscope of FIG. 29;

[0191] FIG. 31 shows a bottom view of the otoscope of FIG. 29;

[0192] FIG. 32 shows an exploded side view of the otoscope of FIG. 29;

[0193] FIG. 33 shows an exploded perspective view of the otoscope of FIG. 29;

[0194] FIG. 34 shows an exploded perspective view of a tongue depressor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0195] FIG. 35 shows a front view of the tongue depressor of FIG. 34;

[0196] FIG. 36 shows a cross-sectional view through section P-P of FIG. 39;

[0197] FIG. 37 shows a cross sectional view through section O-O of FIG. 35;

[0198] FIG. 38 shows a cross sectional view through section M-M of FIG. 35;

[0199] FIG. 39 shows a cross sectional view through section L-L of FIG. 35;

[0200] FIG. 40 shows an detailed view of section N of FIG. 39;

[0201] FIG. 41 shows an exploded perspective view of a tongue depressor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0202] FIG. 42 shows a front view of the tongue depressor of FIG. 34;

[0203] FIG. 43 shows a cross-sectional view through section E-E of FIG. 42;

[0204] FIG. 44 shows a cross sectional view through section C-C of FIG. 42;

[0205] FIG. 45 shows a cross sectional view through section F-F of FIG. 44;

[0206] FIG. 46 shows a cross sectional view through section D-D of FIG. 44;

[0207] FIG. 47 shows a left side view of a coupler fastened to a user device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0208] FIG. 48 shows a front view of the coupler fastened to a user device of FIG. 47;

[0209] FIG. 49 shows a right side view of the coupler fastened to a user device of FIG. 47;

[0210] FIG. 50 shows a perspective view of the coupler fastened to a user device of FIG. 47;

[0211] FIG. 51 shows a left side view of a handle mounted to a user device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0212] FIG. 52 shows a front view of the handle mounted to a user device of FIG. 51;

[0213] FIG. 53 shows a right side view of the handle mounted to a user device of FIG. 51;

[0214] FIG. 54 shows a perspective view of the handle mounted to a user device of FIG. 51;

[0215] FIG. 55 illustrates an orifice inspection system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0216] FIG. 56 shows a screenshot of an application of the system of FIG. 55, illustrating a photograph captured by the image capture device;

[0217] FIG. 57 shows a screenshot of the system of FIG. 56, illustrating the photograph taken in FIG. 56 as modified by a user;

[0218] FIG. 58 shows a screenshot of the system of FIG. 56, illustrating a screenshot showing the photograph being assigned to a user profile;

[0219] FIG. 59 shows a screenshot of the system of FIG. 56, illustrating a menu of actions that can be taken after the image capture is complete;

[0220] FIG. 60 shows a screenshot of the system of FIG. 56, illustrating a graphical user interface displaying the captured photograph and a photograph of an orifice having a known condition for comparison; and

[0221] FIG. 61 illustrates a patient orifice inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0222] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The following Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0223] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 61. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like features.

[0224] FIG. 1 illustrates an example orifice inspection system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The orifice inspection system 100 may be useable domestically (for example, by a patient or a family member of the patient), or by a medical professional (for example in a doctor's surgery or hospital).

[0225] As an example, a user 101 may have an application on their computer or smartphone 110. The application uses an image capture device 120 (such as a camera or webcam) to capture a photograph 130 of a patient's orifice. The application includes a graphical user interface which includes a positioning guide 140 for positioning a patient's orifice in the photograph 130 captured by the image capture device 120. A database 150 of at least one photograph of an orifice having a known condition may be accessible via the graphical user interface. The graphical user interface may be used to compare the photograph 130 with images from the database at 160. For example, the graphical user interface may be configured to display the captured photograph 130 and at least one photograph of an orifice having a known condition for comparison, to assist in identifying a condition affecting the patient's orifice.

[0226] The user 101 may use a data interface on the computer or smartphone 110 in order to transmit the photograph to the patient's medical service provider. For example, the data interface may transmit the photograph 130 by sending an email to the medical service provider. The data interface may also transmit the photograph 130 by uploading the photograph onto a server 170, from which one or more of the user 101 or the medical service provider (such as a doctor 102, or other health care provider 103) may view the photograph 130.

