KR20120068879A - Portable telepresence apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A telepresence system is provided that includes a portable telepresence device coupled to a remote station. The telepresence device includes a monitor, camera, microphone and viewfinder screen coupled to the housing. The viewfinder screen allows the user to view the image captured by the camera. The portable telepresence device is a handheld device that can be moved by a bearer of the device in response to a voice command from the remote station. The telepresence device can be used by medical personnel to remotely view a patient in a fast and efficient manner.

Description

Portable telepresence device {PORTABLE TELEPRESENCE APPARATUS}

This disclosure relates generally to the field of telepresence systems.

More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a portable telepresence system comprising a device remotely controlled via a remote station, wherein the system enables a two-way audio-visual communication including a camera, a monitor, a microphone, and a speaker. do.

The present invention is to provide a portable telepresence system that is controlled remotely through a remote station.

It will be readily understood that the components of an embodiment may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations as described and illustrated throughout the figures in the text. Thus, as shown in the drawings, the following more detailed description of various embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but merely to illustrate various embodiments of the invention. In addition, in some cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the present invention. In addition, the described features, structures or features may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

The word "exemplary" or the term "for example" is used herein to mean "an example, serving as an example." Embodiments described herein as "exemplary" or "for example" need not be constrained as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. While embodiments of the various aspects are presented in the drawings, the drawings need not be drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

A telepresence system is disclosed that includes a portable telepresence device coupled to a remote station. Telepresence devices include monitors, cameras, speakers, and microphones. The remote station includes a station monitor, station camera, station speaker, and station microphone. The portable telepresence device may be attached to a platform mounted on the ceiling of an ambulance. The portable telepresence device may be used by a surgeon or health care worker at the remote station to provide telemedical care. When the patient is moved out of the ambulance, the portable telepresence device can be removed from the platform and moved with the patient.

Also disclosed is a portable telepresence device in which a monitor, camera, speaker, microphone, and viewfinder screen are all coupled to the housing. The viewfinder screen allows the user to view the image captured by the camera. The portable telepresence device is a hand held device that can be moved by a holder of the device in response to an audio command from the remote station. The telepresence device can be used by medical personnel to view the patient remotely in a fast and efficient manner.

This embodiment will be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which will become more fully apparent from the following description and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS When it is understood that the accompanying drawings merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and therefore are not meant to limit the scope of the invention, the embodiments are described in particular and in detail using the accompanying drawings listed below and Will be explained.
1 is an illustration of a telepresence system including a remote station coupled to a portable telepresence device located in an ambulance.
2 is an illustration showing a portable telepresence device in an ambulance.
3 is an illustration showing a portable telepresence device detached from a platform mounted on an ambulance ceiling.
4 is an illustration showing a portable telepresence device attached to a patient gurney.
5 is an illustration showing a portable telepresence device attached to a stand.
FIG. 6 is an illustration showing a patient in a healthcare facility having a telepresence device attached to a boom.
7A and 7B are illustrations of alternative embodiments of telepresence devices.
8 is an illustration of a rear view of the telepresence device shown in FIG. 1.
9 is an illustration showing a user holding a portable telepresence device while viewing an image captured by a camera through a viewfinder screen.
10 is an illustration showing a user interface allowing a user to change speaker and microphone volume.
11 is an illustration showing a user interface that allows a user to perform a particular function through a graphical icon.
12 is an illustration showing an image on an image display.
13 is an illustration showing an image at the exchanged position.
14 is an illustration showing a graphical interface illustrating a communication link in a system.

Referring to the drawings in more detail by reference numerals, FIG. 1 shows a telepresence system 10. System 10 includes a portable telepresence device 12 coupled to a remote control station 14 via a wireless network 18. The wireless network may be a cellular broadband network, satellite, WiMAX, and / or Wi-Fi network. The portable telepresence device 12 may be located in the ambulance 20.

