阅读说明：本技术 有助于体腔检查和诊断的数字设备 (Digital device for facilitating body cavity examination and diagnosis ) 是由 维纳·莫塔利 考斯图·奈克 于 2018-09-26 设计创作，主要内容包括：公开了一种有助于体腔诊断的数字设备(100)。所述设备(100)使用或不使用窥器实现体腔诊断。所述设备包括外壳(101)用于放入探头和附加通道(102)。所述附加通道(102)包括多个仪器。所述探头(103)被配置用于体腔中的异常的光学和数字诊断。所述探头(103)连接至无线通信部件以显示拍摄图像。所述探头(103)包括图像拍摄装置(106),所述图像拍摄装置(106)用于按时间顺序的方式拍摄异常的图像,耦合至计算设备以进行数字图像诊断的图像处理装置以及用于向所述图像拍摄装置提供测角控制的测角线(107)。所述外壳(101)具有被配置用于使所述腔室的结构可视化的透明盖(105)。所述外壳(101)包括可扩张的外部袖带(104),以分离身体部位的所述壁。(A digital device (100) for facilitating diagnosis of a body cavity is disclosed. The device (100) enables body cavity diagnosis with or without the use of a speculum. The device comprises a housing (101) for placing the probe and an additional channel (102). The additional channel (102) comprises a plurality of instruments. The probe (103) is configured for optical and digital diagnosis of abnormalities in a body cavity. The probe (103) is connected to a wireless communication section to display a captured image. The probe (103) includes an image capture device (106), the image capture device (106) for capturing images of anomalies in a time-sequential manner, an image processing device coupled to a computing device for digital image diagnosis, and an goniometric line (107) for providing goniometric control to the image capture device. The housing (101) has a transparent cover (105) configured for visualizing the structure of the chamber. The housing (101) includes an expandable outer cuff (104) to separate the walls of the body part.)

1. A digital device (100) for facilitating body cavity examination and diagnosis, wherein the digital device (100) is characterized by enabling the body cavity examination and diagnosis with or without a speculum, wherein the digital device (100) comprises:

a housing (101), said housing (101) for placing a probe and an additional channel (102), wherein said additional channel (102) comprises a plurality of instruments, and wherein said probe (103) is configured for optical and digital examination and diagnosis of abnormalities in said body cavity, and wherein said probe (103) is connectable to local and wireless telecommunication means to display one or more captured images, wherein said probe (103) comprises:

an in-situ image capture device (106), the in-situ image capture device (106) having a light source for capturing an image of the anomaly;

an image processing apparatus coupled to a computing device for digital image diagnosis; and

one or more angular lines (107), the one or more angular lines (107) for providing angular control to the image capture device (106);

wherein the housing (101) has a transparent cover (105) and an aperture aligned with the additional channel (102) of the housing (101), wherein the transparent cover (105) is configured for visualizing walls and structures of the chamber;

wherein the enclosure (101) comprises an expandable outer cuff (104) outside the enclosure (101) to separate walls of a body part;

wherein the housing (101) is rigid or flexible and the probe (103) is separable from the housing (103); and

wherein the additional channel 102 comprises a tube (109), said tube (109) further comprising a suspension (412) for carrying a liquid reagent and spraying said liquid reagent through an orifice, wherein the spraying of said liquid reagent is performed in an automatic or time-sequential manner.

2. A digital device (100) for facilitating examination and diagnosis of a body cavity according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the probe (103) is 15mm at the most.

3. A digital device (100) for facilitating examination and diagnosis of a body cavity according to claim 1, wherein the housing (101) has a diameter of at most 20mm and is a disposable or sterilizable or autoclavable sheath.

4. A digital device (100) for facilitating examination and diagnosis of a body cavity according to claim 3, wherein the housing (101) is any of stainless steel, rubber or soft plastic, wherein stainless steel facilitates autoclaving and soft plastic facilitates disposable processing.

5. A digital device (100) for facilitating examination and diagnosis of body cavities according to claim 1, wherein said additional channel (102) of the housing (101) comprises a tube (109) for carrying liquid reagents, a spatula for scraping cells, a cell brush for collecting scraped cells, a cotton swab for cleaning, a forceps for lifting the wall of the housing, a grasping device, scissors for removing tissue.

6. A digital device (100) for facilitating body lumen examination and diagnosis as claimed in claim 1 wherein the image capturing means (106) comprises a camera, the specifications of the camera comprising a minimum resolution of 2-5 megapixels, a lens diameter less than or equal to 7.5mm, a resolution greater than or equal to 640x 480.

7. A digital device (100) for facilitating examination and diagnosis of a body cavity according to claim 6, wherein the image capturing means (106) is a UV light camera with sensors providing fluorescence information to the computing device or a conventional fiberscope or a conventional hard endoscope with a rod lens system without a sheath.

8. A digital device (100) for facilitating examination and diagnosis of a body cavity according to claim 7, wherein the image capturing means (106) comprises:

a flexible tip CMOS or CCD chip having a lens diameter that provides a sharp image at least 3mm away from the body cavity being viewed; or

A distal tip, wherein the distal tip may be rigid or flexible, wherein the rigid distal tip mates with one or more front bevel mirror tips mated at an angle such as 30 °, 60 °, 75 °, and wherein the flexible distal tip has a goniometric line (107) adjacent to the tip.