[0227] An exemplary orifice inspection system for the oral cavity will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 9. The orifice inspection system exemplified in FIGS. 2 to 9 includes an application for a smartphone.

[0228] FIG. 2 illustrates a main menu screen 200 for the application. From this screen the user can choose to take a photograph of an oral cavity 202, or browse a database showing at least one oral cavity having a known condition 204.

[0229] If the user choses to take a photograph 202, a graphical user interface is provided showing an image 240 to be captured by an image capture device (see FIG. 3). Overlaid on image 240 is an orifice positioning guide 250. The orifice positioning guide 250 is a broken line illustrating the correct position of the palatine tonsils 260 and the uvula 270. When the image 240 is in the correct position, the user can capture the photograph 290, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0230] The user then has the option of capturing another photograph 300, transmitting the captured photograph to a medical service provider 310, or comparing the captured photograph with photographs of oral cavities having known conditions 320.

[0231] If the user chooses to compare the photograph, the graphical user interface displays the captured photograph 290, and at least one photograph of an oral cavity having a known condition 330 (see FIG. 5). In FIG. 5, the user is able to change the photograph of the oral cavity having a known condition 330 to compare photographs of acute tonsillitis, mononucleosis, pharyngitis, and streptococcal pharyngitis. The user may click on the image of the oral cavity having a known condition 330 to obtain further information on the condition.

[0232] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of further information which may be obtained by the user by clicking on the image of the oral cavity having a known condition. The further information includes: a summary of the condition, symptoms of the condition, the contagiousness of the condition, and recommendations of when to contact a medical service provider.

[0233] If the user chooses to send the captured photograph 290 to a medical service provider, they can do so either prior to or after comparing the captured photograph 290 with photographs of oral cavities having known conditions (see FIG. 4 at 310 and FIG. 5 at 340). If this option is chosen, the user may be directed to a form into which information may be entered concerning the patient's name, the patient's address, the patient's phone number, the patient's healthcare (or Medicare) number, an email address, the medical service provider's name, the medical service provider's email address, the medical service provider's address, symptoms experienced by the patient, and comments from the patient. An exemplary form is illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0234] Alternatively, the user can browse oral cavities having known conditions via 204 at FIG. 2. Choosing this option allows the user to access a database of oral cavities having known conditions, and this database is browseable by condition (FIG. 8) or by symptom (FIG. 9). Again, selecting a particular condition allows the user to access further information on that condition, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0235] The orifice inspection system may include the application of FIGS. 2-9 and an orifice inspection device 1 (see FIGS. 11 to 19 and 28-54). The orifice inspection device 1 may be for illuminating the patient's orifice which in turn allows for a clearer photo to be captured by the image capture device.

[0236] The orifice inspection device 1 of the embodiment of FIGS. 11-19 is a tongue depressor. Features of the exemplary tongue depressor of FIGS. 11-19 are as outlined below.

[0237] The orifice inspection device 1 includes a handle 10 (see FIGS. 11-19) and a blade 20 (see FIGS. 14-19). The tongue depressor 1 is for illuminating the oral cavity, especially the pharynx, at least one tonsil and the uvula.

[0238] The blade 20 extends from the handle 10 and is for directing light from the light source 12 (see FIG. 11 and as discussed below) to illuminate the oral cavity.

[0239] The handle 10 of the tongue depressor is illustrated in FIGS. 11-13. As shown in FIG. 11, the handle 10 includes three light sources 12. Light from the light source 12 passes through the blade 20 to illuminate the oral cavity.

[0240] The blade 20 in FIGS. 14-19 is releasably engageable from the handle 10. The blade 20 acts as an optical waveguide for light emitted from the light source 12. The blade 20 is a solid body extending from adjacent the light source 12 to its terminal end 32. The blade 20 of FIGS. 14-19 is adapted to emit light from the terminal end 32. The blade 20 may be made from injection moulded plastic. The blade 20 may be disposable.