The remote control station 14 may include a computer 22 with a monitor 24, a camera 26, a microphone 28, and a speaker 30. Computer 22 may also include an input device 32 such as a joystick or mouse. The control station 14 is generally located at a location remote from the portable telepresence device 12. Although only one remote control station 14 is shown, the system 10 may include a plurality of remote stations 14. In general, any number of telepresence devices 12 may be coupled to any number of remote stations 14 or other portable telepresence devices 12. For example, one remote station 14 is coupled to a plurality of portable telepresence devices 12, or one telepresence device 12 is coupled to a plurality of remote stations 14 or a plurality of telepresence devices 12. Can be. The system may include an intermediary (not shown) that controls access between the telepresence device 12 and the remote station 14.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the portable telepresence device 12 may be attached to the platform 34. The platform 34 extends out of the ceiling (not shown) of the ambulance 20. The platform 34 includes articulates 36, 38 that provide at least two degrees of freedom and allow the user to move the telepresence device 12 to a different position to view the EMT in the patient and the ambulance.

Each telepresence device 12 includes a camera (s) 50, a monitor 52, a microphone (s) 54 and a speaker (s) 56 all of which are attached to the housing 58. The camera 50 is coupled to the remote monitor 24, allowing the user at the remote station 14 to see the patient and / or the EMT. Similarly, monitor 52 is coupled to remote camera 26 to allow the patient and EMT to see the user of remote station 14. Microphones 28 and 54 and speakers 30 and 56 enable voice communication between the system operator and the patient and / or the EMT.

System 10 allows a system user, such as a surgeon, to view a patient in an ambulance and provide telemedicine through remote station 14 and telepresence device 12. Personnel such as EMT can send questions and responses back to the surgeon via the system. The camera 50 allows the surgeon to see the patient and improve the medical care. The monitor 52 may be displayed to the surgeon to provide an on-site feel as in an ambulance. The platform 34 allows the surgeon to pan and tilt the telepresence device 12.

Telepresence device 12 may include a wireless transceiver 60 coupled to a wireless network. Portable telepresence device 12 also includes a battery 62.

System 10 may have specific components and software identical or similar to robotic systems provided by InTouch Technologies, Goleta, California, and implement the system described in US Pat. No. 6,925,357, incorporated herein by reference. .

As shown in FIG. 3, the portable telepresence device 12 may be separated from the platform 34. Telepresence device 12 and platform 34 may include mechanical connectors 64 that allow telepresence device 12 to be easily detachable from platform 34. Similarly, telepresence device 12 and platform 34 may include electrical connectors 66. Locations where system 10 is utilized, such as in an ambulance, may include a wireless transceiver (not shown) capable of providing wireless communication to remote control station 14. The electrical connector 66 provides an electrical connection between the telepresence device 12 and the wireless transceiver. Connector 66 may also power telepresence device 12. Alternatively, the wireless transceiver 60 of the telepresence device 12 may be coupled to the remote control station 14 via a nearby wireless transceiver where the system 10 is utilized, such as in an ambulance. The telepresence device 12 may include an actuator system 68 capable of moving the camera 50 in two or more degrees of freedom. This allows the operator to shift the camera field of view even when the telepresence device 12 is separated from the platform 34.

As shown in FIG. 4, the portable telepresence device 12 may be detached from the platform (not shown) and attached to the patient gurney 70. Telepresence device 12 may be attached to platform 72 with two degrees of freedom allowing a remote station user to move telepresence device 12. Platform 72 may include clamp 74 to allow attachment to gunny 70. The telepresence device 12 and the patient can be moved out of the ambulance onto the gurney 70. The portable side of the telepresence device 12 allows it to be moved with the patient. The telepresence device 12 should be sized and weighted so that the individual can easily lift it.