9. A digital device (100) for facilitating examination and diagnosis of a body cavity according to claim 1, wherein the angular line (107) has a dimension of maximum 5mm diameter.

10. Digital device (100) to facilitate body cavity examination and diagnosis according to claim 1, wherein the transparent cover (105) of the lens side of the probe (103) has a round smooth shape to allow painless insertion into the body cavity and is hollow inside to allow movement of the probe's (103) head inside and has holes aligned with the additional channels (102) of the housing (101) to allow exit of the instruments and aerosol, wherein the transparent cover (105) is made of clear transparent polycarbonate or any material providing complete transparency and having non-reflective surfaces, wherein the transparent cover (105) is mounted onto the housing (101) by means of a screw thread for disposable use or by means of an industrial glue screw thread for permanent use, in which case, the transparent cover (105) will be a material that will not degrade in contact with recommended sanitizing chemicals that are suitable for killing microorganisms in a particular infected body organ.

11. A digital device (100) for facilitating body cavity examination and diagnosis according to claim 1, wherein said local and wireless telecommunication means comprise any of a mobile phone, a computer or a laptop via USB, BLE or WiFi.

12. A digital device (100) for facilitating examination and diagnosis of a body cavity according to claim 1, wherein the computing device comprises logic that implements an association between the relevant care plan and the images and video taken of the body cavity, the images and video taken by the image taking means (106) of the device (100).

13. A digital device (100) for facilitating body cavity examination and diagnosis according to claim 9, wherein the local and wireless telecommunication enables establishing a connection between remote consultation and a machine learning algorithm of the computing device.

14. A digital device (100) for facilitating examination and diagnosis of a body cavity according to claim 1, wherein the probe (103) is capable of providing stereoscopic vision for visualization of abnormalities in the body cavity.

15. A digital device (100) for facilitating examination and diagnosis of a body cavity according to claim 1, wherein the outer cuff (104) is inflatable and comprises a rubber or plastic cuff inflated with gas or a cuff filled with polymer gel powder which is injected with a liquid to expand the polymer powder into a gel.

16. A digital device (100) for facilitating examination and diagnosis of a body cavity according to claim 5, wherein said liquid agent comprises acetic acid and Lugol iodine.

17. A digital device (100) for facilitating body cavity examination and diagnosis according to claim 1, wherein the digital device (100) for body cavity examination and diagnosis is used for ostial and other internal procedures.

18. The digital device (100) for facilitating body cavity examination and diagnosis according to claim 1, wherein spraying is performed in an automatic or time-sequential manner by means of control buttons (404) located on a touch-sensitive keyboard (411), said touch-sensitive keyboard (411) being placed on a handle of the digital device (100), wherein when the control buttons (404) are activated an image of the cavity is taken by means of an image capturing means (106) and stored in the computing device, further wherein a liquid reagent, such as acetic acid, is sprayed through an orifice, wherein said spraying is operated by a timed automatic pump, further wherein a pause situation occurs for a predetermined period of time, wherein after the image of the cavity is again taken by means of said image capturing means (106), said image is stored in the computing device as a "marker reagent 1" or "marker acetic acid" image, wherein another liquid reagent like lugol iodine is sprayed in the body cavity in a similar way as acetic acid is sprayed to obtain a "marker reagent 2" or "marker lugol iodine" image, thereby providing accuracy of the obtained result by applying automation to avoid timing errors.

19. A digital device (100) for facilitating body cavity examination and diagnosis according to claim 1, wherein the amount of liquid reagent sprayed, the number of steps, the amount of reagent used, the sequence of operations, the timing of each step, the duration of the pause and the details of the automated operation are configurable.

20. A method (600) for facilitating body cavity examination and diagnosis, wherein the method (600) is characterized by performing the body cavity examination and diagnosis with or without a speculum, the method comprising:

introducing a digital device (100) for body cavity diagnosis in a desired body cavity for diagnosing abnormalities;

applying a liquid agent to the body cavity via an aerosol in an automated or time-sequential manner to diagnose an abnormality;

capturing the image of the anomaly in an automatic or chronological manner via an image capture device (106);

processing the image via an image processing device for annotation and determination; and

displaying a processing result from the image processing apparatus via a wireless remote communication section.

21. The method (600) of claim 20, wherein the method 400 provides visual guidance for inspection, cleaning, tissue collection, biopsy, and medical applications.

22. The method (600) of claim 20, wherein the image is processed using at least one machine learning technique selected from the group consisting of: clustering algorithms such as K-means clustering, classification algorithms such as K-nearest neighbor classification, two-class decision jungle classification, markov random field classification, multiclass neural network classification, anomaly detection.

Technical Field

The subject matter described herein relates generally to the field of visual inspection for inspection of abnormal body cavities. In particular, the present subject matter relates to digital devices that facilitate examination and diagnosis of body cavities.