[0241] The blade 20 includes a distal end portion 30 having a terminal end 32. The distal end portion 30 is substantially flat in a longitudinal and lateral direction.

[0242] At least a portion of the distal end portion 30 is intended to be inserted into the patient's oral cavity. The blade 20 also includes a proximate end portion 50 (see FIGS. 15, 17 and 19). The proximate end portion 50 of the blade 20 is slideably engageable with the insert-coupling portion 13 of the handle 10 (see FIGS. 11 and 13). The proximate end portion 50 includes a cavity 52 into which the insert-coupling portion 13 of the handle is located (see FIG. 17). The internal walls of the cavity 52 are smooth.

[0243] The handle 10 includes a switch to connect a power supply (not shown) to the light source 12. Coupling the blade 20 to the handle 10 actuates the switch so that light emitted from the light source 12 is transmitted by the blade 20 to the oral cavity when the handle 10 and blade 20 are coupled together.

[0244] The insert-coupling portion 13 includes an outer wall having a flap 14, and the flap 14 is positioned over the switch, so that depression of the flap 14 by sliding the insert-coupling portion 13 into cavity 52 actuates the switch and activates the light source 12.

[0245] The light source 12 is located entirely within the handle 10. The light source is positioned adjacent to an opening 15 in the insert-coupling portion 13 so that light from the light source 12 passes through the opening 15 and into the blade 20. The handle 10 includes three light sources 12 which are positioned to extend laterally across the handle 10. The light sources 12 are especially light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0246] The power source in the handle 10 is in the form of a battery. The battery is especially a lithium-ion battery. The battery is connected to the light source 12 and the switch via a circuit board (not shown). The handle 10 includes a removable cover 16 for allowing the battery to be removed and replaced, as required. The removable cover 16 includes an aperture 18 providing an attachment for a keyring. The handle 10 may be made from injection moulded plastic.

[0247] The handle 10 especially does not require sterilisation and is intended for multiple uses. The blade 20 is either sterilisable (e.g. via heat or chemical sterilisation), or is disposable. The blade 20 and the handle 10 may be sold separately.

[0248] The orifice inspection device 1b of the embodiment of FIGS. 29-33 is an otoscope. Features of the exemplary otoscope 1b of FIGS. 29-33 are as outlined below.

[0249] The handle 10 for otoscope 1b is as described above. Speculum 20b is slideably engageable with the attachment-coupling portion 13 of the handle 10.

[0250] Speculum 20b acts as an optical waveguide for light emitted from the light source 12, and is a solid body extending from adjacent the light source 12 to its terminal end 32b. Speculum 20b is made from clear injection moulded plastic and is disposable.

[0251] Speculum 20b includes a distal end portion 30b having a terminal end 32b and a non-terminal end 34b (see FIG. 30). At least a portion of the distal end portion 30b is intended to be inserted into the patient's outer ear when the otoscope 1b is used. The distal end portion 30b includes a side wall having a substantially conical portion 38b extending from the non-terminal end 34b, and a substantially cylindrical portion 39b extending from the terminal end 32b. The side wall 38b, 39b defines a visualisation passageway through the distal end portion 30b. The distal end portion 30b defines an aperture at the terminal end 32b and includes a lens engager 24b at the non-terminal end 34b. The lens 22b is releaseably engageable with the lens engager 24b. Once fitted, the lens 22b is positioned proximate to the non-terminal end 34b.

[0252] Speculum 20b also includes a medial portion 40b and a proximate end portion 50b. The medial portion 40b is substantially flat in a lateral and longitudinal direction. The longitudinal axis of the distal end portion 30b is at about 75° relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle 10.

[0253] The proximate end portion 50b of the speculum is slideably engageable with the attachment-coupling portion 13 of the handle 10. The proximate end portion 50b includes a cavity 52b into which the attachment-coupling portion 13 of the handle is located. The internal walls of the cavity 52b are smooth.

[0254] FIGS. 20-23 and 28 illustrate orifice inspection systems 500, 500b. The orifice inspection system 500 includes the tongue depressor 1 of FIGS. 14-19, including handle 10 and blade 20. The orifice inspection system 500b includes an otoscope 1b, including handle 10 and speculum 20a (or orifice inserter). A similar otoscope which could be used in the orifice inspection system 500b is shown in FIGS. 29-33. The proximate end portion 50a of the speculum 20a includes a cavity into which the attachment-coupling portion 13 of the handle is located.