As shown in FIG. 5, the portable telepresence device 12 is detached from an ambulance platform (not shown) and attached to the stand 80 at a remote location. The portable nature of the telepresence device 12 makes it possible to take it to any location that allows remote telepresence of the operator of the remote station. If the operator is a surgeon, the portable telepresence device 12 allows medical care at any site.

FIG. 6 shows a patient and gunny moved to a healthcare facility with a telepresence device 90 attached to a boom 92. When the gunny 70 is moved adjacent to the healthcare facility, the wireless transceiver of the telepresence device may be coupled to the remote station via a local wireless network of the healthcare facility, such as a WiFi network. Once inside the facility, the portable telepresence device 90 can be connected to a network for power outlet and Ethernet connections. Electronic ID device 94 may be attached to the patient. The ID device 94 can transmit a wireless signal to the telepresence device 90 attached to the boom 92. Signal reception by the telepresence device 90 may cause the remote station to be coupled to the telepresence device 90 attached to the boom 92 instead of the portable telepresence device 90. The telepresence device 90 may be coupled to the remote station by other means. For example, a nurse may fill out and fill out information identifying a patient's new location into a network system of a healthcare facility. Such writing may allow the system to switch the remote control station to the telepresence device 90. In addition, there may be other ways to induce the system to automatically move the remote station from one telepresence device to another telepresence device.

7A, 7B, and 8 illustrate another embodiment of a portable telepresence device 100. The telepresence device 100 includes a monitor 102, a first camera 104, a microphone 106, and a speaker 108, all of which are attached to the first side 110 of the housing 112. Camera 104 may include a fish eye lens with a 180 ° field of view and a zoom feature. More specifically, the camera is a 10 megapixel CCD. When a remote user is "zipped out", the system compresses the image and resamples the 10MP image to 1440x768 before sending it over the Internet. The remote user can draw a box around it to select a portion of the image, for example, one quarter of the top left. The coordinates of this box are sent to the telepresence device, which will then limit the resampling area to 2.5 MP at the top left of the camera input. Face 100 is defined to have a size and weight that allows it to be performed by a single human being. The telepresence device 100 may have a handle 114 to assist in transporting and moving it. For example, a telepresence device may weigh less than five pounds. The housing 112 may stand at an angle of inclination of 5 degrees back to assist televiewing device 100 in an upright position on the surface to assist possible viewing.

The telepresence device 100 may include a viewfinder screen 116 and a second camera 118 attached to the second side 120 of the housing 112. The second camera 118 may capture an image of the person carrying the telepresence device that is sent to the remote station to allow the remote user to switch the holder's view to provide them with instructions via two-way audio video communication. Electronic circuits and devices, including processor (s), memory, and hard disk drives (not shown), capable of performing the various functions of the telepresence device 100, are disposed within the housing 112. One side of the telepresence device 100 may include various ports 122, 124, 126, 128, and 130. Port 122 may provide USB and / or Bluetooth, or other connection. The USB port can be used to attach a medical device, such as a stethoscope or blood pulse oximeter, to the telepresence device 100. Port 124 may provide C video and S video auxiliary inputs. The battery of the telepresence device may be charged via the connector 126. The cell phone connection can be established through the transceiver 128 in the housing 112. Connector 130 may provide 801.11 WiFi connectivity. As shown in FIG. 7B, the other side of the telepresence device 100 may include different input buttons 132 that may establish videoconferencing enforcement controls such as audio volume adjustment. The monitor 102 can display various ports and pluggable devices that can be used as the telepresence device 100 via a touchscreen operated by a user. System 100 may have specific components and software identical or similar to robotic systems provided by InTouch Technologies, Goleta, CA, and implement the system described in US Pat. No. 6,925,357, incorporated herein by reference. .

9 shows the user carrying the portable telepresence device 100 to allow a remote operator to view the patient through the first camera 104 disposed on the opposite side of the telepresence device 100. The viewfinder screen 116 thus allows the holder to view the image captured by the first camera 104 and to move the telepresence device 100. For example, the operator of the remote station can provide voice commands to the bearer to move the portable telepresence device 100 to obtain the desired patient's view. To this extent, the user performs the function of the actuator shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 as described above.

