Minnesota Patent of the Month – November 2025
A new U.S. patent describes a novel remote medical examination system designed to revolutionize the diagnosis of middle ear disease, especially in children, without the need for an office visit. The system, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 12458208, focuses on a unique otoscope tip and an automated diagnostic platform. This technology promises to deliver accurate at-home diagnosis and suggested treatments. The platform aims to create an end-to-end virtual healthcare solution. Glimpse Diagnostics L.L.C. is associated with this development.
Innovative Otoscope Design
The core innovation is a specialized otoscope tip. This tip features precisely calculated angles for optimal entry and imaging. It has a specific anterior angle between 146 and 148 degrees. It also includes an internal optical pathway with an angle between 165 and 170 degrees. This geometry is optimized to accommodate the natural mean angle of the ear canal. The design is intended to simplify correct device positioning for non-professionals. Some versions of the tip feature a cerumen-dissolving coating to clear earwax automatically. This greatly improves the chance of obtaining a clear image.
Automated Remote Diagnosis
The patent outlines an automated method for at-home ear imaging. Users attach the specialized tip to an otoscope. They then guide the device into the ear canal. Images of the tympanic membrane are captured and sent to a web-based application. This application uses machine learning software to analyze the images autonomously. The software is trained specifically on images that may include the rim of the otoscope tip. This allows it to classify the middle ear status. It can output whether the ear is normal, has middle ear fluid (otitis media with effusion), or has a middle ear infection (acute otitis media). The platform may also gather medical history through a questionnaire. This system enhances diagnostic accuracy and eases the burden on parents and physicians.
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