[0255] The system 500, 500b also includes a user device 510 in the form of a smartphone, and the user device 510 includes an image capture device 515, in the form of a camera. The user device includes the application as described in FIGS. 1-10 or FIGS. 55-61. The system 500, 500b also includes a coupler 550, for releaseably coupling the handle 10 to the user device 510.

[0256] The coupler 550 is releaseably coupleable to the user device 510 by virtue of hook and loop fasteners (for example, Velcro™). One strip of a hook and loop fastener is affixed to a surface of the user device 510, and another strip of a hook and loop fastener is affixed to a rear surface 552 of the coupler 550. The coupler also includes a handle engager 560, which includes a cavity. One end of the handle 10 is insertable into the handle engager 560, to thereby releaseably engage the handle 10 and the handle engager 560.

[0257] FIGS. 24-27 illustrate a further orifice inspection system 500a. The system 500a includes a user device 510 in the form of a smartphone, and the user device 510 includes an image capture device 515, in the form of a camera. The user device includes the application as described in FIGS. 1-10 or 55 to 61.

[0258] The orifice inspection system 500a also includes a tongue depressor 1a. The tongue depressor includes a handle 10a and a blade 20. The blade 20 is as described for the tongue depressor of FIGS. 14-19. The handle 10a includes three light sources. Light from the light source passes through the blade 20 to illuminate the oral cavity.

[0259] The proximate end portion 50 of the blade 20 is slideably engageable with the insert-coupling portion 13a of the handle 10a (see FIGS. 26-27). The proximate end portion 50 includes a cavity 52 into which the insert-coupling portion 13a of the handle is located (see FIGS. 26-27). The internal walls of the cavity 52 are smooth.

[0260] The handle 10a includes a circuit board 80 including a switch to connect a power supply 85 (in the form of a battery) to the light source. Coupling the blade 20 to the handle 10a actuates the switch so that light emitted from the light source is transmitted by the blade 20 to the oral cavity when the handle 10a and blade 20 are coupled together.

[0261] The insert-coupling portion 13a includes an outer wall having a flap (not shown), and the flap is positioned over the switch, so that depression of the flap by sliding the insert-coupling portion 13a into cavity 52 actuates the switch and activates the light source.

[0262] The light source is located entirely within the handle 10a. The light source is positioned adjacent to an opening in the insert-coupling portion 13a so that light from the light source passes through the opening and into the blade 20. The handle 10a includes three light sources which are positioned to extend laterally across the handle 10a. The light sources are especially light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0263] The power source in the handle 10 is in the form of a battery 85. The battery 85 is especially a lithium-ion battery. The battery 85 is connected to the light source and the switch via circuit board 80. The handle 10a may include a suction cap portion 90 for affixing the handle 10a to the user device 510. Separation of the suction cap portion 90 from the remainder of the handle 10a allows a user to access the battery 85, for example.

[0264] The handle 10a especially does not require sterilisation and is intended for multiple uses. The blade 20 is either sterilisable (e.g. via heat or chemical sterilisation), or is disposable. The blade 20 and the handle 10a may be sold separately.

[0265] To use the oral inspection device 1, the insert-coupling portion 13, 13a is slideably engaged into the cavity 52 of the blade 20. This actuates the switch and activates the light source 12, which transmits light into the blade 20. The blade 20 acts as an optical waveguide to direct the light to the terminal end 32 of the blade 20 for illuminating the patient's oral cavity. At least a portion of the distal end portion 30 of the blade 20 is then inserted into the patient's oral cavity to depress the tongue and illuminate the oral cavity for inspection.

[0266] Further orifice inspection devices 1c, 1d are illustrated in FIGS. 34-46. While the orifice inspection devices 1c, 1d are illustrated in the form of a tongue depressor, the speculum 20a, 20b of FIGS. 28-33 could be used with the handle 10c, 10d of the device 1c, 1d, instead of the tongue depressor blade 20c. Tongue depressor blade 20c is identical to the tongue depressor blade 20 discussed above in FIGS. 14-19.