The telepresence device 100 may include a motion sensing device 134 such as an accelerometer, gyro and / or magnetic field. The motion sensing device 134 may be utilized to resize normally even if the person displayed by the monitor possesses the telepresence device 100 in a tilted manner. That is, if the device is held at an angle of 45 °, the top portion of the person's head displayed by the monitor will always be upwards away from gravity so that the top portion of the head appears in the upper left corner of the screen. Similarly, motion sensing device 134 may be used to provide a normal scaled version of the image captured on camera 104 to a remote station.

The viewfinder screen 116 may include a touch feature that allows the holder of the telepresence device 100 to change the captured image. For example, movement of the holder's finger from an internal position to an external manner may cause the captured image to be zoomed in. Movement in the opposite direction of the user's finger can cause the image to zoom out. Alternatively, the holder can draw a line on a small touch screen displaying an image of the patient and the resulting telest can be shared with the remote user. The remote user may have shared feature control and may disable certain of these features from those available to the holder.

10 illustrates a user interface 140 displayed by the viewfinder 116. Interface 140 includes a graphic icon 142 that can be touched by the user to change the volume of the speaker and microphone. The viewfinder 116 may also display the interface 144 shown in FIG. 11. Interface 144 includes graphical icons 146 that can be touched to control functions such as power, audio mode, connect / disconnect, and hold buttons. For example, the user can change the sound source from the local microphone to the Bluetooth based headset.

12 shows a monitor 102 that displays an image 148 of a remote operator and an image 150 captured by a camera in an image format. Images 148 and 150 may be exchanged in FIG. 13. Images can be exchanged by touch screen toggles (not shown) that are remotely displayed by the viewfinder screen or graphics switch. 12 and 13 also show alternative embodiments of the camera, such that a single camera can be physically rotated 180 ° to either point of front or rear.

As shown in FIG. 14, the telepresence device and / or the remote station may provide a graphical interface 160 that represents the connectivity between the telepresence device and the remote station. Graphic icons 162, 164, 166, and 168 may represent telepresence devices, servers, networks, and remote stations, respectively. The solid line between the two devices indicates the established link. Broken lines indicate broken communication links between the two devices. For example, FIG. 14 illustrates a broken communication between a network and a remote station. The system can perform diagnostic and corrective action functions for broken links. The corrective action may be automatic or may include a prompt message that allows the user to perform a particular task, such as a plug-in on their Ethernet cable, or provide instructions to set up a firewall. The graphic icon 162 may change depending on the type of endpoint of the telepresence to which a connection is attempted. For example, if the user attempts to connect to the mobile robot, the icon shows the mobile robot, whereas if the user attempts to connect to a head-only device, the icon will show the device. .

The telepresence device 100 may provide simultaneous access to wireless cellular carriers, WiFi and WiMAX local wireless and satellite connectivity using multiple onboard modems. One carrier may operate according to the 2G standard, another may operate according to the 3G standard, another may operate according to the 4G standard, and so on. This network connection may exist onboard the telepresence device 100, or alternatively, the telepresence device may have a single local wireless connection to an adjacent base communication unit that controls outgoing connectivity. The fixed communication unit takes the form of a mobile system, which can be mounted on a vehicle or moved with a telepresence device. The system can also be extended to additional amplification stages installed in the vehicle. The system focuses on the available connections to improve the quality of service (QoS) metrics in one of a variety of modes. The modes include: a redundancy mode for transmitting the same signal over multiple connections; A balancing mode for transmitting portions of the signal over different connections; Switching mode that transmits all traffic over the best available connection; And a VPN switching mode that switches between redundancy, balancing and switching modes during the session.