Background

The body cavity is visually inspected or diagnosed using an endoscope, as is the case with a special type of endoscope or external scope (camera) for visual inspection of the orifice. The characteristics of the scope (such as size, power, flexibility, optics and light used, camera technology used, any additional sensors used) generally depend on the organ to be examined and the purpose of the examination. Visual inspection of some specific organs and some specific purposes may also be supported by other procedures, such as cleaning with a cotton swab, scraping and brushing to collect samples, field preparation to calibrate patterns, and the like. The results of the visual inspection depend to a large extent on the sharpness of the images/videos taken and the skill level of the inspector. Therefore, these results are very subjective.

Even though the diagnostic techniques used may be highly sensitive but not specific enough, the burden on the diagnostic facility is increased. Therefore, the total cost of diagnosis in terms of effort and money is often high for healthcare systems and patients. It is therefore a general aim of experts in the field to evaluate and recommend a screening technique that may be cost-effective, highly sensitive and highly specific. This becomes more relevant for resource-poor environments, where the availability of examination facilities, diagnostic facilities and trained healthcare providers may directly impact the experience and outcome of the patient.

For example, in the case of cervical cancer, acetic acid coating may be performed to highlight the cervical region. In this case of cervical cancer, the inspection camera may require a powerful lens and illumination in order to perform a visual inspection from a distance. Further, the dependence on electrical power increases, requiring specialized training to operate and maintain the camera, causing discomfort due to the speculum and being expensive. Accordingly, there is a need for an affordable, transversal scope that can be used with or without a speculum, preferably providing a surround view that can be taken on a computing device so that data can be put into a machine learning system to provide guidance to the healthcare provider responsible for the exam. The system connected to this data should be able to connect a follow-up care plan appropriate for the type of abnormality(s) detected for a true positive patient.

There is therefore a long felt need for a digital device for facilitating body cavity examination and diagnosis, which has a small lens, a small size, can be easily handled with the help of semi-skilled personnel, provides comfort to the patient during examination or diagnosis, is cost-effective, power-free, if possible speculum-free, and can be connected to dedicated software for image analysis.

Disclosure of Invention

This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to digital devices that facilitate body cavity examination and diagnosis. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to determine or limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In one embodiment, a digital device for facilitating body cavity examination and diagnosis is illustrated in accordance with the present subject matter. The digital device is characterized in that the diagnosis of the body cavity is realized with or without a speculum. The digital device may include a housing for placing the probe and additional channels. The additional channels may include multiple instruments. The probe may be configured for optical and digital inspection and diagnosis of abnormalities in a body cavity. The probe may be capable of connecting to local and wireless telecommunications components to display one or more captured images. The probe may include an in-situ image capture device having a light source for capturing images of the anomaly in a time sequential manner. The probe may include an in-situ image capture device having a light source for capturing an image of the anomaly. The probe may further comprise image processing means coupled to a computing device for digital image diagnosis. The probe may further include one or more goniometers to provide goniometric control to the image capture device. The housing may include a transparent cover and an aperture aligned with the additional channel of the housing, wherein the transparent cover may be configured to visualize the walls and structures of the chamber. The enclosure may further include an expandable outer cuff on an exterior of the enclosure to separate walls of the body part. The housing may be rigid or flexible, and the probe may be separable from the housing.

In another embodiment, a method for facilitating body cavity examination and diagnosis is illustrated according to the present subject matter. The method may be characterized by performing body cavity diagnosis with or without the use of a speculum. The method can comprise the following steps: a digital device for body cavity diagnosis is introduced in a desired body cavity for diagnosing abnormalities. The method may further comprise: applying a liquid reagent to the body cavity via the spray to diagnose the abnormality in a time-sequential manner. Further, the method may comprise: the abnormal images are captured in a time-sequential manner via an image capturing device. The method can comprise the following steps: the image is processed via an image processing device for annotation and determination. The method can comprise the following steps: the processing result from the image processing apparatus is displayed via the wireless remote communication section.

Drawings

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

FIG. 1 illustrates a two-dimensional view 100 of a digital device 100 that facilitates examination and diagnosis of a body cavity.

Fig. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view 200 of digital device 100 to facilitate body cavity examination and diagnosis.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method 300 of facilitating examination and diagnosis of a body cavity.

Fig. 4 illustrates a full view 400 of the digital device 100 that facilitates automatic application of liquid reagents and corresponding capture of images in a time-sequential manner.

Fig. 5 illustrates a two-dimensional view 500 of the digital device 100 that facilitates automatic application of a liquid reagent and corresponding capture of images in a time-sequential manner.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of a method 600 of using a digital device to facilitate body cavity examination and diagnosis.

Detailed Description

Reference throughout this specification to "various embodiments," "some embodiments," "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. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in various embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in one embodiment," or "in an embodiment" in 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 embodiments.

The present invention relates to a digital device for facilitating visual inspection or diagnosis of a body cavity and/or orifice. When the device can be inserted into a body cavity, the device may have the following capabilities:

(a) the wall of the body lumen is gently opened with a pressure cuff.

(b) With a miniature camera equipped with a light source, possibly with various colors of light, and an optional goniometric mechanism, a maximum circumferential field of view (c) is provided through the working channel into the body cavity.