[0267] The orifice inspection devices 1c, 1d include a coupler 550c in the form of a handle engager. The handle engager 550c is planar and is slideably engageable with the handle 10c, 10d. The handle engager includes an adhesive layer for fastening the handle engager 10c, 10d with a user device such as a smart phone 510c (see FIGS. 47-54). The user device includes image capture device 515c. The adhesive layer is VHB Tape PX5011, manufactured by 3M.

[0268] Handle 10c includes 3 3 mm LED lights 12c, and handle 10d includes one surface mount LED 12d. Light from lights 12c, 12d pass through the blade 20c to illuminate the oral cavity. The blade 20c is releaseably engageable from the handle 10c, 10d. The blade 20c acts as an optical waveguide for light emitted from the light source 12c, 12d. The blade 20c is a solid body extending from adjacent the light source 12c, 12d to its terminal end 32c. The blade 20c is adapted to emit light from the terminal end 32c. The blade 20c may be made from injection moulded plastic and may be disposable.

[0269] The blade 20c includes a distal end portion 30c having a terminal end 32c. The distal end portion 30c is substantially flat in a longitudinal and lateral direction.

[0270] At least a portion of the distal end portion 30c is intended to be inserted into the patient's oral cavity. The blade 20c also includes a proximate end portion 50c. The proximate end portion 50c of the blade 20c is slideably engageable with the insert-coupling portion 13c, 13d of the handle 10c, 10d. The proximate end portion 50c includes a cavity (not shown) into which the insert-coupling portion 13c, 13d of the handle 10c, 10d is located. The internal walls of the cavity are smooth.

[0271] The handle 10c, 10d includes a switch 27c, 27d to connect a power source 31c, 31d to the light source 12c, 12d. Coupling the blade 20c to the handle 10c, 10d actuates the switch 27c, 27d so that light emitted from the light source 12c, 12d is transmitted by the blade 20c to the oral cavity when the handle 10c, 10d and blade 20c are coupled together.

[0272] The insert-coupling portion 13c, 13d includes an outer wall having a flap 14c, 14d, and the flap 14c, 14d is positioned over the switch 27c, 27d, so that depression of the flap 14c, 14d by sliding the insert-coupling portion 13c, 13d into cavity actuates the switch 27c, 27d and activates the light source 12c, 12d.

[0273] The light source 12c, 12d is located entirely within the handle 10c, 10d. The light source is positioned adjacent to an opening 15c, 15d in the insert-coupling portion 13c, 13d so that light from the light source 12c, 12d passes through the opening 15c, 15d and into the blade 20c.

[0274] The power source 31c, 31d in the handle 10c, 10d is in the form of a lithium ion battery. The battery is connected to the light source 12c, 12d and the switch 27c, 27d via a circuit board. The handle 10c, 10d may be made from injection moulded plastic.

[0275] In use, the coupler 550c is fastened to the smart phone 510c. The handle 10c, 10d is then slideably engaged with the coupler. Advantageously, this engagement provides a rigid connection between the handle 10c, 10d and the smart phone 510c.

[0276] FIG. 55 illustrates a further example orifice inspection system 900, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The orifice inspection system 900 may be useable domestically (for example, by a patient or a family member of the patient), or by a medical professional (for example in a doctor's surgery or hospital). The system 900 is similar to the system 100 shown in FIG. 1.

[0277] As an example, a user 901 may have an application on their computer or smartphone 910. The application uses an image capture device 920 (such as a camera or webcam) to capture a photograph 930 of a patient's orifice. The image capture device may be associated with an orifice inspective device (as previously described), and the system 900 may detect the presence of the orifice inspection device and automatically adjust the image magnification of the image capture device 920 based on the location of the orifice inspection device. A database 950 of at least one photograph of an orifice having a known condition may be accessible via the graphical user interface. The graphical user interface may be used to compare the photograph 930 with images from the database at 960. For example, the graphical user interface may be configured to display the captured photograph 930 and at least one photograph of an orifice having a known condition for comparison, to assist in identifying a condition affecting the patient's orifice.