The system evaluates the reliability and dynamic bandwidth on each of its wireless connections. Based on current networking statistics, the networking algorithm communicates between different connections such as, for example, control instructions for one connection and video / audio for another connection, or control for video and another connection for one. You can choose to split the stream. If a particular connection is significantly degraded, the algorithm may choose to move its data stream to another connection. Occasionally, this may mean giving up video (with a 3G connection) to switch to an audio-only (2G) connection. In addition, the algorithm uses a wireless connection that is older and slower but more reliable for audio (e.g., 2G), while at the same time a new / faster but less reliable network for video (e.g., 3G) can be selected to use the connection. This approach ensures that audio is always transmitted robustly, while video has interruption but maintains high quality and frame rate. Alternatively, the system may have video and audio on the new / faster connection while simultaneously audio backup on the older / slower connection. If the new connection is unreliable, the system can cross-fade the reproduced audio to take advantage of the data from the older / slower connection.

The portable telepresence device 100 may be used in various applications. For example, the telepresence device 100 can be used to allow remote examination of a patient. The telepresence device 100 may remain in the active setup-and-record mode even when there is no session with a remote operator in progress. This allows offline recording of patient status as well as prior "settings." The preceding setup allows the user to deploy the telepresence device and use digital box-zoom control to ensure optimal viewing of the patient prior to the remote surgeon's participation. This is in contrast to the previous telepresence system, where at the start of a new session, the camera pan / tilt / setting becomes either the default or the previous setting. The telepresence device allows the local user to establish an optimal field of view for the remote physician prior to initiation of the remote physician's session; And in addition, the field of view may be updated when the remote physician is temporarily busy or calls for local help.

The telepresence device 100 may have an "aircraft mode" which, for example, prohibits transmission to the outside during takeoff and landing when the telepresence device is deployed in an airplane. In addition, the system can be switched to a "capture-then-send" attribute for a limited period of wireless connectivity. In this attribute, the user can make a video record of the patient examination intended for the surgeon. The video record may be supplemented by telemetry data from the attached medical device. The inspection report is then automatically forwarded to the surgeon and lined up at the surgeon's remote station when the system reacquires the appropriate connectivity.

The telepresence device may also be equipped with a GPS (not shown). This allows for real-time tracking of the geographic location of each telepresence device and geo-tagging of session statistics. This includes the analysis of wireless connectivity based on geographic location; Tracking video clips and patient data based on proximity to the hospital and ambulance speed; And perform various functions including hospital and billing auditing. GPS features can also provide unique rapid monitoring, anti-theft, and more.

Portable telepresence devices can be used for a variety of applications in the medical field. One application is special transport, especially pediatric transport. Ambulances and teams can be distributed for patient transportation from hospital (A) to hospital (B). Upon arrival at hospital B, it may be found that the patient needs stability prior to transportation. Expert advice can take place in the hospital (B), or during transportation upon return to the hospital (A).

For example, a call from a spokes hospital (B) that lacks the expertise of hospital (A) (such as pediatric intensivist specialist care) may be proposed for patient transportation. Can be. The transport team from the hospital (A) is assigned to the hospital (B). The team brings the telepresence device 100, mounts it on the gunny and places the gunny in the ambulance. The team arrives at hospital (B) and examines the patient. At any point, if the transportation team wants to ask for advice, a remote surgeon from hospital A establishes this link with a telepresence device located on the gurney. The remote surgeon can pan-tilt-zoom the image to obtain the desired view. If still unable to access the desired view, someone at the telepresence device side can assist by using the viewfinder to reposition the telepresence device 100 and position the front camera to the patient / desired view. The telepresence device-side team can communicate with the remote surgeon through the main speaker / microphone on the device. The telesurgeon may speak with various members of the team and the patient / family in the hospital (B) to make recommendations. In the case of noisy environments, or privacy, a Bluetooth or wireless headset may be used as an alternative. The telesurgeon can help with the decision regarding care / transportation of the patient.