(d) Allowing the application of chemicals to anomalies in the body cavity to help target the pattern or enhance the appearance-an example is spraying acetic acid to whiten precancerous tissue.

(e) Images and video are taken using a camera tube or controls on a mobile phone or PC or any suitable computing device connected to the camera with its data lines or by any suitable communication protocol.

(f) Data entered by a human is captured by the computing device and associated with the image to make it a complete record.

(g) And, as needed, by analyzing the captured images and videos and the tagged data (hereafter referred to as a combination of "records") using a computer-implemented platform that may reside on the same computing device or any other computing device, it accesses the "records" that perform digital image processing and interpretation using artificial intelligence algorithms to indicate the detected anomalies and their nature, thereby providing preliminary guidance for subsequent manual inspection.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a digital apparatus 100 for facilitating body cavity examination and diagnosis is illustrated in accordance with the present subject matter. The present subject matter presents an examination and diagnostic device that can be fitted into a body cavity. In one embodiment, the digital device 100 for body cavity diagnostics may comprise a housing 101, the housing 101 further comprising two compartments, wherein one compartment comprises the additional channel 102 and the other compartment comprises the probe 103. The housing 101 further includes an expandable outer cuff 104, a transparent cover 105 and a tube 108. In one embodiment, the housing 101 may be configured to house a probe 103 and an additional channel 102, wherein the additional channel includes a plurality of instruments. The probe 103 may include an in-situ image capture device 106 having a light source for capturing an anomaly image, an image processing device (not shown in the figures) connected to a computing device for digital image diagnosis, and one or more goniometers 107 for providing goniometric control to the image capture device 106. The probe 103 may be configured for optical and digital diagnosis of abnormalities in a body cavity, and wherein the probe 103 may be connectable to local and wireless telecommunications components to display one or more captured images. The housing 101 may include a transparent cover 105, the transparent cover 105 having an aperture that may be aligned with the additional channel 102 of the housing 101. The transparent cover 105 may be configured to visualize the walls and structures of the body cavity. The enclosure 101 may comprise an expandable outer cuff 104 on the outside of the enclosure 101, wherein said outer cuff 104 may be configured for separating the wall of a body part, wherein a body cavity is to be diagnosed. The housing 101 may be rigid or flexible, and the probe 103 may be separable from the housing 101. The digital device 100 for body cavity diagnosis may be characterized in that body cavity diagnosis is achieved with or without the use of a speculum.

The housing 101 can be sterilized, and the housing 101 has a length of 150mm or more and an outer diameter of 20mm or less. In one embodiment, the housing 101 may be made of a bio-friendly grade of flexible stainless steel hose to facilitate use in an opening of a body part, such as, but not limited to, the esophagus. In another embodiment, the housing 101 may be made of a suitable type of bio-friendly plastic. In yet another embodiment, the housing 101 may be made of steel, rubber, or soft plastic, where stainless steel facilitates autoclaving and soft plastic facilitates disposable handling. Thus, the housing 101 may be disposable or sterilizable or autoclavable. The additional channel 102 of the housing 101 may include a number of instruments including a tube/pipette 109 for carrying liquid reagents, a spatula for scraping cells, a cytobrush for collecting scraped cells, a cotton swab for cleaning, forceps for lifting the cavity wall, a grasping device, scissors for removing tissue. In one embodiment, the pipette or tube 109 may have a dedicated channel that may be separate from the channel of the instrument. Tube 109 may be used to introduce the aerosol, wherein tube 109 may be attached to an external spray pump which may contain acetic acid or lugol iodine, which is suitably prepared for visual inspection according to acetic acid standards or visual inspection using lugol iodine standards (VIA/VILI). The separate channels for the tubes 109 may facilitate repeated actions of chemical coating without the need to provide channels each time after use of the apparatus 100. In one embodiment, the tube 109 may be disposable. The tube 109 may include indicia, wherein the tube 109 may be inserted into the channel 102 up to a designated indicia on the tube 109. The outer end of tube 109 may be connected to a pressure pump container or spray can. The container or canister may be filled with a desired liquid reagent, such as 3% or suitable acetic acid or lugol's iodine. In visualizing the spray, the liquid agent may be sprayed or pumped into the body cavity. In one embodiment, the tube 109 may have a felt or bud tip at the distal end, thereby enabling the liquid reagent to be applied while slowly rotating the probe 103 by a partial circular motion about its axis. An expandable outer cuff 104 may be inflated and fitted outside the housing 101. In one embodiment, the cuff 104 may be removed and changed. When introduced into a body lumen, the cuff 104 may be in a deflated position. A thin rubber tube 108 may be used to connect the outer cuff 104 to an air pump outside the body cavity. When positioned inside the cavity, air may be pumped to inflate the outer cuff 104 in order to obtain a better view of the image capture device 106. In one embodiment, the outer cuff 104 may be inflatable and include a rubber or plastic cuff inflated with gas or a polymer gel cuff injected with a liquid agent. The probe 103 may have a diameter of maximum 15 mm. In one embodiment, the digital probe 103 may be capable of providing stereoscopic vision for visualization of abnormalities in a body cavity. In one embodiment, image capture device 106 may include, but may not be limited to, a camera or similar device. The housing 101 may have a transparent bubble (circular) cavity end that may provide a viewport for the image capture device 106 while protecting the image capture device 106 from exposure to any microorganisms. This may ensure that the image capture device 106 may not have to be separately sterilized, as this may affect the lens. Image capture device 106 may be communicatively connected to a computing device (not shown in the figures) such as, but possibly not limited to, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a laptop computer, or similar device for transmitting captured images and video to device 100 using a suitable data communication protocol. In one embodiment, the image capture device 106 may be a specially designed flexible tip CMOS or CCD chip device with a lens diameter small enough to provide a sharp image at a minimum distance of 3mm from the area being viewed. In another embodiment, the image capture device 106 may be a standard CMOS borescope or CCD scope or a fiberscope or rod lens endoscopic camera (used without any other sheath). The distal end of the image capture device 106 may be rigid or flexible. The rigid distal tip may mate with one or more anterior beveled mirror tips that mate at angles such as, but possibly not limited to, 30 °, 60 °, 75 °, etc., to achieve surround vision. The flexible distal tip may have a goniometric line 107 to the tip. Image capture device 106 may have specifications including a minimum 2-5 megapixel resolution, a lens diameter less than or equal to 7.5mm, a resolution greater than or equal to 640x 480. In one embodiment, the image capture device 106, such as a camera, may be a UV light camera having a sensor that provides fluorescence information to a connected computing device. In another embodiment, the image capture device 106 may be a conventional fiberscope. In yet another embodiment, image capture device 106 may be a conventional rigid endoscope with a rod lens system without its sheath. In yet another embodiment, the image capture device 106 may be a CCD chip camera. In various embodiments, the size of the image capture device lens, its focal length, and even the chip size of a CMOS or CCD may vary depending on the image resolution, and desired size.