[0278] The user 901 may use a data interface on the computer or smartphone 910 in order to transmit the photograph to the patient's medical service provider. For example, the data interface may transmit the photograph 930 by sending an email to the medical service provider. The data interface may also transmit the photograph 930 by uploading the photograph onto a server 970, from which one or more of the user 901 or the medical service provider (such as a doctor 902, or other health care provider 903) may view the photograph 930. The photograph 930 may also be uploaded onto a database 975 for use in research/training 977.

[0279] An exemplary orifice inspection system for the oral cavity will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 56 to 60. The orifice inspection system exemplified in FIGS. 56 to 60 includes an application for a smartphone.

[0280] First, FIG. 2 illustrates a main menu screen 200 for the application. From this screen the user can choose to take a photograph of an oral cavity 202, or browse a database showing at least one oral cavity having a known condition 204.

[0281] If the user choses to take a photograph 202, a graphical user interface is provided showing an image to be captured by an image capture device. The orifice positioning device is mounted to a smart phone (for example), and the system automatically adjusts the image magnification of the image capture device based on the location of the orifice inspection device. This is accomplished based on knowledge of the length that the orifice inspection device extends from the smart phone. When the image is in the correct position, the user can capture the photograph 1090, as shown in FIG. 56.

[0282] The user then can modify the photograph 1090, as shown in FIG. 57. In FIG. 57 the user has highlighted a portion of the photograph 1095 for closer examination by a medical service provider.

[0283] The user then can assign the photograph 1090 to their user profile, as shown in FIG. 58. In this process, the user's profile may be associated with a medical service provider's profile and the photograph can be assigned to the medical service provider. The user can also seek professional advice, as shown in FIG. 59.

[0284] If the user chooses to compare the photograph, the graphical user interface displays the captured photograph 1090, and at least one photograph of an oral cavity having a known condition 1130 (see FIG. 60). In FIG. 60, the user is able to change the photograph of the oral cavity having a known condition 1130 to compare photographs of acute tonsillitis, mononucleosis, pharyngitis, and streptococcal pharyngitis. The user may click on the image of the oral cavity having a known condition 1130 to obtain further information on the condition (as shown in FIG. 6).

[0285] FIG. 10 illustrates an orifice inspection method 800. The method may include the step of coupling an orifice inserter (such as blade 20) to a handle 10, to thereby form an orifice inspection device 1. A light source 12 in the orifice inspection device may be activated by coupling the orifice inserter to the handle 10. A coupler may be releaseably engaged with the handle 10, and the coupler may also be releaseably engaged with a smartphone.

[0286] Using a graphical user interface, the patient's orifice is positioned using the orifice positioning guide 810. At step 820, after the patient's orifice has been positioned, a photograph of the orifice is captured using the image capture device. The user may then choose to transmit the photograph to a medical service provider 830, or to compare the captured photograph to photographs of orifices having known conditions 840. The user may retrieve information concerning the known conditions at step 850. Following steps 840 or 850, the user may also choose to transmit the photograph to a medical service provider 830.

[0287] FIG. 61 illustrates a further orifice inspection method 1300. The method may include the step of mounting an orifice inspection device relative to an image capture device 1310. For example, a coupler may be fastened to a user device such as a smart phone, and a handle 10-10d may be releasably engaged with the coupler. The method may include the step of coupling an orifice inserter (such as blade 20-20c) to a handle 10-10d, to thereby form an orifice inspection device 1-1d. A light source 12-12d in the orifice inspection device may be activated by coupling the orifice inserter to the handle 10-10d.

[0288] The patient's orifice is then illuminated 1320, and using a graphical user interface an image is captured 1330. The user has the option of modifying the captured image 1340, for example by highlighting a portion. The photograph is then assigned to a user profile 1350, and then the photograph can be transmitted to a medical service provider 1360 or the photograph can be compared with photographs of orifices having known conditions 1370. Information concerning one or more of the orifice conditions may also be retrieved 1380.

[0289] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0290] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described includes preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.