Care may proceed through a decision to continue or not continue the transport, or to perform specific care as determined by the telesurgeon in collaboration with a team in the field. Consultation may occur during transport if the patient is beginning to decompensate. In this case, there will be a link between the telepresence device deployed in the ambulance and the remote station during the transport of the patient. The telepresence device is mounted on the gunny and communicates with the transportation team to help the remote surgeon see the patient and make care decisions.

Another application includes a nurse who performs a scheduled visit to a chronically ill person in their home. The nurse looks at the patient. The touch screen of the telepresence device can be used to record various symptoms. Data is stored on the telepresence device. Data and video of specific patient interactions can be forwarded to the server. The telepresence device may receive the requested information from the server. The nurse can watch for symptoms that cause the problem and ask the surgeon to see you. The nurse calls the surgeon, who can establish a link with the telepresence device and, with the help of the nurse, can initiate a telemedicine session with the patient. The surgeon may ask the nurse to attach the digital stethoscope to the telepresence device and apply it to the patient. The surgeon can then request that the nurse attach the portable ultrasound device to the secondary video port of the telepresence device. Finally, the surgeon may decide that the patient should be taken to a medical facility immediately. The nurse can call an ambulance. The nurse stays with the patient when the patient is transported to the facility, and the remote surgeon is logged with the telepresence device.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there may be variations to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the inherent principles of the invention. While specific example embodiments have been described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, these embodiments are illustrative only and are not limiting of the scope of the invention, as the invention is shown and described as various other modifications may occur to those skilled in the art. It should be understood that it is not limited to specific limitations and arrangements. In the claims, the conjunction "and" is inclusive, the conjunction "or" is exclusive, and the conjunction "and / or" is inclusive or exclusive. Embodiments of the invention where exclusive properties or aspects are required are defined as follows.

Claims (33)