In an embodiment, when available as a personal use device, the image capture device 106 may be an integral rather than a replaceable part of the plastic housing 101 fitted with a fixed acrylic or polycarbonate viewport bubble. In one embodiment, image capture device 106 may be in-situ and may include a light source (not shown in the figures). The specifications of the light source, such as the number of LEDs, their location and distribution, and color, may vary depending on the illumination, image sharpness, and filter effect required for the task at hand. In one embodiment, the image capture device 106 inside the housing 101 may have a flexible tip with a goniometric or bond line 107 adjacent to the tip to enable flexibility for surround vision. In an embodiment, the goniometric line 107 may be controlled by a pulley or sprocket mechanism with a stop to limit engagement, and the external knob(s) control rotation in the desired direction. The diameter of the angle line may be up to 5 mm. A corner line 107 is located on one side of each image capture device 106. In one embodiment, instruments passing through the additional channel 102 may protrude from holes in the transparent cover 105. In one embodiment, the transparent cover 105 on the lens side of the probe 103 may have a rounded smooth shape to allow for painless insertion of the device 100 into a body cavity. The transparent cover 105 may be hollow on the inside to allow the movement of the probe head inside and has holes aligned with the working channel of the casing 101 to allow the exit of the instruments and of the aerosol. The transparent cover 105 may be made of clear transparent polycarbonate or any material that can provide complete transparency and has a non-reflective surface. The transparent cover 105 may be screw-mounted to the housing 101 by means of a screw thread for single use or by means of an industrial glue for permanent use, in which case the transparent cover 105 will be of a material that will not degrade in contact with recommended disinfecting chemicals that are suitable for killing microorganisms in that particular infected body organ.

