Optical Detection of Middle Ear Effusion and Infection via Laser Speckle

ChangeBridge: Patent Apps - Diagnosis & Surgery (A61B)

Published March 26th, 2026

Detected March 30th, 2026

Summary

The USPTO published patent application US20260083310A1 for an optical detection system using laser speckle imaging to diagnose middle ear effusion and infection. The system employs dual-wavelength light sources and an imaging device sized to fit within a patient's ear canal. Inventors include Claus-Peter Richter, Joaquin Cury, and Jordan Michael Villa.

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What changed

The USPTO published Application US20260083310A1 for an optical detection system that diagnoses ear conditions by capturing laser speckle patterns within the ear canal. The system includes a first light source emitting a first wavelength, a second light source emitting a different wavelength, and an imaging device sized for ear canal insertion. A processor analyzes captured images to identify laser speckle patterns and determine patient diagnosis. CPC classifications include A61B 1/227, A61B 1/00055, and A61B 1/0638.

This publication represents a patent application, not a granted patent or regulatory requirement. Medical device manufacturers and healthcare technology developers may wish to review the claims for potential overlap with existing product development efforts. No compliance deadlines or penalties are associated with this document.

Source document (simplified)

← USPTO Patent Applications

OPTICAL DETECTION OF MIDDLE EAR EFFUSION AND INFECTION

Application US20260083310A1 Kind: A1 Mar 26, 2026

Inventors

Claus-Peter Richter, Joaquin Cury, Jordan Michael Villa

Abstract

An optical detection system for diagnosis of ear conditions includes a first light source that emits light of a first wavelength and a second light source that emits light of a second wavelength that differs from the first wavelength. An imaging device is positioned proximate to the first light source and the second light source. The imaging device is sized to fit within an ear canal of a patient to capture one or more images within an ear of the patient. A processor is in communication with the imaging device and configured to analyze the one or more images to identify a laser speckle pattern in the one or more images and determine a diagnosis for the patient based at least in part on the laser speckle pattern identified in the one or more images.