A portable telepresence device adapted to be coupled to a remote station with a station monitor, station camera, station speaker, and station microphone,
housing;
A first camera coupled to the housing;
A monitor coupled to the housing and adapted to display an image captured by the station camera;
A speaker coupled to the housing and adapted to produce sound provided through the station microphone;
A microphone coupled to the housing;
A battery coupled to the housing;
A wireless transceiver coupled to the housing; And
A viewfinder screen coupled to the housing;
Portable telepresence device comprising a. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second camera coupled to the housing, wherein the first camera is disposed on a first side of the housing including the monitor and the second camera comprises the viewfinder screen. Portable telepresence device, characterized in that located on the second side of the housing. The portable telepresence device of claim 1, wherein the viewfinder screen includes at least one touch screen function that can alter an image captured by the first camera. The portable telepresence device of claim 1, further comprising a motion sensing device attached to the housing. The portable telepresence device of claim 4, wherein the motion sensing device is utilized to modify an image displayed by the monitor. The portable telepresence device of claim 4, wherein the motion sensing device is utilized to modify an image provided to the remote station. The portable telepresence device of claim 1, wherein the monitor includes a graphical user interface that allows a user to change audio characteristics. The portable telepresence device of claim 1, wherein the housing is configured to be disposed on a surface of an upper right position. The portable telepresence apparatus of claim 1, wherein the remote station monitor displays a hardware icon and indicates a breakdown of a communication link between hardware devices. The portable telepresence device of claim 1, further comprising an actuator system that moves the first camera and is controlled by the remote station. The portable telepresence device of claim 1, further comprising a GPS device. A portable telepresence device adapted to be coupled to a remote station with a station monitor, station camera, station speaker, and station microphone,
housing;
A camera coupled to the housing;
A monitor coupled to the housing and adapted to display an image captured by the station camera;
A speaker coupled to the housing and adapted to produce sound provided through the station microphone;
A microphone coupled to the housing;
A battery coupled to the housing;
A wireless transceiver coupled to the housing; And
A memory device for capturing at least one image prior to establishing a communication, the at least one image being transmitted to the remote station after the remote station establishes communication with the portable telepresence device;
Portable telepresence device comprising a. 13. The portable device of claim 12, further comprising at least one input for enabling a user to change input characteristics of the portable telepresence device before the remote station establishes communication with the portable telepresence device. Telepresence Device. A portable telepresence device adapted to be coupled to a remote station with a station monitor, station camera, station speaker, and station microphone,
housing;
A first camera coupled to the housing;
A monitor coupled to the housing and adapted to display an image captured by the station camera;
A speaker coupled to the housing and adapted to produce sound provided through the station microphone;
A microphone coupled to the housing;
A battery coupled to the housing;
A wireless transceiver coupled to the housing; And
A motion sensing device coupled to the housing;
Portable telepresence device comprising a. 15. The portable telepresence apparatus of claim 14, wherein the motion sensing device is utilized to modify an image displayed by the monitor. 15. The portable telepresence device of Claim 14, wherein the motion sensing device is utilized to modify an image provided to the remote station. A portable telepresence device adapted to be coupled to a remote station with a station monitor, station camera, station speaker, and station microphone,
housing;
A first camera coupled to the housing;
A monitor coupled to the housing and adapted to display an image captured by the station camera;
A speaker coupled to the housing and adapted to produce sound provided through the station microphone;
A microphone coupled to the housing;
A battery coupled to the housing;
A wireless transceiver coupled to the housing;
Including,
And wherein said wireless transceiver transmits one type of data at a lower bandwidth and a second type of data at a higher bandwidth network. As a telemedicine delivery method,
Setting up a portable telepresence device to view a patient, the portable telepresence device including a camera, a monitor, a speaker, and a microphone;
Capturing an image of the patient with the portable telepresence device;
Linking the portable telepresence device to the remote station including a remote station camera capable of capturing an image of a healthcare worker operating a remote station, remote station monitor, remote station speaker, and remote station microphone;
Transmitting the image of the healthcare worker to the portable telepresence device;
Displaying an image of the healthcare worker on the monitor;
Transmitting the image of the patient to the remote station;
Displaying an image of the patient on the remote station monitor; And
Sending a voice command from the remote station to the portable telepresence device;
Telemedicine providing method comprising a. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising storing the image of the patient and transmitting the image of the stored patient after the remote station is linked with the portable telepresence device. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the patient is transported while the camera captures an image of the patient. 21. The telemedicine of claim 20, further comprising interrupting a link between the remote station and the portable telepresence device and continuing to capture and store an image of the patient with the portable telepresence device. How to Provide Care. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising moving the portable telepresence device to a first hospital. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising moving the patient to a second hospital. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the portable telepresence device is moved with the patient to the second hospital. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the portable telepresence device transmits the image of the patient to the remote station while the patient is moved to the second hospital. 27. The method of claim 25, wherein said remote station is located in said second hospital. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising moving the portable telepresence device to a home. 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising moving the patient to a medical facility. 29. The method of claim 28, further comprising storing data input to the portable telepresence device and transmitting the data to the remote station. 29. The method of claim 28, further comprising attaching a medical device to the portable telepresence device and obtaining patient data via the medical device. A method of acquiring a remotely captured image,
Linking a portable telepresence device to a remote station, the portable telepresence device including a first camera, a monitor, a speaker and a microphone, the remote station linking a remote station camera, a remote station monitor, a remote station speaker and a remote station microphone. Comprising;
Transmitting the image captured by the first camera to the remote station;
Sending a voice command for the portable telepresence device from the remote station to a user having the portable telepresence device; And
Moving the portable telepresence device by a user having the portable telepresence device;
And obtaining the remotely captured image. 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising viewing an image captured by the camera through a viewfinder screen on the portable telepresence device. 33. The method of claim 32, further comprising capturing an image of the user with the portable telepresence device with a second camera and transmitting the image of the user to the remote station. How to obtain a captured image.

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