In one embodiment, image capture device 106 may be communicatively connected to a computing device such as a computer or laptop or mobile phone. Software that may enable operation of the computing device may be connected to, but may not be limited to, the cloud. In one embodiment, the connection may be accomplished via a USB port. In one embodiment, a light source on the image capture device 106, which may be a ring of LEDs around the tip of the image capture device 106, may obtain power from the computing device. The light or particular LED may be turned on or off using one of the external switches located on the image capture device 106, where the switch may be located on the length of the image capture device 106 that may extend outside the body cavity after insertion. With the white light turned on, the image capture device 106 can be inserted into the main chamber of the housing 101 until a specified depth is easily measured by a marker on the range of the image capture device 106. Once the image capture device 106 can be securely placed in the housing 101, the assembled apparatus 100 is ready for insertion into a body cavity. The lubricating jelly may or may not be applied to the outer cuff 104 and housing assembly depending on the patient and the condition of the chamber. The device 100 can now be placed in the mouth of a body cavity when the subject is in a comfortable position suitable for the type of task at hand. The device 100 can be gently guided to its desired position while visualizing the process of entering the device 100 into the body cavity by means of real-time video on the connected computing device. The markings on the housing 101 may indicate a threshold depth of insertion (maximum and minimum) while keeping in mind the age of the patient and the type of body cavity. The outer cuff 104 can then be slowly inflated while observing the pressure on the pump dial, which can be a standard mechanical manometer, to keep the pressure within specified limits depending on the age and type of cavity of the patient. Dial pumps are simply mechanical pressure gauges located between the manual pump and the tubing that pushes air into the cuff. The inflation may push the body cavity wall gently from the inside, creating a clear visual path to the frontal area. The inflation may be achieved by a tube 108. In one embodiment, the outer cuff 104 may be inflatable and include a rubber or plastic cuff inflated with gas or a cuff filled with polymer gel powder that is injected with a liquid to expand the polymer powder into a gel. Further, captured images and video of abnormalities found in the body lumen may be processed by an image processing device (not shown in the figures) coupled to the computing device, wherein the image capture device 106 may capture images of the abnormalities. The computing device may provide a user interface for entering relevant data relating to the patient being examined. Captured images, video and data may include "recordings". The record may be stored on the computing device in accordance with applicable security specifications. The records may or may not be transmitted to a remote system (such as a cloud server) via an available and acceptable network protocol, as desired. The record may be shared with a remote expert who may provide diagnostic confirmation after viewing the original record and the diagnostic guidance provided by the device 100. The record may be processed by a computer-implemented platform included in the computing device. In one embodiment, the recording may be shared to a remote expert via local and wireless telecommunication. The computing device may include logic that enables association of the relevant care plan with images and video of the body lumen captured by the image capture device 106 of the device 100. In one embodiment, the local and wireless telecommunications enable a connection between remote consultation and machine learning algorithms of the computing device. The local and wireless telecommunications components may comprise any of a mobile phone, computer or laptop via USB, BLE or WiFi from similar sources. According to an embodiment, the record may be available on a computing device connected to image capture device 106 and/or a remote server. The recording can be processed in 3 or 4 steps: 1) performing digital image processing on it to extract some data, 2) testing that data with data from the raw record is done against a trained machine learning algorithm to present guidance for further manual review of the situation, 3) the raw record and diagnostic guidance may or may not be shared with a remote expert for diagnostic confirmation, 4) connecting the patient with a follow-up care program if needed. Data entry and presentation may be in a language familiar to the probe user, depending on the application settings and application version the user makes at the time of use.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view 200 of the digital device 100 for facilitating body cavity examination and diagnosis is illustrated in accordance with the present subject matter. In one embodiment, the housing 101 may comprise a separate cap-like fixture 201 on the back for locking the probe 103, wherein the locking may be screwed with a thread or a clamp or any such locking mechanism. In one embodiment, the housing 101 may additionally be covered with a disposable clear plastic sheath that does not cover the transparent cover 105, wherein the transparent cover 105 may be secured at the viewing port. In one embodiment, the housing 101 may include internal partitions and threads on both ends of the housing 101. In one embodiment, cross-sectional views 202, 203 of the housing 101 and the divider are shown in FIG. 2.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a flow chart of a method 300 of facilitating examination and diagnosis of a body cavity is illustrated in accordance with the present subject matter. In step 301, an image may be captured. In one embodiment, an image of an abnormality in a body lumen may be captured via the image capture device 106.

In step 302, image processing and algorithm selection may be performed. The step 302 may include feature selection, wherein representing the main features in each data set of the input, such as actual images and histopathology and cytopathology, etc., may be performed. Because the apparatus 100 uses actual image data, digital image processing may be performed to construct a data set. In one embodiment, image processing may include noise removal, registration, segmentation of tissue types, pixel removal with blood, and reflection. Further, the image processing may further include the application of color filters. Further, data extraction using a specific technique for each feature may be performed. In one embodiment, the image is processed using at least one machine learning technique selected from the group consisting of: clustering algorithms such as K-means clustering, classification algorithms such as K-nearest neighbor classification, two-class decision jungle classification, markov random field classification, multiclass neural network classification, anomaly detection.

In step 303, clinical data entry may be performed. In one embodiment, clinical data may be entered into the computing device on demand, where the clinical data may include relevant details such as patient demographics and family health backgrounds, behavioral patterns that may suggest suspected causes of such abnormalities, other information (e.g., observing any other symptoms of the patient), previous health histories (such as disease and treatment, if any), and other health histories related to the examination at hand (such as the expectant mom in the case of cervical cancer), specific health parameters (such as vital signs, and any other parameters related to the examination at hand). Further, in step 304, temporary storage may be performed. The clinical data entered in step 303 may be temporarily stored in the computing device.

In step 305, a pre-synchronization algorithm may be performed. A pre-synchronization algorithm may optionally be used in cases where the data for synchronization is large or according to processing requirements.

In step 306, cloud synchronization and algorithms may be performed. The cloud synchronization and algorithm may also be optional and depend on the input data and processing requirements.

In step 307, a notification may be given to a closed group of distribution analysts. In one embodiment, the notification may comprise a simple incoming text message that results in an exam record entered by the probe user (i.e., a healthcare professional at the exam scene). Notifications may be transmitted via local or wireless communication using standard mobile notification protocols available on the market.

In step 308, manual analysis and diagnostics may be performed. Based on the received notification, manual analysis and diagnosis of the received data may be performed.

In step 309, a treatment input may be made. In one embodiment, after analysis and diagnosis, appropriate treatments may be suggested or entered into the computing device. In step 310, a prescribed message may be received. In one embodiment, the message may include details regarding the treatment necessary to cure the abnormality of the patient's body lumen. The processor of the computing device may perform the above-mentioned steps.

In a preferred embodiment, the digital device 100 for facilitating body cavity examination and diagnosis may comprise: a housing 101 having an outer diameter size of 14mm and a length of 200 mm; a USB camera probe 103 with an outer diameter dimension of 7mm and a minimum cable length of 200mm, 3 white and 3 green LEDs and a CMOS sensor with 2MP image resolution and 640x480fps rate; a nozzle 102 having an outer diameter of 3mm and an inner diameter of 2 mm; an outer cuff 104 having an inner diameter dimension of 14mm when inflated and an outer diameter of 40 mm; the pressure pump tube 108 has an outer diameter dimension of 3mm and an inner diameter of 2 mm. In a preferred embodiment, digital apparatus 100 may be used to visually inspect orifices such as the vagina and cervix of female mammals as well as the anus and mouth/throat for any purpose of all mammals. The digital device 100 may be used with or without a speculum, preferably providing a surround view that may be taken on a computing device so that data may be placed by a machine learning system to provide guidance to the healthcare provider responsible for the exam. The digital device 100 may be connected to this data, should be able to connect a follow-up care plan appropriate for the type of abnormality(s) detected for a true positive patient. The digital device 100 can be effectively used to examine and detect many diseases that may be visually indicated, including polyps, cysts (nabbot follicles), cervical stenosis (narrower openings), warts, and lesions representing squamous or pre-adenocarcinoma or cancerous, among others. The digital device 100 may have the ability to inflate the vagina with an external cuff 140, the ability to provide a view of the vaginal wall, a modular structure or any computing device that allows free use of the miniature camera 103 (or 106 given in the front view) or any computing device with the housing 101, an additional channel 102 using instrumentation, the ability to coat liquid agents (such as acetic acid and lugol iodine) using an external refillable pump or spray can, a clear view port at the distal end of the housing 101, a tampon-like size and shape intended for easy insertion, the ability to disinfect the housing 101 by autoclave or glutaraldehyde, and the ability to interpret the results using a computer-implemented module with artificial intelligence.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, a full view 400 and a two-dimensional view 500 of a digital device 100 that facilitates automatic application of liquid reagents and corresponding capture of images in a time-sequential manner in accordance with the present subject matter are illustrated. In one embodiment, the application of liquid reagents (also referred to as biomarkers) and the corresponding taking of images may be automated and time-sequenced. In one embodiment, handle 401 may be equipped with two suspensions 412 of liquid reagents (as shown in fig. 4(a) and 4 (c)), for example, acetic acid and lugol iodine, respectively, in each suspension 412. Suspension 412 may be removable. The probe 103 may be inserted into a body cavity, such as a vaginal cavity, with the aid of a scope or sleeve, and brought to a predetermined mark. The digital device 100 also comprises a touch keypad 411 provided with different control buttons. The keyboard 411 may be located on the handle 401 of the probe 103. Also, the digital device includes an operation unit 403 (shown in fig. 4 (a)), wherein the operation unit includes the image pickup device 106 having a lens, an LED, and a nozzle. The direction of flow of the liquid reagent is shown at 402 (as in fig. 4 (a)) and the digital device 100 comprises two mechanisms, such as handles 503 and 504 (but possibly not limited to handles) for performing a horizontal push or similar mechanical operation and a vertical squeeze or similar mechanical operation, respectively, in order to apply pressure to the suspension 412 to release the liquid reagent into the tube 109 from the other side. Mechanical devices 503 and 504 may be a single component or two components present. Also, the digital device 100 may include an LED illumination ring 501 surrounding the lens in the operation unit. In one embodiment, when the "run" button 404 is clicked (as shown in fig. 4 (b)), one or more LEDs 408, 409 are illuminated and the image capture device 106 can take a picture. Further, the images shown may be transmitted to and stored in a computing device. The LED 408 may indicate the power on/off mode of the LED, and the LED 409 may be an LED indicator capable of indicating a malfunction or any other corresponding indication. The LEDs 408, 409 may then be turned off. Furthermore, acetic acid or liquid reagent 1 from one of the suspensions 412 may be sprayed around the probe 103 through an orifice, wherein the suspension spray operation mechanism 503 and/or 504 may be operated by a timed automatic pump. Further, the LED indicator 409 may flash amber or similar mechanism for a set time, such as one minute, to indicate that a step is complete and/or paused. After the pause described above, the LEDs 408, 409 may again be illuminated, and an image capture device, such as a camera, takes a picture of the object and stores the image as a "marking agent 1 status", such as a "marking acetic acid" image. The LEDs 408, 409 may then be turned off. Also, Lugol's iodine or liquid reagent 2 from one of the suspensions 412 can be sprayed through an orifice onto or around the probe 103 by a timed automatic pump start. The LED indicator 409 may emit an amber light for a set time, such as one minute, and may be a steady glow, which may indicate that a step is complete and/or paused. After the pause, the LEDs 408, 409 may again be illuminated and an image capture device, such as a camera, takes a picture of the cavity and stores the image as a "flag reagent 1 status", such as a "flag lugol iodine" image. The LEDs 408, 409 may then be turned off. The LED indicator 409 may emit a green light to indicate that the procedure is complete and the digital device 100 may be withdrawn from the cavity. In one embodiment, the LED indicator 409 may emit red light in the event that the suspension 412 fails to emit, or the image capture device 106 fails to take a picture, or other such failure condition.

Accordingly, the digital device 100, which facilitates automatic application of a liquid agent and corresponding capturing of images in a time-sequential manner, enables accuracy of the captured results without errors in timing or other such processing errors due to human intervention, thereby increasing convenience and utility of the process, and enables accuracy of the results due to automatic, in-situ application of the liquid agent, in-vivo examination, connection of the device 100 to a computing device (e.g., a computer or a mobile phone), machine learning algorithms executed by a processor based on the results, and remote consultation based on cloud technology via an image processing apparatus and the computing device. The number of liquid reagents sprayed may not be limited to 2, and the number of steps, the number of reagents used, the sequence of operations, the timing of each step, the duration of the pause, and the details of the automated operation may be configurable.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a flow diagram of a method 600 of using the digital device 100 to facilitate body cavity examination and diagnosis in accordance with the present subject matter is illustrated. Method 600 may be characterized as performing body cavity diagnosis with or without the use of a speculum. In step 601, the digital device 100 for body cavity diagnosis may be introduced or inserted into a desired body cavity.

In step 602, liquid reagents may be applied to a body cavity in an automated or chronological manner. In one embodiment, acetic acid or lugol's iodine may be applied to the body cavity via a spray to visualize the abnormality. The aerosol may be connected to a pressure canister outside the body cavity via a suction tube/tube 109.

In step 603, the capturing of the abnormal image may be performed in an automatic or chronological manner. In one embodiment, the image capture device 106 may be configured to capture an image of an abnormality in a body lumen.

In step 604, processing of the image may be performed. In one embodiment, the image processing device may process the abnormal image for annotation and judgment.

In step 605, display of the processing result may be performed. In one embodiment, the processing results from the image processing apparatus may be displayed via a wireless telecommunication means such as, but possibly not limited to, a mobile phone, a computer, a laptop or similar device.

The method 600 may provide visual guidance for performing examinations, cleaning, tissue collection, biopsies, and medical applications.

The digital apparatus 100, which facilitates body cavity examination and diagnosis, may be used for port and other internal procedures. The digital apparatus 100 is able to identify specific abnormalities present in a body cavity or orifice and relay them for further examination and connection to a follow-up care plan. The digital apparatus 100 may be capable of examining a female vagina and cervix without causing specular reflections and discomfort to the patient. Further, the apparatus 100 may provide an affordable inspection probe for body orifices. In one embodiment, digital device 100 may be configured to closely view a female vagina and cervix with or without a speculum while performing a procedure. In another embodiment, digital device 100 may provide visual guided access to the cervical os for any procedure, such as advancing a catheter while clearly viewing the nearby area. In yet another embodiment, digital device 100 may be configured to closely view a female vagina and cervix with or without the use of a speculum and without a specific body position such as supine, or lithotomy. Digital device 100 may be configured to provide a modular inspection probe with replaceable cameras, replaceable computing devices, and disposable sheaths for visual inspection of body cavities and orifices. Further, the digital device 100 may be able to easily perform VIA/VILI without having to use a speculum, without having to remove and reinsert the probe over and over again, to easily detect pre-cervical cancer and cancer with whitened or discolored tissue. The apparatus 100 may also provide a single step single diagnosis confirmation of any cervical abnormalities by avoiding the separate diagnostic colposcope that is typically required after VIA/VILI to ingest a "check and treat" procedure. In one embodiment, the digital device 100 may be configured to reduce or remove subjectivity in the visual inspection conclusions of any body cavity or orifice by exploiting the intelligence collected from an artificial intelligence system. The apparatus 100 may reduce or eliminate subjectivity by consulting expert(s) who may be remote from the examination site to visually inspect any body cavity or orifice. The digital device 100 may be able to connect to and track the follow-up care programs appropriate for the identified abnormalities through a software system that is preferably cloud-enabled and mobile connected. Examples of persons who may participate in such a care program for a given patient may be: from one or more of the list-attending physician, consultant, patient's family or care giver, NGO staff, government officer, laboratory staff, pharmacist, researcher, etc., to self-check certain body orifices, e.g., mouth, vagina, anus, to ensure health and regular home care. The digital device 100 may also be configured to use a dedicated tube press or similar accessory to direct the application of specific topical creams and ointments or anesthetics in specific body orifices while visualizing areas on the connected mobile or computing device. The application can be clinically set up or automatically completed at home. The digital device 100, in conjunction with a computing device, may enable objective documentation of the examination region and provide guidance for measuring specific features recorded during the examination. The guidance may take the form of a virtual or on-screen cross-hair view or a ruler or grid on the connected computing device.

Although embodiments of the digital device 100 that facilitate diagnosis of a body cavity have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of a digital device 100 that facilitates diagnosis of a body cavity.